Spiritual abuse
Ask Your Question
Have a blog question you'd like to submit?
Submit
Your Question
Each week, Leslie & Co. answers an anonymous reader question on the blog. Due to the volume of questions we receive, we cannot answer every one. Please submit your question below:
Spiritual Manipulation vs. Discernment: How Can I Discern What is True and Right For Myself?
Hello Dear Friends, September is the season of transition. We’re closing out summer, settling into a new rhythm, and beginning to look toward the final months of the year. And I think it’s a perfect time to prepare not just our calendars, but our hearts for what’s ahead. Fall can be a natural reset point. It gives us an opportunity…
When Doing the “Right” Thing Leaves You Feeling Confused and Inadequate
Hello Friends! This summer has brought more than just stifling heat to West Michigan. For several days, the smoke from far-off wildfires drifted into my area. The sky looked hazy, the sun struggled to shine through, and the air quality index deemed the conditions hazardous. For several days, people were urged to stay indoors. What should have been life-giving had…
Must I Reconcile Now That He’s Saved?
Morning friend, I’ve been chewing on a quote for a few weeks now: It says…. “People mothered beyond fear are not so easily managed or administered or intimidated.” – Walter Brueggemann I love his use of the verb “mothered”. Have you been mothered beyond fear? What might be possible for you if you didn’t live afraid? Afraid of failure. Afraid…
Why Won’t He Give Me A Simple Yes Or No Answer?
Morning friend, I want to give you an exercise to try this week. Ask yourself what feelings you would like to feel. When I asked myself that question recently, I thought, “I’d love to feel more peace and calm, be more thankful, curious, and have loving, compassionate feelings.” In the past, I’ve asked myself what virtues I’d like to have,…
A Letter to Church Leaders About Emotional Abuse
Morning friend, I just finished speaking at the 2025 Restore Conference that was held to talk about church harm. It was incredible, and I thought that perhaps for this week, I would gift you with a letter I wrote a while back on behalf of a dear sister. She was being harmed by her church who told her she could…
My Husband and Pastor Bully Me
Happy New Year Friend, For some of you entering 2025, right now is not a happy time. I get it. I truly do. There are things that happen to us that we have zero control over. But can I ask you a question? What might grow and be different in you in 2025 if you stopped obsessing on what you…
What is Spiritual Abuse?
Morning friend, We are one week away from celebrating Christmas. One of my favorite books for this season is Making Room in Advent by Bette Dickinson. It’s full of beautiful watercolor illustrations but even better, the author invites you to press pause and think about things differently. Here’s one quote: She’s talking about unanswered prayers. We know during this Advent…
How Do I Heal And What Do I Do About My Marriage?
Morning friend, I’m spending a few days in Santa Fee, New Mexico this week. It’s my first visit to a place rich with history and art, two things I love. This is our first official “vacation” since Covid and we took our dog, Addie, on this road trip. She’s doing great. The weather has been perfect and we’ve eaten some…
How Do I Heal My Relationship With God
Morning friends, I’m getting a little bit closer on my quest to find a puppy. I hope to be able to bring one home mid-to-late March, but we’ll see what God does. Thanks for your prayers. I’ll post a picture of her (or him) when it happens. I’m going to answer two questions today, well actually one question and one…