Relationship Truth: Unfiltered Leslie Vernick

In this episode Leslie and Julie dive into the complex topic of intent and its role in destructive relationships. They explore the distinction between deeply selfish actions and those stemming from misguided theology, mental or physical illness, or past traumas. The discussion highlights whether intent should influence how we process harm and respond within our marriages, even when unintentional damage occurs.
Key Points:

Intent vs. Impact:
The importance of recognizing that even unintentional actions can cause significant harm.
The need for restitution and justice regardless of intent.


Forgiveness and Amends:
The balance between forgiveness and the necessity for repair and restitution.


Addressing Harm in Marriage:
The importance of acknowledging and addressing the harm caused, even if unintentional.
The role of genuine repentance and changed behavior in rebuilding trust.


When to Stop Bringing Up Past Hurts:
The necessity of ongoing conversation and understanding the victim's perspective.
The difference between genuine repentance and dismissing the victim's feelings.


Trust and Safety in Relationships:
The critical role of trust and safety in maintaining a healthy marriage.
Examples of irreparable breaches of trust, such as adultery or financial deceit.


Mental Illness and Responsibility:
The balance between compassion for mental illness and maintaining personal boundaries.


Sacrificial Suffering and Boundaries:
The distinction between noble sacrifices and enabling harmful behavior.
The importance of not sacrificing one's well-being to enable another's worst behavior.


Recognizing True Change:
Identifying genuine changes in behavior and heart versus superficial compliance.
The importance of mutual care and respect in a truly healthy relationship.

Listener Takeaways:

Self-Worth and Dignity:
Understanding that a partner's indifference or cruelty is a reflection of their character, not your worth.
Embracing your value as an individual and image bearer of God.


Living in Reality:
The power of facing the truth about your relationship for making informed decisions.
The importance of personal growth and becoming your best self.

Resources:
Quick Start Guide: www.leslievernick.com/start

In this episode, Julie talks to Kay, a woman who adopted children later in life and dealt with a very destructive marriage. She knew from the beginning there were issues, but chose to try and make it work anyway. Learn from her mistakes and listen to the hope she has to offer.

RESOURCES:Quick Start Guide - www.leslievernick.com/startDomestic Violence Hotline:1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
In this episode of Relationship Truth: Unfiltered, Leslie sits down with Assistant District Attorney and Adjunct Professor, Molly Catherine Goodson to explore the intersection of faith, justice, and abuse. Molly Catherine shares personal journey and professional insights, discussing how her faith sustains her in this high-stakes role. She provides practical advice for victims of abuse, highlights the church's role in supporting and protecting them, and emphasizes the importance of empowering women within the church community.  Note: Molly Catherine is not representing the state of North Carolina in this episode.

Balancing a High-Stress Job and Personal Faith: Molly Catherine discusses how her faith helps her manage the stress and high stakes of her career, sharing the importance of worship music and the powerful prayer from her pastor that helps her stay grounded.


Maintaining Faith Amidst Evil: Leslie and Molly Catherine explore the challenge of maintaining faith in God's goodness despite witnessing daily evils, emphasizing the importance of viewing circumstances through the lens of God's character.


Biblical vs. Legal Justice: A discussion on the differences between biblical justice and legal justice, explaining that while Jesus takes on our sins, earthly actions still have consequences.


Forgiveness and Consequences: Addressing common misconceptions in churches that forgiveness erases consequences, stressing that actions have consequences and forgiveness does not negate the need for justice.


Empowering Women: Encouraging women to learn essential life skills to become less dependent on their abusers, highlighting the empowering effect of managing finances, household tasks, and other responsibilities.


Church Support for Victims: Practical ways churches can support victims of abuse, such as knowing local resources, helping with logistics, and offering emotional support. Emphasizing the church's role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals over maintaining relationships at all costs.


Hope and Redemption: Molly Catherine shares a hopeful story of a victim of sexual abuse within a church community and how proper support and handling of the case led to justice and healing.

RESOURCES:
Leslie's Quick Start Guide: www.leslievernick.com/start
If you'd like to ask a question for a future "Ask Leslie" episode, go to www.leslievernick.com/askleslie Questions in this episode:

Doesn’t there have to be infidelity, domestic violence or abandonment as a reason for divorce? 

8:51 What does it mean to detach and can I detach from my husband who shows contempt for me and dismisses my feelings and needs
23:56 How is empathy different from people pleasing?
27:47 What is a narcissist and how do we appropriately use this term?
37:33 What does chronic indifference look like in a relationship?
 

In this profoundly moving episode, Julie Sedenko welcomes Rachel, a mentor in the Conquer program, who has courageously navigated her way through a tumultuous marriage, a grueling custody battle, and significant health challenges. Rachel shares her personal story of survival and resilience, offering hope and guidance to those facing their own adversities.

RESOURCES:
Dr. Alison Cook
I Shouldn't Feel This Way
"The Best of You" Podcast
Lesllie's Quick Start Guide
I. Story: Understanding Emotional Triggers A. Example of anger towards adult child B. Framing emotions: Is it about the other person, oneself, God, or circumstances? C. Importance of recognizing the source of emotions
II. Three Practices for Emotional Health A. Naming Emotions 1. Recognizing and labeling feelings without judgment 2. Importance of self-awareness and emotional vocabulary
B. Framing Emotions 1. Understanding the context and underlying causes of emotions 2. Examining personal responsibility and perspective
C. Braving Action 1. Taking intentional steps based on emotional understanding 2. Balancing discernment and action in response to emotions
III. Selfhood and Agency in Relationships A. Acknowledging personal needs and boundaries B. Exploring societal and Christian expectations for women C. Embracing selfhood as essential for healthy relationships
IV. Recognizing Self-Gaslighting A. Identifying invalidation of personal experiences B. Cultivating self-trust and authenticity C. Partnering with God's discernment in navigating emotions
V. Benefits for Spiritual and Psychological Growth A. Integration of faith and psychology in emotional healing B. Understanding the role of emotions and the body in spiritual life C. Tools for self-compassion and emotional resilience
This episode delves into practical strategies for emotional discernment, emphasizing self-awareness, framing emotions, and taking intentional action. It highlights the importance of embracing selfhood and offers tools for self-compassion and growth, regardless of one's spiritual beliefs.