Everyone has baggage. But what if your baggage wasn’t a bad thing?

In this episode, pastor and author Ike Miller joins us to unpack his book, Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships. From the start, we discuss the impact of baggage on our lives and relationships, where I tell the story of the best breakup gift I have ever received. Then, we explore the concept of codependency and how it can affect vocational Christian ministry. Next, we delve into the importance of setting boundaries and being present in the moment. The conversation highlights the potential for growth and healing from recognizing and addressing our baggage. Ultimately, Ike emphasizes the importance of finding the good in our baggage and using it as a catalyst for healthy relationships.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Baggage can have a lasting impact on our lives and relationships; it is essential to recognize and address it.
• Codependency can be a common issue in vocational Christian ministry, and it is crucial to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
• Being present now allows us to engage with others and experience deeper connections more fully.
• Finding the good in our baggage can lead to growth and healing, and it can be a catalyst for healthy relationships.
• Proactively invest in your relationship to avoid potential problems.
• Seek therapy and counseling early in your relationship to build a strong foundation.
• Embrace humility and admit that you don't have it all together.
• Engage with your childhood experiences and do the work to heal from them.

Find out everything you need about the Ike on his website. Please buy his new book, Good Baggage. Follow him on X and Instagram.

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For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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