Words can either shape you or shake you. But here’s the question we rarely ask: Am I carrying truth right now—or just someone else’s hurt?

In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the hardest things to discern in both business and life: knowing whether criticism is constructive truth or simply pain being projected onto you. If you don’t learn to make that distinction, you’ll either carry wounds that were never yours to hold or miss wisdom that could have helped you grow.

You’ll discover:

• The clear markers of truth: specific, measurable, and leaving a path forward
• The markers of hurt: vague, identity-attacking, and shutting you down
• How psychology explains projection—and why other people’s pain often disguises itself as feedback
• My personal story of years spent carrying words that weren’t mine, and the freedom that came from finally separating truth from hurt
• A practical 5-step framework to pause, test what’s being said, and respond with clarity instead of reaction

And most importantly, you’ll hear why seeking God’s perspective changes everything. Because while people’s words bring confusion, His Word brings clarity.

Your challenge this week: When conflict comes, don’t just react. Run it through the framework. If it’s truth—>lean in. If it’s hurt—>release it. Because the moment you start seeing clearly… you start living free.