One of the most powerful discoveries I experienced this year came during a partner coaching session with a classmate in The Freedom Certification training through Jill Monaco Ministries.
I was challenged to examine my agenda versus His. God intends for me to walk in all that He has for me—to live in wholeness, accept His salvation, and share the love He’s so freely given to others. But, how often do I let my hang-ups get in the way?
I’ve been in traditional coaching, and I am a certified Executive and Leadership Coach. While, I’ve gained valuable insights and growth through coaching, I always come back to this truth: “Apart from me, you can do nothing”. (John 15:5) Recognizing this, I embarked on a coaching journey that felt different. This time, I put myself in the “hot seat,” allowing a coach to facilitate a conversation with God using The Freedom Framework™ tools. The goal? To uncover obstacles in my life that I might not even recognize.
Can God Really Speak to Me?
You might wonder, “Does God really speak?” I’m convinced he does and believe you can hear. Knowing that God desires fruit in my life, I decided to practice listening. I asked Him to reveal a fruitless place—somewhere I might unknowingly be harboring unforgiveness—so I could move closer to the life He has for me. My coach led me in prayer, asking the Lord if there was anyone I hadn’t forgiven. As I quieted my mind, focused on God’s love, a memory surfaced.
Forgive What???
Years ago, I was enrolled in a college music class. I had been preparing for an exam where I would be required to sight-sing a piece accurately without accompaniment. While not something I was naturally gifted at, I was committed to trying.
The day came for the exam. My professor went around the class individually, inviting my classmates to sing their assignments. When he got to me, he said, “You don’t have to do this.” I felt belittled and thought. “Are you kidding me? I practiced all weekend!”
It was clear he was questioning my ability, and there would be no safe space to try. Determined, I insisted I take the exam despite the struggle. While I managed to get through my piece and was pleasantly surprised by many, the damage was already done as I picked up two new companions: embarrassment and humiliation.
During our coaching session, God revealed the long-term impact of the moment. I prayed for forgiveness for my professor, who didn’t know how to guide me, and I walked through a prayer of blessing for him. God revealed that my spirit had been wounded and He wanted to restore it to display His heart of love for others creatively in me.
The Impact
I never imagined God would lead me back to that day, but it made sense: If feelings of inadequacy were holding me back from displaying His love creatively, of course, He’d want to address that.
Through this process, I saw God’s compassion. If I had relied on my understanding, I would’ve taken a predictable path. But God said, “Let’s start here. Let me show you, my heart. I saw you that day. I saw what was stolen, and today, I want to restore it.”
A Prayer for Your Journey
What journey of self-discovery and healing does God have for you? Are you open to talking to him about it? Here’s a verse to help posture your heart.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in thy sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer
Psalms 19:14
I can see now that jumping into the hot seat that day helped me conquer those feelings of inadequacy. This is why I'm convinced with God as my coach, I can always go a little further. If you'd like someone to partner with you in the Freedom Framework ™, feel free to reach out
Coaching for a Cause
Since the writing of this post, I have graduated from The Freedom Framework ™ Certification program and now walk clients though similar exercises. In 2025, I will be accepting a limited number of coaching clients to support my goal of raising $1,000 for Blackmore Missions. This will help Emily Blackmore establish creative arts in a new church plant in Liverpool, England. By investing in coaching, you’ll also be investing in freedom and creativity for others. If interested, feel free to reach out for more details!
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