We’re often (understandably) anxious about revealing our “true selves” to the people around us. When we do, though, the promises of 1 John 1:7-9 manifest (connection and cleansing).

Notice—

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

It’s hard to walk in the light, though.

⭐️

Jim and Sarah recently shared their story of “walking in the light” with Beth and me while we were visiting them.

They saw the truth of walking into the light firsthand. They experienced it.

Whereas we fear people will consider us weak…

… they consider us even stronger.

Whereas we think they will push us away…

… they come closer & we experience true connection + cleansing.

⭐️

Let’s define waking in the light, though…

… because our culture has a tendency to over-share on social media ALONG WITH an epidemic of loneliness (no one close to us to share with).

“Walking into the light" doesn’t mean you broadcast your hurts to everyone, everywhere. Rather, it entails entrusting your story to those who “have your six.”

Think of it as concentric circles…

✅ A few people get to share all of your story, your struggles, your hurts, and more. They are your safe place. This should include your spouse / significant other and some close friends.

🟠 Some people get to hear “most” of your story.

🤷‍♂️ Many people get to hear “some” of your story.

❌ Most people get none of it.

See the differences?

⭐️

When done in the right way, our stories of struggle + search + solution… they lead to freedom for us AND healing for others, as well.

_________________

Links referenced

See the GY6 resources, referenced here: www.GY6.online/FG

Upcoming GY6 workshops = www.GY6.online/events

Other, related

Access the Soul Wholeness video course = www.Jenkins.tv/SWV

Grab the digital bundle (eBook + audiobook) = www.Jenkins.tv/SW

Coaching

One-to-one personal coaching = https://www.jenkins.tv/PC

Our friends Jim & Sarah have an interesting approach to date night: Make love first.

Here are a few reasons why:

It removes the build-up and the pressure.

You’re energetic and excited.

And it sets the tone for the rest of the night.

Plus, you can always “go back for more” if you want.

🤷‍♂️

Sarah is a licensed counselor and Jim leads a men’s ministry…

AND, they lead married couples groups, workshops, and more TOGETHER.

In fact, long-term, they’re created a retreat center where couples can reconnect and reignite something special (or, nurture what’s already thriving).

Maybe- just maybe— they’re onto something.

_________________

Links referenced

See the GY6 resources, referenced here: www.GY6.online/FG

Upcoming GY6 workshops = www.GY6.online/events

Books Beth & Sarah mentioned

The Great Sex Rescue = https://amzn.to/48g5kIt

31 Days to Great Sex = https://amzn.to/41MNER0

The “Stronger” resource

Free access to the Stronger audiobook = 10 lessons, https://www.jenkins.tv/lead

Purchase the book or eBook = https://www.jenkins.tv/stronger

Coaching

One-to-one personal coaching = https://www.jenkins.tv/PC

I’ve been wrestling with a theory for a few years now— the more I’ve studied PTSD and Moral Injury.

👇

Here’s the hypothesis: the suicide epidemic is related to Moral Injury primarily— not PTSD.

👆

For sure, PTSD may play a role…

… but, it’s important to figure this out.

If we’re looking at the WRONG CAUSE, then we’ll create the wrong cure.

And if we create the wrong CURE, we’ll provide a solution that’s largely ineffective.

💔

Here’s the basis for my theory….

The majority of military suicides occur after the age of 50. Or, to say it another way, time doesn’t heal all wounds— some get more intense. Let me explain…

PTSD symptoms may lesson over time (you learn to cope with the triggers, you find tools that help you navigate life, and/or you adjust). You learn to read + recognize + respond to stressors in healthy ways.

At the same time, the guilt & shame of Moral Injury seem to GROW if not addressed.

Moreover, while they are raising their families, the responsibilities they feel for their families actually keeps many who contemplate suicide from acting upon it.

_________________

Links referenced

See the GY6 resources, referenced here: www.GY6.online/FG

Upcoming GY6 workshops = www.GY6.online/events

Video explainer, Does PTSD really cause suicide? = https://www.gy6.online/blog/suicide

Long description of Moral Injury (compared to PTSD) = https://www.gy6.online/blog/MI

The article referenced in the intro = https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12317004/

And don’t forget about…

www.JuntoTribe.com = Mike & Jim’s ministry for men

www.HolosHP.com = Mike’s organization and coaching

Other, related

Access the Soul Wholeness video course = www.Jenkins.tv/SWV

Grab the digital bundle (eBook + audiobook) = www.Jenkins.tv/SW

Coaching

One-to-one personal coaching = https://www.jenkins.tv/PC