What is abandonment, really? At its core, it’s this: “I needed you, and you weren’t there for me.” Whether it’s parents, friends, coaches, or even people who were in the room but emotionally absent, abandonment leaves a mark on all of us.

You’ll hear:

• The simplest and most powerful definition of abandonment
• Why the brain registers abandonment the same way it registers physical pain
• Stories of how abandonment shows up in everyday life
• The difference between naming what happened and blaming the people involved
• How even Jesus’ disciples panicked at the thought of being abandoned

Abandonment is part of the human story—but so is healing. By learning to name our stories without blame, we can begin to move from hurt toward hope.

Discover the meaning of Imago Dei and what it means to find your identity in Christ. In this episode of Return to Heart, Todd Warmers and Phil Herndon share Christian transformation stories that reveal how God sees you, why relationships matter, and how Jesus speaks to your deepest self.

Through personal experiences, Bible teaching, and practical insights, they unpack what it means to be created in the image of God and how that truth transforms your life. You’ll learn how identity in Christ shapes your sense of belonging, why love brings security, and how understanding God’s love changes everything.

Topics in this episode:

• Imago Dei meaning and why it matters
• How early experiences shape your self-image
• The brain’s role in connection vs. protection
• Jesus’ baptism and the power of belonging
• The woman with the issue of blood and healing in God’s truth
• Overcoming identity struggles through God’s Word
• A simple exercise to deepen your awareness of God’s love

If you’ve ever wondered “Who does God say I am?” or felt distant from your true identity, this conversation will help you see yourself the way God does.

How to Reconnect with God, Yourself & Others (The Tin Man Story)— Jeff Schulte, Todd Wermers, and Phil Herndon share personal stories of burnout, healing, and transformation. Learn what it means to “return to heart,” reconnect emotionally, and build deeper relationships with God and others. Using the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor, they explore self-awareness, emotional health, and living from the heart. Perfect for anyone seeking spiritual growth, relational connection, and emotional wholeness.

Topics: emotional health, Christian counseling, spiritual growth, self-awareness, relationships, theology, psychology, neurobiology, Wizard of Oz, Tin Man metaphor.