Unconditioning Love

Send us a textIn this episode of Unconditioning Love, we wrap up the Tangled Up in Twos mini-series, where we have been exploring women's experiences in the Two by Two church and how leaving has transformed their relationship with identity and self-expression.Yvette Hughes shares her journey of embracing her naturally curly hair within a culture of conformity. Growing up in South Africa's coloured community during Apartheid, Yvette faced pressure to straighten her hair to fit societal and religious expectations. Her story highlights the beauty of self-acceptance, the quiet rebellion/beauty of staying true to herself, and the freedom she's found since leaving the church.Thank you, Yvette, for sharing your beautiful story with us.PS: I used the help of Chat GPT to bring these show notes togetherSupport the showSound AlchemyInstagram & ThreadsSpotify Music

Send us a textUnconditioning Love – Tangled Up in Twos (Episode 3)In this episode of Tangled Up in Twos, we delve into an excerpt from Cherie Kropp's life story and explore the profound impact of hair, traditions, and questioning authority within the Two by Two fellowship.Cherie's poignant reflections reveal the tension between blind adherence to tradition and the courage to choose compassion and truth over rigidity. From navigating tender-headed hair battles to questioning the theological basis of women's roles and appearances, Cherie shares how she sought clarity and truth through study and logic, despite resistance.We discuss themes of:•Breaking free from guilt and shame perpetuated by man-made traditions.•The power of questioning practices and beliefs that do not align with love or scripture.•Choosing compassion over compliance, especially in parenting.•The emotional toll of navigating fallacious reasoning and the pursuit of Biblical truth.Cherie's courage to challenge the status quo, seek answers, and forge a path of authenticity provides insight for anyone navigating the complexities of leaving high-control systems.Read the full excerpt from Cherie Kropp's life story: Kropp – Cherie Berry. New Program: Sound Alchemy Are you ready to create lasting transformation and step into a life of creative self-expression? Join Sound Alchemy, a 1:1 program combining music, healing, and creativity to unlock your unique voice and song. Doors are open now!Sign up here: Sound AlchemySupport the showSound AlchemyInstagram & ThreadsSpotify Music

