When I received my first contract to publish in 2006, I never imagined the path of the next decade. The biggest 'high' of my life ended with the biggest low. For the first time in my life I'd ventured into a pursuit completely of my own making, my own dream. The story I'd spent six months crafting was considered enviable, a work worth taking the risk a publisher takes every time they invest time, money and effort into a new author. I'd accomplished what few aspiring authors would: a book publishing...
Research shows that there is a growing number of unfaithful women. Exact numbers are hard to come by, and I expect that will always be the case. If unfaithful spouses are lying, why would they be honest in research? Regardless, I think we can all learn qualitatively. And I feel called to put a voice behind the myths and questions out there.
One...
Samuel reveals and discusses one of the biggest killers of momentum and intimacy in both recovery work and marriage.
Samuel answers a viewers question and sheds light on a sensitive topic.
Samuel discusses denial in repair work and how it damages both spouses.
Samuel shares insight into what a process looks like when healing from infidelity.
"Send Lawyers, Guns, and Money, the $#!* has Hit the Fan" Warren Zevon
As a Christian, I always understood marriage to be a biblical union of two people, a part of God's plan for companionship as first illustrated in the Garden of Eden. Common text book definitions note a union of two people or a combination of two or more elements. While its roots are biblical, our society recognizes it as an institution, inherent with legal rights and responsibilities.
As we all know, healing and reconciliation in this arena takes significant time and work. The problem is, the legal system we use to institutionalize marriage does not give incentive to allow time to "wait...
Last night we were attending church. If you are not a church goer, no judgement here. The number of times I set foot inside a church before I turned 25 was few and far between. Church can be such a healing place for many, yet such a triggering place for others. Throughout my own life I have seen so many good things done by the church. I have also witnessed the very worst of humanity inside the supposed church walls. However, I still believe in the church simply because I choose...
Samuel shares more of his own story and how rushing Samantha never worked.
Samuel answers a viewers question about still communicating with an affair partner after the affair is over.
Samuel shares a key recovery tool for his own healing and a relapse prevention tool.
Samuel answers a viewers question and shares insight into when it's time to focus on your own recovery
Samuel discusses trying to control our spouse's reactions to infidelity and repair work.
The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, A puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, Not as they pretend to be. Jeremiah 17:9-10
Roots: Part 1
Remember those shallow roots we are...
Samuel uses a well known parable to illustrate what it takes to heal from betrayal.
Samuel shares a hopeful message of how to not give up on your own healing.
But blessed is the one who trusts in Me alone; the Eternal will be his confidence. He is like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots beside the stream. It does not fear the heat or even drought. Its leaves stay green and its fruit is dependable, no matter what it faces. Jeremiah 17:7-8
We live on...
Samuel shares a pivotal mistake unfaithful spouses make in recovery work.
Samuel shares insight into a common struggle for couples in recovery.
To betrayed spouses everywhere: other than the obvious apology that is owed to you for the injustice thrown upon you due to infidelity, I have yet another confession to offer to you.
I am embarrassed to say how deep my fears, insecurities and shame have reached. For much of my recovery (for most of the first year anyway), I have been afraid of you. I have feared your pain, your emotion, your comments and your rawness of emotion. I know...
Samuel discusses what happens when betrayed spouses consider forgiving their spouse too early in recovery.
Samuel shares insight into how both spouses can heal after infidelity.
Samuel shares pivotal insight surrounding the need for the right process in recovering from infidelity.
Samuel discusses denial and it's effects upon those in crisis.
Two years ago, I had my first d day. Wow, how my life has changed since. I find myself fighting darkness again lately. Perhaps it's the anniversary, perhaps its fatigue, perhaps it's a little bit of a lot of things… so I write to clear my head. This blog is simply the ramblings of a betrayed man in the weeds.
We recently moved. Some events in my working life late last year instigated a domino effect that resulted in my...
One of the things I have found to be true about the walk of recovery from infidelity, is the longer I walk, the less I know. And the less I know, the more I feel.
The feeling that has overwhelmed me of late is one of pretty intense sadness. It seems I feel sorrow in every bone and fiber within me. I feel it deeply, and it feels like a dam around my heart that can break loose at any moment. When I look at my...
Samuel shares the truth behind the statement: if you loved me you would have never cheated on me.
Today I wanted to share something that happened in my office that was incredibly moving to me. At work, we get to see people of all ages and ailments. Whatever your profession is, have you ever had a moment when someone walks in your door and you quickly realize (even though you are the so called professional) that you are the one about to learn?
This morning, that was me. An 84 year old woman I had been helping came in. Her daughter usually drives her, because she...
Samuel shares what remorse sounds and looks like for those in crisis.
Samuel discusses misunderstanding, defensiveness and accusation.
