The Wholehearted Journey

Chapter 11 - Coming Home (The Wholehearted Journey)

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.org Have you ever caught a whiff of a familiar scent, or heard a melody that took you down  memory lane? Often, we find ourselves reminiscing about our childhood, the old house, the holidays, the favorite song; each carrying a unique blend of joy and sorrow. But what if these memories can lead us to healing and wholeness? This episode will take you on a spiritual journey, as we delve into the transformative power of childhood memories, and reveal how Jesus, in his profound love, yearns to free us from the shackles of past wounds and guide us towards a better life. This episode is also about embracing our prodigal parts with kindness and compassion, a call from Jesus to unite our hearts and lead us on a path to the divine union with God. It's a journey, scary and wonderful, a path from one lifestyle to another that is only attainable if we have the courage to answer the knock on the door of our hearts. So, join us as we unwrap the mysteries of life, the essence of our existence, and the path to becoming our authentic selves; all under the guidance of Jesus. Get ready to welcome healing, salvation, and wholeness into your life.

Chapter 10 - Skill 7 : A Brave Sibling (The Wholehearted Journey)

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.org Feeling the sting of a bull whip and the weight of shame from a painful encounter with my older brother left a deep wound that only one person could heal - Jesus. I invite you to journey with me as I share how I asked Jesus to step into the role of my supernatural brother and guide me into healing and wholeness. Explore with me as we re-interpret the parable of the prodigal son, introducing Jesus as the third brother. As the eldest of all siblings, He represents the perfect image of love and compassion, and is the author of our story and guide into the life we long for. Remember struggling with your siblings? We all do. Now imagine transcending those experiences and finding healing and life in a new way - this is what I'll be discussing with you today. We'll delve into the seven skills essential for this transformation, and how recognizing Jesus as the oldest and best of all siblings can lead us to a more fulfilling life. Discover the healing power of brotherly love and how embracing Jesus as your courageous older sibling can guide you towards a wholehearted life. Join me on this transformative journey and experience the healing and life that Jesus' brothering can bring.

Chapter 9 - Skill 6: Unveiled Face (The Wholehearted Journey)

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.org Have you ever marveled at the paradox of how our greatest strengths can also serve as our heaviest burdens? We've all had those moments where we've put on a mask to fit into the world's expectations, hiding away our authentic selves. My mentor, John Eldridge, and I had an illuminating journey into this realm of self-discovery. John shared his vision of a future filled with God's work and emphasized the importance of being shepherds after God's heart. Our dialogue became an intimate prayer session, inviting divine wisdom to guide us and reveal our hidden selves. We didn't stop there, diving deeper into exploring the human tendency to dim our lights and cover our faces. What's up with these personas we wear, and how do they stop us from connecting genuinely with our loved ones and God? John and I discuss how to differentiate between our public facades and our real selves. This episode concludes with a forceful call to let down your guard, inviting a deeper connection with others and God. So, join us on this soul-awakening journey, uncover your mask, and embrace your authentic self. It's time to shine!

Chapter 8 - Skill 5: Skillful Opposition (The Wholehearted Journey)

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.org Ever wondered how childhood trauma shapes our adult lives, especially within our working environments? I take you through my personal journey, from a deeply abusive childhood to a manipulative workplace and how this led me on an incredible path to healing and self-discovery. Join me as I lay bare my struggles - from an abusive stepfather to the coping mechanisms that helped me survive, and how these same strategies haunted me into adulthood and manifested in a toxic work environment. As we journey together, you'll discover how I learned to identify my triggers, understand their origins, and work through them to reclaim my voice. But the journey doesn’t end there. Ever had a colleague that was a master manipulator, always playing the game? We'll dissect their techniques and give you the tools to predict and counter such maneuvers in your own life - be it in a ministry, a corporation, or a small business. Identifying these patterns is the first step to changing the game. So, get ready to arm yourself with strategies to spot manipulators in your life and how to handle them effectively. Join us and let's shed some light on the darkness together.

Chapter 7 - Skill 4 : A Mature Love (The Wholehearted Journey)

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.org Experience the cathartic journey of realization, forgiveness, and emotional growth I undertook after being hurt by two individuals from my past - George and Brody. I was consumed by bitterness and self-blame, simmering in the fires of anger. But when I understood the real root of my anger, forgave myself for ignoring the red flags, and let go of my self-blame, I discovered a path to emotional freedom.  The second half of this episode illuminates the healing process that follows forgiveness. It's not merely about extending absolution to those who've wronged us; it's about forgiving ourselves first, mourning our losses, and then, offering forgiveness to the offenders. It's crucial to remember that forgiveness doesn't always lead to reconciliation; it's a gift we give ourselves, freeing us from the shackles of resentment. Towards the end, join me in a heartfelt prayer of healing and restoration, as we invite God's love to mend our broken hearts. This episode is not just a tale, but a journey of self-discovery, emotional growth, and the essentiality of understanding and embracing the full spectrum of a person's qualities.