Are you a Rejection Junkie?

Wait… what? That sounds crazy, right? But hear me out.

Most of us don’t realize it, but by the time we’re 18, our entire self-image is fully formed. And guess what? It’s often shaped by past wounds, disappointments, and rejections that we never really dealt with.

And here’s the part that should keep us up at night: If we don’t heal from our own rejection, we will pass it on to our kids.

That’s why I had to sit down with Dr. Gary Lawrence for the episode 141 of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD. He’s the author of Rejection Junkies: Overcoming the Addition Everyone Suffers and has spent over 20 years helping thousands of people break free from rejection’s grip—because, let’s be honest, rejection isn’t just an occasional feeling. It’s an addiction.

And like any addiction, it affects more than just us. It seeps into our marriages, our parenting, and even the way our kids will grow up to see themselves.

So let me ask you:
👉 Do you ever feel like you’re not enough—as a parent, spouse, or person?
👉 Do you struggle with bitterness from past hurts?
👉 Could you be teaching your kids the same patterns you learned growing up?

If any of this resonates, I need you to stop what you’re doing and listen to this episode. Seriously. It’s time to break free.

🎧 LISTEN NOW: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔ How emotional patterns form early – Did you know that by age 8, 80% of your emotional patterns are already in place? Discover how these ingrained experiences shape your relationships.
✔ Breaking free from bitterness – Learn why bitterness is like poison, and why addressing it is crucial for healing and forgiveness.
✔ Identifying rejection cycles – Uncover the damaging relationship patterns passed down through generations—and how to stop the cycle for your children.
✔ Healing through faith – Explore how inviting the Lord into your healing process can transform your marriage and parenting.
✔ Living through Christ – Stop trying to live for the Lord; instead, let Him live through you.

A Personal Story of Redemption:

In this story, Dr. Gary Lawrence courageously shares his personal battle with rejection and the deep wounds of past trauma. From an early age, he endured relentless verbal and physical abuse, shaping his sense of worth in painful ways. As a young husband, he was devastated to learn that his wife, Sylvia—raised in a rigid, legalistic Christian home—had also suffered profound physical and sexual abuse throughout her childhood. Their brokenness collided in their marriage, leading to years of rejection, resentment, and heartache.

But their story doesn’t end there. Through faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of healing, Gary and Sylvia shattered the chains of their past. What once seemed irreparable became a testament to redemption, as they rebuilt their marriage on a foundation of grace and restoration. Their journey is a compelling reminder that rejection is not a life sentence—it is an invitation to healing, freedom, and a deeper understanding of God’s unfailing love.

Are You a Rejection Junkie?

And if you’re wondering “Am I a Rejection Junkie?”, Dr. Gary has a free quiz you can take at RejectionJunkies.com. It might just change your life.

Friend, you were made to live in freedom, not rejection. And your kids? They deserve to be raised by a parent who’s healed and whole.

🎧 LISTEN NOW → 
Hit play on this episode, and let’s do this together. Click on the image below to listen on Life Audio:

Or you can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CP/CW a 5-star rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. That would make my day! 

🔹 Memorable Quote from Dr. G:

“[Parents] have got to be willing to position themselves to get free from the rejection patterns in their own life. Because until they’re free mentally and emotionally,
they’ll never be able to address the issues of their children.“

Take the Next Step

Want to identify your own rejection patterns? Visit rejectionjunkies.com to take a free quiz and receive a complimentary 30-minute evaluation to start your healing journey.

About the guest: Dr. Gary Lawrence is the bestselling author of Rejection Junkies, a transformative guide to breaking free from the grip of rejection and emotional bondage. As a seasoned counselor and “freedom coach,” he has spent over 30 years helping thousands identify and eliminate the root causes of their struggles. Alongside his wife, Sylvia, Gary founded and directed the New Life Dynamics Christian Counseling Center for 23 years and hosted “Life Master Counseling with Dr. G” for two decades. With over 27,000 hours of teaching experience and 10,000+ clients counseled, his work has changed countless lives.

RESOURCES:

Dr. Gary’s website

Rejection Junkies: The Hidden Addiction Everyone Suffers