The beauty of everyday family chaos and other real talk with singer/songwriter Lindy Cofer

07/10/23 • 36 min

Juan checks in with adoptive and foster mom Lindy Cofer—who also happens to be an internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter. Lindy and Juan share examples of how to inspire young children to selflessly serve others so it becomes a natural part of their lives. Plus, Lindy talks about opportunities to engage through The Send conference, mobilizing the Church for drastic change in local communities.

About our guest

Lindy Cofer is an extraordinary worship leader and artist whose music touches hearts and souls with its captivating melodies and powerful message. With a background deeply rooted in worship, Lindy’s passion for connecting with others has led her to lead countless congregations into transformative encounters with God. But what sets her apart is her profound connection to adoption and foster care, stemming from her own journey. With her unique blend of anthemic energy and tender vulnerability, Lindy’s music uplifts, inspires, and unites people from all walks of life, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

---
The Champions for Family podcast is hosted by Juan Fernandez and produced by Bethany Christian Services. Guests include authors, speakers, experts, advocates, and volunteers who share their stories of uplifting and empowering families. Learn more about becoming a champion for family at Bethany.org/Champion.
The Champions for Family podcast is presented by Just Love Coffee Café. Check them out at JustLoveCoffee.com
Copyright © 2011 Aunt Gertrude Music Publishing Llc. (BMI) Bridge Building Music (BMI) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

About our guest

Previous Episode

The goal of foster care, the need of support systems, and the role of trauma – with Mandy Taylor

Juan sits down with parenting expert Mandy Taylor to touch on a wide array of ways anyone can step up to champion families. As an adoptive and foster parent who works every day in training and equipping parents to better parent and connect with their children, Mandy shares her unique perspective on the role extended relatives and a strong support network can play in strengthening families. Juan and Mandy also discuss the most important and ultimate goal of foster care, which is always reunification with the family of origin.

About our guest

Mandy Taylor has worked in foster care at Bethany Christian Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for over 8 years and is currently the parenting support supervisor. She earned her Master of Social Work from Spring Arbor University and is a trained facilitator of Resource Parent Curriculum, Together Facing the Challenge, The Child Welfare Trauma Toolkit, Pressley Ridge, and the Sanctuary Model. Mandy has also created and facilitates the Parenting After Trauma class for birth parents who have children in foster care. Mandy is a former foster parent and adoptive parent and was an Angel in Adoption honoree in 2018 from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Mandy is passionate about working with families who have children in the foster care system to prepare them for reunification.

Next Episode

Do parents of kids in foster care really love their kids? — with author and podcaster Jamie Finn

In this candid conversation with author and podcaster Jamie Finn, you’ll hear stereotypes about biological parents of children in foster care debunked. Has the worship of the nuclear family become an idol in today’s culture? Jamie and Juan’s conversation is firmly founded on faith as the driving motivator behind preserving and strengthening families beyond our own. You won’t want to miss this episode’s Sacred Shenanigans where Juan shares a list of reasons (excuses?) his kids most frequently give for not wanting to go to bed. Plus, Jamie’s practical tips for championing families are a can’t miss!

About our guest

Jamie C. Finn is the executive director of Foster the Family, host of the Real Mom podcast, founder and owner of Goods and Better, and a sought-after speaker for retreats, conferences, and events for foster and adoptive parents. Her popular social media accounts offer a glimpse into the real life of a foster parent and provide encouragement to thousands of foster parents. At any given moment, Jamie is a mother to four to six children, including her two biological children and two children adopted through foster care. She lives in Sicklerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Alan.