Send us a textEpisode Summary:In the second episode of the Tangled Up in 2 mini-season, we hear three powerful anonymous stories from women reflecting on their complex relationships with hair in fundamentalist religious environments. These stories reveal how hair became a symbol of conformity, control, and, eventually, liberation.Each story brings a unique perspective on the emotional weight of hair, its connection to identity, and the healing journey that comes with reclaiming it.The Stories:A Childhood Defined by Criticism:A woman recounts how a childhood condition caused her hair to fall out in patches, leading to harsh judgment from her church community and peers. She shares how this constant scrutiny tied her hair to feelings of worthiness and rebellion—and how, even now, she struggles with embracing her hair as her own.Breaking Free from Expectations:Another woman shares her lifelong struggle with familial and religious expectations around her hair. From longing for a childhood haircut to finally choosing a bold bob in her 30s, her story highlights the anxiety and eventual freedom of taking control of her appearance—and how she's raising her daughter to embrace her own identity, free of shame.Learning to Love Hair Again:A 37-year-old reflects on her journey of unlearning years of “hiding” her hair, once seen as her “glory” in the church. She opens up about the frustration of not knowing how to style or care for her hair and the joy of discovering her authentic self, one small change at a time.Themes Explored:The lifelong impact of religious and cultural expectations around hair.How hair becomes a battleground for conformity, identity, and rebellion.The emotional and liberating process of reclaiming autonomy over one's appearance.Join the Conversation:Your voice matters!Share your thoughts or your own story with #TangledUpIn2 on social media.Follow me on Instagram: @keeney.lydiaVisit www.lydiakeeney.com to connect, submit your story anonymously, and access additional resources.Acknowledgments:To the three women who shared their stories: thank you for your vulnerability and courage. Your words will resonate with so many others who are on their own journeys of healing and self-discovery.Stay Tuned:Next week, we'll conclude the Tangled Up in 2 mini-season with a broader exploration of hair, faith, and identity—and how women continue to reclaim power and self-expression.Support the showA Journey WithinInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a textWelcome back to Unconditioning Love for the start of Season 2! We're diving into the first installment of our special mini-series, “Tangled Up in Twos.” This series unpacks the profound connection between women, their hair, and faith communities.In this episode, we begin with a fascinating share from a history teacher who provides critical context on Paul's writings about women and hair in the Bible. They explain the cultural and historical backdrop of these teachings. Here is an article that dives into this topic a bit deeper.From there, I read deeply personal, anonymous stories shared by women who've experienced the weight of these expectations firsthand. Through their accounts, we hear how hair became a symbol of devotion, control, and eventually, freedom. Their journeys from conformity to self-liberation reveal the power of reclaiming one's identity.Support the showA Journey WithinInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a textSeason Two of Unconditioning Love is just around the corner, launching on December 27th! In this special sneak peek episode, your host Lydia Keeney gives listeners an exciting preview of what's ahead. This new season, we'll dive deeper into the layers of love, identity, and liberation with mini-series focusing on specific, impactful topics.The first mini-series of the season will explore the fascinating and often-overlooked topic of hair—its symbolism, control, and the ways it has been used within church culture to impact women. Listening to guests as they unpack how hair was often a tool for control and conformity, shaping personal and spiritual identities, and examining the broader impact of these practices on women's lives.Do you have a personal story about hair and its significance in your life, especially in the context of faith or societal expectations? We want to hear from you! Share your story by emailing info@lydiakeeney.com, and your experience could be featured on the show.Tune in to Season Two starting December 27th—we can't wait to continue this journey with you!Support the showA Journey WithinInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a textIn today's mini-episode, we're bringing some lighthearted laughter to balance the heaviness of the current political climate. Get ready for a fun, nostalgic ride as I share two funny, embarrassing stories from my childhood years growing up in a religious community. From sleepwalking adventures at a convention to other unexpected, cringe-worthy moments, these stories might make you laugh out loud (and maybe remind you of your own awkward moments). Tune in to take a break, laugh a little, and find some joy in the shared humanSupport the showA Journey WithinInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a textIn episode 23 of Unconditioning Love, Robert shares his story of faith, doubt, and ultimately, liberation. His family joined the 2x2 faith community when he was just two years old. Soon after they converted, his family began hosting a Wednesday night meeting, immersing them deeply in the church's traditions. At age 13, Robert made his profession of faith.As he started college to pursue a career as an EMT, church workers warned Robert about the potential risks of his chosen path, cautioning that it could lead him astray. This was one of his first encounters with doubt, but it wasn't until later, during a family crisis, that he began to see the cracks in the support system he had long trusted. When Robert's father was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia in his 50s and lost his job, Robert's family needed support more than ever. Yet, the church community that had once felt like a family fell silent, failing to offer the help they desperately needed during this low point.Around this time, Robert also met and started dating Emily, who would later become his wife. Emily's thoughtful questions challenged him to examine his beliefs more deeply, gradually leading him to see things in a new light. These two events—a crisis within his family and Emily's influence—sparked Robert's journey of questioning and ultimately stepping away from a life of rigid beliefs, choosing instead a path that embraced authenticity, love, and personal freedom.Support the showA Journey WithinInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a textIn this episode, Katie shares her transformative journey of breaking free from the constraints of the 2x2 church, a religion deeply rooted in her family's history. As a third-generation member, Katie was raised with a strong sense of duty to the church's