The Best of You

What if love doesn’t wait until you’re ready… but meets you right in the middle of the mess?

This week, as part of the Holy Week series on The Best of You Every Day, Dr. Alison offers a deeper dive into one of the most intimate and unsettling moments in the story of Jesus—the night before everything changes.

At the table, surrounded by people who will betray, deny, and abandon him, Jesus doesn’t withdraw. He doesn’t wait for clarity or understanding. He offers himself anyway.

If you’ve ever struggled to receive love… especially after being hurt, this episode will help you understand why.

Let’s explore:

Why doesn’t healing always feel comfortable in the moment?

The reasons we sometimes struggle to receive love

The difference between protecting yourself… and closing yourself off

How to take one small step toward receiving love

This conversation offers a gentle, faith-rooted invitation to slow down this Holy Week—to sit in the tension, the confusion, and the not-yet—and to begin receiving love right where you are, even if it feels unfamiliar, imperfect, or hard to trust.

More Resources:

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While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍
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It’s the week leading up to Easter, and each day we’re walking through the story of Jesus—moving from safety, to rupture, to suffering, and ultimately, to love.

Today, we enter into a quiet, but deeply powerful part of that journey: what it means to remain steady in the midst of suffering.

In this passage, we’re given a picture of resilience—as a grounded, daily returning to what sustains us. A kind of strength that stays open, even when life is hard.

This episode explores how to stay present in difficulty without shutting down or losing yourself—and how resilience is formed, not all at once, but moment by moment.

Today’s Scripture is: Isaiah 50:4–9

Go Deeper:

Episode 141: How Self-Compassion Strengthens Resilience with Aundi Kolber

Episode 76: Finding the Strength to Move Forward After Loss with Granger Smith

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support.

While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the week leading up to Easter, and each day we’re walking through the story of Jesus—moving from safety, to rupture, to suffering, and ultimately, to love.

Today, we step into one of the most vulnerable and human moments in that story: betrayal.

This episode explores what it means to face relational hurt without losing yourself—how to acknowledge the pain of betrayal while staying connected to what is true.

Today’s Scripture is: John 13:21–33, 36–38

Go Deeper:

Episode 100: I Shouldn't Feel Betrayed by Someone I Trust with Steve Carter

Episode 201: "It Must Be My Fault" with Dr. Peace Amadi

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support.

While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the week leading up to Easter, and so every reading this week is designed to guide us through the story of Jesus—moving from safety, to rupture, to suffering, and ultimately, to Love.

Today, we begin with a grounding question:Where do I find safety?

In this episode, we reflect on Psalm 27 and the invitation to locate our sense of safety not in circumstances, but in the steady presence of God.

This is not about eliminating fear. It’s about gently practicing a return—again and again—to what holds us.

Today’s Scripture is: Psalm 27: 1-8

Go Deeper:

Find free resources integrating faith with psychology—including guided reflections, devotionals, and tools for emotional and spiritual growth—at dralisoncook.com.

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support.

While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Best of You Every Day.

Today’s Scripture is: 2 Corinthians 4:16–18

When life feels like it’s wearing you down on the outside, something deeper is often growing within you.

This episode is for anyone walking through a difficult season—when life feels heavy, uncertain, or slowly wearing you down. In 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, we explore the truth that even when outward circumstances are hard, something unseen can still be taking root within you. Together, we’ll learn how to notice that inner renewal—and trust that God is at work in ways you can’t always see.

To Go Deeper:

Get a free map of your soul & guided audio reflection here.

Email us at [email protected] with scriptures or topics you'd like us to feature on the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook

Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support.

While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices