When Your Pain Becomes Your Identity: How Jesus Gives You a New Name

Today's Scripture: Mark 5:1–20

Have you ever started answering to a name your pain gave you? In today’s episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the story of the man living among the tombs in Mark 5—a man whose torment had become his name. When Jesus asks, “What is your name?” he does not ask in order to shame him, but to surface what has claimed him and begin the work of setting him free. We explore:

*How pain can become part of your identity

*The difference between carrying a wound and becoming defined by it

Why shame collapses the self and makes change feel impossible

*How Jesus separates who you are from what has tormented you

*What it means to receive a truer name from God

Go Deeper:

Episode 197: A deep dive with Dr. Joel Muddamalle on spiritual warfare and personal responsibility

Episode 158: Your Pain Has a Name: The Deeper Hurt Behind Distressing Thoughts with Monica DiCristina

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

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While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍

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