Restoring Relationships: A Heartfelt Conversation with Tracy Glass

In today’s Coffee Chat, Amber and Lisa sat down with the incredible Tracy Glass, author of Restored: God’s Promises to Beautifully Rebuild You After Divorce or Separation. Tracy brought so much wisdom about relationships—how they’re formed, break, and how God’s healing touch can restore them, even when we feel like they’re beyond repair. This episode is for you if you’ve ever struggled with damaged relationships.

Why Relationships Can Be So Hard

We all know that relationships can be challenging. But why? Tracy shared some insightful thoughts about how our past plays a huge role in how we relate to others. From childhood to early romantic experiences, how we learned to connect can shape how we navigate relationships today. Tracy said:

"Our idea of relationships forms with how did I relate to my mom? How did I relate to my dad?"

If we don’t learn healthy relationship patterns growing up, we can unintentionally carry that baggage into adulthood. Tracy reminds us that sometimes, we end up in relationships that are damaging simply because we’re used to the dysfunction. But the good news? Healing is possible.

Understanding the Power of Our Values

A central theme in today’s conversation was the importance of knowing what we value in our relationships—and standing firm on those values. Tracy talks about how our values are often the things that get stepped on when relationships go wrong. For Tracy, trust and family are sacred, and she encourages us to be clear about our boundaries and what we will and won’t tolerate:

"When our relationships start to be damaged, it’s because one of those values is being stepped on in some way."

Knowing what you value—and being able to communicate that—is key to creating healthier, more respectful relationships.

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

One of the most powerful messages Tracy shared was about forgiveness. It’s easy to hold onto anger, especially when hurt. But forgiveness isn’t just about letting someone else off the hook; it’s about releasing ourselves from bitterness. Tracy shared a moment where she was reminded that holding onto negative labels about others was rooted in pride:

> "God doesn’t see him as a liar... That is pride."

Forgiveness is about more than words—it’s a heart shift. It’s about letting go of the past and trusting that God will heal us, even if the other person isn’t ready to heal the relationship.

When Reconciliation Feels Impossible

Sometimes, despite all our efforts, reconciliation doesn’t happen. Tracy shared how, in her own life, she had to navigate a strained relationship with her son. Instead of hovering and trying to control, she became a coach in his life, asking guiding questions rather than offering advice:

"Instead of this micromanaging mother, I became a coach."

This isn’t about abandoning the relationship—it’s about giving the other person the space they need to grow while still setting boundaries to protect our own hearts. As Tracy wisely put it, “Forgiveness doesn’t mean you stay in a relationship with someone who continues to hurt you.”

Pause & Reflect

As you listen to this powerful episode, we encourage you to reflect on these questions in your own life:

1. What core values matter most to you in relationships? How can you protect those values moving forward?

2. Have you ever experienced someone "stepping on" one of your values? How did you handle it, and how could you handle it differently in the future?

3. Is there anyone in your life that you need to forgive? What steps can you take toward healing that relationship, even if reconciliation seems impossible?

4. Are there any relationships in your life that need boundaries to protect your heart and well-being? How can you lovingly set those boundaries?

Healing Resources from Tracy Glass

Tracy offers several incredible resources for those seeking healing in their relationships:

1. Restored: God’s Promises to Beautifully Rebuild You After Divorce or Separation – Tracy’s book is a beautiful guide for anyone going through a difficult separation or divorce, filled with God’s promises to rebuild and restore.

2. Free PDFs on Tracy’s website – Tracy offers helpful resources, including a guide to overcoming fear and restoring relationships. Visit www.tracyglasscoaching.com to download them.

3. **Forgiveness Workshop** – Watch an eight-part series by Bruce Wilkinson called *70 Times Seven*, and it’s available on YouTube. Tracy highly recommends this for anyone seeking to heal relationships.

4. Unstuck Course – This course, which Tracy runs twice a year, is all about discovering your purpose, overcoming fear, and moving forward in healthy relationships. Sign up on Tracy’s site for more info.

For more guidance, coaching, and resources, visit Tracy’s www.tracyglasscoaching.com.

Listen to the full conversation** with Tracy Glass below or on your favorite podcast platform. Tracy’s heart for healing and restoration will inspire you to take the next step toward restoring your relationships and finding peace in your heart.