Lifted to Hope: Recent Episodes
Louise Sedgwick
Trying to make sense of God’s design for our lives and our day-to-day experience in a sinful world can be confusing and lonely. Join me, Louise Sedgwick, an author, teacher, and survivor of childhood trauma each Tuesday as I share insights about my own healing journey as well as hearing stories from friends and experts that will inspire you. Here you will discover the hope you’ve been craving. If you’re ready to experience true freedom from the past and finally connect with others and God, I’ve saved a seat for you.
When we come to know Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit begins a transforming work in us. The change is complete, but learning to believe and live in the truth of who we are in Christ can take time. My guest, Jason Castleberry, experienced this transformation firsthand. After military service left him carrying deep shame, PTSD, depression, and regret, Jason could have remained trapped in isolation and despair. Instead, God pursued him, rescued him, and began bringing him back to life.
In this second episode, Jason shares the dramatic difference Jesus has made in his life. The heaviness and despair that once defined his days gave way to hope, joy, purpose, and freedom. His own healing awakened a desire to tell others what Jesus can do when life feels impossibly dark, eventually leading him into pastoral ministry. Jason's story is a powerful picture of Colossians 1:13 and a reminder that God can rescue us from darkness and bring us into the freedom and hope found in Christ.
Connect with Jason:
https://www.facebook.com/jason.castleberry.2025/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castleberry-96b80394/
https://x.com/Pbcpastor24
To connect with Jason through his church:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505
https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is Jason Castleberry, whose life was forever changed by the realities of war. Before becoming a pastor, Jason served in the military as a UAV (drone) operator, witnessing the devastation of conflict from a perspective that left deep emotional scars. After returning home from deployment, he struggled to function in everyday life and was diagnosed with PTSD and depression. When his hopes of continuing his military career came to an unexpected end, he was overwhelmed by shame, regret, and the painful question of how to move forward.
In this episode, Jason courageously shares the impact of trauma on his mind, heart, and identity. The horrors of war left him feeling broken and uncertain about his future, but God had not abandoned him. As Jason came to know Jesus more deeply, he began a journey of healing, restoration, and renewed purpose. His story offers hope to anyone carrying the invisible wounds of trauma, reminding us that no pain is beyond the reach of God's grace and redeeming love.
Connect with Jason:
https://www.facebook.com/jason.castleberry.2025/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castleberry-96b80394/
https://x.com/Pbcpastor24
To connect with Jason through his church:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505
https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Krystal O'Neal returns this week to continue sharing her journey of finding freedom in Christ after years of wrestling with unmet expectations. As a single woman, she learned that true peace was not found in changing her circumstances but in surrendering them to God. Through His personal care, unfailing love, and perfect sovereignty, Krystal gradually came to believe that her relationship status did not define her identity or determine her worth. God gently replaced comparison and self-condemnation with confidence in His goodness and His plans for her life.
In this episode, Krystal shares how surrender transformed her perspective and gave her the freedom to embrace the life God had given her. Her story is filled with wisdom and encouragement for anyone who has struggled with waiting, disappointment, or wondering whether God's plans are truly good. Whether you are single, married, or in another season of life, Krystal's testimony is a beautiful reminder that lasting hope is found in trusting Christ and resting in His faithful love.
Connect with Krystal: https://linktr.ee/FearfullyMadeFaithfullySingle
https://www.facebook.com/krystalwoneal/
https://www.instagram.com/krystaloneal/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author and podcaster Krystal O'Neal. Raised in a loving, healthy Christian home by parents who faithfully pointed her to Jesus, Krystal expected her life would naturally follow a familiar path. She assumed she would one day marry and become a mother, just as many around her had. But when those hopes remained unfulfilled, unexpected questions surfaced. Was something wrong with her? Had she somehow failed? In this episode, Krystal shares with honesty and vulnerability about the shame, loneliness, and confusion she experienced as a single woman in the Christian community.
As Krystal wrestled with unmet expectations, God gently invited her to anchor her identity in His love rather than in her relationship status. Learning to trust His timing and purposes became a journey of surrender, freedom, and deeper intimacy with Christ. Her story offers hope to anyone whose life has not unfolded as they imagined, reminding us that our worth is not defined by the roles we hold but by the God who calls us His own.
Connect with Krystal: https://linktr.ee/FearfullyMadeFaithfullySingle
https://www.facebook.com/krystalwoneal/
https://www.instagram.com/krystaloneal/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week, I begin a new podcast series called Symptoms of Shame with a solo teaching episode. Often, we don't recognize that our unhealthy behaviors, destructive thought patterns, or emotional struggles are rooted in wounds we have never fully addressed. We may dismiss them as personality traits or simply "the way we've always been." But many of these patterns are actually symptoms of shame. In this episode, I explore how identifying those symptoms and inviting God to heal the deeper hurts beneath them opens the door to lasting transformation.
As I launch this new series, I also take a moment to reflect on a special milestone. This summer marks four years since the beginning of this podcast journey. I am deeply grateful for God's faithful presence every step of the way and for each of you who has listened, encouraged others, and prayed for this ministry. In the coming weeks, you'll hear powerful stories from guests whose lives have been transformed as God healed the shame beneath their struggles. My prayer is that these conversations will strengthen your faith and remind you that God is able to restore your soul.
Links Mentioned:
Lifted from Shame
Lifted from Shame workbook
Registration for Workbook Small Groups
Scripture mentioned:
Psalm 25:20
Psalm 3:3
Isaiah 54:4
Book: "Getting Them Sober"
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Marilyn Johnson returns this week to continue sharing the story of God's healing work in her life. Today she serves alongside her husband in church leadership in England and is the founder of At the Well Ministries, where she encourages others with the hope she has found in Christ. Out of her own journey of restoration, Marilyn wrote Divine Revelation: The Ten Ways God Heals, offering practical and biblical insight into the ways God restores hearts that have been wounded by sin, loss, and brokenness.
In this episode, Marilyn shares some of the life-changing truths from her book, explaining how God uses prayer, His Word, healthy relationships in the body of Christ, wisdom, and other means of grace to bring lasting healing. Her message is one of hope, reminding us that God is faithful to restore those who trust Him and that healing is a journey He lovingly walks with us. I believe Marilyn's wisdom and testimony will encourage your heart and strengthen your confidence in God's ability to make all things new.
Connect with Marilyn: https://www.marilynjauthor.com/
Her Book: Divine Restoration: The Ten Ways God Heals
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GVDQF5V4
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author, speaker, and ministry founder Marilyn Johnson, who joins me from England to share her remarkable story of healing and faith. Marilyn's book, Divine Revelation: The Ten Ways God Heals, was born out of her own journey of restoration. In this first episode, she recounts the difficult experience of becoming pregnant at age eighteen by a man in his thirties who abandoned her. Alone, frightened, and facing judgment from her church, Marilyn found little support from those around her. Even her parents, struggling with their own limitations, did not know how to help her navigate the crisis.
At one of the darkest moments of her life, Marilyn considered terminating her pregnancy. Yet it was there that God met her in a profound way. He challenged her to trust Him with both her unborn child and her future. Marilyn chose to say yes. That decision marked the beginning of a life-changing journey of intimacy with the God who loved her completely and without reservation. Her story is a beautiful testimony of grace, redemption, and the healing power of God's faithful presence.
Connect with Marilyn: https://www.marilynjauthor.com/
Her Book: Divine Restoration: The Ten Ways God Heals
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GVDQF5V4
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
When my friend Mags Ohmes became part of a grace-based church community, her healing journey took a significant turn. Through support groups and authentic relationships, she encountered the safety, love, and acceptance she had long needed. For the first time, she was able to bring painful struggles into the light without fear of rejection. As she joined ministry teams and developed close friendships with trusted brothers and sisters in Christ, she experienced the kind of encouragement and affirmation that helped reshape how she viewed herself. Slowly, the shame she had carried for years began to lose its hold.
In this episode, Mags shares how healthy community became one of God's tools for healing in her life. She also talks about the transforming power of gratitude and how learning to focus on God's goodness shifted her perspective from shame and hopelessness to grace and hope. Through the support of loving friends and a growing awareness of God's faithfulness, Mags learned that she was worthy of love and acceptance. Her story is a beautiful testimony to the healing that can happen when we allow God and His people to speak truth into our lives.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is my sweet friend, Mags Ohmes, who joins me to share the first part of her story. Mags grew up in a beautiful setting in Wisconsin and treasures many happy memories from her early childhood, especially those spent with her siblings. Yet beneath those good memories, her parents carried their own unresolved brokenness into family life. While they loved their children, they were unable to teach many of the relational and life skills Mags would later need. As she entered adulthood, those gaps contributed to unhealthy patterns and choices that brought significant pain and heartache.
Everything began to change when Mags met friends in college who knew and loved Jesus. She saw something different in their lives, something authentic and compelling that drew her heart toward Him. As she came to know Christ for herself, a new journey began. God started the work of healing the wounds of her past, teaching her healthier ways to live and relate to others. Mags's story is a beautiful reminder that God can redeem even the places where we feel most unprepared and lead us into wholeness and hope.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
When a son or daughter is caught in addiction, parents often discover that the loving responses that worked in earlier years are no longer effective. In this week's episode, Kim and Michelle Humphrey return to share what happened after they found support through PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones). As they connected with other parents facing similar struggles, they began to realize they were not alone. That simple truth became a turning point in their journey. Through PAL, they gained a deeper understanding of addiction and learned that healthy parental love often looks different when a teen or adult child is dependent on drugs.
As Kim and Michelle grew in wisdom, support, and encouragement, they began to heal even while their sons continued to struggle. Instead of being controlled by fear, guilt, and isolation, they learned how to establish healthier responses and trust God with what they could not control. Dawn began to break through the darkness. Today, Kim serves as Executive Director of PAL, and together he and Michelle help other families find the same hope and healing they experienced. Their story is a powerful reminder that parents can move toward health and freedom, even in the midst of a loved one's addiction.
Connect with Kim and Michelle:
https://palforward.palgroup.org/who-is-pal/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/229449267401069/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Many parents faithfully love, guide, and invest in their children, yet still find themselves facing challenges they never imagined. My guests for this and next week's podcast episodes, Kim and Michelle Humphrey, were devoted Christian parents who taught their two sons about Jesus, stayed actively involved in church, and warned them about the dangers of drugs. Kim served as a police officer, Michelle as a stay-at-home mom, and together they worked hard to create a loving home. Nothing could have prepared them for the heartbreak of watching both of their sons struggle with drug addiction.
As their sons' addictions deepened, Kim and Michelle experienced not only grief and fear, but also isolation. Others blamed them, and they blamed themselves. Despite doing everything they knew to help, they often felt helpless and alone. Then they discovered PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones), a support group that connected them with other parents walking a similar road. For the first time in years, they found understanding, encouragement, and hope. Their story offers comfort and strength to any parent carrying the burden of a child's destructive choices.
Connect with Kim and Michelle:
https://palforward.palgroup.org/who-is-pal/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/229449267401069/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
When I scheduled these two podcast episodes with my husband, Chuck Sedgwick, I didn't realize the second episode would release during the week of our 44th wedding anniversary. Looking back, we have so much to celebrate because of God's faithfulness to His promises. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion, and our marriage stands as a testimony to that truth. Through the years, Christ has done more in our lives than we could have imagined, bringing healing, growth, and restoration step by step.
In this episode, Chuck shares how God transformed the shame narrative he carried through the gift of trusted friendships with brothers in Christ. As he began building safe and healthy relationships, he slowly came to believe that he was worthy of love, connection, and belonging. Those friendships helped him see himself more accurately and challenged the deep feelings of inadequacy he had long believed. I have had the privilege of watching this healing unfold firsthand, and I believe Chuck's story will deeply encourage anyone longing for freedom from shame and the healing power of authentic Christian community.
Scripture mentioned:
2 Peter 3:18
Romans 5:1
Hebrews 4:1
Ephesians 2:1-4
Colossians 1:27
Proverbs 3:5
Psalm 34:8
Psalm 27:10
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
I have been deeply blessed by the many guests who have courageously shared their stories on this podcast, but these next two episodes are especially meaningful to me. My husband of 44 years, Chuck Sedgwick, joins me to share part of his own healing journey as we continue this series on God's Tools for Healing Shame. Though I did not witness the struggles of his childhood firsthand, I experienced the impact those early wounds had on his life, just as he experienced the effects of mine. I have also had the privilege of watching God faithfully restore him step by step through the years.
In this week's episode, Chuck opens up about growing up with a father who was emotionally and physically absent for much of his childhood. Without a healthy model of manhood or connection, he was left searching for identity and direction. Everything began to change when he came to know Jesus as a teenager. Through Christ, Chuck discovered love, belonging, and a new path forward. His story is a beautiful reminder that God meets us in our broken places and patiently brings healing and growth over time.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Tina Slaughter returns this week to share how God led her out of the exhausting cycle of perfectionism and performance and into the beauty of living in His presence. After years of striving to earn approval and value through achievement, Tina longed for something deeper. She wanted true intimacy with God. Through slow and intentional steps of spending time with Him, her relationship with the Lord began to grow in ways that transformed her heart and mind.
In this episode, Tina talks about how a wilderness season deepened her dependence on God and awakened in her a passion for His presence. What began as a desire for freedom became a lifestyle of closeness with Him, often spending hours in prayer and communion with God each morning. Now Tina shares that hope and encouragement with others, helping them discover the peace, purpose, and joy that come from walking closely with the Lord.
Connect with Tina:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.slaughter.2025
Tina's book, The Nearness of God
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Performance and perfectionism can look admirable on the outside, but they often hide a deep longing for approval, belonging, and worth. My guest for this and next week's episodes is author, teacher, and Christian life coach Tina Slaughter, who shares how this pattern shaped her life from a young age. As a high achiever, Tina believed that if she could just get everything right, she would finally feel secure and accepted. Instead, the pressure to perform left her feeling alone, unknown, and driven by shame.
When Tina came to the end of herself, she did something different. She surrendered. In this episode, she shares how God gently began to earn her trust, teaching her to release striving and rest in His love. Through that process, she discovered that freedom was not found in perfection, but in allowing God to meet the deepest needs of her heart. Her story is a powerful invitation to step out of performance and into the peace that comes from trusting Him.
Connect with Tina:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.slaughter.2025
Tina's book, The Nearness of God
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Terrie Tollerson returns this week to continue sharing her powerful story of healing after escaping an abusive marriage to a pastor. She describes her experience as living through an "unnatural disaster," one that brought deep destruction to her life and the lives of her children. After fleeing to safety, recovery did not happen overnight. It was a long and difficult journey marked by survival, grief, and the slow rebuilding of what had been broken.
Through that process, God began to restore Terrie's soul. The very Scriptures that had once been distorted and used against her became a source of truth, comfort, and life. As she spent time in God's Word, she came to understand His true heart for her and discovered that she was cherished and cared for by Him. Today, Terrie shares that same hope with other women who have experienced their own "unnatural disasters," pointing them to the healing power of God's truth.
Connect with Terrie: www.terrietollerson.com
Facebook: Unseen No More
Instagram: @TerrieTollerson
TikTok: @terrie.tollerson
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author, teacher, and soon-to-be podcaster Terrie Tollerson. Terrie came to faith in Jesus at a young age and later met the man she believed she would serve alongside in ministry. After marrying a pastor, she looked forward to building a life centered on Christ. But soon after the wedding, the reality of his sexual addiction surfaced. What she had learned from Scripture as a child became twisted through his manipulation, leaving her confused, trapped, and unsure of what it truly meant to be a faithful Christian wife and mother.
As the abuse and addiction escalated, Terrie carried deep shame, believing she was somehow responsible for her husband's behavior. With no clear place to turn, she endured increasing harm until she made the courageous decision to escape with her children to find safety. In this episode, Terrie begins to share her story with honesty and vulnerability. Her journey reveals the devastating impact of spiritual distortion and the first steps of trusting God to begin again.
Connect with Terrie: www.terrietollerson.com
Facebook: Unseen No More
Instagram: @TerrieTollerson
TikTok: @terrie.tollerson
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Healing from shame is not something we can accomplish on our own. It is a slow, daily journey that requires the supernatural work of God in our hearts. In this episode, I begin a new series on God's Tools for Healing Shame by sharing part of my own story. Learning to live in the power of the cross and resurrection moved me forward in profound ways, but God did not stop there. He continued to use practical, life-giving tools to transform my thinking and restore my heart.
Through His Word, I was taught truth that replaced the lies I believed about myself. Worship and gratitude shifted my focus away from shame and back to God's goodness. The encouragement and presence of the body of Christ strengthened me when I felt weak. And through it all, God's grace helped me trust Him with my life. In this episode, I share how these tools became part of my healing journey and how they can help bring freedom and transformation to yours as well.
Links Mentioned:
Receiving God's Forgiveness https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/47
Forgiving Ourselves https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/50
Forgiving Others https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/53
Confession of Sin https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/44
Repentance https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/74
The Holy Spirit's Work in Us https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/19-grxrx
Scripture Mentioned:
Isaiah 53:4-5
John 17:17
Hebrews 4:12
Psalm 119:105
John 13:35
Hebrews 3:13
Hebrews 10:24-25
Ephesians 4:29
Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
Psalm 16:11
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
"Forgive, and you will be forgiven." In Luke 6:37, the word forgive can also mean "release." When we hold onto unforgiveness, waiting for a debt to be repaid, it binds us in ways we often don't realize. But when we release others, even without apology or acknowledgment, we ourselves are set free. This truth becomes deeply personal in this week's episode as Jason Ellis, LMFT, returns to share more of his journey.
Jason experienced repeated abandonment by the men who were meant to care for him, including his birth father, stepfather, and others who had promised to guide him. The pain could have led him down a destructive path, but by God's grace, he chose forgiveness. In doing so, he found healing, freedom, and a new way of living. Today, Jason partners with God as a wounded healer, staying present with those he loves and helping others experience the same mercy and grace that transformed his life. His story is a powerful reminder that forgiveness releases us and opens the door to lasting healing.
Connect with Jason: https://therosemarytree.org/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week, I'm joined by my dear friend Jason Ellis, LMFT, as we begin a meaningful conversation to close out this series on shame and abandonment. Jason and I spent many years serving together in ministry, walking through both joyful and difficult seasons side by side. I have had the privilege of witnessing his healing journey up close as he faced the deep wounds left by the very men who were meant to love and protect him.
Growing up, Jason knew the pain of waiting for a father who never showed up, followed by the disappointment of a stepfather who also let him down. Those experiences left him questioning his worth and wondering if any father would truly value him. In this episode, Jason shares the beginning of his story, including the profound turning point when he came to know Jesus and discovered that he had been adopted by a perfect Father. It is a powerful testimony of God's grace and the healing that begins when we understand we are fully loved and never abandoned by Him.
Connect with Jason: https://therosemarytree.org/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Author and New Zealander Carolyn Deck returns this week to share the rest of her story and how God brought purpose out of her painful past. After a turbulent childhood marked by neglect and abandonment, Carolyn could have remained stuck in the patterns and wounds of her early years. Instead, through coming to know and trust God, she began a journey of healing that included forgiveness and the courage to make healthy, life-giving choices.
In this episode, Carolyn reflects on how even her years working as a travel agent became part of God's greater plan, shaping the message of her life and her book, Above the Turbulence. What once threatened to keep her grounded became the very place from which she learned to rise. Her story is a powerful testimony of God's grace, showing how He can redeem the hardest beginnings and lead us into purpose, freedom, and hope.
Connect with Carolyn:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.deck
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyn.deck/
Links Mentioned:
Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kold, MD
Carolyn's books:
Above the Turbulence: Your Ticket Out of Pain to Purpose
Christian Marriage: Devotionals From Both Perspectives (Christian Devotional Collaborations)
All proceeds from Carolyn's book goes to the ministry, Faces with Names.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k4MriY50rQ
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week I'm joined by New Zealander and author Carolyn Deck, who begins sharing her story of growing up in a home shaped by brokenness and neglect. With an alcoholic mother and an absent father, Carolyn learned early to fend for herself. Instead of being nurtured, she found herself caring for her mother while her own needs went unmet. The message she absorbed from her chaotic childhood was painful and persistent. She believed she was unworthy of attention or care because her parents consistently chose themselves over her.
As a teenager, Carolyn received the opportunity to travel to the United States as a foreign exchange student and lived with a loving family in Kansas. For the first time, she witnessed what a healthy family could look like, and hope began to grow in her heart. During that time, she also sensed God speaking gently to her, assuring her that He saw her and would meet her needs. But when Carolyn returned to New Zealand, the welcome she longed for never came. Instead, she faced another painful experience of abandonment that would shape the next chapter of her journey.
Connect with Carolyn:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.deck
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyn.deck/
Links Mentioned:
Carolyn's books:
Above the Turbulence: Your Ticket Out of Pain to Purpose
Christian Marriage: Devotionals From Both Perspectives (Christian Devotional Collaborations)
All proceeds from Carolyn's book goes to the ministry, Faces with Names.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k4MriY50rQ
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Cathy Taylor, founder of Hurting Moms, Mending Hearts, returns this week to share more about the healing journey for parents whose relationships with their children have been fractured by painful choices. When sin brings brokenness into a family, the sorrow can feel overwhelming and the path forward unclear. In this conversation, Cathy speaks honestly about the process of learning to trust God in the midst of relational strain and uncertainty.
Through her own experience, Cathy discovered peace by surrendering her daughter and the situation to the Lord, believing that His plans and purposes were greater than the pain she was facing. She also highlights the importance of safe, grace-filled community where hurting parents can find encouragement and support in Christ. This episode offers practical wisdom and renewed hope for anyone walking through the heartache of strained family relationships, reminding us that God is greater than sin and faithful to bring healing.
Connect with Cathy: https://hurtingmomsmendinghearts.org/
Hurting Moms, Mending Hearts Facebook page
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
When teens or adult children act out or choose estrangement, the pain can feel unbearable. The shame that follows often drives parents into isolation, whispering that no one else could possibly understand. Many fear others will assume the broken relationship is their fault. In this series on Shame and Abandonment, I invited Cathy Taylor, founder of Hurting Moms, Mending Hearts, to share her story because this silent suffering is more common than we realize.
When Cathy's daughter struggled with addiction and destructive behaviors, her world unraveled. The heartbreak and shame drove her back to Jesus, where she found comfort, strength, and renewed hope. Out of her sorrow grew a longing to connect with other mothers walking the same road. What began as personal pain became a ministry devoted to bringing hurting moms out of hiding and into healing. Cathy's story is a tender reminder that even in seasons of estrangement and deep grief, God is still at work.
Connect with Cathy: https://hurtingmomsmendinghearts.org/
Hurting Moms, Mending Hearts Facebook page
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this week's episode, I'm joined again by Robin Taylor, who shares a powerful perspective that has shaped both her healing journey and her ministry: "If a flower doesn't bloom, don't blame the flower. Change the flower's environment." Growing up surrounded by domestic violence and rejection led her to believe she was unworthy of love and commitment. Those early wounds deeply impacted how she viewed herself and her relationships, reinforcing shame and insecurity that followed her into adulthood. But her story did not end there.
Robin recounts how coming to know God as her Ideal Parent transformed her understanding of her worth and identity. Through His relentless pursuit and tender care, the broken places in her heart began to mend, and shame started to lose its grip. Today, she carries that same hope to others who feel rejected or abandoned, pointing them toward the relational healing found in both healthy community and God's faithful love. Her testimony is honest, redemptive, and deeply encouraging for anyone longing to believe they are truly valued.
Connect with Robin: https://Robin@timetobloom.online/
Standard "Our Time to Bloom" Membership:
- Sunday Morning "Princess with a Crooked Crown" Live broadcast via the app (8am EST, then available as a recording)
- Monday's Morning Cup of Grace Devotional
- Community membership and posts
Premium "Our Time to Bloom" Membership
- Everything above
- God's Design: Domestic Violence Recovery Class
- 4 pre-recorded video lessons
- Workbook
-
30 day follow up journal
-
4 live Q and A sessions a month ( available recorded if missed)
- Messaging
The "standard" membership is $10.95 per month
The Premium membership that includes the recovery course is $79
I am giving away 5 of these for your listeners with the code: BRFREE
The link for the free code is https://withme.so/mytimetobloom?promo_code=BRFREE
The link for the app itself is:
https://withme.so/mytimetobloom
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is Robin Taylor, LCSW, who shares the painful beginnings of her story. Rejected by her father and merely tolerated by her mother, Robin grew up longing for love, attention, and acceptance. Without a clear sense of her worth, she moved from one unhealthy relationship to another, giving her heart to people who brought harm instead of care. Violence, cruelty, and unkindness left deep wounds, and true healing seemed out of reach.
Everything began to change when Robin encountered Jesus. Even then, the journey toward understanding her value and learning healthy patterns took time. Through every step, God was quietly at work, bringing transformation, restoration, and redemption. Robin's story is a powerful reminder that our worth is not defined by how others treat us, but by the love God has for us.
Connect with Robin: https://Robin@timetobloom.online/
Standard "Our Time to Bloom" Membership:
- Sunday Morning "Princess with a Crooked Crown" Live broadcast via the app (8am EST, then available as a recording)
- Monday's Morning Cup of Grace Devotional
- Community membership and posts
Premium "Our Time to Bloom" Membership
- Everything above
- God's Design: Domestic Violence Recovery Class
- 4 pre-recorded video lessons
- Workbook
-
30 day follow up journal
-
4 live Q and A sessions a month ( available recorded if missed)
- Messaging
The "standard" membership is $10.95 per month
The Premium membership that includes the recovery course is $79
I am giving away 5 of these for your listeners with the code: BRFREE
The link for the free code is https://withme.so/mytimetobloom?promo_code=BRFREE
The link for the app itself is:
https://withme.so/mytimetobloom
Scripture Mentioned: 2 Timothy 3:6
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Casandra Morgan's high school sweetheart and the father of her son eventually walked away from her, leaving her to face life as a single mother struggling to survive emotionally, relationally, and financially. The loss was devastating, especially after dreaming of a happily ever after that never came. Yet in the midst of abandonment, God met Casandra with His grace and became her faithful provider and protector.
As she chose to walk in God's ways, step by step, He proved Himself true. A loving church family surrounded Casandra and her son, offering support, growth, and spiritual formation. Through that community, her faith deepened, her strength grew, and her life became a blessing to others. This episode is a beautiful story of redemption, showing how God can love someone back to life and build something new from what was broken.
Connect with Cassandra:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveMe2LifeMinistries/about
Links Mentioned:
Book "Cultivating Holy Beauty" by Jessica North
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is Casandra Morgan, a self-professed military brat who shares the beginning of her deeply personal story. As a teenager, Casandra finally found a sense of belonging when she arrived at a new high school and made close friends, including a young man who quickly became her sweetheart. When his family received orders to move across the world, she assumed their relationship was over. Years later, they unexpectedly reconnected as young adults, stepping back into a relationship without realizing they were not yet ready for the weight of commitment.
Pregnancy brought reality sharply into focus, and Casandra's fairy tale quickly unraveled. Dark days followed, filled with heartbreak and uncertainty. Yet even in the depths of her pain, Jesus was present, holding her up and carrying her through. In this episode, Casandra begins sharing how God met her in her brokenness and how His grace became her rescue.
Connect with Cassandra:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveMe2LifeMinistries/about
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Matthew Summit returns this week to share the powerful story of how God faithfully provided for him after his biological father abandoned him as a preschooler. Though that loss could have defined his life, God stepped in with remarkable relational provision. A man who adopted Matthew, along with a devoted youth pastor, invested deeply in him, modeling healthy manhood and committing to him for the long haul. Through their presence, and through the steady love of his mother and wife, Matthew began to experience healing and restoration.
In this episode, Matthew also shares how forgiving his biological father brought freedom and release to his heart. His journey is a beautiful reminder that while earthly relationships may fail, God never abandons His children. Today, Matthew serves as a youth pastor himself, offering the same faithful care to young people that was once given to him. His story is one that leads us to worship our good, good Father.
Connect with Matthew:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093839421655
Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/chartinglife/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
What happens when expectations are placed on you before you even understand who you are? In this episode, Matthew shares how the weight of expectation followed him from preschool into his early years. Instead of processing his emotions, he learned to tuck them away into what he calls his "junk drawer," a place where unresolved feelings are stored when you do not know what to do with them.
As a teenager, Matthew's story began to shift. When his faith became his own rather than something handed to him, the healing process started. He reflects on identity, emotional suppression, and the journey toward healing that comes with self awareness and personal faith.
Connect with Matthew:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093839421655
Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/chartinglife/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In today's episode, I begin a new series exploring the deep and often hidden experience of shame that can grow out of abandonment. I share parts of my own story of being abandoned by my parents and other family members, and how that loss shaped my identity, relationships, and sense of worth. The effects of abandonment can linger quietly for years, influencing how we see ourselves and God.
In this honest and personal conversation, I also share how God met me in my brokenness. Through His compassion and faithfulness, He began the work of healing my heart and freeing me from the shame I carried for so long. My hope is that this episode offers understanding, hope, and the assurance that restoration is possible, even after deep abandonment.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
For Workbook Small Groups, contact Louise at:
https://www.louisesedgwick.com/zoomsmallgroups
Scriptures mentioned:
Genesis 2:18
Romans 12:18
Hebrews 13:5
Matthew 28:20
I John 3:1
Romans 8:15
Romans 1:6
Revelation 19:7
Romans 6:5
John 14:20
I Corinthians 6:19
John 15:15
Revelation 3:20
Romans 12:5
Choosing to trust again after being wounded takes courage, yet for some, that trust is met with harm more than once. This was the painful reality for my guest, author Charlaine Martin, and her first husband, Don. After experiencing spiritual abuse in their very first church assignment, they later faced it again further along in Don's pastoral career. The repeated betrayal left deep wounds of hurt and shame, made even heavier by the silence and inaction of denominational leaders who should have offered support and protection.
In this episode, Charlaine shares how the path to healing did not come easily, and how forgiveness became the doorway to release, restoration, and freedom. Her story speaks to the resilience of faith, the cost of misplaced trust, and the redemptive power of choosing love even after profound disappointment.
Connect with Charlaine: https://charlainemartin.com
Charlaine's book: Twice Blessed
Links Mentioned:
Peacemakers Ministries, Ken Sande
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Many who enter full-time Christian ministry expect hardship, but few anticipate the depth of disappointment, betrayal, and criticism that can come from within the church itself. For some, the wounds go even deeper, resulting in spiritual abuse by those entrusted with oversight and care. These experiences have led many faithful servants to quietly step away from ministry, carrying grief they never expected.
In this week's episode, Charlaine Martin joins me to share the first part of her story. As a pastor's wife, Charlaine faithfully served alongside her husband in small rural churches for many years. In this conversation, she recounts the painful experience of spiritual abuse they endured in their very first church assignment. Her story sheds light on a hidden struggle faced by many in ministry and opens the door to hope, healing, and truth.
Connect with Charlaine: https://charlainemartin.com
Charlaine's book: Twice Blessed
Links Mentioned:
Peacemakers Ministries, Ken Sande
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
The miracle of God's grace is that He is never hindered by the walls we build or the shame we carry. Even when our hearts feel locked away, He faithfully creates safe places for us to risk drawing near to Him. Through His Word and His presence, He reveals Himself as the God who heals, restores, and frees us from the burdens we were never meant to carry.
This week, therapist and advocate Tanyka Abbott, LCSW, returns to the podcast to share how God gently earned her trust after the trauma of sexual and spiritual abuse. In this powerful conversation, Tanyka describes the slow, holy journey of learning to forgive, releasing shame, and embracing God's peace. She also shares how the freedom she found in Christ allowed her to meet with her abusers and extend grace with miraculous outcomes.
Scripture mentioned: Genesis 50:20
Connect with Tanyka: https://tanykaabbott.com/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
My guest this week, Tanyka Abbott, LCSW, bravely shares how years of sexual and spiritual abuse drove her into hiding. After being date raped twice by a pastor, she carried the shame that never belonged to her. Those who violated her were relieved to let her hold the weight of their wrongdoing, and Tanyka convinced herself that staying silent was the only way to stay safe.
In this episode, she begins opening the door to her story, revealing how secrecy shaped her life, how shame distorted her identity, and how the long road toward healing is unfolding. Her honesty is both heartbreaking and deeply hopeful, and I pray her voice brings clarity and courage to those who have suffered in similar ways.
Connect with Tanyka: https://tanykaabbott.com/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
One of the most damaging impacts of any kind of abuse, including spiritual abuse, is the belief that we somehow deserved it. We can become convinced that the mistreatment was our fault, that our past experiences justify it, and that those who harmed us must be right in their assessments. Spiritual abusers are skilled at exploiting insecurity. Their words can sound logical, even righteous, while quietly destroying confidence and identity.
In this week's episode, Josh Patterson returns to share more of his story. When he faced spiritual abuse within the church where he served, he had no one who stepped in to protect him. The mistreatment continued until he finally resigned. The condemning words spoken over him lingered long after, creating deep doubts about his calling and even God's love for him. Eventually, the weight of the harm pushed him out of ministry entirely. Josh opens up about this painful part of his journey and how healing is slowly finding its way back into his life.
Connect with Josh:
Josh Patterson's podcast:
https://www.joshuagpatterson.com/rethinking-faith
Scripture mentioned: Proverbs 6:10-19
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week, I'm joined by podcaster Josh Patterson, who courageously shares the first part of his story while still in the middle of the struggle. Josh has experienced spiritual abuse twice at the hands of church leadership. The first wound came as a teenager when his family was shunned from their church. Years later, it happened again while he was serving on pastoral staff. These experiences left deep marks, and Josh is still walking the long road of recovery.
I am grateful for his willingness to speak while the story is still unfolding. Nothing is tied up neatly, justice has not yet arrived, and the pain is still being worked through. Yet Josh is confident that God has not stopped working. In this episode, he shares what happened and how these experiences have shaped his life. His honesty invites us into the reality of healing in progress, where faith meets ongoing hurt and hope remains alive.
Connect with Josh:
Josh Patterson's podcast:
https://www.joshuagpatterson.com/rethinking-faith
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week, Dr. Ryan Mullins, lecturer at the University of Lucerne, returns to share the next chapter of his story. After years of enduring deception and manipulation from his doctoral supervisor, Ryan came to recognize the spiritual abuse that had taken place. With great courage, he reported the truth to university authorities, setting in motion a difficult process filled with consequences and painful revelations.
As the lies unraveled, healing slowly began. God's faithfulness sustained Ryan through loss, uncertainty, and the long wait for full vindication. His story is both heartbreaking and deeply hopeful, reminding us that even in the midst of injustice, God is still working to bring truth, redemption, and restoration.
Connect with Dr. Ryan:
Website: https://www.rtmullins.com/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
It can be deeply confusing when someone in spiritual authority—especially a person who claims to follow Christ—uses that position to lie, manipulate, and control. The betrayal cuts even deeper when that person is someone you trusted to guide your growth and development.
This week, Dr. Ryan Mullins, a theologian and professor at the University of Lucerne in Switzerland, shares the first part of his story. During his doctoral studies, Ryan discovered that the supervisor assigned to mentor him was not the man of integrity he appeared to be. As manipulation and dishonesty began to shape his academic journey, Ryan faced difficult questions about truth, trust, and how to respond when those in power misuse their influence. His story offers a window into the realities of spiritual and academic abuse—and the grace that sustains us when truth comes to light.
Connect with Dr. Ryan:
Website: https://www.rtmullins.com/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this week's episode, I begin a new series on spiritual abuse with a solo teaching. I talk about God's true design for spiritual authority and how He intends leaders to serve as under-shepherds who protect, guide, and love His people with humility and integrity. When that design is distorted by pride or control, the result can be deep confusion and pain. Spiritual abuse misrepresents God and can leave lasting wounds in the hearts of those affected.
I also share how we can begin to recognize spiritual abuse for what it is and take the first steps toward healing. My prayer is that this episode brings understanding, hope, and encouragement to anyone who has been hurt by unhealthy leadership or who longs to see God's goodness restored in the place of spiritual harm.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
When the trauma of life feels too heavy to bear, where else can we go but to Jesus? He alone understands the depth of our wounds and the weight of the sins committed against us. This week, Jolie Nabigondo returns to share the extraordinary story of how Christ met her in the aftermath of unthinkable suffering. After surviving the horrors of the Congolese genocide, Jolie's faith was pushed to its breaking point, but God's healing power proved stronger than her pain. Through surrender and forgiveness, He transformed her trauma into a testimony of freedom and redemption.
Now serving in refugee resourcing, Jolie works alongside people from the very tribe that once sought to destroy her. Her ability to love her former enemies is a triumph of the gospel, a powerful reminder that nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17) and nothing is impossible with Him (Luke 1:37). You will be deeply inspired by this conversation about healing, forgiveness, and the unstoppable grace of Jesus.
Connect with Jolie: https://brand.site/HumuraCareCenter
Books mentioned:
How Dare the Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child by Sandra Uwiringiyimana (Author), Abigail Pesta (Author)
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculée Ilibagiza (Author), Steve Erwin (Contributor)
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Most of us can only imagine the horrors of war,, but for many around the world, it is daily reality. Jolie Nabigondo, born and raised in Congo, has lived through what she calls not a war, but a genocide. Like the Holocaust of World War II, the ethnic cleansing in her homeland has taken countless innocent lives and left unimaginable trauma in its wake.
In this week's episode, Jolie courageously shares the first part of her story abou twhat happened when she was captured by those who despised her for how she looked. For nearly a year, she was held in darkness, starved, stripped of dignity, and haunted by what she witnessed. Her story is one of pain, loss, and the struggle to trust God in the midst of deep suffering.
Yet even in the darkest moments, God was not absent. This week, Jolie invites us into the raw reality of her captivity—and next week, she will share how God brought her into profound healing and freedom.
Links Mentioned:
Jolie's mental health clinic: https://brand.site/HumuraCareCenter
Friendly House: Http://friendlyhouse.org
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Family estrangement is becoming more common, often born out of years of unspoken pain and unresolved hurt. When relationships within our families fracture, walking away can feel like the only option. But what does it mean to pursue reconciliation when safety, truth, and forgiveness all hang in the balance?
In this episode, Blanche DiDomenico returns to share the next chapter of her story. After experiencing childhood abuse and neglect, Blanche wrestled with how to honor her parents when they never acknowledged the harm they caused. Through her journey, God revealed what it means to set boundaries, seek healing, and practice honor in a way that reflects His heart.
This powerful conversation invites listeners to consider how grace, truth, and healthy boundaries can coexist—and how God meets us in the tension between forgiveness and self-protection.
Connect with Blanche:
Blanche DiDomenico’s website: https://blanchedidomenico.com/
Blanche’s book: Rise with Purpose: A Biblical Workbook for Building Resilience, Growing in Faith, and Living Your God-given Calling
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
What happens when the ones we long for love and safety from are also the ones who wound us? In this episode, author, podcaster, and nurse Blanche DiDomenico shares the first part of her story. As a Filipino-American, Blanche grew up with a father working overseas for most of her childhood, leaving her mother to wrestle with fears and unresolved struggles. That environment shaped an unsafe childhood—but it did not define Blanche’s future.
Through her story, we see both the pain of broken family dynamics and the surprising ways God’s grace can prepare a life for His purpose. Join us as Blanche opens up with honesty, courage, and hope about navigating love, abuse, and the complicated longing to be seen by the very people who caused harm.
Connect with Blanche:
Website: https://blanchedidomenico.com/
Blanche’s book: Rise with Purpose: A Biblical Workbook for Building Resilience, Growing in Faith, and Living Your God-given Calling
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Unforgiveness can keep us trapped when we hold onto anger and resentment that only deepens our pain. It robs us of peace and keeps old wounds open. This week, Rhonda James Woolard returns to the podcast with a powerful reflection on the miracle of forgiveness. She shares how God gave her the freedom to release bitterness, even toward her stepfather, who never once apologized for the deep harm he caused.
Rhonda’s words, “I had no ill will against my step-dad,” capture the kind of healing that only God can bring. This conversation invites us to consider what forgiveness makes possible in our own lives and how it can transform even the most painful stories into testimonies of grace.
Connect with Rhonda:
Website: www.yourtimetoheal.net
- A Time to Heal: 7 Steps to Healing and Forgiveness after Sexual Abuse and Assault
- A Catalyst Change: God Intervenes During Abuse/Neglect
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com
This week, I’m joined by author, speaker, and certified life coach Rhonda James Woolard, who courageously shares her story of betrayal and abuse. Convinced she was unworthy of love, Rhonda carried deep shame and believed she was to blame for what she endured.
But God had a different story to write. It’s one of restoration, freedom, and healing. In this episode, you’ll hear how Rhonda’s faith carried her through unimaginable pain and how she now helps others discover the same hope and wholeness she found.
Connect with Rhonda:
Website: www.yourtimetoheal.net
A Time to Heal: 7 Steps to Healing and Forgiveness after Sexual Abuse and Assault
A Catalyst Change: God Intervenes During Abuse/Neglect
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week, author Daryl Potter returns to share a powerful story of transformation. For years, he carried a “steel rod” in his heart that looked like strength but felt like anger to those around him. It wasn’t until he experienced love and acceptance from his family that he began to soften—and discovered the challenge of living without that armor.
Daryl also opens up about his daughter’s rare genetic disorder and how it led him to seek real answers from God in the midst of suffering. His journey is raw, tender, and full of grace. Caring for her and walking through that season as a family forced Daryl to seek real answers from God—answers that shaped his faith and his life in lasting ways.
Connect with Daryl:
Website (& Books) www.darylpotter.com
Lifted to Hope, the audiobook is here! If you would be willing to listen to it and write a review for Audible, I can connect you with a free copy.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by author Daryl Potter, whose writing—both fiction and non-fiction—flows deeply from his own life story. In his latest book, Something More: Living Well in a Broken World, Daryl shares how God met him in a profound way, bringing unexpected healing to places he didn’t even realize were broken.
Although Daryl grew up in the church, the neglect and emotional abuse he experienced at home left him carrying a heavy burden of shame. It wasn’t until the unconditional love of an aunt broke through those walls that Daryl began to experience freedom and the tender healing of God’s timing.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that none of us are beyond the reach of God’s love, and that healing often comes through the kindness and care of others.
Listen now to hear Daryl’s story of brokenness, grace, and hope.
And if you’re looking for a safe place to explore your own journey of healing, I’d love to invite you to join one of my Lifted from Shame small groups. You can register on my website.
Connect with Daryl:
Website (& Books) www.darylpotter.com
Emma returns to continue sharing her powerful story which includes a journey marked by deep trauma, an unplanned pregnancy, and the desperate search for someone safe enough to trust with her truth.
Looking back now, Emma sees how God’s grace was present even in her most painful moments. It was His tender care that carried her through the season of secrecy and shame, and it’s that same grace that brought healing and redemption over the years that followed.
Out of her healing, Emma discovered a new calling: sharing her story with teen girls to remind them that God’s work in their lives isn’t undone by mistakes or hardship. Her testimony is one of honesty, hope, and the kind of grace that changes everything.
Lifted to Hope, the audiobook is here! If you would be willing to listen to it and write a review for Audible, I can connect you with a free copy.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, my guest Emma shares how as a teenager, she found herself in a vulnerable situation that ended in a horrific experience of date rape. The aftermath was heavy and too much for anyone to carry alone. And yet who would believe her? Confusion, shame, and a deep sense of abandonment settled in, especially as Emma wrestled with painful questions about God’s presence and care.
Emma shares the loneliness of wondering where God was in her suffering, and the struggle of believing she was being punished for lying to her parents about going on that date. This conversation offers an unflinching look at what fear, secrets, and powerlessness can do to a soul.
But God. Join me again next week as Emma shares how God met her in that dark season, offering her a path forward and a new identity.
Lifted to Hope, the audiobook is here! If you would be willing to listen to it and write a review for Audible, I can connect you with a free copy.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this second episode with licensed professional counselor Elly Brown, she shares her own journey of coming to know God as He truly is. With tender honesty, Elly recounts how God revealed Himself to her, bringing restoration to both body and soul. She also opens up about her path to becoming a therapist and her passion for integrating faith with the science of psychology.
If you’ve ever struggled to trust God’s goodness because of past hurt, Elly’s story will encourage and inspire you. Her humility and compassion shine through every word, and I believe you’ll leave this conversation feeling deeply blessed.
Connect with Elly:
Website: eleanorbrowncounseling.com Podcast: abetterwaythepodcast.com
Grab the Book: A Better Way: Integrating Faith & Psychology to Heal Inner Wounds
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
The messages we internalize in childhood, especially from trauma, rejection, and abuse, can leave lasting scars. Shame lies take root early, convincing us we’re unworthy, unlovable, or beyond help. In this powerful episode, Licensed Professional Counselor Elly Brown shares her deeply personal story of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of multiple perpetrators and the heartbreaking betrayal by her own mother.
What began to feel “normal” in her young mind would take years to untangle. But Elly’s story doesn’t end in despair. Through faith, therapy, and the slow work of healing, she began to experience a redemption she never thought possible.
This is a tender, honest conversation that sheds light on the shame so many silently carry and offers hope that healing is possible.
Connect with Elly:
Website: eleanorbrowncounseling.com Podcast: abetterwaythepodcast.com
Grab the Book: A Better Way: Integrating Faith & Psychology to Heal Inner Wounds
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction... and set my feet upon a rock.” (Psalm 40:2)
This week, Shequan Palmer returns to share the rest of her incredible redemption story.
After surviving unthinkable trauma, Shequan experienced the steady, healing hand of God lifting her out of the darkness. In this powerful follow-up episode, she reflects on how God has not only restored her life but is now using her story to draw others to Himself.
With a tender, teachable heart, Shequan testifies to the faithfulness of a God who hears our cries, sets our steps secure, and puts a new song in our mouths. Her words will stir your soul and strengthen your hope.
Don’t miss this moving episode of restoration, healing, and God’s glory on full display.
Connect with Shequan:
Website: shequanshow.com Instagram: @shequanshow
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Some stories are so powerful, they bring you to your knees—and this conversation with Shequan Palmer is one of them.
In this first of a two-part series, Shequan courageously shares the heartbreaking truth of her early life. She opens up about witnessing domestic violence, surviving sexual abuse, and losing her mother to murder at just six years old. By the time she was sixteen and unexpectedly pregnant, she felt completely alone—until she cried out to a God she didn’t yet know.
What happened next is nothing short of miraculous.
This episode is raw, real, and filled with the kind of hope only God can provide. It’s not an easy story, but it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Connect with Shequan:
Website: shequanshow.com Instagram: @shequanshow
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
After a devastating car accident left my daughter and son-in-law seriously injured, I’ve been walking closely with them through the slow, painful process of healing. In this solo episode, I share more about their story and how it brought me face-to-face with the lasting effects of trauma. Trauma doesn’t just touch one area of life. It impacts our emotions, our bodies, our relationships, and our ability to function in everyday life.
As I reflect on what it means to heal, I also want to speak hope. God has provided powerful tools through trauma-informed care and the expertise of trained professionals. Friends and loved ones can walk with us, and God Himself, Jehovah Rapha, is present in our pain. He wants to bring healing not only to our bodies but to our souls.
If you’re struggling to make sense of suffering or wondering how to move forward after trauma, I pray this episode reminds you that healing is possible, even when it feels out of reach. God is near, and He is enough.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Sarah returns to share the next chapter of her powerful story. After devastating infidelity, she faced a choice: let bitterness take root, or surrender fully to God. With incredible courage, Sarah chose surrender, not knowing what would happen in her marriage, but trusting that God would have the final word in her life.
Her obedience didn’t come without pain, but through it, she discovered an intimate strength and deep connection with God that carried her through each day. Sarah is a living testimony of God’s grace in the hardest places. Her story will inspire and encourage you to trust God with your own.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Links Mentioned:
Find Revive 40 and Beloved Groups (Arizona)
After betrayal, how do you move forward? Especially within the same relationship? This week and next, I’m joined by Sarah, a brave woman whose story of heartbreak and healing will move you. When she married her second husband, she had every hope for a Christ-centered partnership. But then came earthshaking infidelity. As she navigated daily life, caring for her children and going to work, Sarah clung to Jesus for strength.
Scripture tells us God is near in our suffering. But when we live it, His presence transforms us. Through unimaginable pain, Sarah found deeper intimacy with God, who met her in every moment of grief and survival. Her story is a powerful reminder that His promises are real, and His love never fails.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Infidelity is one of the deepest wounds a marriage can face. Whether through an affair, pornography, or emotional betrayal, the pain can feel overwhelming, and the path forward unclear. In this solo episode, I share hard-won insights from walking alongside couples through the heartbreak of infidelity toward the possibility of healing.
Not all marriages survive, but many do—and with God, restoration is possible. Even if this isn’t part of your story, this episode offers hope, perspective, and encouragement for building strong, honest relationships in a world where betrayal is all too common.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week on the podcast, I re-release the second half of my conversation with Lisa, who experienced domestic abuse. She tells about the different ways God brought healing, and how, in time, she began to believe her worth.
She shares great insight and wisdom about the healing journey that will encourage your heart in God’s faithfulness.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Links Mentioned:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
As we dive into this summer series on shame and trauma, I’m revisiting a powerful two-part story from my friend Lisa. When we met, she was rebuilding her life after escaping an abusive marriage.
Despite deep wounds and heavy shame, Lisa clung to the faithfulness of God and slowly reclaimed her worth. Her raw honesty and resilience are unforgettable, and I’m honored to share her journey with you again.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this week’s podcast episode, I re-release the second part of my conversation with Claire Atenian, LMFT.
Here in part 2, we focus on what it looks like to recover from betrayal trauma. Just as God uses physicians and technicians in the medical field to help us heal from physical injury, He uses professionals and trusted friends to bring healing to our experiences of trauma and emotional or relational injury.
Claire offers a lot of practical support if you’re seeking clarity in your healing journey after betrayal trauma.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This summer on the podcast, we’re exploring how trauma and shame interact and how understanding our responses can lead to deeper healing. Trauma often leaves us with deep shame that influences how we react, even when we don’t realize it. You’ll hear powerful stories of transformation and hope through Jesus.
To kick off the series, I’m re-releasing my conversation with Claire Atenian, a licensed marriage and family specialist. Claire shares her expertise on Betrayal Trauma, and it’s a conversation that left a lasting impact. I know it will encourage you too.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Have you ever disqualified yourself from a dream because of something you did—or something that happened to you? Maybe you walked away from a calling, believing you no longer deserved it.
In this episode, Doug Glynn returns to share the powerful second part of his story. After divorce, he stepped away from formal ministry, convinced that chapter was closed. But God wasn’t finished.
Doug discovered that his identity in Christ remained—and that ministry could take new, unexpected forms. Through grace and healing, he found restoration and a renewed sense of purpose.
If you’ve ever believed your past disqualified you, this conversation will bring encouragement and hope.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Do you ever find yourself stuck in the past—replaying old mistakes and giving them power over your present? You're not alone. In this week’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Doug Glynn, pastor of Hope Covenant Church in Chandler, AZ, who shares the first part of his powerful story about discovering the freedom of God’s grace.
Doug opens up about how grace moved from being a concept he understood to a truth he experienced—transforming his relationship with Jesus and reshaping the way he lived and led in ministry. If you’ve ever struggled to believe that your identity is in Christ—not in your past—this conversation will meet you right where you are.
Be sure to tune in next week too, when Doug returns to share how God walked with him through the pain of divorce.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
We all carry titles—mother, wife, teacher, author, friend—but none of them fully define who we are. In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on how easy it is to let our roles shape our worth, and how grounding our identity in Christ changes everything.
I open up about a recent mistake that left me shaken, and how the truth of being God’s beloved child pulled me out of shame and back into grace. Whether you're feeling weary, overwhelmed, or just need a reminder of who you are beyond what you do, this episode will encourage you to stand firm in your eternal identity: adopted, redeemed, and fully His.
Let’s talk about living with strength, freedom, and confidence—not in ourselves, but in Christ in us.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Many of us know the truths of our faith—terms like justification, sanctification, and the miracle of the resurrection. But knowing about them isn’t the same as experiencing them. For a long time, I lived with these truths in my head without feeling their power in my heart.
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how the gifts of the resurrection move from concepts we understand to promises we trust—and experience—in daily life. As we continue celebrating the hope of Easter, join me as we reflect on the life-changing gifts Jesus accomplished for us, and how they invite us into deeper relationship with Him.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this Easter season, we pause to reflect on the heart of our faith—Jesus’s death and resurrection. This week’s episode invites us to sit with the profound gifts given to us through the cross: forgiveness, atonement, and redemption.
These aren't just theological terms—they’re daily sources of strength, especially when we feel the weight of sin, fear, or shame. As I share how these gifts have shaped my own walk with Jesus, my hope is that you’ll be reminded that the power of the cross still meets us in our everyday moments.
Tune in to be encouraged, renewed, and drawn closer to the love of Christ this Easter. And be sure to join me next week as we continue this conversation by exploring the life-giving gifts of the resurrection.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
As believers, we are given a firm foundation in Christ. We are forgiven, justified, sanctified, redeemed, accepted, and valued. Shame prevents us from living in the daily reality of these spiritual blessings in Christ. We don’t feel worthy. We can believe the blessings are for others but not for us. Shame distorts our interpretation of reality. Without trusting what is true or standing on the firm foundation given to us, we cannot mature as believers. We remain stuck in the lies of shame and assume we are ineligible.
Bruce McNicol, founder and former president of Trueface ministry joins me again this week on the podcast. He speaks to the importance of a healthy and grace-based faith community for our spiritual growth. Bruce says that the Holy Spirit is a great teacher and networker who will bring relational opportunities for us to be encouraged in our maturing process. Bruce’s words are full of hope and practical wisdom for our everyday lives.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com. Links Mentioned: The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson
Trust: Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken by Henry Cloud
The road to spiritual maturity is often bumpy and full of unexpected turns. As we explore what it means to grow spiritually, we sometimes overlook how deeply personal shame can affect the journey. Yet, facing shame is a crucial step in real transformation.
In this week’s episode, Bruce McNicol — founder and former president of Trueface ministry — shares his personal story of navigating shame and its impact on spiritual growth. Bruce’s insights, drawn from his own experience and years of guiding others, offer powerful wisdom for making faith real in everyday life.
Links Mentioned:
The Trauma of Transparency by Grant Howard
Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath, Dan Heath
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Maturity isn’t just about age—it’s about growth, wisdom, and transformation. But what happens when life circumstances delay that process? In this episode, I share my personal journey of emotional and spiritual maturity, from struggling to trust God to experiencing His faithfulness in ways I never expected.
If you’ve ever felt like a late bloomer in faith, you’re not alone. Join me as I reflect on the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in shaping my heart and life.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Not everyone finds it easy to connect with God’s Word. Maybe reading feels like a chore, studying Scripture feels overwhelming, or past experiences have left you feeling judged rather than loved. If you've ever struggled to experience the Bible as a source of joy and connection, you're not alone.
This week, Sue Sawyer returns to the podcast with tender and gracious encouragement about the beauty of God’s heart as revealed in His Word. We tackle some of the most common struggles believers face when approaching Scripture and explore how shame, life experiences, and personal learning styles can shape our relationship with God’s truth.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from the Bible, this conversation will remind you that God’s Word was always meant to be a love gift, not a burden. Listen in and be encouraged!
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Have you ever felt like you’ve let God down by missing time with Him? Years ago, I would have feared His disappointment—but His grace has freed me from that self-condemnation. Now, when I forget, I simply return to His Word with gratitude, knowing His mercies are new every morning.
This week, I’m joined by Sue Sawyer, a devoted student of God’s Word who has found strength and peace through regular communion with her Savior. Sue shares how spending time with God—both alone and with others—has shaped her life and deepened her faith. Her wisdom and warmth will remind you that God meets us with love and grace, no matter where we are.
Join us for a conversation full of encouragement and practical insights on finding beauty in the daily practice of being with God
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Have you ever avoided reading the Bible—not because you didn’t believe in its power, but because shame made it too painful to open? You’re not alone.
In this episode, I share my personal journey of struggling to see God’s Word through anything other than a lens of shame. Even with access to countless Bible translations and study tools, I felt unworthy, convinced that Scripture only confirmed my deepest fears about myself.
But God met me right there—in my doubt, in my fear, in my shame. His truth was stronger than my self-condemnation, and little by little, His love replaced shame with confidence.
If you’ve ever felt distant from God because of shame, this episode is for you. Listen in for hope, healing, and the reminder that His grace is greater than your fear.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Do you ever feel like you have to perform to be accepted? That you need to fit into a mold—one created by others or even by yourself? Trying to live up to an artificial standard of perfection can leave us exhausted and stuck, robbing us of joy and purpose.
This week, Anna joins me again to share how embracing God’s grace set her free from the weight of performance. As she stopped striving for perfection, she discovered true creativity and joy as a singer-songwriter. She even shares one of her original songs in this episode—a beautiful reflection of the freedom she’s found.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by perfectionism, this conversation will encourage your heart.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
The world needs artists—those who give voice to emotions words can’t capture and bring beauty that stirs the soul. Yet, in a world that often values measurable outcomes over creativity, many artists feel overlooked and misunderstood.
In this episode, I sit down with Anna, a talented photographer and singer-songwriter, who shares her deeply personal journey of feeling unseen in a world—and a home—that didn’t understand her artistic spirit. Growing up with a father who didn’t value creativity shaped not only her identity but also how she viewed God.
This moving conversation explores how Anna began to rediscover joy and healing through her art, and how connecting with God through her creative gifts transformed her sense of worth. If you’ve ever struggled to embrace your creative nature or felt unseen in your passions, Anna’s story will speak directly to your heart. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
It’s hard to see clearly when something clouds our vision—especially when it comes to understanding God. While salvation lifts the veil, there are mysteries about Him we won’t fully grasp until heaven.
One of the biggest distortions? Shame. It whispers lies about God’s character, making us question His fairness, His love, and even His presence in our pain. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubts about who God really is, you’re not alone.
In this episode, I share my own journey of learning to trust God despite the questions. Step by step, as I leaned into His Word, clarity replaced confusion, and trust replaced fear. God is patient, faithful, and always at work—even when we don’t understand.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Shame has a way of creeping in, whispering that we are a disappointment to God—that we’re not enough, that others are more capable, that our struggles are proof of His disapproval. When life feels heavy, it’s easy to wonder if God is punishing us.
This week, John Lynch joins me again to challenge that myth and remind us of the truth: repentance is not a punishment—it’s a gift. It frees us to trust God with the sin and struggles we can’t control, drawing us closer to His grace instead of pushing us further into guilt.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re too much, not enough, or just failing in your faith, this conversation is for you. God is not waiting for you to measure up—He’s meeting you exactly where you are.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Shame whispers lies that keep us hiding—afraid to be seen, afraid to be known. Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, it hisses that we must perform, prove ourselves, and keep our secrets buried to be worthy of love. But what if the truth is the exact opposite?
This week, I’m joined by speaker, author, and former pastor John Lynch, whose life’s mission is to share the radical grace of God. In this powerful conversation, John vulnerably shares how shame took root in his life and the years he spent believing he had to hide—even after becoming a Christian. But when he risked bringing his shame into the light, he encountered the grace that changed everything.
If you’ve ever felt like you had to wear a mask to be accepted—by God, by others, or even yourself—this episode is for you. Join us as we explore how to break free from shame and step into the full identity of Christ in us.
Links Mentioned
On My Worst Day by John Lynch
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Have you ever felt forgotten by God? Wondered if He really cares when life feels stagnant and lonely? In this solo episode, I share my own journey of wrestling with shame and doubt—those moments when I believed I didn’t measure up or that God had more important people to care about. But here’s the truth: I was so wrong.
This week, I’ll dive into how shame distorts our view of God’s love and commitment. I’ll walk you through the transformative practice of standing on His promises, even when circumstances don’t seem to change. Over time, I learned to trust in His intimate care for the smallest details of my life. And here’s the good news—He is just as committed to you.
If you’re ready to exchange shame for confidence in God’s love, this episode is for you. Let’s shift our focus to what is true and embrace the promises of a God who sees, knows, and cares deeply.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Prayer can feel like it should come naturally, but for many of us, it’s a challenge. How do we trust God in prayer when we struggle to trust Him at all? The journey to deeper intimacy with God can be confusing, weighed down by shame, spiritual opposition, and the fear of comparison—especially in public prayer.
This week, I’m joined again by Paula Walberer, an intercessor and prayer leader for an international outreach ministry, to explore the hurdles we face in prayer. With gentle wisdom, Paula shares how God meets us in our struggles, helping us grow past obstacles into the rich intimacy Jesus offers. Wherever you are in your prayer life, this episode will encourage you to keep moving forward—because God isn’t done with your story yet.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Have you ever treated prayer like a task to check off your list? Early in my faith, I saw prayer as a discipline for spiritual growth—covering praise, gratitude, confession, and intercession—without realizing God’s deeper desire for personal connection.
This week, I’m joined by Paula Walberer, a seasoned intercessor and prayer leader, as we explore the true heart of prayer. Paula shares what it means to be an intercessor and helps uncover common obstacles we face in our prayer lives.
Together, we reflect on how God invites us into a relationship, not just a routine. Paula’s wisdom brings comfort, grace, and a renewed perspective on connecting with God.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, we’re exploring how shame can distort our relationship with God, especially when it comes to prayer. When answers seem delayed or unclear, it can lead to confusion and feelings of inadequacy. But that was never God’s intention.
Over years of seeking God through prayer for a very specific outcome, God didn't just work on my request; He worked on me. His silence wasn’t rejection but an invitation to deeper trust and a clearer understanding of His love. In the end, He proved Himself trustworthy, even when I didn’t understand His timing.
If you’ve ever wrestled with unanswered prayers, feelings of shame, or doubts about God’s love, you’re not alone. I hope you’ll join me for this series as we explore these tender places together.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
The wounds of our past often come in layers, and the damage caused by sin can feel complex and overwhelming. Yet, in every place we need healing, the Holy Spirit is faithful to guide us.
In this episode, my guest Patty Barry shares her powerful journey of grace and redemption. Years after the abortion she had in college, God began to gently reveal His forgiveness, healing her heart step by step. Patty’s story is a beautiful testament to how God moves us from shame to peace, even in ways we may not fully realize.
Her story is one of hope, healing, and the steadfast love of God. I know it encouraged my heart, and I trust it will bless you, too.
Links Mentioned
“Forgiven and Set Free: A Bible Study for Women Seeking Healing after Abortion” By Linda Cochrane
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Sometimes our secrets feel too big to share. We carry them for years—maybe even decades—believing no one could ever understand. But God knows. He sees the pain we hide and longs to guide us toward healing and freedom.
In this week’s episode, my dear friend Patty Barry courageously opens up about her abortion story. For years, she didn’t know how to talk about it, carrying the weight of shame and silence. Yet God, in His grace, pursued her heart and brought her into the light. This is a powerful testimony of healing, redemption, and the unwavering love of God.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Secrets can feel like protection, but often, they’re a heavy burden that fuels shame and robs us of joy. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the final topic of our series on how shame impacts everyday life: the power of secrets.
I’ll share a personal story from one of my early blog posts, where I confronted the lies I told myself and others to keep my secret hidden. Together, we’ll explore the difference between maintaining privacy and carrying the weight of a secret, and why bringing hidden truths to light is essential for healing.
Join me as we uncover how God’s grace leads us out of shame and into freedom.
Past Episodes
The Gift of Conscience
Blog Posts
Safety Patrol
The Fifth Step
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
Scripture mentioned:
- Isaiah 53:4-5
- Numbers 32:23
- James 5:16
- Proverbs 10:9
- Proverbs 20:7
- Romans 8:1
What if your greatest weakness became the perfect avenue for God’s strength? This week, we explore the beauty of II Corinthians 12:9, where the apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” reminds us that God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our vulnerability.
Joining me are Mark and Sherri Tanner, whose lives took an unexpected turn after Mark’s massive stroke. In the face of overwhelming challenges, Sherri stepped into the role of a full-time caregiver, and together they discovered a profound reliance on God’s strength. Their story isn’t just about survival—it’s a testimony of God’s power working through their weakness.
Listen in as Mark and Sherri share their raw, inspiring journey of faith, their struggles, and the undeniable evidence of God’s sustaining grace.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com
Links Mentioned:
Facebook Caregiver Support Groups
Have you ever wondered how you would respond if life changed in an instant? My friends Mark and Sherri Tanner faced that reality nine years ago when Mark suffered a massive stroke while on vacation. In an instant, their lives were turned upside down.
In this week’s episode, they share their powerful story of navigating loss, embracing challenges, and experiencing God’s faithfulness every step of the way.Their journey is a testament to resilience and unwavering faith, even in the face of life’s hardest moments.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, I dive into how shame can unexpectedly resurface when we encounter others' vulnerabilities. Whether it's physical differences, mental challenges, or life hardships like homelessness or addiction, these moments can remind us of our own struggles and weaknesses.
I'll share how I’ve learned to handle these triggers, turning to faith to regain perspective and find compassion. Join me as I discuss how God's grace has helped me release shame's grip, even when it reappears in surprising ways.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This election day, as we reflect on our country and pray for its future, I’m excited to bring you the second part of my conversation with Doug Lake, pastoral counselor and leadership consultant. Doug shares his passion for helping pastors and leaders build emotional literacy, emphasizing the power of processing our own pain to empathize fully with others.
His insights go beyond leadership; they resonate in our families, friendships, and workplaces, where vulnerability fosters genuine trust. Doug reminds us that God redeems our painful experiences, enabling us to show compassion to others. I hope his message encourages you as deeply as it did me.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
What does it mean to have emotional security? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Doug Lake—a pastor and leader—who shares how he discovered a lack of emotional security rooted in shame. Doug opens up about his journey to becoming confident in his emotions, both as a man and a spiritual guide.
Together, we explore the significance of embracing emotions to foster deep connections and create safe spaces for others. Doug also shares how his emotional growth strengthened his relationship with God. This heartfelt conversation left me encouraged and with a fresh perspective on emotional intimacy.
Scriptures Mentioned:
- Psalm 4:4
- Proverbs 14:8
- Psalm 32:2
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the personal journey of emotional healing and growth. I’ll share my story of feeling overwhelmed by emotions that seemed stronger than I was—how they once felt out of control, leaving me reactive and stuck in fear and shame. Through the healing power of God, I learned how to regulate my emotions and connect with them beyond anger.
We’ll also explore the vital process of understanding emotions as gifts from God and how the Holy Spirit helped me mature emotionally. I’ll also discuss the pivotal moments when I learned to lean on God's truth rather than be ruled by the powerful emotions of shame, sorrow, and fear.
If you're struggling to manage your emotions or seeking emotional maturity in your spiritual journey, this episode will offer hope, insight, and encouragement.
Links Mentioned:
-
63 Understanding the Origins of Anger in Us with Russ Yost, LMFT
-
64 Tools to Deal with Anger in Ourselves and Others with Russ Yost, LMFT
- Finally Alive by John Piper
- Feelings Word List
Scripture verses mentioned:
- Ephesians 4:15, 26, 29, 31-32
- John 14:6 and 17:17
- When feeling fear: Psalm 56:3; Psalm 34:4
- When feeling sad: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 7:6
- When feeling anger: Psalm 103:6; Romans 12:19
- When feeling shame: Isaiah 50:7; Psalm 34:5
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, we explore the powerful story of David Tso, a Navajo man who fled the reservation to escape the shame and pain of institutional racism. Carrying a deep sense of unworthiness, David’s life took a turn when a pastor offered him friendship and respect. This connection helped David recognize his true value and embrace God’s grace, ultimately transforming his life.
David’s journey is a reminder that grace is available to all of us, offering hope and healing. Tune in to hear how faith can lift you from shame and why this message fuels my podcast and book. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
When someone makes us feel unacceptable—whether directly or indirectly—it’s hard to feel safe or be ourselves around them. Often, we avoid those people. But what if you couldn’t? What if that person was your teacher or dorm parent, and you were just a child living under their authority? You might begin to shrink inside yourself, feeling ashamed and invisible.
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by David Tso, who grew up in the U.S. government-run boarding school system designed to “civilize” Native American children. Their culture was misunderstood and suppressed—they weren’t allowed to speak their language or live as their ancestors had for generations. Forced to conform, their hearts and spirits were deeply affected by institutional racism, the scars of which are still felt today.
David shares his experience with honesty and grace, offering a glimpse into the lasting impact on the Navajo people. Next week, he will return to discuss his healing journey and how God’s grace helped him reclaim his sense of worth and value.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Being prejudged is a deeply frustrating and painful experience. It leaves us feeling misunderstood, disrespected, and unseen—especially when someone assumes things about us before ever knowing who we truly are. Many of us have faced this at some point, and for some, it's a far too frequent occurrence.
In this week's solo episode, I explore the many faces of prejudice and its profound impact on those who experience it. But it doesn’t stop there—I also take a hard look at what’s happening inside of us when these biased thoughts arise. Where do these judgments stem from, and how can we confront them? Along the way, I share personal stories, reflecting on moments when I encountered prejudice—both as a witness and when I caught myself holding those same harmful beliefs.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The origins of the word "prejudice"
- Why we are not qualified to be a moral judge of one another
- Practical examples of stigma, bias, stereotype, bigotry and discrimination
- Why our fear leads to unthinkable expressions of violence
- Why forgiveness is an absolute miracle of God when it comes to this topic
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Being let go from a job is never easy—it’s often accompanied by feelings of shame, fear, and uncertainty. But what happens when you're asked to leave without any explanation? The confusion can lead to self-doubt and lingering questions.
This week, I’m joined again by Larry, who faced this very challenge when he was forced into retirement. The public story made it seem like it was his decision, but the truth was far more painful. Larry opens up about the emotional toll this took on him and how he found strength through faith and support from others.
Whether you’ve experienced something similar or not, Larry's journey will resonate deeply and remind you of God’s presence in the most difficult times. Tune in to hear his story of faith, healing, and hope. In this episode, you'll learn:
- What you can take away from the phrase "shame flows downhill"
- What went on emotionally for Larry in the moment of being confronted
- Why Covid compounded the shame and isolation for Larry
- What Larry would say was the missing ingredient in how things were handled
- Why the end of a career hasn't been a mark of Larry's worth
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week on the podcast, we're diving into the complex world of work and the emotions that come with it. While I’ve been fortunate to enjoy most of my jobs, I know that's not always the case for everyone. Jobs can lift us up—or drain us of energy and joy. And sometimes, the workplace can be a source of unexpected shame.
I’m joined by Larry, a successful businessman with years of experience. In our conversation, Larry reflects on what he’s observed in offices with supportive atmospheres and, just as importantly, those without. What makes an employee feel safe? What fuels tension in a workplace? And does God really care about our jobs, even when they’re not tied to full-time ministry? Larry’s insights are both thoughtful and practical, and I know you’ll appreciate his perspective.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What happens when leadership overvalues productivity
- Why fear is such a terrible motivator for change
- The keys to creating an emotionally and relationally healthy workplace
- Examples of why leaders could feel the need to criticize their team so often
- Why our work can be a powerful opportunity to reflect the truth of what God thinks of people
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that often flies under the radar but can deeply affect how we experience our jobs—shame in the workplace. We all spend a significant part of our lives working, and ideally, work should give us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But what happens when shame creeps in, turning what could be an enjoyable environment into a place we dread?
Shame in the workplace can manifest in subtle ways, often becoming so normalized that we don’t even recognize it. Whether it comes from external pressures or internal expectations, it impacts our sense of self-worth and productivity.
In this episode, I share personal experiences of how shame affected my own professional journey, including a time when I unknowingly let a boss take advantage of me. If you’ve ever felt a similar weight in your job, this conversation might resonate with you.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The consequences of a workplace dominated by a shame culture
- Why a shame culture is bad for business regardless of industry
- The ways a good leader can unintentionally trigger shame
- How you can deal with shame when it surfaces at work
- Ways to accept constructive feedback
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, we explore the often unexpected amount of effort that meaningful relationships require and why they are worth every bit of it. Relationships, especially in marriage, are God’s gifts to us, and He calls us to make them a priority. While we can't control the choices of our spouses, we can commit to pursuing them with genuine intention, empowered by God's guidance.
I'm joined once again by Marriage and Family Pastors, Tom and Marcia Kuyper, as we dive into some challenging yet crucial topics. We discuss the complexities of hidden behaviors, the transformative power of forgiveness, and the importance of choosing obedience to God, even when it feels impossible. We also highlight how affirmation can breathe new life and hope into a marriage.
This conversation reminds us that when a husband and a wife trust God with their relationships, He can work wonders. Tune in to discover how you can nurture and strengthen your most important relationships, starting with your marriage.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why vulnerability and grace are key elements to thriving in marriage
- What to do when an ongoing offense feels too big to forgive
- How the offended spouse can avoid controlling tendencies
- What is happening below the surface when one spouse withdraws
- Why intentional affirmation can change easily change both hearts
To join the Lifted from Shame workbook test group or inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, we unpack the subtle yet profound ways the Holy Spirit uses our closest relationships—especially in marriage—to shape and refine us. Growth often emerges from the tensions and trials we’d prefer to avoid, yet it’s within these moments that transformation truly takes root. Joining me are Tom and Marcia Kuyper, Family and Marriage Pastors at Open Door Fellowship Church. This is a deep and candid conversation about how the hidden struggles, like shame, can quietly erode the intimacy God desires for marriages. This is the first of a two-part series that invites us to reflect more deeply on what it means to lean into growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The impact of shame and feelings of inadequacy in marriage
- How lies about being unworthy often lead to withdrawal
- The threat to marriage that comes in the desire to prove oneself and why we often fall into that pattern
- What it means to recognize and use emotions as signposts during conflict
- The crucial role humility plays in healing and restoring a marriage
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Marriage can be both beautiful and challenging, especially when old wounds and harmful patterns resurface. Fear and shame often creep in, blocking the joy and connection that marriage is meant to bring. This week, we’re diving into how these struggles impact relationships—and how grace can break the cycle.
In this solo episode, I explore how shame distorts the beauty of marriage as God designed it. Through a relatable story of a struggling couple, I highlight the ways these barriers take hold and, more importantly, offer steps toward healing. I also open up about my own journey—how God’s faithfulness led me to release unrealistic expectations and discover the power of giving and receiving grace within marriage.
If you’ve ever wrestled with marital conflict or know someone who has, this episode offers encouragement and hope, reminding us that with God, even deep wounds can be healed.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why unity in a marriage is a depiction of God’s love and glory
- Scripture that reveals God’s high value of marriage
- How quickly the gift of marriage can feel lost
- The many ways a pursuit of self-interest can disrupt unity
- Why past trauma can lead to unrealistic standards of marriage
To join the Lifted from Shame workbook test group or inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, we dive into the struggles we face when life seems overwhelming and hope feels distant. How do we navigate the storms when trusting God feels impossible? Join me as I sit down againwith Jim Rosania, a successful athlete and physical trainer, who takes us deeper into his story and his journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite the challenges, Jim shares how his growing understanding of God’s love has transformed his outlook on life. He no longer sees himself as a victim but as someone with a purpose. Listen in as Jim discusses how his faith empowers him to face the future with strength, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Some of the early signs of Parkinson’s for JR
- How God has helped him cope with the gradual loss of physical and cognitive capacity
- The different ways people have responded to JR's diagnosis
- Why JR's clients are rarely offended when he engages in spiritual discussions
- What dreams JR has on his heart for his career and ministry in the future
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Do you ever feel unsure of your ability to discern God's path or purpose for you? Haven't we all? And yet the shame we carry in this experience can be hard to escape. This week, I'm joined by Jim Rosania (JR), an elite physical trainer whose illustrious career faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite this, Jim's story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering trust in God. Jim opens up about his career, the battles with self-doubt, and how he transformed his fears into freedom through his faith.
In this episode, you'll learn
- How a search for affirmation from his dad left JR feeling inadequate
- The ways JR’s brother in law was a source of spiritual wisdom and career inspiration
- Why growth in Christ was so slow for JR as a young adult
- How JR has chosen to view his Parkinson’s diagnosis in light of God's calling
- Why a training session with JR is anything but typical.
To join the Lifted from Shame workbook test group or inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, Kelly Hall is back to help us explore the transformative power of faith through life's trials. Reflecting on a journey of cultivated faith and the steadfast faithfulness of God, we discuss the importance of daily surrender and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
Kelly shares more of her story of raising three profoundly deaf daughters. She opens up about navigating overwhelming challenges and finding strength in God’s character and promises. What's more is how she provides practical tools and insights that help her focus on faith amidst fear, offering encouragement to anyone facing their own struggles.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The power of asking God questions and getting curious through your prayers
- Why Kelly longed to live a life where she was un-offendable
- How God rid her of the idol of leading a "normal" life
- Why you can still have hope and joy even if God doesn't offer you relief from what is causing suffering
- How to combat the lie that God is angry or disappointed with you as you wait
Links Mentioned
Kelly Hall’s Ministries
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Held by Natalie Grant
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
In this heartwarming episode, we reflect on the powerful truth from Jeremiah 32:17, "Nothing is too hard for God." This verse has been a source of strength and encouragement, teaching us that no situation is impossible for God. His presence transforms our challenges, offering us perseverance and comfort.
This week, we are joined by Kelly Hall, an inspiring author, Bible teacher, and podcaster. Kelly's journey as a mother to three daughters who are profoundly deaf showcases God's unwavering faithfulness. She shares her story, highlighting how God's power and hope have sustained her through every challenge.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The ways God prepared Kelly and her family to embrace all the challenges of military life
- How God rescued Kelly from being a control-freak parent
- The moment God met Kelly in her feelings of betrayal and abandonment
- How Kelly learned to process the invisible shame of a disability
- The ways Kelly and her husband learned to cultivate connection in the middle of grief
Links Mentioned Kelly Hall’s Ministries
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of shame and hardship, wondering where God is in your struggles? In this week's episode, I open up about my own journey through seasons of intense pain and shame. I share how I often blamed myself and others for the trials I faced, believing I was unworthy of happiness. Shame skewed my interpretation of my experiences, making me feel alone and forgotten by God.
Join me as I explore how ongoing hardships can trigger feelings of shame and how, without a proper understanding of God's heart, we can see ourselves as victims abandoned by an uncaring deity. Instead, God desires to minister to us in our trials, providing strength to persevere and comfort in our pain.
Listen to this heartfelt episode and discover how to break free from the grip of shame by embracing God's love and support in your life.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why we need to worry less about the way others perceive our experience of suffering
- The reasons physical suffering can expose our shame
- Why we can trust that suffering is not a sign of our worth
- How hard it can be to grieve broken relationships you have to function in still
- Why expressing doubt and frustration is not a lack of faith
Links Mentioned
- “A Path Through Suffering” by Elisabeth Eliot
- Episodes #7 and #8
- Episodes #27 and #28:
- Episodes #90 and #91
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Not everyone is a pioneer, but we owe much to those who bravely went first. This is true for trailblazing the west, rocketing to the moon, and believing that God’s grace can free us from shame.
This week, I’m thrilled to welcome back Delphine Fanfon from Cameroon. Delphine shares how her dislike of pretense led her to believe in God’s grace, freeing her to live authentically. She invited others to join her in creating a community of grace, where everyone could be their true selves.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How spiritual communities create pressure to "polish the mask"
- Why safety requires being loved more, not less in moments of vulnerability
- Why the people of Cameroon can not easily advocate for themselves
- How Delphine was able to begin cultivating a grace-based and authentic spiritual community
- The ways she discovered that people have to want change for themselves
To learn more about Delphine and her ministry in Cameroon, follow her at https://me4realinternational.org/
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
When poverty is the reality for everyone in a country, both believers and nonbelievers alike grapple with a deep sense of shame. Suffering becomes the norm, and only God can provide hope for freedom from this pervasive despair.
