This week on Cultivating the Lovely, MacKenzie has a chat with author and speaker Gary Thomas about his new book When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People. Gary and his wife of 35 years have three children and live outside of Houston, TX. He has a heart for marriage, family and the church, and that love for people shines through this conversation with MacKenzie. (Affiliate links are used in this content.) How Gary realized this book needed to be written through his own encounter with a toxic person Gary shares his heart for marriage while being real about abuse The danger of telling others to stay in relationship with toxic people Biblical examples of how to deal with toxic relationships Challenges from within the church to victims of abuse Gary identifies some warning signs that you may be in relationship with a toxic person If someone is stopping you from fulfilling God’s mission for you If someone is destroying your spirit If someone is controlling you If someone is gaslighting you or making you feel crazy The crucial importance of having strong Christian friends who can help you deal with toxic relationships Gary describes what “gaslighting” is and how to tell if it is happening to you The difference between a truly toxic person and someone who is acting in a toxic way but can change Why it is crucial to get a counselor to help you with a potentially violent person Some advice for singles Gary’s typical daily routine Current Lovelies- Gary: diffusing essential oils in his office at work Resources Mentioned- Books: When to Walk Away Podcasts: The Five Brainfood/The Knowledge Project Joe Rogan Movies: About Time Find Gary- You can find Gary at garythomas.com. You can also follow him on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Find MacKenzie- You can find MacKenzie Koppa on Instagram, Facebook, and the CTL Facebook Group, of course! You can also listen to her family-friendly podcast The Same Page! Thanks to Our Sponsors- CTL is brought to you by Plan to Eat meal planning service. Their big 50% OFF sale is coming November 29, 2019! Visit PlanToEat.com/LOVELY to start your free 60-day trial instead of the normal 30-day trial. This week’s episode is also sponsored by EverlyWell. For 15% OFF you own at home lab test kit, go to EverlyWell.com/LOVELY and enter code LOVELY at checkout. Today’s episode of CTL is brought to you by Policy Genius. Go to PolicyGenius.com to find the right coverage for you and your family.