Mary Beth resumes the RediscovHER podcast by completing the previous episode’s conversation of lessons we can learn from Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. And of course, what kind of episode would this be if Mary Beth doesn’t share some online dating experience?

Our savior wasn’t alone in the garden.

• Christ came to earth to give us immortality. Yet even in this god-like activity, he invited his friends to be with him in a very human way. 
• We’re taught to be independent to overcome our challenges. But Christ’s example shows the importance of community and support. 

Christ didn’t avoid his emotions.

• Sometimes people push their feelings away when they become too strong.
• Mary Beth was one of those people, but the book Feelings Buried Alive Never Die helped her get in touch with those unresolved feelings.
• She learned to feel feelings through to the end. Now that doesn’t mean to be dramatic or focus exclusively on those feelings, but rather to take time to process her situation to move forward.
• Jesus didn’t run away from emotion, but instead took on our sins. His death led to a resurrection into a new person free of sin.
• Symbolically, we can become “reborn” into a new person by working through our own emotions.

Mary Beth’s example: Leaving a house once loved.

• Mary Beth was leaving her home of 15 years, the longest she’s ever lived anywhere. This house was where she raised her children and saw many milestones in her children’s lives.
• As she walked through her home for the last time, Mary Beth let herself cry the entire time.
• She had never let herself do that before, but she let herself be vulnerable and didn’t attempt to stop.
• Once she finished crying, she no longer felt sad because she had given herself the time to process her emotions.

Mary Beth’s didn’t know what to expect when she started online dating.

• Would it be like her 20s, where it’s simple and easy to follow? Hint: Not even close.
• She was shocked by the number of rejections she faced, whether outright or through ghosting. 
• Remember, it isn’t personal. At any same time, Mary Beth could stop talking to any of the guys she is talking to. Not because she doesn’t like them, but because she knows it won’t work out, or they might not keep up a conversation.
• When you start online dating, people seem flaky. It’s just the nature of online dating because it’s difficult to see someone’s humanity on the other side of the screen.
• The takeaway? Thick skin is necessary for online dating.

You can get in touch with host Mary Beth Rosebrough on Instagram @rediscov.her.

MUSIC CREDIT: AudioJungle