In this deeply personal episode, Elizabeth courageously shares her journey of facing the reality of her marriage and finding the strength to pursue freedom and healing. Here's a comprehensive overview of her story:RESOURCES:JOIN CONQUER: www.leslievernick.com/join Leslie's website: www.leslievernick.com  Darby Strickland: www.darbystrickland.com Lysa Terkeurst: www.lysaterkeurst.com Episode with Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-g8pj3-b3457b  "When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church," by Greg Wilson and Jeremy Pierre Peaceworks Live 2024 Quick Start Guide Early Signs of Trouble: Elizabeth describes the early signs of trouble in her marriage, including controlling behavior and emotional manipulation from her husband. Despite her efforts to maintain peace, she grappled with feelings of rejection and struggled to assert her own autonomy. Escalation and Confrontation: The situation escalated as Elizabeth's husband exerted more control over major decisions in the family, leading to confrontations and emotional turmoil. Elizabeth recounts instances where she stood up for herself, challenging her husband's authority and facing his disapproval. Coping Mechanisms and Inner Conflict: Elizabeth shares her internal struggle between wanting to honor her husband and feeling suffocated by his control. She alternated between coping with strength and exploding with anger, grappling with feelings of guilt and grief afterward. Awakening to Unhealthy Dynamics: Through reading Leslie's book, "The Emotionally Destructive Marriage," Elizabeth began to recognize the unhealthy dynamics in her relationship. She realized that she had inadvertently made her husband the center of her life, prioritizing the marriage over addressing underlying issues. Separation and Reconciliation Attempts: Elizabeth opens up about the difficult decision to separate from her husband and the subsequent attempts at reconciliation. Despite seeking counseling and church support, the marriage continued to deteriorate, leading Elizabeth to face the painful reality of divorce. Finding Peace and Acceptance: Elizabeth reflects on her journey towards finding peace and acceptance amidst the shame and pain of divorce. She emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own behavior and finding grace and support from others. Community and Support: Elizabeth highlights the profound impact of joining Conquer and the supportive community she found there. Through Conquer, she found a safe space to share her struggles, receive practical tools for growth, and form deep, lasting connections with other women. Encouragement and Hope: Elizabeth encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about their own behavior and seek support and community as they navigate their own journeys. She finds hope in the midst of brokenness, recognizing the transformative power of God's love and the possibility of growth and healing.