Walking in CORE Strength Coaching Group – Now Open: If you’ve ever said, “I don’t even know who I am anymore,” friend—this is for you. Our 3-month group coaching program, Walking in CORE Strength, is now open for enrollment. Inside, you’ll learn how to walk in truth, value, boundaries, and confidence—even if your marriage never changes.

✅ Weekly teaching
✅ Coaching + community
✅ Biblical guidance for women in destructive marriages

We begin the week of September 8th. Learn more here: www.leslievernick.com/core

By Leslie Vernick

Friend,

It’s that time again.
The new planners are open. The back-to-school to-do lists are growing. Your inbox is full. Your church calendar just doubled.

And you’re already exhausted.

So let me ask you something important:
👉 Are you living by a clock or a compass?

Clock living says: “Just keep going.”
Rush here. Squeeze it in. Say yes—again. Hurry. Hustle. Hold it all together.

Compass living asks: “Where am I actually going?”
Who is God calling me to be? What matters most in this season?

Clock living feels productive—but it’s deceptive.

Because when you live by a clock, you measure your worth by how much you get done. And when you don’t get it all done (because you’re human), the shame creeps in.

But a compass keeps you grounded in your values.

It helps you say no with confidence, instead of guilt. It helps you recognize when busy-ness has become a cover for fear or people-pleasing. It reminds you that you can’t do everything—but you can do the most important things well.

Jesus lived with a compass. He knew who He was.

He said no. He disappointed people. He walked away from urgent demands—so He could fulfill His purpose.

You can do the same.

So as this new season begins, pause. Breathe.
Ask yourself: What really matters? Who do I want to be at the end of this year?

Friend, you don’t need to earn your value through performance.
God already calls you chosen. Loved. Seen. (Isaiah 43:1, Psalm 139)

Let His voice be your compass.

by Leslie Vernick

Leslie Vernick, counselor and social worker, has witnessed the devastating effects of emotional abuse. Many, including many in the church, have not addressed this form of destruction in families and relationships because it is difficult to talk about. With godly guidance and practical experience, Vernick offers an empathetic approach to recognizing an emotionally destructive relationship and addresses the symptoms and the damage with biblical tools. Readers will understand how to:

• Reveal behaviors that are meant to control, punish, and hurt
• Confront and speak truth when the timing is right
• Determine when to keep trying, when to get out
• Get safe and stay safe
• Build an identity in Christ

This practical and thorough resource will help countless individuals, families, and churches view abuse from God’s perspective and understand how vital it is for victims to embrace His freedom from the physical, emotional, spiritual, and generational effects of emotionally destructive relationships.

Two winners will be selected in our next newsletter! (Giveaway only available to U.S. residents)

If you would like to enter to win, you can click here to provide name and email address.

The winners of “The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It” by Leslie Vernick are Erica F and Andrea Z.

By Leslie Vernick

Question: For as long as I can remember, I have been extremely shy and self-conscious. I constantly worry about what others think about me. I don’t feel worth much and have a very hard time asserting myself. I know this isn’t good but I don’t know how to change. Any suggestions?

Answer: Being aware of your problems and wanting to change is a very good first step. God has an answer for you, but first, you must understand what the root of your problem is.

Most of us tend to see a person who thinks highly of themselves, being self-absorbed with their talents, abilities, beauty, or success, as being self-centered and prideful. On the other hand, we see those who tend to be more self-deprecating and self-conscious, as more humble and meek.

However, the truth is, both individuals have the same problem…

Continue Reading …

Walking in CORE Strength was the first place I truly felt seen. It didn’t fix my marriage, but it helped me find me. I’ve learned how to be calm, clear, and strong—even when things are hard at home.” — Jessica, WCS Graduate

Leslie wants to help you grow in your personal and relational effectiveness. Please submit your questions by clicking here.

Then, visit Leslie’s Blog as she posts her responses to one question per week.

Note: Due to the volume of questions that Leslie receives, she is unable to respond to every question.