Do you often find yourself taking on the emotional burdens of others? In this compelling episode of the “I Used to Think” season, Lisa Whittle dives deep into the topic of empathy—specifically, why we sometimes rush to carry the traumas and pains of those we love, even when it's not our responsibility.

Lisa shares personal insights that illuminate the fine line between compassion and overstepping boundaries. Discover four signs that indicate when your empathy has crossed the line and explore practical ways to support your loved ones without taking on their struggles. Listen in to learn how to love well while maintaining your own emotional health!

Discover more:

(0:50) - Understanding the “defender personality” and its impact

(3:12) - Examining the urge to shoulder others’ burdens

(8:56) - Four indicators that empathy has gone too far

(11:19) - Recognizing when you’re playing the role of counselor—red flags to watch

(17:45) - Best practices for advocating for others without losing yourself

(22:50) - The healthiest ways to support your loved ones

Mentioned in the Episode:

Prep Dish: https://prepdish.com/JOE
Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/Plus

Called Creatives: https://www.calledcreatives.com

Resources:

Special thank you to this season’s sponsors of the Jesus Over Everything show:

Prep Dish: Prep Dish is the best way for busy people to get nourishing meals on the table, without the stress. Listeners of the JOE Show can enjoy a FREE two-week trial of Prep Dish meal plans by visiting the link above.

Crossway: “The Story of Jesus: A Guided Journey Through the Gospel of John” shares the gospel message in an inviting, book-like format that's accessible for both nonbelievers and new Christians. Pick up a copy wherever books are sold or visit the link above to learn how you can get 30% off with a Crossway+ account.

Connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com

Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Have you ever felt you had to put on a mask to fit in or meet others' expectations? In this powerful episode of the "I Used to Think" season, Lisa Whittle sits down with KayDianna MacKenzie, whose journey as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and social media personality vividly illustrates the struggle between societal pressures and authentic self-expression.

What you'll learn in this episode:

(0:45) - Meet KayDianna and how her journey unfolded on social media
(2:50) - The transition from rookie to veteran on the DCC team
(5:00) - KayDianna’s unexpected path to recognizing God’s plan in her life
(7:12) - Growing faith through trials—how obstacles lead to deeper trust
(10:45) - Vulnerability in sharing insecurities and struggles with self-acceptance
(14:33) - Image vs. identity—how KayDianna encourages women to focus on what's inside
(18:01) - The role of mentorship—and how you don’t need to have all the answers
(22:05) - Challenges of maintaining a curated image and the true essence of beauty
(25:27) - Reflecting on the significant misconceptions that shaped KayDianna’s beliefs
(28:45) - KayDianna’s advice to young women

Mentioned in the episode:

Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/Plus

Prep Dish: https://prepdish.com/JOE

The Hard Good: https://www.lisawhittle.com/good

Resources:

Special thank you to this season’s sponsors of the Jesus Over Everything show:

Crossway: “The Story of Jesus: A Guided Journey Through the Gospel of John” shares the gospel message in an inviting, book-like format that's accessible for both nonbelievers and new Christians. Pick up a copy wherever books are sold or visit the link above to learn how you can get 30% off with a Crossway+ account.

Prep Dish: Prep Dish is the best way for busy people to get nourishing meals on the table, without the stress. Listeners of the JOE Show can enjoy a FREE two-week trial of Prep Dish meal plans by visiting the link above.

Connect with KayDianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaydiannamackenzie

Connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com

Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Have you ever felt that keeping your family’s secrets equates to love? In this compelling episode, Lisa Whittle discusses how the lines between secrecy and privacy can often blur within families. Through her own personal experiences, Lisa reveals the lie that loyalty means covering for others’ sins. With candidness and vulnerability, she emphasizes the importance of bringing the truth to the forefront and allowing God to work in the midst of our family dynamics. Keeping secrets can weigh heavily on our souls—this isn’t the freedom Jesus desires for us. If you find yourself wrestling with the complexities of loyalty and truth, this episode is packed with essential insights you won’t want to miss!

Listen in to learn more:
(0:39) - What God dropped on Lisa’s heart
(2:15) - Should truth tellers share other’s business?
(3:17) - Trust in a pastor’s family
(4:37) - Mistaken beliefs
(7:24) - Secrecy vs. privacy: defining the difference
(10:37) - When privacy becomes more…
(15:14) - Family secrets don’t equal love
(16:35) - Getting out of God’s way

Get ready to challenge your beliefs and embrace the freedom found in truth!

Mentioned in the Episode:

Prep Dish: https://prepdish.com/JOE
Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/Plus
Jesus Over Everything book: https://www.lisawhittle.com/joe
Jesus Over Everything 6-Week Bible Study: https://shopstyle.it/l/bObaO

Resources:

Special thank you to this season’s sponsors of the Jesus Over Everything show:

Prep Dish: Prep Dish is the best way for busy people to get nourishing meals on the table without the stress. Listeners of the JOE Show can enjoy a FREE two-week trial of Prep Dish meal plans by visiting the link above.

Crossway: “The Story of Jesus: A Guided Journey Through the Gospel of John” shares the gospel message in an inviting, book-like format that's accessible for both nonbelievers and new Christians. Pick up a copy wherever books are sold or visit the link above to learn how you can get 30% off with a Crossway+ account.

Connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com

Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial