Faith, Feelings, and my F-150
An unplanned journey into the healing of old hurts
Alex stormed off furiously
in his pickup.
Seeing the emotional scars his alcoholic father had caused his brother and sister pushed him over the edge.
As a building contractor, Alex spent hours each week driving across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
Time alone in his pickup was Alex’ refuge from tense situations.
His wife asked him to read Lauren Wells' book What Made That Feel So Hard?
Alex protested that he never enjoyed reading. He ran out of excuses when she gave him the audiobook!
As he began listening, he doubted the story of a missionary kid growing up in Africa would have any relevance to his embittered family. Over the next weeks, Alex’ pickup became a sacred place where he listened, prayed, and faced the horrific trauma of his past.
His courageous inner journey brought peace that spilled over into his extended family.
Our thanks to Lauren Wells for permission to use material from her marvelous book What Made That Feel So Hard?
Alex’ fictional story was written to bring home highlights of Lauren’s book to our listeners.
Podcast Episodes
Episode 1
Yesterday's Wounds and Today's Pain
Alex struggles with anger toward his abusive father. His wife encourages him to listen to an audiobook on healing hurts of the past during his drive time.
Episode 2
Our Emotional God
Alex discovers why it's essential for people to understand their emotions - because we are created in the image of a very emotional God.
Episode 3
Why Deal With Your Emotions?
Pushing past excuses like "It wasn't that bad", "It was so long ago", "Others had it worse", and "It all worked out for the best".
Episode 4
Understanding Different Kinds of Losses
Alex learns different kinds of losses children experience, and how those losses continue to affect them as adults.
Episode 5
How Unresolved Issues Affect Relationships
Alex realizes that unresolved anger at his abusive father negatively impacts his relationship with his wife and kids.
Episode 6
When Your World Caves In
The unresolved anger of Alex's past reaches a boiling point with the sudden death of his mother.
Episode 7
Where is God in our Pain
The sudden death of Alex's mother leads him to question God's goodness and faithfulness.
Episode 8
Unstacking Your Grief Tower
Alex learns Lauren Wells' process for dealing with losses of our past, comparing them to stacks of wooden blocks that must be processed before the tower crashes.
Episode 9
The Church and Sexual Abuse
Pastor Petrov asks a young woman to share her story of healing from sexual abuse, opening doors of opportunity for others to share their stories.
Episode 10
How Jesus Heals Sexual Brokenness
Following Tatiana's testimony about healing from sexual abuse, Pastor Petrov follows with a message of hope about healing from sexual brokenness.
Episode 11
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Alex finds fresh joy in worship and prayer after forgiving his father's abuse.
Episode 12
Your Pain Isn't Just For You
Grateful for the healing they have experienced, Alex and Natasha meet with another couple to form a group for others who have experienced childhood trauma.