In this week’s podcast episode, I am honored to welcome Delphine Fanfon, a dedicated minister living in Cameroon. In this first of a two-part series, Delphine—affectionately known as Della—opens up about her personal journey with shame. Growing up as a pastor’s child, she faced immense expectations that felt impossible to meet. Lacking mentors to guide her, she struggled to trust God with her true identity.
Join us as Della candidly shares her experiences, offering a powerful testimony of faith and resilience. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of God’s love and the importance of community and mentorship.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The incredible vision for ministry God has given Delphine
- A glimpse of her experience growing up and coming to know Jesus
- What life is like for believers in Africa
- How sin management plays a key role in being captive to shame
- Why Delphine had a rebellious response to the pressure of being a pastor's daughter
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Shame distorts our perspective, often making us feel devalued by others' words and actions. Sometimes, the harm is real and there’s no misunderstanding—we’ve been disrespected. Whether perceived or real, shame impacts us deeply and needs healing.
This week, I'm joined again by Sue Tell, a veteran leader in the Navigators’ Ministry. Sue shares her journey through shame and explains how comparison and performance can create toxic environments. She discovered that trust, affirmation, and a strong identity in Christ were key to overcoming these challenges. By embracing God’s grace, she found true freedom.
Join us to hear Sue’s insights on overcoming shame and embracing grace for transformation.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why Sue felt the pressure to perform in her ministry role
- The three elements of grace that transformed how she related to God
- Why Sue can delight in her time alone with God these days
- How asking questions is key to how she ministers to others
- The ways Sue is using her blog as a way to invite others into God's grace
Links Mentioned: To receive Sue’s blog, “Echoes of Grace,” use this link, then click on “Follow Echoes of Grace.”
- To receive a bookmark, email Sue at sue@suetell.com and give her your physical mailing address.
- “Lay it Down” by Bill Tell
- TrueFace Ministry
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Sue Tell, veteran leader with the Navigators, as we dive into the internal struggles we face within churches and Christian organizations. In this episode, Sue opens up about her battle with shame and comparison, and how these feelings impacted her ministry.
Alongside her husband, Bill, Sue reached a breaking point where performance couldn't sustain them. It was then that they encountered God's transformative love and grace. Tune in to hear Sue's inspiring journey and how embracing God's acceptance changed everything.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why religious upbringing doesn't guarantee knowing God
- How Sue learned to trade performance and checklists for friendship with Jesus
- How unaddressed shame and people-pleasing lead to burnout in ministry
- How performance affected Sue's ability to be present as a spouse and parent
- The breakthroughs Sue and Bill made through counseling
Links Mentioned: To receive Sue’s blog, “Echoes of Grace,” use this link, then click on “Follow Echoes of Grace.”
- To receive a bookmark, email Sue at sue@suetell.com and give her your physical mailing address.
- “Lay it Down” by Bill Tell
- TrueFace Ministry
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
When I launched my podcast in August 2022, I had no idea how profoundly God would use it to touch lives. I’ve been amazed by the generous souls who shared their time, hearts, and wisdom with us.
This week marks our 100th episode! To celebrate, I’ve created a solo episode reflecting on lessons learned, highlighting proud moments, and sharing what’s ahead for the podcast and my book, "Lifted from Shame."
Your incredible support made this milestone possible. Thank you for downloading, listening, sharing, and for your words of encouragement and prayers. Every time you say, “I listen to your podcast,” or “I read your book,” it touches my heart deeply. I pray the podcast and book continue to strengthen your faith and encourage your heart.
Walking with you on this journey to hope is my passion. Thank you for being part of this adventure. Listen to the special 100th episode here.
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal within your Christian community? Has a trusted leader let you down? You're not alone. The pain from such a deep wound can lead us to guard our hearts and avoid those who have hurt us. I know this because I’ve been there. The closeness of the relationship and the trust I placed in it made the betrayal all the more painful.
In this week's episode, we explore the deep hurts that can arise within our church communities and Christian ministries. Often inflicted by those we value most, these wounds can leave us feeling disillusioned and isolated. Whether caused by the immaturity of leaders, unmet expectations, or outright sin, these experiences are real and impactful.
In this episode you'll learn:
- The profound depth of our need for belonging
- How a guarded heart often masks underlying shame
- The impact of misapplying scripture in creating feelings of shame
- The importance of acknowledging and naming our relational hurts within the church
- The necessity of committing to difficult conversations
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
God's design for the church has always been to create a rich community where all believers can mature as they learn to connect with and serve God and each other. However, we know that Satan is relentless in his attempts to destroy the work of the church.
One of the Enemy's most effective strategies is spreading misguided theology that emphasizes performance over our universal need for grace. In this episode, I’ll share several signs that a community may be fostering shame and hiding rather than promoting honesty and growth.
- Specific scriptures that describe God’s design for the church’s design and purpose
- Why we have to anticipate the impact of our actions inducing shame in others
- Why grace is so essential to the Gospel
- Why being judgemental of others is a sign of how harshly we criticize ourselves
- Clear indicators that a church is spreading misguided theology
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Cheryl is back to share more of her healing journey through a divorce, which like many others involved several layers of grief. Cheryl is so gifted in the sharing of details of this process, which reveal God’s tender care and attention to her wounds. She will share how critical it was to find a safe space to share her pain. She will also talk about how she knew she was maturing through the grief and what she learned about herself, especially as she relates to God in her most fragile moments.
If you’re on a similar journey or know someone walking through a divorce, I encourage you to listen to the way Cheryl points to the redemptive nature of God repeatedly throughout this conversation.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why we should continually release the temptation to find quick fixes to our grief
- The metaphor God used to show Cheryl what unforgiveness would do to her heart
- The power of gratitude in our healing journey
- Why Cheryl considers it a gift to be confronted with her limitations
- What the church can do more of to minister to those walking through divorce
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
When we are walking it out, it is so difficult to trust that God would choose to bring good from the darkest moments of our pain. In this episode, I’ve invited my friend Cheryl to share her story of surviving divorce and all its rippling effects, including carrying the shame of her husband’s addiction landing him in prison.
While Cheryl would be the first to admit she didn’t always navigate this road of grief and healing with grace, she did remain humble and teachable. You’ll hear how God met her in every season of her journey, providing for many very specific physical and spiritual needs. Her willingness to share these details will fill you with hope.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why being able to separate from her husband was a gift of God’s grace.
- Why Cheryl was thankful that she couldn’t run from a public criminal accusation
- What it looked like for Cheryl to own her mistakes as she healed
- The powerful examples of care and concern shown by her community
- Why Cheryl would encourage you to find a friend safe enough to express your anger with
Links Mentioned:
Waking the Dead: The Secret to a Heart Fully Alive by John Eldredge
Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Healing for Damaged Emotions By David Seamands
Many times when we face relational challenges, it gives us a chance to consider: how might I have contributed to this experience? In this second episode, Mark returns to share how he took time reflect on this question and own the ways his words and actions had led to part of the breakdown in trust in his marriage. He shares how he was able to grieve and heal within the context of a healthy faith community.
Mark will also talk about how he navigates the messy side of divorce, including intentional co-parenting, navigating a single lifestyle in the church, dating again, and how he works through the insecurity and shame of divorce that inevitably pop up from time to time.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How Mark and his ex-wife battled betrayal in one more than way
- Why not being rushed to heal was a powerful expression of grace
- About the miracle moment that God used to show Mark the depth of His forgiveness
- Why singles in the church are so regularly misunderstood
- Why we need to extend more compassion to divorced parents
Divorce is a path no one ever plans to have to travel. Regardless of what circumstances lead a couple to divorce, the journey can come with plenty of grief and shame. In this episode, I’ve invited my friend Mark to share his experience of entering marriage and becoming a parent soon after.
When nurturing the marriage took a backseat to the ongoing demands of raising kids, feelings of loneliness and disconnection drove the decision-making for Mark and his ex-wife. The consequences of those choices were a heavy load to bear, but certainly not beyond what God could- and would redeem.
In this episode, you’ll learn
- The desperate circumstances that prepped Mark’s heart to receive accept Christ
- The ways Mark's hindsight reveals how his loneliness fueled his longing for marriage
- How shame was used to try to change behavior at the church he attended
- The shame messages that Mark wrestled with most
- Why Mark was so desperate to escape his emotional pain
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
In this second interview with Nicole Hunter, she helps us understand why the need for belonging drives so much of the decision-making that happens in the adolescent years. Instead of connecting students, social media has only magnified the feeling of being left out. More than that, it plays a significant role in increasing their vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Parenting in today’s world is certainly a huge challenge with so many distractions vying for our kids’ attention. Yet Nicole helps us realize it’s also an incredible opportunity for the whole family to practice being present and reflect on how we feel about what we consume. We also dive into how to apply the Gospel to these emotionally fueled topics in practical ways.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why the pressure to be hyperconnected has so many consequences
- The shame messages that drive bullying behavior
- How to create habits that encourage kids to consume media responsibly
- Why your kids’ spiritual doubts should be an encouragement, not a concern
- How to help young people see why the Gospel is the cure for their shame struggle
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
As kids enter their teen years, we often recognize some dramatic shifts in preferences, priorities, communication, and decision-making skills to name a few. Without understanding the larger context of how the brain develops during these years, we risk reacting instead of responding as we relate to them.
In this episode, I’ve invited Nicole Hunter to join me. Nicole has been investing in young people for years, as a youth pastor, a high school Bible teacher, and a parent of four now-adult children. Nicole does an incredible job at helping us understand what motivates teens, especially regarding shame triggers. She has some great suggestions for how to coach them through taking responsibility for their choices and developing more empathy as they connect with others.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why a teen’s vulnerabilities may trigger our own shame
- Why we need to be quicker to coach than criticize young people
- How often teens are questioning what is wrong with them
- Examples of behaviors that help teens avoid feeling shame
- Advice for how to strike a balance in encouraging your teen towards excellence without excessive pressure
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
The built-up shame of so many years of being teased and misunderstood by adults and peers in Cary’s life had taken quite a toll on his heart. Cary shares what greats lengths he was willing to go to try to escape the pain, which only left him feeling more hopeless.
Cary will share how some very painful circumstances led him to encounter Jesus, his future wife, and eventually, his children. He also discovered a job that was a good match for his strengths and helped him learn to take pride in himself and how he could help others. All as an employee of the very same school district where he attended school as a child.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why the impact of drinking to escape pain became life-threatening
- How Cary became grateful for a tragic car accident
- What it has looked like to break shame cycles with his own kids
- Why Cary was able to thrive in his position at work
- How he learned to forgive those teachers and peers for being so cruel
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
We are now much more familiar with how learning differences manifest as children develop. Yet there is a considerable amount of damage done when adults fail to get curious about why students struggle to succeed or engage in traditional methods of learning. Cary, my friend and guest today endured many years of being misunderstood as a child with undiagnosed ADD.
Cary will share how these years in school confirmed messages of shame he believed from a young age and what it looked like to cope with this pain.
In this episode you’ll learn
- Why the school setting highlights our weaknesses so easily and often
- Why Cary’s home life complicated his performance at school
- How specific instances of public shame took root in his heart
- The reasons Cary learned to be hyperaware of what his classmates thought of him
- The moment that Cary realized many others had a brain as unique as his
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
So much of our childhood is spent in a school or educational setting. When we think back to these days, you may recall some of your best teachers and favorite ways to spend time with friends on the playground. Yet it is also a setting that is performance-focused, which naturally makes us vulnerable and produces feelings of shame.
In this episode, I’ll share some of the many ways that we can wrestle with shame in a school setting. But then I will challenge you to identify where you felt shame about your own weaknesses so you can surrender the ache and impact of feeling less than among your peers.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why the school setting highlights our weaknesses so easily and often
- Examples of the many different skills we are expected to develop in school
- How adults in authority roles can emphasize parts of us we would like to hide
- Why shame surfaces in any school setting, whether it be public, private, or home school
- Ways to advocate and pray for young people who are struggling with shame at school
To find more resources about bullying and advocating for your child, check out the show notes on the website at www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/89.
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
In this second conversation with Brian Dario, he will share with us how he pursued reconciliation with his step-dad as an adult. The transforming power of both offering and receiving forgiveness in this relationship brought about so much redemption. He will also share how meeting his biological father produced far more questions than answers for Brian.
Yet through the highs and lows of this journey, Brian has become more capable of trusting God for the needs that were never met in childhood. He was also overwhelmed by hope through the birth of his son as Brian has the chance to rewrite the narrative of what it means to be a man, and be loved unconditionally.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What prompted Brian to ask for forgiveness even after his mom and stepdad’s divorce
- Why meeting Brian’s biological dad initially offered a sense of comfort
- Why the majority of Brian’s questions for his dad will remain unanswered
- What role the story of the prodigal son has had on Brian’s approach to parenting
- How Brian has learned to pivot away from shame spirals faster
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
So many of the negative messages we receive in childhood are implied rather than spoken aloud. But when they are sent again and again, especially from people who were designated to guide and nurture us, we can easily feel overwhelmed by shame.
In this episode, I am joined by my friend and pastor, Brian Dario. Brian will share how an absent biological father and stern stepfather made it confusing to understand where he belonged. He will share how well he used humor and athleticism to mask his insecurity about his height and misunderstood neurodivergence.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why Brian struggled to navigate how to interact with peers in a social setting
- Why it was so difficult to accept discipline from Brian’s step-dad
- How Brian felt misunderstood and forced to self-advocate as a child
- Why healing has empowered him to release criticism with more grace
- The qualities of Jesus that Brian was drawn to as a child
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
In our first conversation with Jenny Scheid, we learned how shame can show up in how we think and feel about our bodies. As we dive deeper into this very pervasive challenge, Jenny will help us learn how to capture the lies that are fueling our shame and begin to practice honoring our bodies instead.
We will touch on what might hinder our healing journey in this area and examples of the specific exercises Jenny does in her work with clients as she helps them develop self-compassion and resilience.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why comparison is such a mental trap and how to reframe it with a win-win mindset
- Why we have to learn to value an objective perspective
- Why it’s important to acknowledge your feelings about your body
- Why we need to see our body parts in relationship to the whole body
- How to approach someone you love who is showing signs of struggling with an eating disorder
Connect with Jenny: www.liferenewedtherapy.com (Phoenix, AZ)
Links Mentioned
Dr. Kristen Neff
National Eating Disorder Association
The Waymaker by Ann Voskamp
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
As broken people, sin impacts all parts of who we are created to be, and our physical bodies and how we see them is no exception. I’ve invited therapist, Jenny Scheid on the podcast to help us understand the ways grief can prevent us from believing how valuable our bodies are, regardless of how they "fall short" according to the world’s elusive standard of beauty.
As Jenny specializes in treating clients who struggle with body image and eating disorders, she understands the tempatation to target our bodies in an attempt to regain control of areas of our lives that feel hopeless. She does an incredible job at reframing how we interpret what our bodies can do when we allow God to be the primary means through which we get our needs met.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why your physical body is never the problem
- A practical definition of what it means to practice body acceptance
- Examples of how to respond when you feel overwhelmed by body shame
- They ways we can hide body shame behind the efforts to be healthier
- Why we need to cling to Scripture’s promise that our bodies will be renewed
Connect with Jenny: www.liferenewedtherapy.com (Phoenix, AZ)
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
When you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror or in a group photo someone shared online, are you ever mentally snagged by critical thoughts? It’s yet another element of our lives where shame can call the shots.
In this episode, I want to share with you some examples of how body shame can distort how we see ourselves, how we see others, and especially how we see God. God has absolutely wired us to appreciate beauty, but I want to challenge you with a deeper understanding of his intentions for doing so. I’ll also share some ideas of how to ask God to release you from the trap of body shame and criticism when it surfaces.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How sin fuels the lie behind every body shaming thought
- Why beauty is about God’s glory at it’s core
- How to run to God with your ungracious evaluations of yourself
- How to reframe your thinking by giving thanks for what your body can do
- Why refusing to believe God’s opinion of us keeps us trapped in delusion
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Taking the time to understand that your patterns of relating are dysfunctional is the step that sets our healing journey in motion. It can be both freeing and overwhelming to realize there are different and more productive ways of relating to those in our family now or in our family of origin.
