They Come With Instructions

Parentified: Carrying Secrets, Raising Siblings, and Finding Healing

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] Some children lose pieces of childhood long before anyone realizes it. In this powerful episode of They Come With Instructions, I sit down with Jasmine Cox for one of the most remarkable interviews we’ve had to date. Jasmine shares her journey of growing up in the shadow of addiction, carrying responsibilities far beyond her years, protecting family secrets, and stepping into a role no child should have to carry. As the oldest daughter, she became more than a sister — she became a caretaker. But this episode is not just about pain. It is about resilience. It is about forgiveness. It is about learning to release the guilt carried by a little girl who believed far too much rested on her shoulders. Together we talk about parentification, recovery, faith, emotional healing, family dynamics, and the courageous work of making peace with the child version of ourselves. Jasmine’s story is honest, brave, and deeply moving. And yet, what makes Jasmine’s story so remarkable is not only what she endured — it is who she became.  Behind the calm, poised, and beautifully refined woman is humor, warmth, strength, faith, and a quiet resilience that points back to God. This episode also speaks to the power of church community, spiritual family, and the relationships formed among the saints. Jasmine shares how faith, connection, and the presence of God became part of her healing journey — reminding us that restoration often happens in community. If you have ever been the strong one… the responsible one… the oldest child who grew up too fast, this conversation is for you. And if you have ever wondered whether God can restore what life tried to take… This story is proof that He still heals. 🎙️ Listen. Share. Be encouraged. Because sometimes the child carrying everyone else… still needs someone to carry them. #TheyComeWithInstructions #JasmineCox #Remarkable #Parentification #HealingJourney #FaithAndFamily #ChurchCommunity #EmotionalHealing #OldestDaughter #BreakingGenerationalCycles #ChristianPodcast #Resilience #HealingAndHope They Come With Instructions (Book) - https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com Follow Host -      Facebook: Rene' Robinson Anderson      Instagram: rene.r.anderson      TikTok: @renerobinsonander Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/they-come-with-instructions/id1803252254 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ #parenting #faith #family #coaching Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder

For Leilani: A Single Father's Heart w/ Ricky Brown

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] In this heartfelt episode, René sits down with Ricky Brown — a young father navigating life, love, and loss while raising his daughter, Leilani. What began as a simple desire to share his voice unfolds into an honest and tender conversation about fatherhood, responsibility, and the deep love he carries for his little girl. Ricky opens up about what he wants most for Leilani — happiness, security, and the unwavering knowledge that she is loved. He also shares the powerful truth he will one day pass on to her about her mother — that she fought to stay, and that her love never left. While every step of his journey is still unfolding, one thing is clear: Leilani has her father’s heart. In this conversation, you’ll hear a young man willing to listen, to grow, and to seek more — from pursuing faith and community to considering the importance of guidance and support along the way. This episode is a reminder that parenting doesn’t come with perfection — but it does come with intention, love, and the opportunity to grow into the role. Because sometimes, the journey of becoming the parent your child needs… happens in real time. Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder

Difficult Conversations that Heal Families w/ Duke Anderson

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] Season 2 of They Come With Instructions kicks off with a lively and heartfelt conversation between René Anderson and her oldest son, Duke. Known for his energy, humor, and honesty, Duke joins the podcast for a conversation full of laughter, reflection, and meaningful dialogue about family relationships and personal growth. Together they explore sensitive but important topics—including father-son dynamics, expectations within families, and the courage it takes to have difficult conversations with the people we love most. This episode reminds us that while hard conversations may feel uncomfortable, the healing, understanding, and love that follow are often worth the effort. René reflects on the blessing of watching her son grow into a thoughtful young man, while Duke shares his perspective on life, identity, and becoming the man he is meant to be. Season 2 begins with laughter, wisdom, and a powerful reminder that healthy family relationships are built through patience, honesty, and grace. Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder

Grief, Grace, and Guardianship w/ Tanya Franklin

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and colleague Tonya Franklin—a woman whose strength has carried her through one of the most unexpected seasons of her life. When tragedy struck her family earlier this year, Tanya found herself navigating grief, new responsibility, and a role she never imagined stepping into. In this heartfelt conversation, Tanya shares how she’s supporting little Leilani, managing her own emotions, and learning to balance honesty, compassion, and resilience day by day. Her story is tender, raw, and full of the quiet strength that so many women carry without applause. Join us for a powerful close to Season 1 as we talk about love, loss, unexpected assignments, and the grace to keep going even when life takes a turn you never planned for. Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder

From Muslim to Christian Journey w/ Carl Sims

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, I sit down with Carl Sims—a devoted family man, minister of the gospel, and living testimony of God’s relentless faithfulness. Carl was born into a Muslim family, placed into foster care at an early age, and later adopted into a Christian home. It was there that his understanding of God began… and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ would unfold, through a journey marked by searching, understanding, and surrender. Carl opens his heart about the struggles many never see—the quiet battles with identity, the lingering question of why he couldn’t have a “normal” childhood with both biological parents, and the deep longing for acceptance. He speaks candidly about the areas where the enemy still attempts to torment his mind, and the daily decision to yield those areas to God. Yet woven through every chapter of Carl’s life is a single, undeniable truth: God was there all along. Guiding. Covering. Calling him into purpose. Carl’s story is dynamic, inspiring, and full of hope—a reminder that no matter your beginnings, God can rewrite your entire story and change your name. His life invites every listener to consider: What might happen if you give the God of the Bible a try? Tune in to this unforgettable conversation and be encouraged, strengthened, and reminded of the redemptive power of God’s love. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs hope today. They Come With Instructions (Book) - https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder