They Come With Instructions

René Anderson
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Parenting

They Come With Instructions is a powerful and insightful podcast inspired by the book of the same name, They Come With Instructions: Biblical Principles for Raising Children. Hosted by author and speaker René Anderson, this podcast challenges the notion that children don't come with instructions-because they do. Rooted in biblical wisdom, each episode provides practical parenting tips, guidance, and encouragement for raising children in today's ever-changing world.  But this podcast goes beyond parenting. René dives into real life challenges-finances, relationships, marriage, and personal growth-offering faith-based principles to navigate life's complexities. With transparency, authenticity, and heartfelt storytelling, she shares personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom to inspire and uplift.  Whether you're a parent seeking direction, an individual looking for encouragement, or someone striving to live a purpose-driven life, They Come With Instructions is here to equip you with the tools and faith you need.  Tune in and be empowered. 

  1. 2d ago

    Graced for This; A single mom with Special Needs Child. Featuring Ashley Berkley

    Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of They Come With Instructions, I sit down with Ashley Berkley for an honest conversation about single motherhood, raising a child with autism, advocacy, and finding strength in circumstances you never expected. I've known Ashley for years and have had the privilege of watching her grow as a young woman and as the mother of her beautiful daughter, Annalise. Long before Annalise was diagnosed with autism, I witnessed Ashley navigating some of the challenges of raising a young child while learning, like all of us do, how to become the parent her child needed. Today, I see a mother who is intentional, informed, incredibly mature, and deeply committed to giving both herself and her daughter every opportunity to succeed. In our conversation, Ashley candidly shares her story, and, most importantly, the role her relationship with Christ has played in giving her the strength and peace to navigate this journey. But something unexpected happened during our conversation. Ashley's willingness to be vulnerable invited me to become vulnerable too. I found myself sharing a part of my own life that I had never publicly shared before: becoming pregnant as a teenager and ultimately losing that pregnancy. It reminded me why conversations like these matter. We don't tell our stories simply for the sake of telling them. We don't expose every private experience or painful chapter of our lives because everyone is entitled to know it. But there are times when sharing what God has brought us through can become a source of strength for someone who is still trying to make it through. Revelation 12:11 reminds us that “they overcame him (the accuser of the brethren) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” There is power in testimony. There is strength in being able to look back at what you've experienced and recognize that it did not destroy you, disqualify you, or determine the rest of your story. Whether you are raising a child with special needs, navigating single motherhood, adjusting to a diagnosis you never anticipated, carrying shame from an earlier season of your life, or simply trying to become the parent God has called you to be, I believe there is something in this conversation for you. I am incredibly proud of Ashley, grateful that our paths crossed, and excited to see her continue using her voice to educate, advocate, and encourage this generation. Come join us for a beautiful conversation and witness the strength we find when we are no longer ashamed of our stories. 🎙️ They Come With Instructions 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

  2. Jul 11

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  3. Jun 7

    Parentified: Carrying Secrets, Raising Siblings, and Finding Healing

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  4. Mar 9

    Difficult Conversations that Heal Families w/ Duke Anderson

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  5. 12/10/2025

    Grief, Grace, and Guardianship w/ Tanya Franklin

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  6. 12/08/2025

    From Muslim to Christian Journey w/ Carl Sims

    Send us Fan Mail 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

  7. 11/01/2025

    TCWI - Wisdom From a Seasoned Mother

    Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of They Come With Instructions, I had the delightful opportunity to sit down with the remarkable Mother Mabel Bryant, a woman whose life is a beautiful testament to faith, perseverance, and the unending journey of motherhood. Mo. Bryant shares how she once believed marriage and motherhood might never be part of her story — until, at age 40, God surprised her with both. She became a wife and stepmother to four children, including three teenage girls, and embraced the challenge with grace and structure. Through prayer, and a home centered in love and accountability, she cultivated an atmosphere where everyone contributed — and where the dinner table became a place for connection and Bible study. Her story doesn’t end there. Long before marriage, Mo. Bryant had already begun the process of adoption as a single career woman — a glimpse into the depth of her heart and calling to nurture. Now a great-grandmother, Mo. Bryant continues to “parent” with wisdom and strength, reminding us that the call to nurture never ends.  There's so much more to her journey - her faith in God’s timing, her resilience, her deep love for her late husband, and her devotion to studying and teaching God's Word will leave you inspired and uplifted.  If you’ve ever questioned whether your season has passed or wondered how to lead a blended family with grace, this episode will fill you with hope and renewed purpose. 🎧 Listen, learn, and be encouraged by the wisdom of a seasoned mother.  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

  8. 10/23/2025

    When Your Children Become Adults and Leave Christian Convictions

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of They Come With Instructions, René Anderson sits down with Jasmine Gates, who courageously shares her journey of faith, identity, and redemption. Raised in the church, Jasmine found herself struggling with same-sex attraction and later living a lesbian lifestyle—until God drew her heart back to Him. Through her transparent testimony, Jasmine opens up about her internal battles, her return to the foundation of her upbringing, and the power of God’s love to restore even the most broken places. This episode reminds parents that when you’ve trained your children in a God-fearing home, you can trust that the seeds you planted will take root in God’s timing. You’ll also be encouraged to create safe spaces where your children can speak up if they’ve been hurt or violated, and to stand firm in faith, prayer, and fasting—knowing there is no sin too deep that the blood of Jesus cannot cover, and no life too far gone that He cannot redeem. 💬 Key Themes: The redeeming power of God’s love and graceHope for parents whose children have drifted from their faithHealing from sexual trauma and the importance of safe spacesSpiritual weapons for victorious living: fasting, prayer, and perseveranceThank 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

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

They Come With Instructions is a powerful and insightful podcast inspired by the book of the same name, They Come With Instructions: Biblical Principles for Raising Children. Hosted by author and speaker René Anderson, this podcast challenges the notion that children don't come with instructions-because they do. Rooted in biblical wisdom, each episode provides practical parenting tips, guidance, and encouragement for raising children in today's ever-changing world.  But this podcast goes beyond parenting. René dives into real life challenges-finances, relationships, marriage, and personal growth-offering faith-based principles to navigate life's complexities. With transparency, authenticity, and heartfelt storytelling, she shares personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom to inspire and uplift.  Whether you're a parent seeking direction, an individual looking for encouragement, or someone striving to live a purpose-driven life, They Come With Instructions is here to equip you with the tools and faith you need.  Tune in and be empowered. 

Information

  • Creator
    René Anderson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 They Come With Instructions
  • Show Website
    They Come With Instructions