But as Kaye and I talk about in this episode, there's a pretty big gap between what the average person sitting in the pews really needs in terms of support and what the local church usually provides. Kaye's got some great insights on why just knowing Christian doctrine isn't enough to handle the messy stuff in our relationships, and why knowing Jesus-is.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why many people find 12 Step groups more accessible than churches
- How your healing journey will naturally benefit those you love
- Why there is redemption in choosing health even when other family members won’t
- Why the church as a body needs to examine its effectiveness in supporting families in crisis
- The freedom found in embracing our powerlessness over the actions of others
- How God used Kaye’s vulnerability to invite her into an intimate relationship with Him
To register for the Healing Prayer Seminar in Phoenix on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, email Kaye Schneider at: Kaye.vitalconnections@aol.com
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Family systems are complex for so many reasons. We were designed with a need to belong in relationships where we can connect and express our needs and in turn, care for others, too. When this happens regularly, we have the chance to thrive in these relationships. This can lead to a lot of joy and fulfillment!
But when any family member finds themselves stuck in cycles of shame, that shame impacts the rest of the family. When our circumstances feel too chaotic, we turn to specific behaviors and strategies to try to find safety.
In this episode, Kaye Schneider, MATM, MAFS, DMin will share the different roles we adopt to cope with dysfunction. Kaye will share how God used the confusion of a devastating divorce to begin her journey of equipping families with tools for handling conflict and tension in relationships.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why Kaye felt so blind-sighted by her divorce
- The key elements Kaye felt were missing from most discipleship resources
- A practical definition of dysfunctional behavior
- Why Kaye found freedom in a 12-Step program
- The abundance of hope in the scripture for how God can renew our minds and redeem our dysfunctional ways of relating to others
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Regardless of how you were raised, one thing is for certain; there are no perfect families. Even those with "minimal baggage" still manage to leave relational wounds. Because we are all fallen, we are sinners, and as a result, we are all impacted by shame. In this episode, I’ll share some common examples of what it looks like for family members to engage in the “shame-contempt dance” -a topic which earned a whole chapter in my book. I will also share how we can untangle ourselves from this exchange and communicate with kindness and boundaries. While we are not in control of how anyone in our family reacts to being hurt, we can practice naming our emotions and the effect a family member has on us. We can also commit to asking God to search our hearts for what we need to repent of and forgive.
- Why we have to acknowledge both intentional and unintentional relational hurt in families
- The danger of comparing your family to other families in your community
- Why a s desire for a problem-free home is unrealistic and a form of idolatry
- The reasons we care so deeply about how our family views us
- Why being committed to forgiving quickly is so powerful
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Last week Christopher Keck shared why it’s helpful to get curious about our past to draw connections between our childhood and how we show up in our parenting today. If you’ve taken time to do that, it's easy to get overwhelmed and you may even be tempted to get stuck in shame. That’s why I wanted Christopher to come back and share how we can begin to rewrite the script and break away from unhealthy reactions.
The insights and tools he shares in this episode are practical and will inspire you to consider how to relate to your children in ways that build (or rebuild) the trust necessary to thrive in these relationships.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why it’s critical to increase the response time between an event and reactions to our kids
- Why the “3 R’s” are necessary in an intense moment
- Why you could be preventing a child from learning humility and forgiveness
- Tips for how to repair a relationship with an adult child
- Why our brains need us to celebrate even small victories in creating connection with our kids
Connect with Christopher: Open Hearts Wellness Center (Phoenix, AZ)
Links Mentioned:
Rules of Estrangement by Joshua Coleman
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Parenting can be an incredible privilege and joy to experience. It can also be one of the most emotionally demanding responsibilities you’ll ever take on. And if you are a parent, you know it’s usually a mix of both on any given day.
In this episode, I’ve invited Christopher Keck, LPC, DBH, and President and CEO of Open Hearts Family Wellness to help us explore what makes the parent-child relationship so powerful and so complex. We’ll unpack how our reactions to our child’s behavior can reveal what parts of our hearts are still in need of healing. There is always work to be done on the journey of becoming more present in our parenting. But there is even more hope and redemption when you invite God into the process.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why it’s fair to say that most parents are doing the best that they can
- How unresolved issues from childhood can surface in our parenting
- What we can learn from drill sergeant and helicopter parenting styles
- Why we need to understand that shame is a secondary emotion
- What you need to know about God’s heart towards parents
Connect with Christopher: Open Hearts Wellness Center (Phoenix, AZ)
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While not every one of us in this community is a parent, we have certainly all been impacted by the presence - or absence of our parents. When parents allow shame to drive their patterns of relating, they becomes self-focused and out of touch with the needs of their children.
While it can feel uncomfortable to examine the negative traits of our own parents, doing so gives us the chance to forgive them and consider how to avoid relating to our children in the same ways. When we skip this step, it becomes so challenging to parent with confidence or peace.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How all parents are mistake-makers and need compassion and forgiveness
- Why shame can cause us to feel uncomfortable in an authority role
- Why understanding how our parents responded to shame can enlighten us
- How shame makes us incapable of making accurate self-reflections
- The power of asking for forgiveness from our children regularly
Connect with me via email: Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Past Episodes on Forgiveness:
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This is just a quick holiday greeting to let you know I'm taking a break to refresh and be with family, as I hope you are too!
You'll hear about some ways to work with me and what to expect as we continue our journey here on this podcast in 2024. I am so grateful and honored you've joined me!
Many blessings to you and your family!
Even as much as Devry adored the opportunity to be a very safe and emotionally present father and husband, he quickly discovered how costly his need to be right was. In this episode, Devry is back to share how God revealed to him his need to stop controlling how he was perceived by those around him.
He shares the miracles that happened when he was willing to accept the damage he had done and allow God to drive the process of repairing and restoring relationships.
In this episode, you’ll learn
- Why Devry would say his stubbornness prevented his growth for so long
- Why God allowed him to crash and burn
- How Devry learned that he was unable to fix himself any longer
- How to identify trustworthy support as you heal
- Why your response to someone else struggling matters for your own journey
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Habitual or compulsive sins can make us feel so powerless at times. Yet when diving into the deeper story, we often find that the sin began in an attempt to get a legitimate need met. For my guest this week, that need was for both physical and emotional safety. Devry will share his complex relationship with an alcoholic father growing up and why he learned to believe that failure of any kind was unacceptable.
Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the second half of Devry’s story where he will unpack how God has gently helped him unlearn his harmful patterns of coping.
In this episode, you’ll learn
- How few times Devry could remember his dad sober
- The ways Devry attempted to cope with his dad’s violence
- How hard he tried to run from God
- What betrayal became a huge source of discouragement for Devry
- Why the need to be right made Devry so difficult to connect with
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Over many past episodes, we’ve explored what it looks like to use self-protective strategies to avoid facing our sin. But when we continue to mature in our journey with God, there usually comes a point in which we grow tired of how ineffective these methods are. We come face to face with the fact that these attempts to control our reality only bring pain to us personally and to our relationships.
It is here that we can find ourselves ready to encounter God’s plan for healing through repentance. While God created this process to be a means of restoring our relationship with him, a misguided theology of repentance can make us fearful of punishment. Join me as I share why true repentance is the key to learning to embrace God’s unconditional love and let go of a life of hiding.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why it’s so common to associate punishment with repentance
- Why we have to stop giving ourselves permission to sin
- How to reframe repentance to be a process driven by power and beauty without condemnation
- How to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in repentance
- Why repentance will be a life-long learning process
Links Mentioned:
My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers,
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The teenage years of parenting can make you feel powerless at times. Emotions run high and the ways they connect are not as easy to identify as they may have been in the past. In this episode of the podcast, Sara Brown is back to share why we need to embrace our children’s behavior as communication. When we can get curious about the why behind the behavior, we can get clarity around a need that is possibly going unmet.
Sara will also share why the adults in a young person’s life must do the hard work of learning to regulate our own emotions if they hope to see their kids do the same. You’ll also understand why being a repair expert is key to staying in relationship with your kids or the important young people in your life.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why understanding brain development is critical for communication
- Tips for helping a young person feel emotionally safe more often
- How an awareness of our own shame can help us relate to young people in our life
- What happens when we don’t do the work of repair when we blow it
- How to know if your child may benefit from counseling
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In this episode, I am joined by a dear friend and gifted therapist, Sara Brown. As she has matured and grown in her understanding of God’s unconditional love for her, she has been able to process a traumatic childhood with a mother who struggled with mental illness. Sara has done the challenging work of separating the ways she was loved and provided for while at the same time naming the ways she was not safe. We talk about how seeking out trustworthy witnesses to our pain can help us get unstuck from our trauma in specific seasons of our childhood, and even adulthood.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How Sara navigated having one foot in reality and one in her mother’s
- The ways in which Sara and her siblings had to grow up so quickly
- How painful it was for Sara and her siblings to keep their mother’s illness a secret
- Why it was so difficult for Sara to learn how to communicate her needs
- Why we can’t disconnect from our trauma unless we process it
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When someone gives you negative feedback, how do you typically respond? Or if a circumstance exposes your weakness, what do you do with the shame that rises up? When we are unwilling or not ready to face the truth of where we fall short, we often turn to forms of denial.
In this episode, I’ll share examples of how we can try to outrun our shame through blaming, minimizing, and justifying to avoid facing fear or consequences. When we habitually do this, our relationships suffer and trust can be questioned. And yet the hope lies in the fact that when we dare to bring those places we fall short to God, He is faithful to help us mature and find ways to restore relationships.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why we must learn to embrace our limitations as humans
- How denial keeps us stuck in fear that we will be found out
- Why we have to recognize what part of our reality is so hard to face
- Scriptures that point to God’s promise to redeem our weaknesses
- How God’s grace can strip us of the need to hide
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In this episode, Trish is back to share how her healing journey continued and inspired her to walk alongside other women who desperately needed a second chance after incarceration. The unexpected gift of training to be a social worker was how much time she would invest in healing from her own trauma and shame.
While her criminal record may have kept her from being employed in some settings, it was the very means through which God showed Trish that she would open her own refuge for women in need. Discover how Imagine Therapy and A Place for Hannah are strategically supporting women after incarceration so they can heal and thrive.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why a mission trip to Haiti helped Trish learn to share her story
- How Trish began to understand that everyone has a shame story
- Why the path to social work was initially so unexpected for Trish
- How challenging it is to find effective therapy with Medicaid
- How the women Trish and her team support are learning to lead with their strengths in their places of work
To learn more about Trish's work, find her at Imagine Therapy and A Place for Hannah.
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People-pleasing can seem like a harmless and common habit. Yet there are times when the fear that fuels our people-pleasing behavior can have unimaginable consequences. In this episode, I’m joined by LCSW, Trish Plum who has allowed a nightmare of a season to be redeemed by God in incredible ways.
Trish will explain how the pain of an unmet need to belong and be loved unconditionally prompted her to make choices that changed her life- and many of those around her forever. Listen as she learned not only how to survive her grief, but also how to allow God to meet her needs.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why Trish felt lonely and unloved, even with a supportive family
- The ways bad theology influenced Trish’s people-pleasing tendencies
- How God met with Trish in prison
- The unexpected grace offered to Trish
- How God taught her how to connect with Him in new and practical ways
To learn more about Trish's work, find her at Imagine Therapy and A Place for Hannah.
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If you’ve developed a pattern of people-pleasing, it can feel impossible to break free of it, especially in our core relationships. It often begins when someone in our childhood in authority communicates that their needs trump our needs. We become driven by the need to avoid conflict or deflect from the shame we feel about ourselves. But when we don’t look for other ways of relating, we can stunt our growth and deprive other people of the chance to grow.
I’ll share how God exposed the people-pleasing habits in my life and why learning practical ways to set boundaries transformed how I felt about myself and related to others. I’ll unpack the roles of the “drama triangle” and how you can identify which roles you play in this dynamic as well as what you can do to get unstuck here.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why it’s so tricky to distinguish between a need and a desire
- Why it’s unhealthy to believe it’s our job to stop anyone from experiencing negative emotions
- How people pleasing can feel so rewarding at times
- Evidence for why tolerating abuse is not an expression of love
- Why we can feel stuck believing we have no choices
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Links Mentioned:
- Episode #11: Our Valid Need for Love and Respect
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
In this second part of Neesie’s story, she unpacks how the reality of her trauma continued to play out in her life and relationships. She clearly describes how the emotional intensity of unaddressed wounds can overwhelm and surprise us. While this shame took Neesie through depression that was completely unmanageable, God had prepared a way out.
Neesie explains why healing requires unbelievable patience and trust on our part. She also points out how God continually and specifically continues to redeem her pain through her willingness to share her story.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How quickly Neesie’s trauma surfaced in her marriage
- Why she felt compelled to constantly criticize her husband
- Examples of how Neesie was trying to undo the shame of her past
- Why therapy became such a safe and validating resource for healing
- Why Neesie had the courage to ask God where He was in her childhood
You can learn more about Neesie's work at her website: www.neesiegrace.com/
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It is such a heavy burden to carry the weight of generational abuse. When people who are designated to care for us neglect our need to be nurtured, it is easy to believe we aren't valuable. In this episode, I am joined by Neesie Cieslak, speaker, author, and family life educator, who shares the first part of her story, telling about her experience of abuse and how it affected family life as she grew up.
Neesie also shares the way she found solace in a community of friends who could recognize the pain of abuse in one another, often without even talking about it. You’ll learn how God taught Neesie to tune her heart to Him in the middle of her darkest moments.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why the dynamics in Neesie’s family of origin were complex from the day she was born
- Why Neesie felt compelled to take on care-taking roles as a young child
- How she was able to grieve how passive other adults were in their response to her abuse
- The different types of shame messages Neesie received growing up
- How God amplified her message even after years of being told her voice was insignificant
You can learn more about Neesie's work at her website: www.neesiegrace.com/
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We are all created with a deep desire to be uniquely and personally loved. If we have learned to allow God to meet that need, we have the ability to appreciate our own strengths and those of others with ease. And at the same time, we can also show compassion for others in their areas of weakness.
Yet when we are uncertain of our value, we have a natural tendency to criticize and label others in an attempt to feel better about ourselves. In this episode, I’ll share how this pattern developed in my own life and why it was destroying me. I’ll also guide you through the practical steps of practicing self-examination when a critical attitude surfaces in your heart. As you release your need to criticize others, God can shift your focus from what needs to change in others to what needs to change in you.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How shame distorts our desire to be uniquely loved
- Why criticism only comforts us for a brief moment
- How criticism can keep us frozen in a habit of making comparisons
- Why we have to become experts at examining our need to criticize
- How constant criticism is fueled by a need to stay in control
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Anger is one of those emotions that rarely acts alone. If we are embarrassed, disrespected, or afraid, anger often follows faster than we ever expect. Yet if expressing anger becomes a pattern for us, the added guilt and shame make it so difficult to get to the root of our pain. It is so hard to trust what God says of us in these moments.
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Russ Yost is back to give us some practical tools to put to use in the moments we feel hijacked by our emotions. He will show us why God can be trusted with our messiest moments. Every time we choose to create time and space between our feelings and our reactions, we can demonstrate how much we care about both ourselves and our relationships.
- Why being afraid or embarrassed easily triggers anger
- How to support your brain when you are angry
- Why retaliation rarely gives us any satisfaction
- How to use boundaries when you're on the receiving end of anger
- How to use Psalm 109 to recognize and move through your pain
Connect with Russ on his website: www.russyost.com
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In order to take a deeper dive into how and why anger surfaces in our hearts, I’ve invited Licensed Therapist and Counselor, Russ Yost to help us find some practical solutions in our weakest moments. Anger can be fueled by many situations, but we often come face to face with it when something exposes the shame we carry.
