Dating With Purpose Part 3: Know Yourself

Breaking Free From Narcissistic Friendships

In this episode, Tanisha shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma, mental health challenges, and toxic friendships, focusing on narcissism and self-awareness. She emphasizes the importance of honesty, emotional healing, and setting boundaries to achieve victory and peace. Key Topics: Narcissistic friendships and red flags How to spot a narcissistic friend The impact of narcissism on mental health Strategies for healing and setting boundaries Takeaways: Recognize red flags like dominating conversations and lack of empathy. You attract narcissistic friends because of your good heart and empathy. Stop feeding egos in church and leadership; put God first. You can break free from toxic relationships with self-awareness and boundaries. Sound Bites: "Admiration goes too far when it's all about them." "The need for admiration can be a dangerous trap." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Personal Growth 05:41 Identifying Narcissistic Friends 11:51 The Emotional Toll of Narcissistic Relationships 17:38 Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships 23:00 Conclusion and Future Topics Resources: Sandra Kushner - Meridian Counseling - https://meridiancounseling.com

The Truth about Eve & The Forbidden Fruit

In this episode, Tanisha Burks discusses the importance of knowing your Bible, recognizing the true meaning behind biblical stories, and the necessity of personal discernment in spiritual matters. Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, her insights emphasize the value of genuine biblical knowledge and a personal relationship with God. Topics Covered: The significance of accurately understanding the story of Adam and Eve, especially the concept of the forbidden fruit. Why Eve was never the forbidden fruit, highlighting the foreshadowing of Christ and the symbolic meaning of the fruit. The importance of ministers and believers studying and knowing the Word of God for themselves to avoid misinformation. How to discern true biblical teachings from motivational or motivational-like messages. Practical advice on seeking understanding of God's Word and applying it to everyday life. The role of personal spiritual development and being content within oneself before seeking marriage. Encouragement to read and study the Bible consistently, knowing that God's Word endures forever. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode & overview of dating with purpose 00:28 - Reflection on self-awareness and the mirror concept in relationships 01:26 - Keeping hearts and legs closed for better discernment 02:22 - The danger of desperation in marriage pursuits 03:22 - Personal journey: enjoying independence and healing from past marriage 04:45 - The importance of self-contentment before seeking companionship 05:40 - The significance of desires aligning with God's will 07:09 - The need for ministers to preach uncompromised, accurate Word of God 08:35 - How to fact-check teachings and recognize true Scripture 09:34 - Personal experiences with discussing the Word and the importance of Bible study 10:00 - Clarifying misconceptions about Eve being the forbidden fruit 11:01 - Biblical context of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil 12:00 - The creation of woman from Adam’s rib and debunking common misconceptions 14:43 - Analyzing the forbidden fruit: was Eve the fruit or was it the knowledge it represented? 16:08 - The deception of the serpent and the true meaning of the forbidden tree 17:37 - The fruits of the Spirit versus the forbidden knowledge 20:11 - The significance of God’s timing in confronting Adam and Eve after the fall 22:41 - Eve as a foreshadowing of Christ, not the forbidden fruit 24:23 - The necessity of personal Bible study and seeking God’s understanding 25:22 - The fulfillment and peace found in God's Word versus worldly pursuits 26:22 - The importance of knowing Scripture to stand firm in faith 27:16 - Encouragement for continuous learning and personal spiritual growth 28:16 - Closing prayer and practical encouragement for safety and faith Resources & Links: Bible Gateway – Free online access to Scripture for reading and study Blue Letter Bible – Tools for in-depth Biblical study and research Reminder: Dive into the Word daily, seek understanding, and allow God's Spirit to lead you. The truth of His Word is the foundation for a fulfilled, victorious spiritual life.

Dating With Purpose Part 5: Data Collection

In this episode Tanisha shares how dating can feel like a mix of excitement, mystery, and sometimes… chaos. But when you approach it with intention — and a little bit of mindful data collection — you can turn it into a more empowering, self‑aware experience. Data in dating doesn’t have to mean spreadsheets and algorithms (unless you love that!). It can be as simple as jotting down: How you felt before, during, and after a date Topics that sparked connection or discomfort Shared values, goals, or deal‑breakers you notice Being intentional means dating with clarity: knowing your boundaries, your non‑negotiables, and the kind of relationship you want. Data helps you check if your dating choices are moving you toward that vision or pulling you away from it.

Dating With Purpose Part 4: The Fruit of the Spirit

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tanisha Burks dives deep into what it truly means to date with intention — not just for romance, but for building a relationship rooted in faith, character, and long-term vision. We explore how the biblical Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) can serve as a powerful guide in discerning a man’s readiness for a healthy, God-centered relationship. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why dating with purpose changes the way you choose a partner How to recognize the Fruit of the Spirit in a man’s daily life Red flags that may indicate a lack of spiritual maturity Practical ways to set boundaries and keep God at the center of your dating journey Encouragement for trusting God’s timing in love

Dating With Purpose Part 3: Know Yourself

Gain clarity on your personal values and discover how understanding yourself deeply can enhance your relationship choices and prevent heartbreak. This episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, deliberate data collection during dating, and the significance of aligning with someone who embodies the fruit of the Spirit. In this episode: The real meaning of knowing yourself — understanding emotions, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and core values How to identify your core values, including beliefs about family, religion, and self-expression The pitfalls of marrying or dating based solely on attraction and superficial compatibility The importance of authentic living and embracing your true self in relationships Practical steps to develop a relationship with yourself through solitude, dating yourself, and honest self-reflection