teachings, where love felt conditional, and fear was ever-present.Katie's questioning spirit emerged early in life when, at just six years old, her friends invited her to go to the movies. When she asked if she could go, she was told that if Jesus came back while she was in the film, she would go to hell. This early exposure to rigid rules about who would be "saved" began her journey of questioning and seeking another way to experience love and spirituality.In today's episode, Katie opens up about the powerful realizations she had after leaving, how she grappled with feelings of guilt, and the steps she took to build a life based on love, compassion, and genuine connection. This episode dives into her journey to create healthy boundaries, establish a supportive and loving community, and ultimately, craft a life filled with peace and joy.Join us as Katie reflects on the challenges of leaving a controlling environment, the tools she used to reclaim her sense of self, and the strength she found in building a beautiful life outside the church.Support the showA Journey WithinInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a textIn episode 21 of Unconditioning Love, Casey shares his unique story of growing up in a rural area of Atlantic Canada, where his family's deep roots in the church shaped much of his upbringing. As a sixth-generation member on his mother's side, with his great-great-grandfather being one of the founding workers in the region, the weight of tradition and expectation loomed large. Yet, Casey always felt like an “other” due to the split nature of his home life—his father not being a part of the church created a sense of separation from those within the group.Join us as Casey recounts his journey of leaving the meetings and navigating the complex feelings that came with stepping away from the beliefs he grew up with. Tune in for this powerful story of breaking free from generational expectations and finding freedom in authenticity.Book a complimentary coaching call with meSupport the showA Journey WithinInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of "Unconditioning Love," Lydia sits down with Robert, who shares his journey of growing up as a third-generation member of the 2x2s, a highly sheltered upbringing within a strict religious environment. As a young adult, Robert began to question the core fundamental belief that attending this particular church was the only path to heaven. This internal conflict led him to leave the church, even though he did not have all the answers at the time. He felt that staying would be hypocritical.Robert discusses the challenges and liberation that came with his decision to step away from the 2x2s. He explains how it took him six years after leaving to feel comfortable finding another church and how his perspective on religion has evolved. Now, Robert views religion as a form of language, where the essence and expression of belief can vary widely and still hold deep personal meaning.Join us as Robert shares his experiences of deconstruction and the importance of authenticity in his faith journey.Support the Show.A Journey WithinInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of "Unconditioning Love," we are joined by Tara, who bravely shares her story of growing up in the 2x2 religion, also known as "the truth." Tara's parents began converting to this faith when she was six, which brought drastic changes to her life.She went from celebrating holidays and wearing normal clothes to a life of handmade dresses, strict religious practices, and isolation from her extended family.Tara talks about the bullying she faced at school due to her distinct appearance and the heartbreak of losing close connections with her grandparents. She was taught that anyone outside their church was doomed to hell, a belief that instilled deep fear in her young mind. Despite these challenges, Tara's journey is one of resilience and courage. In today's episode she shares her journey to seeing the light of Grace and stepping out of the fear-based doctrine, embracing a path of healing and unconditional love.Support the Show.Instagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to today's episode of "Unconditioning Love," where we dive deep into the transformative power of forgiveness. Today, we're tackling a topic that's both personal and profound: how forgiveness has been misused and how we can reclaim it for our own healing.In my journey through the church, I witnessed forgiveness often being weaponized. It was used as an excuse to provide safe haven for perpetrators, sweeping their atrocities under the rug and silencing the voices of those who were hurt. This distortion of forgiveness perpetuated cycles of harm and left many feeling invalidated and betrayed.But what if forgiveness could be something different? What if it could be a personal, empowering journey? In this episode, we explore how forgiveness isn't about excusing or forgetting the wrongs done to us. Instead, it's about releasing the other person's energy from our space, freeing ourselves from the weight of their actions.Join us as we discuss the healing process, the steps we can take to reclaim forgiveness, and how this shift can transform our lives. It's time to uncondition love and embrace forgiveness as a path to our own peace and liberation. Tune in and start your journey towards true freedom.Support the Show.Instagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a Text Message.In today's episode of our podcast, we dive into "Kelly's Story: Part 1." Kelly recounts her family's introduction to the 2x2 religion when she was just one year old. For her mother, it was a new spiritual journey, while her father, who had left the faith as a teenager, was compelled to return after a relative's sudden death instilled a deep-seated fear in him.Kelly offers a heartfelt look into her childhood as a devout follower of the 2x2 religion. Growing up immersed in this belief system, her experiences starkly contrasted with those of her older siblings, who had memories of life before the family's conversion. A pivotal moment in Kelly's story is her near-death experience, which profoundly altered her perception of God. This transformative event led her to a radical shift in her experience of God, bringing her guidance and freedom based on unconditional love that continues today.  Join us for this compelling and beautiful conversation that explores faith, fear, and the boundless love of God.Support the Show.Instagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Send us a Text Message.In this special mini episode, I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea in person and recording at her beautiful home. Join us as we dive deep into a heartfelt conversation about what authenticity and judgment mean to us. We explore the challenges and triumphs of living authentically, the impact of judgment on our lives, and how we navigate these complex themes in our personal journeys.Support the Show.Instagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

