In today's video, Samuel begins a new mini series on abandonment in recovery from infidelity and affairs.
In today's video, Samuel shares more of his own personal journey into finding gratitude as an unfaithful spouse.
One reason why people cheat is what I like to call “conscience searing”. Here is an example:
Bob and Cindy
Bob and Cindy had great childhoods. They grew up in loving families with strong religious and moral backgrounds. Neither of them got into any serious trouble and both excelled at school. They met each other in college. They grew closer through the college years and before they knew it Bob had popped the question to Cindy. A joyful wedding and a wonderful honeymoon followed. They were madly in love and nothing would ever come between them. Things were good in...
Today Samuel discusses in this video, how to overcome the four horseman through what John Gottman calls 'repair attempts'.
GOTTMAN, J. M., & SILVER, N. (1999). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. New York, Three Rivers Press.
In today's video, Samuel discusses the four horsemen in recovery including the #1 predictor of divorce in marriage and recovery.
I wrote this poem about a year ago when my husband and I were going through the EMS Online course, something which I highly recommend. I can honestly say this course was a marriage saver for us. I wrote it when we were barely six months past D-day. My husband was desperate for forgiveness and affirmation; I was desperate for hope and healing. My desire is that it will bring you some of both. Remember, you are stronger than you think, braver than you believe, and worth more than you feel. Never give up.
Bold = Words of the Unfaithful
Italic = Words of the betrayed
For months after D-day I agonized over the question “Why her?” Okay, to be honest, I’ve agonized over this question almost every day since my world was turned on its axis over twenty months ago. Why this woman? What was there about her that my husband found so alluring?
To be frank, my husband found her on Craig’s List. There was no picture so he didn’t have a clue what she looked like. They messaged through Craig’s List, then exchanged phone numbers and started sexting. It’s not as if they shared their...
Today, Samuel discusses in his video the latest questions by many of whether or not unfaithful spouses have triggers and reminders.
While Samuel fights many self wars, Samantha, his betrayed spouse, does as well. Today he addresses just one of Samantha's self wars.
From the beginning of recovery, my husband and I made the decision to have no more secrets between us. It wasn’t just my husband who needed to disclose things either. I had my own “inner struggle” I needed to share with him. For several years, we felt disconnected from each other and as I became more involved in church, I also felt more appreciated by other men. There was one in particular who made me feel extra “special.” At the time, it was obvious he and his wife were having their own struggles and I noticed her pulling away from our friendship. Luckily, nothing happened. ...
Today Samuel provides follow up to his first self war blog. What is Your Self War? - Part 1
Today i share a few key points on how to connect with your betrayed spouse through empathy and remorse.
Soon after D-day I started keeping a journal. I needed a way to express myself without feeling I had to watch my words. I could vent about my husband without worrying about being cruel. Browsing through the entries I’m struck by the anguish I read in my words, words filled with raw emotion, gut wrenching pain, and the agonized ramblings of a broken heart. I use gutter language and expletives that would shock those who know me. I’m reminded how D-day turned me into someone I barely recognize. I never knew I was capable of such vile words. I’m shocked at how quickly I went from a controlled, confident and capable woman to one out of...
Today I discuss how to handle reminders, or what seem like sucker punches to your recovery.
Have your dreams shattered? Maybe old dreams need to shatter to give birth to new dreams for you in recovery from infidelity.
Recently, I started a Bible study that is geared toward helping women who struggle with food, weight, body image issues, etc. We are beginning our twelve weeks together with a 40 Day Surrender. Much like Lent, we are being encouraged to find a habit or something we know is keeping us from going to God and being the best we can be.
I immediately knew what I was going to give up, and that would be television. However, it isn’t just me giving up television but the entire family, including my husband and kids. At first my husband wasn’t happy about it because I didn’t ask him first, I just made an executive decision....
Samuel discusses what it means to fight your own self war through recovery from infidelity. Watch What is Your Self War? - Part 2
Samuel discusses some pivotal moments of Samantha's recovery which helped save Samuel from himself.
After discovering my husband's betrayal, he worked hard and did specific things that helped me heal and move forward in our recovery from infidelity.
Lynn is the author of Keep Walking, 40 Days to Hope and Freedom after Betrayal, a devotional for women dealing with the trauma and heartache of betrayal.
5..4..3..2..1…. Fire
At 12:15 am Friday June 18, 2010 Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed by firing squad at the Utah State Prison in Draper, Utah for the murder of an attorney 25 years before.
Although it’s always a tragedy when capital punishment is required very few people disagree with the ultimate consequences of Mr. Gardner’s actions.
In reading the news reports years ago, I was led to think about the times in my life when I faced serious consequences for my poor decisions. Most of them were caused by my failure to keep my priorities in correct order. The consequences I...
Samuel invites you into his own story of confrontation to paint a picture of what many spouses struggle with: Perception in recovery.
Samuel discusses a much needed principle in recovery: consecration from what doesn't belong in our lives.
Every time I walk into my counselor’s office he asks me, “What is God telling you?” Last week I knew God was telling me that I needed to prioritize my own healing and the healing of my marriage. This week, I feel God telling me, “Be brave. You deserve to enjoy every aspect of the life I have given you. You have to fight for it. There are forces unseen working against you.”
