In reaction to my early environment I laid a foundation for an egocentric self-awareness. I turned inward, transforming my legitimate need for intimacy into a heightened form of neediness. My relationships were filtered through my perceived needs, which became...
“Our true selves are not perfect selves. . . . Love alone frees us to admit recurring weaknesses.” The idea of my weaknesses being exposed, let alone actually confessing them, terrified me for many years. I had carried a...
As I have grown as a leader, God blesses me with favor through the many things He has entrusted to me. His blessings aside, I find that remnants of childhood insecurities lead me to doubt Him. I am aware...
“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8) When I heard the Living Water’s teaching on narcissism and relational idolatry, I didn’t think it applied to me. Though not obviously narcissistic, I...
Growing up in a Christian family, I was extremely blessed to know the story of Jesus from a very early age. My elementary years were happy ones for the most part, as I was homeschooled while also attending a...
In my legalistic upbringing in a conservative church, there wasn’t room for imperfection. The love I received was in response to the perfect, compliant image I could convey. I felt great shame for my failings and imperfections, and I...