Relationship Truth: Unfiltered

Doing the Right Thing

Karen's marriage lasted nearly 30 years. She and her husband were financially successful and both loved the Lord. In fact, her husband is the one who led Karen to Christ.
But there was a dark side of anger and control that challenged everything she believed about marriage and divorce. A word of warning: there is some disturbing content in this episode. Karen's story, while difficult, is one of bravery and doing the right thing...not just for herself but for her children and even for her husband. 

Fighting Fair

In this episode of Relationship Truth, Unfiltered, Leslie discusses why conflict doesn’t have to be a negative part of relationships. She’ll address some of the hard parts of disagreements and how to fight fair. 
 
Chapter 1 (2:10): How do you keep conflict from escalating?  
Talk first about how you can talk about a topic and have both people feel safe. Talk about the way you deal with problems so that issue can be dealt with first. 
 
Chapter 2 (3:29) When do you stop talking about the past?
It depends. If someone isn’t over the past then it’s time to ask curious  questions. “This is really bothering you and you keep bringing it up. What’s that about? I’m curious.” 
You have to be committed to how you’re going to show up in a conflict. You can only keep your side of the street…you cannot control how they show up in a conflict. Decide to show up in a respectful, curious, and generous way. If you do this it can’t deteriorate because it takes two to deteriorate. If he chooses to be destructive then the conversation is over. 
 
Chapter 3 (6:30) Questions to ask yourselvesHave you ever had a time in your relationship where you worked on a problem in a positive way? What was it you did right? How did you work on it together? Learn from that. 
 
Chapter 4: (7:50) How do you deal with someone who just doesn’t want to “give in?”
What would be different if you just accepted this? For whatever reason he’s done being passive, being accommodating? 
Accept his point of view and decide on how to solve the issue at hand. 
 
Maybe, if it’s something that is just important to you, figure out how you can make it happen with a good spirit. 
 
Chapter 5 (13:45) - What if you have someone who won’t deal with conflict and withdraws?
There are people who are conflict avoidant, possibly because of their background and negative history of conflict. 
 
Deal with that fact, first. Deal with how your relational history has been negative in this area. Ask how he would feel safe talking about this. There are many ways to create safety. As examples, you can set time limits or simply share points of view without trying to solve the problem first. 
 
Chapter 6 (16:30) How do you keep to the topic?
Know yourself and what you need out of the conversation. Be self-aware about how you deal with the topic and decide that you will not go off topic.  Again, you can only control you. But you can help your partner to know that you’ll keep to the topic and that will help create safety. 
 
Chapter 7 (19:55) How do you handle when someone doesn’t follow through with promises?
Be careful of the story you tell yourself. Instead, look for overall patterns. It’s tempting to tell yourself “he doesn’t care about me” when that may not be true at all. We have to be careful of the story you tell yourself when your husband isn’t reliable. You can, instead, ask a question… “I’ve noticed a pattern where you commit to things and don’t follow through. What’s that about?” Or, approach it by saying, “I know that you tend to make me happy by saying ‘yes’ in the moment. I’d really invite you to be honest with me. If you don’t want to do something, for whatever reason, tell me so we can figure out something you can follow through on.” 
 
Chapter 8 (23:00) How do you deal with gaslighting? 
Gaslighting is when someone distorts or lies about the truth with the goal of making you feel crazy or confused. 
It’s important for you to decide “how do I want to show up for me?” If you’re starting to question your own mind, take notes. This helps you, at least, to know the reality. Also, look for the pattern…if this is happening a lot, you know gaslighting is going on. 
 
Chapter 9 (27:58) How to handle yelling
Most people, when they’re angry, have a change of voice tone. You want to be clear, with your tone, that you mean business. When you’re angry, tone and posture naturally changes. 
What’s really important is the words. If you’re name calling and abusive speech, attacking, accusing, and reviling, that’s the problem, whether the words are being yelled or not. 
You have to find your own boundary around this but you don’t have to be a willing victim. 
 
Chapter 10 (31:00) Dealing with the passive aggressive person
You can’t change someone else. Understand the limitations of a relationship when you’re dealing with someone who won’t look at himself (or herself). Growth in that type of relationship is impossible. In order to grow, you have to look at yourself, especially when you fail. 
 
Maybe you can say, “I sense you’re trying to tell me you’re angry, in very soft ways. Do you want to talk about it?” You’re inviting them to grow and they get to decide. 
 
Chapter 11 (33:53 ) When does conflict cross the line from normal marriage conflict to a destructive nature?
Are there patterns of abuse, deceit, or indifference? Understand that God doesn’t expect you to be in a relationship who is out to destroy you. 
 
Resources:
www.leslievernick.com
Bonus: Download 8 Steps to Resolving Conflict 
https://www.leslievernick.com/pdfs/8-steps-to-resolving-conflict-FR.pdf 
 

Advice From a Family Law Attorney

Mary Ann Modesti is a long-time family law attorney who shares, from a Christian perspective, what women need to know when considering a divorce. 

Dealing Biblically with Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is rampant…even in the church. 1 in 4 Christian women report being in an emotionally destructive marriage. 
In this episode you’ll discover when behavior crosses the line, how the church should handle these situations, and what women can do to get safe. Leslie will share biblical support for all of this crucial advice. 
 
Chapter #1 :43 A definition of domestic violence. 
Domestic violence is about controlling another. The Bible’s word for this is “oppression.” A person can hold “power over” someone physically, emotionally, financially, and even spiritually.  
 