Currently, I am reading "A True Name” by Leslie Kim Wiese. In our last session, my counselor asked me, “What is your new name in light of all the trauma you’ve endured?” I prayed about it and the...
I will attempt to describe a tipping point in recovery work which can set the stage for long term success or failure when recovering from infidelity.
Samuel provides insight on methods to protect yourself as both a betrayed and unfaithful spouse.
Lynn discusses cleaning up the blow ups & learning to find hope in the process.
Samuel uncovers a common fallacy in healing from infidelity.
Samuel shares about being brave in recovery and the principle that life doesn't always cooperate with a desire to get healthy.
Last year, instead of making a New Year’s resolution, I asked God what he wanted to accomplish in me over the year. I clearly felt like he was telling me my “theme” for the year would be “Let It Go.” I spent most of the first half of the year learning about limiting beliefs I had that were sabotaging my efforts toward being healthy both mentally and physically. I also learned that I spent most of my days trying to escape from my life. Instead of living in the moment, I lived hoping for a better future. Instead of taking care of myself, I focused on all of the things I wanted to change about myself and my life.
The year...
Samuel shares a dark moment after his wife discovered his infidelity when he moved out of the house and had to confront his reality.
Alumnus, betrayed. Be a voice of encouragement for those in pain and navigating emotional trauma. The journey to healing can seem impossible, but don’t ever give up as there is a light at the end of that tunnel. Please show yourself compassion, grace, and love.
Alumna, betrayed. Healing from loss of betrayal, marriage, spouse, and the life I thought I had…to discover hope for new beginnings. As a Grief Recovery Specialist, I am passionate about helping others find hope again.
Alumna, Grateful Wayward. Strong believer in small group recovery and the power of sharing our faith, experience, strength, and hope in community. Miracles happen.
Alumna, betrayed. After enduring Betrayal Trauma, Karen developed a passion for assisting other betrayed partners in their journey to grieve, find hope, and rebuild their lives following such a life-shattering event.
Alumna. Proud to walk with you through the drama and trauma caused by infidelity.
Alumna, Betrayed. A compassionate traveling companion who walks alongside those seeking hope, health, and harmony through betrayal trauma.
Alumna. Wayward. Using the experience and learnings from my own healing to inspire and encourage others on their journey post-infidelity.
Wayward codependent. Empowering others to find hope and healing in their own recovery and restoration journey. Passionate about the ripple effects of healing from infidelity on the younger generations.
Alumni. Rodney and Angela. Channeling hope and healing through music after experiencing God's healing power from the tsunami of infidelity.
Alumna, navigating recovery from both sides of infidelity. Bringing hope to those enduring their darkest moments.
Alumna. Betrayed. Seeking to inspire hope in those recovering from the devastating effects of infidelity or addiction.
Alumnus. Wayward. Encouraging those walking the road of addiction recovery by sharing his own journey of healing and restoration.
Alumna, Betrayed. Seeking God's grace to find meaning and purpose in the pain. Hoping to share my life raft with others drowning in the despair of infidelity.
Alumnus, Wayward. Providing hope, encouragement and infidelity-specific insight to anyone in recovery from betrayal.
Alumna. Betrayed. Sharing her testimony of God's miraculous healing from betrayal trauma to inspire hope in others.
Alumna. Wayward. Sharing hope with others struggling from the shame and destruction of their bad choices. Restoring the broken pieces by the healing power of God’s unfailing love.
Alumna. Wayward. Striving to become a woman of integrity. Together, we can find light in the darkness of infidelity.
Alumna. Betrayed. Striving to recover and thrive after betrayal. I believe gratitude is the antidote to grief. If I can help you in your healing, therein lies my own.
Alumna. Member, EMS Weekend Retreat Team. Hope and healing are possible for anyone willing to work through the pain.
Alumnus. Betrayed. Trying to find his way back.
Alumna. Wayward. A broken and undeserving mess who is learning what real love looks like.
Alumna. Betrayed. Determined to be positive as I navigate the quagmire of recovery.
Alumna. Betrayed. A soul restored. Encouraging others to keep walking because there is a way through. Author of Keep Walking: 40 Days to Hope and Freedom After Betrayal
Alumna. Betrayed. Grateful for God's love and grace. Recognizing that with God as my priority, I will be okay no matter what.
Alumnus. Betrayed. No matter how long it takes or how hard it is, my wife is always worth it!
Alumna. Betrayed. Learning to love recklessly while I cross the monkey bars of recovery. "You have to let go at some point in order to move forward." - C.S. Lewis
Alumna. Betrayed. Walking in obedience to God's direction and experiencing a richer life and Renewed marriage.
Alumnus. Wayward. Living life differently, enjoying my wife and family, and grateful for God’s love.
Alumna. Betrayed. Experiencing God's love after divorce. Celebrating the healing of myself and my identity.
Alumna. Betrayed. Continuing to fight for my marriage and my children.
Alumnus. Wayward. Living proof that seeking truth offers both incredible pain and amazing freedom.
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