The Reluctant Missionary

Authentic stories from the travels of Michael Smalley.

Why Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Wants to Forget trauma Sep 14, 2025

 

The hidden reason talk therapy isn't enough—and why healing trauma requires more than just changing your thoughts


"I've done years of therapy," Lisa told me during our first session. "I've proce...

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The Trauma Response You Don't Recognize (And Why It's Destroying Your Relationships) trauma Sep 10, 2025

 

Why emotional shutdown isn't a character flaw—it's your nervous system trying to protect you (and what to do about it)


The phone stopped ringing in August 2019.

Not because people stopped calli...

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How to Create Emotional Safety When Your Family Feels Like a War Zone Sep 09, 2025

 

Breaking the generational cycles that turn homes into battlefields—and teaching your kids what healthy conflict actually looks like


I was sitting in my graduate psychology class when the profess...

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Why Your Relationship Keeps Exploding Over Small Things (It's Not What You Think) trauma Sep 03, 2025

 

The hidden neurological reason intelligent, motivated couples keep having the same explosive fights—and what to do about it


Sarah and David sat across from me in my office, both exhausted and co...

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Why You Keep Fighting About the Same Things (It's Not What You Think) Aug 30, 2025

 

The hidden "fear buttons" that turn minor disagreements into relationship wars—and how to finally call a ceasefire


POUND. POUND. POUND.

The frantic knocking on my front door jolted me awake fro...

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The Signature Sin You Don't Know You Have rise Aug 26, 2025

And why admitting "I am my biggest problem" might be the most liberating thing you'll ever hear

My brother Greg asked a simple question: "What do you want for dinner?"

I said, "Whatever you want is ...

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The smile that broke my heart ordinary hero Jul 31, 2023

In the photograph accompanying this post, the young girl featured did not intentionally smile for my camera. I discovered her among roughly 100 children attending the Saturday bible study and lunch pr...

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What to do when you've got nothing from God just say hi Jul 11, 2023

After arriving in Lebanon as a hesitant missionary, I found myself on a team visiting Syrian refugees in their home. Despite being unable to speak Arabic, I was happy to see how families lived in Tyre...

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Just Say Hi just say hi Jul 05, 2023

The journey of a hesitant missionary as he delves into the depths of Islam.

My father taught me that even in times of tragedy, sin, brokenness, and pain, there are opportunities to grow. He emphasize...

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A devotion about trust when things don't go your way by Kris DeJeet morning devos for couples podcast Jan 08, 2021

My friend and colleague sent me a devotional he wrote for himself. I knew instantly it would bless anyone willing to read and believe! - Michael Smalley

by Kris DeJeet

"Blessed is the man who ...

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IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT

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