# When Submission Has Been Used to Silence You

An episode of [The Best of You](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1620059010), 12 Jun 2026, 11 min.

Audio: https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/arttrk.com/p/TSFL1/claritaspod.com/measure/mgln.ai/e/1672/traffic.megaphone.fm/AMPH5984918183.mp3

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5:21–33 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the often misunderstood language of submission. She explores the heart of Paul’s teaching through the lens of Jesus: mutual reverence, self-giving love, and power expressed through care—not control. We explore: *What submission is not *Why Ephesians 5 begins with mutual submission and must be read through the way of Jesus *How religious language can sometimes reinforce fear, control, or self-abandonment *Why real love creates space for both people to become more whole, honest, and free *What mutuality looks like in relationships marked by dignity, accountability, and truth Go Deeper: Episode 56: Am I really Supposed to Die to Myself? Episode 55: Am I Supposed to Distrust Myself? Episode 5: What is Codependency and Why Does it Matter? Read the first 3 chapters of The Best of You here. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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