The Best of You

When Submission Has Been Used to Silence You

June 12, 2026·10 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5:21–33**Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.**In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the often misunderstood language of submission. She explores the heart of Paul’s teaching through the lens of Jesus: mutual reverence, self-giving love, and power expressed through care—not control. We explore:*What submission is not *Why Ephesians 5 begins with mutual submission and must be read through the way of Jesus*How religious language can sometimes reinforce fear, control, or self-abandonment*Why real love creates space for both people to become more whole, honest, and free*What mutuality looks like in relationships marked by dignity, accountability, and truthGo Deeper:Episode 56: Am I really Supposed to Die to Myself?Episode 55: Am I Supposed to Distrust Myself?Episode 5: What is Codependency and Why Does it Matter?Read the first 3 chapters of The Best of You here. 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

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of The Best of You and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.