Episode 4 - Wings or Weights?

Brandon and Ashley discuss their church’s “Recipe for Relationships” series and how it applies to marriage, dating, and friendships. They break down two key themes—Priority (keeping God first and ordering your life wisely) and Pursuit (showing up with consistent action, not just words). They challenge listeners to re-evaluate their circle: healthy relationships build you up, require trust and respect, and are marked by growth, boundaries, and real support—not constant draining or one-sided effort.

Bible Verses Mentioned/Referenced

• Genesis 2:24 — leaving and cleaving; covenant alignment
• 1 John 3:18 — love shown through action and truth
• Ephesians 6:12 — spiritual influence behind what we wrestle with
• Galatians 6:2 — bear one another’s burdens
• Luke 9:62 (and Genesis 19:26) — don’t look back; Lot’s wife as a warning

Transformation Church Knoxville

https://www.transformationchurch.us/

Pastor Kim 

https://www.instagram.com/realtalkkim/?hl=en

Social Media links 

@designofmovement

Ashley:  instagram.com/howardashley87

Brandon: instagram.com/designofmovement

Transcript

Brandon:

Welcome back to Unrehearsed with the Moores. We’re getting better at this—slowly, but surely. Thank God, because that first episode was a little janky. Trial and error.

Ashley:

Life is life-ing, but it’s been a good ride. I’m grateful for where we are.

Brandon:

I’m Brandon Moore. This is my wife, Ashley Moore. We’re your hosts, and we’re grateful that people are listening, giving feedback, and genuinely connecting with what we’re sharing. A lot of that feedback says people want more of you—and honestly, I get it. You’re wise. That’s why I chose you.

Ashley:

From the very beginning, our communication was different. I remember thinking, I’ve never had conversations like this before. We talked for hours—real conversations. Not surface-level stuff.

Brandon:

I remember the first deep conversation we had. I was exhausted afterward. It was that real. But look at us now.

Ashley:

We also just had an amazing Valentine’s Day. You’re very thoughtful.

Brandon:

I love celebrating you—and our family. Showing up matters. That’s actually a big part of what this episode is about.

A Recipe for Relationships

Brandon:

Our church has been in a series called Recipe for Relationships, and it feels like every time we have these conversations, our pastor confirms them from the pulpit. That’s how we know we’re walking in the right direction.

This isn’t just about marriage or dating—it applies to friendships, family, business, everything.

At the center of it all has to be God.

Just like the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—when God is at the center of a relationship, it becomes unbreakable. When you put God first, you form a God-centered union that can actually last.

Priority

Ashley:

Priority means putting in the work and becoming the person you’re asking for. Even before I met you, I was working on myself, trying to become who God was calling me to be.

When you’re in healthy relationships—especially friendships—you can have uncomfortable conversations. You can be honest. You can correct each other in love.

Brandon:

That’s key. If you’re always the one calling, checking in, planning, giving—and nothing is coming back—you need to reevaluate that relationship.

Are the people in your life lifting you up, or weighing you down?

Ashley:

I’ve never known genuine friendships like I do now. The reciprocation, the prayer, the support—it’s mutual. Life is busy for all of us, but priority shows up.

Brandon:

Priority doesn’t mean constant attention. It means presence when it matters. I may not talk to my friends every week, but if they need me, I’m on my way.

Pursuit & Boundaries

Brandon:

Genesis 2:24 talks about leaving and cleaving. That principle isn’t just for marriage—it applies to friendships too. Sometimes you have to leave people who are past their season and pursue relationships that align with where God has you now.

Why pursue people who don’t prioritize you?

Ashley:

If a relationship requires constant effort from only one side, that’s not healthy. Love isn’t chasing—it’s mutual pursuit.

Brandon:

That’s something we’ve tried to model for our kids. Boundaries matter. Saying no matters. Walking away matters.

Ashley:

You’re not wrong for protecting your peace. If someone consistently gossips, disrespects you, or pulls you away from God—don’t go back to what God has already brought you out of.

The Ingredients of Healthy Relationships

Brandon:

Healthy relationships require:

• Two whole people (not trying to fix or complete each other)
• Honest communication
• Trust
• Respect
• Patience
• Kindness
• Humor
• And an ongoing commitment to growth

If you can’t talk to someone honestly, trust them with your heart, or feel respected—that relationship isn’t healthy.

Ashley:

The closer I get to God, the easier my relationships become. God teaches you how to love people well.

Growth & Looking Forward

Brandon:

Growth is non-negotiable. I know what God has in front of me now, and I’m not willing to risk my future for misaligned relationships.

People either make deposits or withdrawals. If someone is constantly draining you, that affects your marriage, your kids, your calling—everything.

Ashley:

Healthy relationships don’t happen by accident. They’re cultivated with intention, grace, and surrender to God.

Closing

Brandon:

Re-evaluate your circle. You don’t need a bunch of people around you—you need the right people.

Ashley:

People who encourage you. Pray for you. Show up for you.

Brandon:

Thanks for riding with us. Check the show notes—we’ll link our church and Pastor Kim. We love y’all, and we’ll see you next time.

Both:

Peace.