Kenneth’s honesty about his transition from husband to single man is just so refreshing. Imagine leading 20,000 people while your own life is unraveling. “I had to re-learn who I was outside of marriage,” he remembers. “Husband was a part of my identity. Suddenly I was just a man, a dad—and my whole adult life had memories with someone who wasn’t there anymore.”

He did something wild: two therapists! One for his heart as a man, another to keep his preaching healthy for his congregation. “The average man just goes into a silo. He’s by himself. But I had elders, friends, and mentors checking in on me.” That vulnerability didn’t come easy, but it was life-saving.

To our divorced listeners: If you’re terrified to open your heart again, Kenneth’s message is for you. “You have to do it scared. But when you have boundaries, and you know you’ve done the work, there are amazing people out there.” And to those with hesitation about dating divorcees: “If a person has healed and still desires love, that’s a green flag. It means they know how to sacrifice and move forward.” So much wisdom!

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A huge theme of the episode: you absolutely cannot do this alone. As much as you might want to hide, real healing comes with safe, honest community. Kait calls it your “Life Board of Advisors”—those mentors, friends, therapists, and coaches who see the real you, challenge you, and cheer you on.

And yes, vulnerability is hard. Kenneth admits, “At first it felt weird—like, I don’t want someone prying into my life. But it was more than helpful. It was life-saving.” Real freedom comes when we allow ourselves to be seen, known, and called up to something higher.

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Let’s be honest: after heartbreak, many of us question everything about ourselves, our preferences, and our future. Kenneth shared, “I had to learn what I liked! I wasn’t shallow, I just never allowed myself to admit it.” But, he adds, character matters so much more. Gentle communication, kindness, and a nurturing spirit won his heart—and helped him become a better communicator and person.

But perhaps the biggest lesson? Forgiveness. “I can’t even forgive without Christ,” Kenneth says. Letting go of pain, resentment, and the sense of unfairness is a daily, Christ-dependent process—for all of us!

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The episode ends on an absolute high: Kenneth remarried, is expecting a baby, and calls his wife literal “justice”—the answer to his prayer for God’s redemption. “God is paying me back for all the good I’ve sown,” he smiles. What an encouragement for anyone who feels like the pain may never end.

So wherever you are—heartbroken, healing, or hopeful—remember: your story isn’t over! Press into community, do the hard work, and trust God’s timing. Healing is possible, redemption is real, and you are not alone.

We love you, HOD fam! Let’s keep growing—together.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the Find Your Person challenge and join the Heart of Dating community for more encouragement, mentorship, and authentic conversations about faith and love. See you next week!

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