When Love Is Gentle, Not Confusing

Why being cared for should feel safe, steady, and seen

People who truly love you care about how they make you feel.

That sounds simple, yet it’s one of the most overlooked truths in relationships of every kind.

If you’re reading this, welcome to the Excavation Letters. My name is Jackie, and my heart behind this space is simple: to help you recognize just how deeply you are loved by God and through the people He places in your life.

We spend so much time being taught what to watch out for. What to guard against. What to avoid. Wisdom matters, but so does learning how to receive what is good.

Our minds form pathways, like well-worn dirt roads. The more we rehearse stress, confusion, or relational strain, the easier it is to default there. But the same is true for goodness. Peace can become familiar too.

Many of us have experienced healthy interactions and still found ourselves dwelling on difficult ones, simply because that’s what we knew best. If that’s you, there’s no shame in it. Growth often starts with noticing.

Lately, I’ve been reminded how healing it is to engage in conversations that are steady, respectful, and life-giving. Interactions that don’t leave you bracing, overthinking, or shrinking. That’s Heart GPS at work, learning how to discern what aligns with peace.

God cares about the big prayers, but He also delights in the small ones. The quiet request for authenticity. The desire to feel understood. The longing to be met with kindness.

When those prayers are answered, it’s okay to let your heart soften and receive.

I want to pray this over you.

Heavenly Father, I ask that You touch the heart and mind of the one reading this. Open their eyes to recognize the goodness You are sending their way. Help them receive love without suspicion and peace without fear. Remind them they are deeply seen, deeply valued, and deeply loved by You. Amen.

This space exists for connection, and I’m grateful our paths crossed.

Sincerely,

Jackie