I am so thankful for the “Love Workshop” and this is why…….

I was in what I believed to be a loving relationship for over 4 years.  Let me explain why I said “I believed”.

I perceived love to be controlling, demanding, demoralizing, humiliating and being taken advantage of.  At least that seemed to be the pattern I set for myself and stayed in relationships like that for long periods of time.  I believed when my partners screamed at me or put me down, then apologized that it was done in the name of love.  At least that’s what I was being told me every time we made up.

My recent partner had me believing that all my friends, especially my longtime friends were all against me, taken advantage of me and she did everything she could in the name of “love” to keep us apart.  I guess it started to become obvious that this was happening to me because I started to withdraw; I didn’t want anyone to know about the personal hell I was in.

Pastor Jadon and First Lady Amanda told me about the “Love Workshop” they facilitated and suggested we attend.  The objective for this workshop is to learn what love isn’t (sounds weird right?) I know, my first thoughts also, but, the reason why it’s so important to learn what love isn’t is to help you make positive decisions on what love really is.

The first time I attended the workshop, I felt an abundance of mixed emotions, I felt like the pastor was digging into my soul for the whole church to view, I was immediately embarrassed.  My partner felt the same way, and when we left, my partner talked about how this workshop wouldn’t work for us, my partner felt like it was just another way for others to dive into people’s personal relationships, and demanded we not attend any more classes.  I listened to her.   Needless to say my relationship continued in this downward spiral, all the while I couldn’t get out of mind what I had learned in that class in a short amount of time.

After a couple of months had passed I found myself still thinking about that first class, I decided against my partners will to attend another session.  I took a friend of mine who was also in an abusive relationship.  I figured we could support each other. We went and this particular class was on co-dependency, again, I felt the same way as the first time.  My friend and I talked about the similarities and vowed to continue going.

I’m so proud to say that I am no longer in that abusive relationship, I’ve learned that love shouldn’t hurt, belittle you, or make you feel invisible.  I feel confident that my life will now work out in my best interest.  I’ve regained my self-esteem, my voice will never be silenced again.  I wake up now ready for the world.  I see things differently.  It’s so important to know what love isn’t in order to know what love is. 

I want to personally thank Pastor Jadon and First Lady Amanda for facilitating the “Love Workshop”. 

 Terri T., Denver, CO

Attending the Learning to Love workshop was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Each week I found myself looking forward to the next session and quickly spread the word to others about this amazing workshop.

From this workshop, I learned how to communicate in a much healthier way, to be a better listener, to have a better understanding of others, and to be more aware of how my words affect others. Applying what I learned has helped me in both my personal and professional life.  I will forever be grateful to Jadon for the gift of Learning to Love.

Jennifer B., Madison, AL

I tried my best to ignore Jadon’s preaching, from the day I first met him to the first day when I stepped into his workshop, but after that first workshop I did not let go of any opportunity to meet and learn from him.  When we met I was struggling for answers and trying to make sense of things both of a personal and professional nature.  I went to his workshop with no expectations, perhaps a little circumspect about its usefulness and applicability to me.  What I learned was amazing and has stayed with me even after all these years.

His workshops were welcoming, thought provoking, inclusive and it felt like everything that was discussed was directly aimed at me.  I took a lot away every time and applied it to my daily life and am thankful for getting the privilege to attend these.  I am a better person, more aware of the nature of things around me, more in touch with my inner self and a lot more understanding of my relationships.

Samir K., Madison, AL