For Jason Van Ruler, life didn’t unravel all at once, it happened slowly, quietly, in ways many people can relate to.
He grew up in what looked like a stable, Midwestern home, until everything changed.
“I went from this childhood that was pretty safe and secure… to something that was really insecure and unsafe”
That shift left a mark. Like many who experience early instability, Jason made a promise to himself: "I’ll never live like that."
But years later, he found himself doing exactly what he swore he wouldn’t.
“I’d dropped out of school, I’m drinking… I’m living in an apartment I can’t afford… and I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and realized, everything I swore-off I became.”
Hear the entire conversation between Crystal Thornton and Jason Van Ruler in the podcast below
From Broken Patterns To God’s Redemption: How One Man’s Story Is Helping Others Heal
A Moment That Changed Everything
It wasn’t a dramatic turning point. It was a quiet, honest moment, one that many would recognize.
Standing in front of that mirror, Jason came face to face with truth.
And in that moment, he says God met him there.
“I had this profound realization… a God moment where God said, ‘The good news is we can do it together. It can be different’”
That message didn’t instantly fix everything, but it planted something deeper: hope.
When Faith Becomes Real
Jason had known about God since childhood. Like many, he had responded at church camp, said the right words, but admits it wasn’t yet personal.
Real faith came later… through pain, questions, and honesty.
“I was angry at God… unsure… but what I realized is I was more guarded than open. I had shut God out instead of letting Him in."
Everything changed when he chose to open that door.
After his turning point, he made a public declaration of faith, being baptized in the Missouri River.
“I decided I’m going to leave some things behind… and let this water wash me clean.”
Redeemed for a Purpose
Today, Jason is a psychotherapist, author, and speaker, but he sees his work through a deeply personal lens.
“I get to be the person I needed.”
It’s a powerful reminder: God doesn’t waste pain. He redeems it.
The struggles Jason once faced, broken relationships, confusion, emotional wounds, have now become the very places where he helps others heal.
Why So Many of Us Feel Misunderstood
Through his work, Jason has identified something many people experience but struggle to articulate: disconnection.
“We all know what we mean… but there’s a difference between what you meant and how it landed.”
It’s one of the biggest reasons relationships break down.
Not because people don’t care, but because they don’t feel seen or heard.
And in a world filled with constant digital connection, real connection has become harder than ever.
“Relationships have just gotten really hard… it’s easier not to have them than to have them.”
A Simple but Powerful Step Forward
For anyone feeling stuck, repeating patterns, avoiding hard conversations, or wondering if change is even possible, Jason offers a simple place to start:
“Talk to God about that… give Him the raw version… not the polished version.”
And then, take one small step toward truth.
“Tell the truth in a way that makes you a little uncomfortable.”
Because healing doesn’t usually begin with a breakthrough, it begins with honesty.
You Are Not Alone
At the heart of Jason’s message is something deeply encouraging:
“I think it’s possible to be seen, heard, and understood, and I think God wants that for you.”
That truth speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt overlooked, misunderstood, or alone.
Because the same God who met Jason in his lowest moment… is still meeting people right where they are today.
To learn more about Jason Van Ruler and his book Discovering Your Communication Type, visit jasonvr.com or follow him on Instagram at @jason.vanruler for practical, everyday insights.
I’m Crystal Thornton, and this is God Stories, where every story points back to the One who changes everything.