Over the past few days, I’ve taken time to affirm what is true and respond to some of the speculation and misinformation (specifically the autogenerated tabloid articles like TMZ, US Weekly, etc.) surrounding my divorce in 2020.
I just finished Jen’s book. I have to say you two are both dynamic. By reading your stuff and hers I can see why you loved each other and were so successful in life until your divide. I sure hope you both rediscover a genuine, fulfilling faith. The church big C needs you. Broken people need real people.
I just finished Jen’s book and was surprised and glad that she took ownership of her part in the breakdown of your marriage. While the inferno started that July night, she readily admits that through therapy she knew that it was smoldering for years and that she contributed to that and ignored it. I loved her perspective on how the church has hurt men also and how that contributed to your downfall. I also thought it was respectful of her to clarify that your new wife had nothing to do with the breakup of your marriage.
I hope you have both reached a space of compassion and respect for one another and that the publishing of this book doesn’t derail that. To come to that point is the greatest gift you can give your children and grandchildren.
Yes she did a wonderful job with accountability in her end and being true to the lifelong work of healing and doing that work to the utmost transparency. Her ability to capture it in such a real way will help many women shed the codependency many of us hold and also facing true emotional maturity. It was a wonderfully written book.
Hi BH…I was introduced to you “a whole lotta” years ago through your books first and then curiosity navigated me to social media (SM - it’s mostly curiosity..right? No one would ever admit to just being nosey, right?). I remain grateful for your willingness to share in both arenas. Additionally grateful to see you writing in this space. I’m sure there many of us cheering for you and your whole family – past and present. Our communities thrive when there is hope and grace. What no one is saying, is that at the 10,000 foot level, we all have stuff. And, I am absolutely certain of this, not a single one of “us” was ever entitled to or owed any part of anyone’s “story”, or a need for clarity, or an explanation. I am so glad you are looking forward - and grace abounds - it’s wild and fantastic.
Are you familiar with the podcast Lights on With Carl Lenz? Your… I’m going to call it “new ministry” reminds me of all he and Laura Lentz are doing over there. Check it out if you haven’t. So good and helpful. God’s not done with you yet and I’m glad you know that and are living it. Keep it up 🙌
You did the work Brandon. You deserve grace. We are human and fallible. I do respect people that can raise their hand and say “yep I screwed up” and this is how I’m changing and learning. The whole Hatmaker family is amazing. Just look at your 5 kiddo’s. Jesus looked at you and thought hmmm “who can I send to help and love Brandon flaws and all”. He sent Tina 🩷Cheers to you new chapter and journey. Thank you for sharing 🥰
Sometimes it seems like the most dignified thing we can do is walk away from what was with our head held high, knowing our Heavenly Father sees the entire picture. And loves us fiercely. You’ve done all you can, Brandon, by being open and honest - even to an audience that can seem unforgiving. I had a conversation with the Lord one day not too long ago, and He told me “Don’t look back. That’s not where I’m going.” (That should probably be embroidered on a tea towel or something.) It has been a wonderful comfort to me. Onward!
I just finished Jen’s book. I have to say you two are both dynamic. By reading your stuff and hers I can see why you loved each other and were so successful in life until your divide. I sure hope you both rediscover a genuine, fulfilling faith. The church big C needs you. Broken people need real people.
Amen!!
I just finished Jen’s book and was surprised and glad that she took ownership of her part in the breakdown of your marriage. While the inferno started that July night, she readily admits that through therapy she knew that it was smoldering for years and that she contributed to that and ignored it. I loved her perspective on how the church has hurt men also and how that contributed to your downfall. I also thought it was respectful of her to clarify that your new wife had nothing to do with the breakup of your marriage.
I hope you have both reached a space of compassion and respect for one another and that the publishing of this book doesn’t derail that. To come to that point is the greatest gift you can give your children and grandchildren.
Yes she did a wonderful job with accountability in her end and being true to the lifelong work of healing and doing that work to the utmost transparency. Her ability to capture it in such a real way will help many women shed the codependency many of us hold and also facing true emotional maturity. It was a wonderfully written book.
Hi BH…I was introduced to you “a whole lotta” years ago through your books first and then curiosity navigated me to social media (SM - it’s mostly curiosity..right? No one would ever admit to just being nosey, right?). I remain grateful for your willingness to share in both arenas. Additionally grateful to see you writing in this space. I’m sure there many of us cheering for you and your whole family – past and present. Our communities thrive when there is hope and grace. What no one is saying, is that at the 10,000 foot level, we all have stuff. And, I am absolutely certain of this, not a single one of “us” was ever entitled to or owed any part of anyone’s “story”, or a need for clarity, or an explanation. I am so glad you are looking forward - and grace abounds - it’s wild and fantastic.
Are you familiar with the podcast Lights on With Carl Lenz? Your… I’m going to call it “new ministry” reminds me of all he and Laura Lentz are doing over there. Check it out if you haven’t. So good and helpful. God’s not done with you yet and I’m glad you know that and are living it. Keep it up 🙌
You did the work Brandon. You deserve grace. We are human and fallible. I do respect people that can raise their hand and say “yep I screwed up” and this is how I’m changing and learning. The whole Hatmaker family is amazing. Just look at your 5 kiddo’s. Jesus looked at you and thought hmmm “who can I send to help and love Brandon flaws and all”. He sent Tina 🩷Cheers to you new chapter and journey. Thank you for sharing 🥰
Sometimes it seems like the most dignified thing we can do is walk away from what was with our head held high, knowing our Heavenly Father sees the entire picture. And loves us fiercely. You’ve done all you can, Brandon, by being open and honest - even to an audience that can seem unforgiving. I had a conversation with the Lord one day not too long ago, and He told me “Don’t look back. That’s not where I’m going.” (That should probably be embroidered on a tea towel or something.) It has been a wonderful comfort to me. Onward!
Right on!
You were right to speak up. But you’re right, leave the past in the past. Continued prayers for you. God loves you.