This is a continuation of the discussion Wholly Loved's Michelle Lazurek and Jennifer Slattery began last week on the courage and resiliency we gain through human connection. Neural scientist and psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson, who joined us two weeks ago, states, "The human brain can do really hard things for a really long time so long as it doesn't have to do them alone." While we understand, in today's increasingly disconnected and polarized culture, it can be challenging to build deep, healthy relationships, science, Scripture, and human experience tells us doing so is well worth the time, effort, and perseverance required for this level of connection. We are most courageous when we know we are seen, understood, accepted, and loved. (Want to help us encourage and support others who feel unseen and alone? Contact Jennifer at WhollyLoved.com.

(Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Find Michelle:

On her website

Facebook

Instagram

Amazon

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Prayerfully consider the depth of some of your closest relationships. How known and accepted do you tend to feel?
3. Consider times when you feel reluctant to be vulnerable with others or feel judged and/or rejected by them. How much of those feelings might be connected to rejection or soul-wounds you've experienced in the past?
4. When are times when you most long for connection?
5. When are times when you most guard yourself against deeper connection, and what does this look like for you?
6. When has someone surprised you with their level of care, compassion, or understanding during a time of need or anxiety, and how did this make you feel?
7. While it isn't healthy to share all with everyone, it is important that we find "our people"–those who we are comfortable engaging with without withdrawing, pretending, or hiding the most vulnerable parts of ourselves. Who might God be encouraging you to go deeper with?
   1. What might that type of depth look like in this relationship?
8. What is one action step God might be asking you to take having listened to this episode?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.