In today's episode, we accompany Andrea on her profound odyssey from a childhood meandering through unstructured streets to a soul searching for sanctuary in the arms of various churches. With her mother's simple directive to attend church on Sundays but lacking deeper guidance, Andrea embarked on a spiritual quest as early as eight years old, exploring the myriad teachings and traditions. Summers spent with her devout religious relatives offered a glimpse into a world of stability and structure she yearned for, leading her to dedicate much of her life to the church.As an adult within the church's embrace, Andrea discovered herself adrift, her essence and inherent worthiness obscured because of the belief system of the church. Listen closely as she recounts her soulful journey back to her core, navigating the waters of self-discovery and motherhood.Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Andrea channeled her healing metamorphosis into a published work, offering a beacon of light for others.In the midst of her transformation, Andrea also learned the profound art of boundaries, recognizing the need to honor her own space and essence amidst the demands of the world around her.Join us as Andrea's story illuminates the path of self-discovery, healing, and the delicate dance of setting boundaries with love and grace.Connect with Andrea's work here: https://cheydrea.com/bookSupport the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

"Healing Your Voice" is an 8-minute guided meditation that I have created for you. It guides listeners back to a version of themselves who didn't have a voice, holding space for that version, bringing in love and healing, and ultimately leading them back to their power and worthiness. By the end of the session, listeners feel lighter, freer, and more empowered to use their unique and authentic voice in the world.Support the showSchedule your 1:1 session hereInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

En este episodio de "Dios es una fuente de amor", tenemos a Elda desde Panamá, quien comparte su historia sobre cómo ella y su esposo se involucraron con la iglesia 2x2 en su vida adulta, convirtiéndose eventualmente en su vida entera. A lo largo de su vida, un ancla constante para Elda ha sido el amor incondicional de Dios; incluso en un ambiente eclesiástico donde se imponían condiciones al amor de Dios, ella se mantenía anclada en ese amor incondicional.Elda y su esposo tuvieron un hogar de reuniones durante muchos años, creando un espacio dentro de su hogar donde todos eran bienvenidos. Elda comparte diferentes momentos de revelación ("aha moments") a medida que pasa de estar totalmente entregada a la iglesia a darse cuenta del daño causado por los predicadores en el poder.¡No te pierdas esta conmovedora historia de fe y descubrimiento en "Dios es una fuente de amor"!Support the showSchedule your 1:1 session hereInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

In today's episode of this two-part series, Relyssa shares the different eye-opening moments that caused her to take courageous steps out of the community she had spent her entire life in. We dive into the topic of parenthood and how that has helped us with boundaries, this idea of holding multiple truths at the same time, and we talk about the recent unfoldings within the 2x2 church and the unfortunate fact that when the people in power are not safe, it creates an unsafe environment for everyone else in the community, specifically those with less power. Join us for a compelling exploration of unconditioning love in Relyssa's Story on the podcast.Key Points:Recap of Relyssa's journey and the courage it took to leave her community.The role of parenthood in helping establish boundariesBeing able to navigate complex truths and hold space for multiple beliefs without judgement.Discussion on the recent events within the 2x2 church and the impact on its members.Insights on unconditioning love and its transformative power in Relyssa's life.Thank you for joining us for Part 2 of Relyssa's Story. We hope you found inspiration and insight in her journey of self-discovery and the power of unconditioning love. Stay tuned for more episodes on the podcast.Support the showSchedule your 1:1 session hereInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

