The Best of You

Today's Scripture: Psalm 142:1–5

How do you learn to be content when you're lonely and longing for companionship? Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, today's episode explores how to honor the ache of loneliness without letting fear determine the rest of your story.

We explore:

Why loneliness isn't a failure of faith

What to do with the fear of being alone forever

What contentment really means

How to hold both longing and hope

Go Deeper:

Ryan Kuja's post

Episode 134: A Personal Journey Through OCD with Therapist Ryan Kuja

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support.

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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Today's Scripture: Romans 7:15

Have you ever wondered why you keep repeating a behavior you genuinely want to change? Sometimes it feels like there's a whole committee meeting inside your mind, with different parts of you pulling in different directions. Understanding these inner tensions can help you break free from old patterns without getting caught in shame and self-criticism.

Why different parts of you can want conflicting things

What's underneath the habits you can't seem to break

How curiosity and compassion create room for change

What Paul's words about grace teach us about inner transformation

Go Deeper:

For more on understanding and caring for the different parts of your soul, read Boundaries for Your Soul and The Secure Soul

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support.

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.‍
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you believe God loves you, but deep down, you still feel like you have to earn it?

For many of us, the way we experienced love growing up shapes the way we relate to God. We may know the right things about his love, yet find ourselves striving to be good enough, serve enough, or do enough to deserve it.

In today's conversation, Dr. Alison is joined by beloved author and speaker Stasi Eldredge, whose new book, The Ladder of Love, explores the many ways Scripture invites us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

We explore:

*How your childhood experiences shape the way you see God

*Why knowing you're loved and feeling loved can be so different

*7 surprising ways Scripture describes our relationship with God

*What it looks like to grow closer to God in everyday life

*What Stasi wishes she'd known about God's love years ago

Stasi shares her own remarkable journey—from encountering Jesus as a young woman, to struggling with depression and wounds from her childhood, to discovering a relationship with God as Father that transformed how she understood herself and his love.

About Stasi Eldredge:

Stasi Eldredge is an author and speaker passionate about helping women experience the goodness of God and the transforming love of Jesus. With a background in sociology and decades of ministry experience spanning youth, women, children, and crisis pregnancy support, she is dedicated to helping others grow deeper in their faith and discover the freedom found in Christ.

More Resources:

Get Stasi’s new book: Ladder of Love.

Learn more about Stasi Eldredge here.

Get exclusive access to the first 2 chapters of Dr. Alison’s newest book, ⁠The Secure Soul⁠.

Connect further with ⁠@dralisoncook⁠ on Instagram

📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode⁠ here

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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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Today's Scripture: Exodus 16:4, 16, 19

When you're facing an uncertain future, it's natural to want a plan, some reassurance, or a glimpse of how everything will turn out. But what happens when God doesn't give you the clarity you're hoping for? The Israelites' experience in the wilderness offers a surprising lesson about uncertainty, daily provision, and learning to trust God one day at a time.

We explore:

Why uncertainty can make us long for the familiarity of the past

The difference between wise planning and trying to control the future

What the Israelites' daily manna teaches us about trusting God

How to recognize what's yours to do today—and what isn't yours to control

Go Deeper:

Episode 208 Spiritual Dryness, Burnout, and the Desert Seasons of Faith with Tish Harrison Warren

Read I Shouldn't Feel This Way

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support.

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.‍
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Scripture: John 15:12–13

Jesus calls us to love sacrificially. But how do you know when you're making a healthy sacrifice for someone you love—and when you're slowly losing yourself in the process? The distinction matters, especially when you've learned to equate being a good Christian with always putting yourself last.

We explore:

What Jesus' own sense of belovedness teaches us about sacrificial love

The subtle difference between healthy sacrifice and over-functioning

Why denying yourself doesn't mean abandoning yourself

How to discern what love is actually asking of you in a relationship

Go Deeper:

For more on loving others without losing yourself, read The Best of You

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support.

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.‍
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices