Questioning Control: Elizabeth's Emotional Journey

In this deeply personal episode, Elizabeth courageously shares her journey of facing the reality of her marriage and finding the strength to pursue freedom and healing. Here's a comprehensive overview of her story:

RESOURCES:
JOIN CONQUER: www.leslievernick.com/join

• Leslie's website: www.leslievernick.com 
• Darby Strickland: www.darbystrickland.com 
  Lysa Terkeurst: www.lysaterkeurst.com 
  Episode with Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-g8pj3-b3457b 
• "When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church," by Greg Wilson and Jeremy Pierre
• Peaceworks Live 2024
• Quick Start Guide

Early Signs of Trouble:

• Elizabeth describes the early signs of trouble in her marriage, including controlling behavior and emotional manipulation from her husband.
• Despite her efforts to maintain peace, she grappled with feelings of rejection and struggled to assert her own autonomy.

Escalation and Confrontation:

• The situation escalated as Elizabeth's husband exerted more control over major decisions in the family, leading to confrontations and emotional turmoil.
• Elizabeth recounts instances where she stood up for herself, challenging her husband's authority and facing his disapproval.

Coping Mechanisms and Inner Conflict:

• Elizabeth shares her internal struggle between wanting to honor her husband and feeling suffocated by his control.
• She alternated between coping with strength and exploding with anger, grappling with feelings of guilt and grief afterward.

Awakening to Unhealthy Dynamics:

• Through reading Leslie's book, "The Emotionally Destructive Marriage," Elizabeth began to recognize the unhealthy dynamics in her relationship.
• She realized that she had inadvertently made her husband the center of her life, prioritizing the marriage over addressing underlying issues.

Separation and Reconciliation Attempts:

• Elizabeth opens up about the difficult decision to separate from her husband and the subsequent attempts at reconciliation.
• Despite seeking counseling and church support, the marriage continued to deteriorate, leading Elizabeth to face the painful reality of divorce.

Finding Peace and Acceptance:

• Elizabeth reflects on her journey towards finding peace and acceptance amidst the shame and pain of divorce.
• She emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own behavior and finding grace and support from others.

Community and Support:

• Elizabeth highlights the profound impact of joining Conquer and the supportive community she found there.
• Through Conquer, she found a safe space to share her struggles, receive practical tools for growth, and form deep, lasting connections with other women.

Encouragement and Hope:

• Elizabeth encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about their own behavior and seek support and community as they navigate their own journeys.
• She finds hope in the midst of brokenness, recognizing the transformative power of God's love and the possibility of growth and healing.