In today's blog author and therapist, Dr. Alison Cook unpacks the complexity of painful emotions and offers three steps towards healing.

In today's blog, Dr. Alison Cook explains why we often fear disappointing others, and looks to the life of Jesus to offer biblical guidance for overcoming our fear.

Being a mom comes with great power, challenges, and responsibility. Last week, Alison Cook discussed a mother's "sacred work" and the first precious gift a mother gives her child. To read part one of Alison's blog, click here. In today's blog, Alison continues the discussion with the last two precious gifts that best show how God parents us.

Mothers are one of life's greatest gifts. In a child's life, mothers are a force for good, but they can also do great harm. In this week's blog, Alison Cook discusses the complex nature of motherhood and the three precious gifts that a mother can give her child.

I've been dating my boyfriend for four months now and think he might be abusive. I was sitting in your Christian Perspectives class and as you described the details of abusive relationships, I realized that I am in one. How could this happen to me without realizing it? I know I need to break up with him, but I'm scared. If I could fall for someone that is abusive once, could I do it again? How do I know if someone is safe before it's too late?

"Recently, I've had to deal with an individual that is difficult, manipulative, and often downright mean. This relationship can be agonizing at times, but shouldn't I turn the other cheek? Isn't that how we're supposed to deal with challenging people?"

Nothing can improve your relationship more than learning how to control anger outbursts. For example, do you find yourself losing your temper with your loved ones? Do you yell at your kids more often than you’d like to admit? Or, do you get resentful towards your spouse and lash out with sarcastic remarks? You might even be swearing to high-heaven inside your mind— muttering words under your breath you’d never say aloud.