Chapter #2 3:08 Can a woman be guilty of domestic violence?A woman can be guilty of domestic violence toward her children because she’s bigger, stronger, and more able to use violent methods of control. That’s not as true with men. Men aren’t usually afraid of their wives but women are often afraid of their husbands. 
Chapter #3 4:30 Why would Christian men do this to their wives?
We see a lot of sinful things happen in the church because people are sinners. 
Sometimes men grow up in these kinds of homes and under this type of patriarchal teaching in their churches. 
Chapter #4 6:07 When does it cross the line and what is a biblical definition of leadership and submission?
When a woman is objectified…she is not a woman to love but an object to use, a role. God created us to have choices. 
God’s definition of leadership was not to “lord over” but to serve. 
 
Chapter #5 8:12 What about when a woman provokes her husband?
People get provoked all the time by all kinds of situations. Life is provoking. The question is really, “when I get provoked, who is responsible for managing me?” Moses was legitimately provoked by the Israelites; he lost his temper twice. God held him responsible for his temper outburst, not the Israelites. 
 
Chapter #6 11:08  What should a pastor or people-helper do when a woman claims to be a victim of domestic violence?
It’s important to understand how prevalent this is in our society: Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.
Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.
Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.
Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone—the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.
Based on reports from 10 countries, between 55 percent and 95 percent of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organizations, shelters, or the police for help.
The costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5.8 billion per year: $4.1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly $1.8 billion.
Men who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence were twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents.
As a church we must recognize when oppressive control is at play, even if it isn’t physical. It might be spiritual or financial but recognize it as sinful and serious. It’s still abuse. Treat it as such.
Chapter #7 15:55 What about submission?
Submission is a good discipline. Men and women are called to submit to one another. Submission is yielding your will to one another but it is not your will being taken by another. 
Submission is recognizing and deciding to lay down your will for the greater good. But it is a choice and not done out of fear. It is not just for wives. All believers are called to submit.
But when the church tells women to submit to sinful behavior that is contrary to what God teaches. 
 
Chapter #8 21:17 How does a Christian woman handle domestic violence, biblically?
Understand that, while we have a high value of marriage, God does not ask women to stay in an abusive situation. He values your safety. 
If we can agree domestic abuse is evil, then God gives us direction in dealing with this in Romans 12:21: Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. 
How do you overcome evil with good?  
It is good for you to get safe.. Proverbs 27:12
Expose the deeds done in darkness. Ephesians 5:11
Speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:24
Allow consequences to happen Galatians 6:7
See the fruits of repentance before reconciling. Genesis 42-45
Chapter #9 35:00 How do you know when change is real?
Is he being totally transparent with finances, his phone, and other practical realities. Don’t fall for love bombing and words. Focus on his actions. Does he allow you to have a “no?” Does he continue working on his own issues? Does he respect your boundaries or is he still trying to control you? 
Resources:
Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE 
Resources for People Helpers: https://leslievernick.com/people-helper/ 
Other resources: www.leslievernick.com

”What Can I Do?” One Woman’s Story of Staying Well

Tami has been married for 32 years and has seven kids. Her relationship disappointing from the beginning but it eventually turned destructive. Tami's church was anything but helpful, leaving her feeling confused and alone. In this episode Tami shares how she began to wake up to the abuse she was experiencing, her own destructive patterns, and how she is staying in her marriage and staying well. 
 

How Do I Know If This Relationship Is Dead?

This is a special audio version of a workshop Leslie conducted where she answers the questions, "How Long Do I Keep Trying?" and "How Do I Know if This Relationship is Dead?" 
CLICK HERE for a free handout to take notes as you listen: leslievernick.com/webinarhandout
You'll also get a roadmap to rebuilding broken safety and trust. 
Conquer doors are open for new members...but just for a short time. If you'd like to join Conquer, go to www.leslievernick.com/jointoday.

A Story of Faith, Loss, and Learning

In this episode Leslie introduces you to a powerful member of her coaching team. Elise Berryhill shares, vulnerably, about her experience with grief and dealing with a family member entrenched in addiction. 

Healing From Emotional Abuse

In this episode Leslie shares stories you haven’t heard before about her personal experience with emotional abuse and the impact it had on her, even into adulthood. 
Hear how Leslie dealt with her destructive mother, even into adulthood. And, learn how she found healing and the real, practical steps you can implement in your own healing journey. 
Healing from Emotional Abuse: Three Practical Steps
“I’m lost. Where am I?” Re-educate yourself on what is healthy. Learn to identify your emotions so you can address them.
“What is my problem with their problem?” Identify and take responsibility for your problem, not your abuser’s problem. This will show you the work you need to do.
Recognize your limiting beliefs
“You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - C.S. Lewis
Join us for a free, private webinar on September 29th. Register at www.leslievernick.com/webinar
 
Leslie’s website: www.leslievernick.com  
Leslie’s Blog: https://leslievernick.com/blog
 

How I Accelerated My Healing From a Destructive Marriage

In this episode you'll meet Suzanne, a woman who didn't even recognize many of her habits as being the result of her destructive marriage. The product of an abusive home, she found it easy to believe her husband's behavior was her fault. 
Four children and several decades later an event happened that opened Suzanne's eyes and set her on a course of real healing. You'll hear specific things she did and tips she has for you in finding healing from a destructive relationship.

Advocating for Abuse Victims

Today’s guest is Joy Forrest, founder and Executive Director of Called to Peace Ministries and author of, “Called to Peace: A Survivor's Guide to Finding Peace and Healing After Domestic Abuse.” 
 
To become an advocate, request a church partnership liaison or find personal support, go to www.calledtopeace.org