Brad has a therapy technique that includes identifying the part of you that is suffering or angry or confused or any other host of emotions and painting a verbal picture of that part. He asks me to pull it outside of myself so we can examine it together. Identify its feelings, it’s body language, what it needs. It’s not easy, but he guides me through it or holds space for me to find it and then share it. And for me, because of my faith, he will often ask me to sit with that part of me and see Jesus sitting there with us.

He will ask what does Jesus see? What does his face look like? What are his hands doing? How does he feel toward this part of you? What is his reaction? What do you think he will say to you? What do you need from Jesus in this moment?

Brad has done this exercise several times with me and while it’s difficult each time, it’s also incredibly powerful for me. It helps me see that I’m hard on myself, or scared or feel trapped, but Jesus loves me through it all and he wants to give me compassion, strength, rest. And maybe just maybe give myself some grace.

Last night, Todd experienced this during our session. As I listened and watched, I could see the struggle, and then the peace Jesus placed in his heart through Brad’s lead. It’s amazing to experience. Maybe more amazing to witness. (Even when Todd and Brad both agreed Jesus may have been a curser! No way guys, just no 😂)

If Jesus were sitting beside me this morning, He would see a woman who has set a boundary and found a bit of peace in an old, tenuous relationship; a wife who knows she is not easy to live with but who is learning to lean on her husband in a way that she hasn’t in 20yrs; a friend who loves her people so fiercely; a business owner who is happier in her professional life than she has been in a very long time; a mama bear who is learning to sit back and watch her cubs explore their world in their own ways…knowing she has done her job well with the help of Jesus, Todd and an amazing therapist; and a daughter of God who knows that Jesus is there whenever I need him. I simply have to ask.