Our Why: Blended Family Matters Academy Mission
Blended family life is beautiful — but let’s be real: it can also be complicated, exhausting, and at times overwhelming. When Tyrone and I married in 2002, we blended four kids into our new family and quickly added two more. That meant six kids - all with us full time - and a crash course in the realities of blended family life. There were moments we weren’t sure we’d make it. But by God’s grace, through prayer, counseling, plenty of trial and error, and a whole lot of hard work, we learned how to keep showing up, forgiving, and fighting for each other instead of against each other.
That’s why Blended Family Matters Academy exists. It’s not just an organization or a program — it’s a calling. We believe blended families matter to God, and they matter to us. Too many families feel like they’re barely keeping their heads above water — isolated, exhausted, and unsure where to turn for help. We know exactly how that feels, because we’ve been there, done that. Our heart is to stand in that gap and remind you: you don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Here’s what you’ll find here:
Honest Conversations – through our podcast, Pickens’ Realities & Blended Family Truths, where our family shares openly about what blending really looks like — the good, the hard, and the hope.
Resources for the Journey – prayer journals, e-books, guides, and other tools we’ve created, plus links to trusted resources from others who are serving blended families well.
Moments to Gather – live events, workshops, and opportunities to connect with others walking this same path.
A Supportive Community – an online membership space (coming soon) where families can go deeper with us, access additional resources, and join live Q&As, group sessions, and faith-centered encouragement.
Our mission is simple: to empower and equip blended families with both practical and spiritual tools, honest insights, and faith-filled guidance so you can face challenges head-on, heal old wounds, and create a deeply bonded, resilient family rooted in love, grace, and unity.
We are not a perfect family, but we are living proof that God can take the broken and messy places and turn them into something whole and lasting. And it’s our prayer that this space becomes a lifeline for you — reminding you that your blended family matters, your story matters, and your legacy matters.