Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of God: A Conversation with Tom Russell
Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of God: A Conversation with Tom Russell
What happens when we begin to see ourselves—not through the wounds of our past or the opinions of others—but through the eyes of God?
In this special episode of the Kingdom Corner Podcast, Matt reconnects with Tom Russell, an old Sunday school and youth-group friend from Lexington, Ohio. Matt remembers Tom as the young man who was always laughing, telling jokes, and bringing life into the room. But behind that humor was a deeper story that would eventually help shape Tom’s calling.
Tom shares his journey from public-school teacher to Christian counselor, including the years of preparation, perseverance, and faith that led to the founding of Heritage Christian Counseling of Mansfield. He also discusses the faithful partnership of his wife, Kathy, and the people who encouraged and mentored him along the way.
The conversation centers on Tom’s book:
Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of God: A Weekly Devotional for Improving Self-Esteem
This devotional combines Scripture, prayer, meditation, and journaling to help readers replace distorted beliefs about themselves with the truth of how deeply they are known and loved by God.
In this conversation, Matt and Tom explore:
- How childhood experiences influence the way we see ourselves
- Why humor can sometimes become a form of protection
- The difference between healthy self-esteem and pride
- Why dying to self does not mean believing we have no value
- Common lies such as “I’m not good enough” and “I don’t deserve anything good”
- How guilt and shame can interrupt relationships and everyday life
- The importance of meditating on Scripture rather than merely memorizing it
- Why Christian counselors also need trusted counselors and mentors
- How discovering our identity as children of the King frees us to pursue God’s purposes
Tom expresses his central hope for readers simply and powerfully: that they will draw closer to God and recognize that they are not constantly “in trouble” with Him. God is not waiting to crush them. He genuinely loves them.
Matt also shares how journaling has influenced his own life and recommends Tom’s weekly devotional as an excellent starting place for anyone who wants to begin journaling with Scripture.
Find Tom’s Book
Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of God: A Weekly Devotional for Improving Self-Esteem is available through:
- WestBow Press
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
Contact Tom Russell
Heritage Christian Counseling of Mansfield
1066 Lexington Ave.
Mansfield, Ohio 44907
Email: Tom.hccm@gmail.com
Office phone: 419-709-8447
Tom and Heritage Christian Counseling are also developing virtual counseling services. Contact the office directly for current information and availability.
This is a conversation about identity, healing, perseverance, calling, and legacy. When we learn to see ourselves through the eyes of God, we become free to live as the people He created us to be.