In this two-part series, we delve into Relyssa's journey growing up in a large family within the 2x2 church in Nebraska. Homeschooled until 6th grade, she found solace in sports, they became her sanctuary. Over the last three years, Relyssa started forming connections with Christian girlfriends outside the church which helped her in her journey of questioning and ultimately breaking free from the exclusivity beliefs ingrained in her religious community. Join us for a compelling exploration of unconditioning love in Relyssa's Story on the podcast.Support the showSchedule your 1:1 session hereInstagram & ThreadsWorking with LydiaSpotify Music

Welcome to today's episode! Join me as I dive into the intricacies of the word "fellowship" in the church that shaped my upbringing. I'll explore how our community defined fellowship and share how my understanding of this term has evolved since I left. Tune in for a reflective journey on the meaning of fellowship and how it continues to impact my life.Support the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

Sara grew up in the 2x2s in New Jersey, where, as a child, she grappled with the notion of why God would want his children to feel unworthy. Sara's mother served as her guiding light, teaching her about unconditional love.  Sara went to college to become an English teacher because that was an approved degree for women. At 23, Sara faced the loss of her mother and discovered the religion lacked the space for her grief. When seeking therapy, she was discouraged by the preachers. Sara broke free from the church at 28, and at 30, she shifted careers. Sara now thrives as a massage therapist, reiki master, and psychic medium, embracing her best life.Support the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

Today, Lydia's first cousin Landis came on the podcast and shared a part of her story. Landis grew up going to meeting as a triplet in North Carolina. Listen in as she shares her journey of releasing different boxes, taking God out of the box she had put him/her in, and then most importantly, stepping out of the box herself.Support the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

Shelley grew up as an extremely creative child within the four walls of the church with no name. As she grew older, she started coming upon obstacles, as the environment she was born into did not allow her to express her creativity freely. Listen along to hear about Shelley's journey of growing beyond the meetings and becoming a published author who now writes Amish novels.Support the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

In this podcast episode, Bailey takes us through her compelling journey, tracing back to childhood when her parents embraced The Two by Twos, also known as "the Truth." She opens up about the early roots of her people-pleasing tendencies, recounts her view of God at the age of 11 when she made her choice to profess, and delves into the catalyst that helped her see the church was no longer in alignment with her values. Join us as Bailey shares her profound wisdom and reflects on the transformative journey that has shaped her into the person she is today.Support the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

In today's mini-episode, Lydia shares about the structure of a professing funeral and the harmful effects it has on our ability to grieve.  She dives into grief, feelings, and shares a personal story about losing a close friend after being out of the meetings for a little over a year, and she shares her own personal journey of learning how to grieve in a healthy way.Support the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

Abi  hand a loving childhood and had friends both in the church and in school. She was raised quite a bit differently than many girls in the church with less rules about how she dressed within the home. As she grew older, she pushed back on the man made rules from the church. As a result, she witnessed a shift in how she was received by the preachers. Listen in to learn of Abi's personal shift in releasing the belief that she grew up carrying about never being good enough and stepping into freedom through grace.Support the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

In this episode dive into a world of woo with me where I share specific experiences that led to a huge energetic shift: The Jesus within the 2x2 church is not the same Jesus Christ that we read about in the BibleA Journey Within linkSupport the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

Today's episode shares Jane's story as a free spirit born into the 2x2 religion in Wyoming. Follow along as she shares her journey of coming back to herself.Support the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

In today's Episode, Whitney shares her courageous story of leaving the 2x2 church as a young adult.  Soon after leaving becoming a new mom, and creating a new life for herself and her little one from the ground up. Where to find me:Instagram & ThreadsWebsiteTikTokSupport the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music

Hello and welcome to the podcast! In this episode I lead listeners through the creation story of "Unconditioning Love" and what to expect from this podcast. Enjoy!Where to find me:Instagram & ThreadsWebsiteTikTokSupport the showInstagram & ThreadsWorking With LydiaSpotify Music