We've learned a bit about Emotional Intelligence on our healing journey.. but now, let's learn from a unique and dynamic coach, who uses wild horses to teach connection in relationships. Byron Hogan provides Emotional Intelligence Workshops, where he teaches self-awareness, EI, and personal development. The work that Byron does, helps strengthen human connections and build's life-giving relationships between humans and their Creator. 

Byron says that we are wounded through relationships, but that we are healed through them as well. 

What is emotional intelligence, and how does it apply to our Christian walk? Is it something that we, as Christians, should be concerned with? I would venture to say YES! If you haven't yet heard the term emotional intelligence, get ready to learn some new and exciting information.

What I love about this topic, is how it highlights so much of God's design of us, and the thought He put into us, as His precious creations. He created us with emotions, which are signalers, He made us relational beings, and He also created a protective mechanism within us to help keep us functioning when we find ourselves in dangerous spots. 

Learning how to understand our emotions, the way they impact others, and how to think before we act are essential parts of our growth spiritually, relationally, and all around. understanding Emotional Intelligence is a must for everyone! 

What makes an abuser abuse? This is a question that we often ask ourselves when trying to understand our own abusive situations.  We don't understand the mindset of the person who is hurting us. 

Many factors can come into play, from how a person grew up, to mental illness. We can analyze all day long, but perhaps God has a much simpler answer to this question. 

Beyond that, sometimes, we can get so caught up in trying to understand our abuser's mind, that we lose sight of the importance of our own value, worth, and need for safety. I think it's important to have some perspective, yet not become lost in all of the many ways that we try to understand our abuser. 

God's Word always contains the right measure of understanding. Remember, the "why" is not as important as the fact that, the reality is, we are being abused. Also, the person who is abusing must be seeking their own understanding of things. 

Ask yourself... are they?