If you struggle with anger, the good news is that God is not surprised at your struggle. Russ will help us learn why we can struggle to manage our anger even as someone who claims to follow Christ. Join us as we discover the importance of approaching anger with curiosity and examining the moments that fuel it. We’ll even talk about tuning into our bodies to mitigate anger’s negative effects while channeling it towards redemptive change.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why “Alligator Brain” is helpful for understanding a trauma response
- How the reactions we have in our anger can become habits
- How to take our body’s cues that our shame or anger is being triggered
- Why we need to recognize how anger can be a gift
- Why God can be trusted with our anger
Connect with Russ on his website: www.russyost.com
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Anger is a complex and confusing emotion, regardless of which side of it you find yourself on. It often emerges from a deep sense of powerlessness, tempting us to believe that reasserting control through displays of anger will bring us justification and a sense of security. However, when we neglect to address the pain within our own hearts, we inadvertently wound others. The allure of a power trip is always a temporary escape.
I invite you to join me on a personal exploration as I share the process of delving into the roots of my emotional wounds, stemming from the trauma of sexual abuse. Discover how you can learn to discern who to trust as you pursue the chance to share honestly and vulnerably. There is so much freedom in experiencing that you can get your needs met without demands or manipulation.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The many expressions of anger
- Examples of when Jesus expressed anger in his relationships
- Why anger really is a huge cry for help
- That you don’t have to be in control to be safe and respected
- Why journaling is such a powerful tool for working through our anger
Links Mentioned
Episode 8 & 9: Lisa's Story (Part 1) (Part 2)
National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
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For many of us, the means by which we learned to escape difficult emotions as a child follow us straight into adulthood. But as we mature, we can learn to recognize the behavior and call it out in ourselves. In this episode, Jacob is back to share how he has come to see his patterns of escape as an opportunity to pay attention to the check engine light on his soul.
What I love about this conversation is how well Jacob articulates how he learned to wrestle with the truth that God is all loving and at the same time face such unexplained hurt and pain. He shares how the transformation took root when he found a community that could help him exchange the secrets and darkness in his heart for freedom and unconditional love.
In this episode, you’ll learn
- How Jacob’s pattern of escaping showed up in the early years of marriage
- Why we believe we are entitled to permission to sin when we are in pain
- How Jacob was able to reconcile the gifts and challenges of serving a God who created us with free will
- The moment of vulnerability that God used to show Jacob that his love was not something Jacob could earn
- The ways Jacob has been able to break cycles of shame as he raises his boys
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When our circumstances bring fear, chaos, and loneliness, the desire to want to escape makes sense. It’s our brain’s way of protecting us. But many times we learn to rely on those coping mechanisms early in our lives, having no awareness of how it could lead to so much emotional, spiritual, and even physical bondage.
In this episode, Jacob shares how having an absent father and a mother who struggled with addiction caused him to doubt how valuable he was. He talks about how lies about his worth took root and why video games became a form of respite from his overwhelming pain.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why Jacob’s parents were so emotionally unavailable
- How he managed to survive when his mom would be gone for weeks at a time
- Why Jacob had to remain hyper-vigilant in his home
- The impact of the way culture and media shaped Jacob’s definition of normal
- How we can naturally assume responsibility for the hurt done to us
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When the pressure of life overwhelms us, we naturally want to hide. While we all hide in different ways, we are all seeking relief from the intensity of our emotions. We trick ourselves into believing that if we can numb or escape, we can pretend that the pain and the pressure don’t exist.
And while these methods can work in the short term, these patterns of coping only threaten our relationships with others and intensify our shame. In this episode, I will share how I learned to trust God in the moment with my overwhelming emotions. You’ll discover how you can learn to appreciate your emotions and allow them to drive you to healthy action that will also free you from the grip of shame.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The difference between a trauma response and numbing and escaping
- Why it’s normal to struggle to find healthy examples of dealing with shame
- How to appreciate your emotion as a tool and a resource instead of a handicap
- Examples of ways to take action when you feel attacked by shame
- How choosing to numb and escape prevents us from experiencing fulfilling relationships
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If you identify as a perfectionist, you’ve probably discovered that hiding this way can work in the short term, but eventually, life becomes unmanageable. In this episode, Janelle continuesher story and shares how parenting and marriage exposed her, making it impossible to control the narrative any longer.
Discover how God invited Janelle to face the tasks and challenges that seemed impossible to overcome. Learn how she learned to face fears and push through discomfort all because she experienced true safety to learn and grow at her own pace.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How unhealed trauma made being a new parent such a defeating experience
- Why Janelle avoided getting her driver's license at 16
- How she wrestled with the shame of her dad’s criminal record
- The key element to transformation and growth
- Why Janelle felt free enough to let go of her patterns of self-hatred
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Last week we explored the ways a perfectionist can try to control how those around them see and value them. These attempts can help us cope in the short term, but prevent us from experiencing deep relationships with God and those we are closest to.
In this episode, I’ve invited Janelle to share how she actively avoided any task that didn’t come easily to her. If she hadn’t tried, then no one could say that she had failed. But at the same time, she was paralyzed with fear, wondering how she could move forward.
Discover how God invited Janelle to heal and learn new ways of connecting with Him. You’ll be encouraged to remember the truth that God’s not disappointed by your lack of progress. You are right on time and He’s still at work in you.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why Janelle's parents were so distracted with their own pain
- How a sense of defeated perfectionism began to play our in her school years
- Why perfectionism can often be connected with a sense of entitlement
- How a lack of attunement to Janelle's needs as a child created unhealthy patterns in her marriage
- The ways becoming a mother exposed the lack of compassion her parents showed her
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If you or someone you know considers themselves a perfectionist, it can often be confused as a strength, when in reality it’s a self-protective strategy to project our ideal selves 100% of the time. It’s just one example of our sophisticated fig leaves.
If we use this strategy to survive, shame and fear of being exposed are the motivators for almost everything we do. On top of this, we become extremely sensitive to the imperfections of others and have an extremely hard time accepting feedback or criticism.
Join me to learn how you may have learned from a young age to hide under the guise of perfectionism and why there is hope to live in humility and freedom in our new identity in Christ.
In this episode, you’ll learn
- The difference between a healthy goal-setter and a perfectionist
- Why perfectionism can be a learned behavior to protect ourselves
- How perfectionism and procrastination are interconnected
- How easy it easy for parents can unintentionally pressure young people into patterns of perfectionism
- Why perfectionism is often inappropriately spiritualized
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It can be a lonely feeling to realize that you are the only one fighting for the relationship any more. While Connie and her children did nothing to deserve to be neglected, she was faced with the harsh reality that even with two young kids, her husband was unwilling and unable to engage in any form of a healthy relationship any longer.
In this episode, Connie continues to share how she was able to ask God to provide for her moment by moment, as she navigated leaving the marriage, moving back overseas, and grieving the death of her mother. Listen to Connie describe God's work in her heart to forgive her ex-husband and be released from both her shame and his.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How Connie handled her in-law's denial of her husband's addiction
- Examples of how her ex-husband’s impulsive decisions created so much distrust
- Why depression was a natural development in Connie’s overwhelm
- How God made it possible for Connie to think of her ex-husband without contempt
- The space that forgiveness creates allows God to address the mess in our own hearts
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All of our human relationships require one core element to thrive: trust. When trust on either end begins to dissolve, the entire relationship is instantly vulnerable, and take us In this episode, I’ve invited my friend Connie to share her story of a journey of answering the call for mission work alongside her husband. She will unpack how a crisis of faith for her husband led to a handful of destructive choices that left her utterly alone.
Listen as she shares what it was like to embrace the heartbreak of betrayal in a very demanding season of life. Be sure to join us next week to hear how God redeemed this pain and offered Connie freedom and healing.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How God developed a desire in Connie to serve on the mission field from a young age
- Why moving and adjusting to new cultures added to the challenge of marriage
- The signs that Connie was becoming more disconnected than connected to her husband
- How a lack of community and support intensified Connie’s pain
- How Connie’s ex-husband regularly minimized and blamed Connie
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Have you ever been overwhelmed or mystified by the idea of being able to forgive someone who has wounded you deeply? It can feel absolutely impossible in most instances, and it would be - without Christ.
But God.
In this episode, I’m sharing the practical steps we must take in order to forgive our offenders and be free of the shame attached to the pain they caused in our lives. Join me as I share parts of my own journey in forgiving my abusers, including what steps you can take even if all you really want is vengeance. I’ll show you how simple it is to invite God to direct your healing journey with a practical, honest prayer.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why an apology can’t restore our dignity
- Why we are afraid to practice forgiveness
- How harmful it is when we are encouraged to just forget hurt done to us
- Why it is critical for us to get in touch with how desperate we are for God’s forgiveness
- What to do when there is little or no hope of your offenders taking responsibility for hurting you
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Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Even though we try to hide our sins in the most effective ways, it’s impossible to sin without affecting our relationships. In this episode, Scott is back to share more of how God showed up to guide him through the nightmare of loneliness as he faced truth. When Scott had the courage to stay still and stop retreating, he found a deep intimacy with God waiting for him. Discover how Scott learned to accept God’s grace and how doing so restored his most precious relationships
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How shame can so directly attack our sense of belonging
- The ways Scott began to practice internalizing the truth of scripture
- Why God’s promises must be trustworthy in the darkest moments of our lives
- How we get stuck punishing ourselves more than God had in mind to
- Why choosing to be present in our pain can unlock healing
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
When the people who are designated to create safety and security in your home as a child can’t show up well, it’s easy to normalize chaotic and unsafe circumstances. In this episode, I’ve invited my friend Scott to share how his childhood was full of the damaging effects of his chaotic family life, including feelings of fear, confusion, and a distorted understanding of relationships. He specifically shares seeking solace in retreat and escapism, particularly through playing sports and porn.
Join us next week as Scott shares how God led him on a unique healing journey to find peace with God and the courage to trust God to restore what had been in pieces.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How Scott’s dad’s alcoholism turned his childhood upside down
- What it was like for Scott to move so often and constantly start over
- Why it is so difficult to make good decisions when fear is always present
- Why Scott was angry that his mom didn't draw better boundaries with his dad
- How easily Scott got caught in a trap of shame in his sexuality
Links Mentioned:
Episode 17: Need for Emotional Connection: Roots of Sexual Addiction: Ryan’s Story, Part One
Episode 18: Healthy Intimacy with God and Others Brings Freedom: Ryan's Story, Part Two
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
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The need to forgive others is usually easy to recognize, but we often minimize the need to forgive ourselves for the damage we’ve done. It feels like a confusing process to navigate when we are both the offended and the offender. Yet when we overlook this very significant step in healing, we can unknowingly fuel the shame cycle, which leads to feeling stuck and hopeless.
We may be able to embrace the idea of trusting God with our future, He is more than qualified to handle our past too. In this episode, I’ll unpack the steps you can take to walk in the freedom God offers us when make space to forgive ourselves. You will learn how to move from regret to sorrow to peace to gratitude, and finally, to worship.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What happens when we get stuck in if-only statements
- The difference between forgiveness and giving ourselves permission to sin
- Why there’s hope in not being the perfect self or the shame self
- What truth we have to accept about our sin and the damage we cause
- A practical exercise for facing and releasing our sin
Links Mentioned:
- Episode 45: A Suprising Antidote to Compulsive Sin with Bill Thrall
- Episode 46:The Power of Trusting God and Others With Our Compulsive Sin with Bill Thrall
- Blog Post: Regret
- “The Cry of the Soul: How Our Emotions Reveal Our Deepest Questions About God” by Dan Allendar and Tremper Longman
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Even when we know the work God has done in us is undeniable, it’s hard to predict how God will continue to work in us to draw us closer to Him through the many seasons of our lives. He does consistently redeem the darkest parts of our story to emphasize his love for us.
Join me and Bill again to discover how God responded when Bill cried out to God asking for a life worth living. Hear how Bill learned to look out for small phrases and words God would set on his heart and how staying in tune with God encouraged so many others on his path.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The ways Bill was inspired to write songs and poems to work out the things stirring in his heart
- Why hearing from God doesn’t have to be dramatic or difficult to do
- Why it’s normal to feel spiritually empty even when you know God is near
- How Bill was able to talk about God’s pursuit of him to his family
- Reminders of why God will never tire of coming after you
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To really know God means that you know how to connect with Him in the little moments of the day just as much as you would in a crisis. When we slow down and turn down the noise of our lives, He’s closer than we think. Today, my guest Bill Folz is sharing the first part of his story in which he shares that while he believed in God, he had no idea what it meant to connect with Him, or that God would want that too.
Bill shares how God continued to pursue him especially in the midst of his seasons of heavy drug use. Join me to hear how Bill found the courage to push through the shame of his past and traded up for a calling to minister to other broken people.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why Bill could connect so deeply with music as a young person
- Unique stories of the way God grabbed Bill’s attention
- How Bill navigated letting go of unhealthy friendships for true community
- Why shame over not pursuing God can be so toxic
- Why God will always want you back
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Taking time to understand the concept of forgiveness is one thing, but practically learning how to accept forgiveness from God, others, and especially ourselves can feel so challenging. When we are stuck in cycles of sin, it is so easy to begin to believe the lie that we are too messy and that we have sinned above and beyond what God could look past.
In this episode, I’ll share why there’s always hope for you. God is not shocked by our capacity to sin, in the past, present, or future and his grace is absolutely sufficient. While He does this work in us, our job is to live out of this truth that we are covered. Join me to learn how to practice developing this muscle in our faith.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What to do with the feeling of needing to repay God when we blow it
- Why God’s forgiveness can be trusted at any point in your journey with Him
- Why trying to control sin leaves us more hopeless than when we started
- How God stays true to his character of being loving and just when he offers forgiveness
- What a desire to seek forgiveness reveals in you
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In this episode, author and leader, Bill Thrall returns to share more about how shame fuels sin. We discover how we were always made to live in relationship with God and with one another. Yet when we are hurting, we hide, and in the darkness, we sin. This sin always has an impact on our ability to connect with people around us and on our relationship with God.
Being able to analyze our own tendency to hide when we are hurt through behaviors like judging, controlling, minimizing, or defending can help us see what areas of our life we still need to entrust to God. If you are exhausted and feeling hopeless trying to manage your sin, we invite you to listen and risk believing that Christ had you and all your pain in mind at the cross.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How the significance of the relationship impacts how much we are hurt by sin
- Why repentance and forgiveness are critical to healthy relationships and community
- How Adam and Eve tried to manage their sin
- What lies behind our obsession with control
- God’s intended purpose for the law versus what humans generally assume it to be
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Have you ever stopped to get curious about what is behind compulsive sin? In this episode, I’ve invited author and pastor, Bill Thrall to dive into this very complicated question. Because of the shame that accompanies compulsive sin, it is hard to believe that behind it is a God-given need to trust God and others with our needs. But this is where the real recovery begins. Bill will share with us the powerful message that there is good news for all of us that may surprise you! We were never designed to manage or control our sin. It is only through the work of believing Christ’s sacrifice for us that we can escape the bondage of sin. Join us as we learn why compulsive sin can take root in our lives, how we feed the sin cycle, and why a lack of sin is not the chief indication of our health.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The difference between addiction and compulsive sin
- What the intention all of sin is in our lives
- What happens when we lose hope that we can change
- The impact of bad theology on addressing compulsive sin
- Simple one-line prayers that can connect you to God’s heart in dark moments
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Even if you’ve been walking with God for many years, the practice of confessing your sin to God or to others can feel challenging. In this solo teaching episode, I’ll share the many reasons why we continue to avoid living in honesty and freedom.
The cost of confessing can be high because we have to come face to face with the damage we’ve done. But the cost of not confessing is even greater in the way that it can impact us physically and isolate us from God and our most important relationships. I pray this episode offers you the courage to bring your sin into the light so you can experience the forgiveness that’s available to you right now.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What obstacles convince us that confession isn’t necessary
- The specific reason avoiding confession cuts us off of relationship
- The value and role of God’s word as we pursue living in freedom
- Why avoiding confession only fuels our desire to sin
- How confession keeps us tethered to God
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We’ve all been impacted by someone who is shameless in their actions. It can be difficult to understand how anyone, (including ourselves) can act without any regard for others around them. And yet it happens all the time. We have all been created with the law of God written on our hearts, but when we choose to live by our own law, our ability to hear and respond to God is weakened.
In this solo teaching episode, I’m going to dive into a core concept of understanding shame as it connects to our spirituality; the role of the conscience and the Holy Spirit. God graciously gave us the ability to choose to live according to his law and design so we don’t have to live in the bondage of sin. Yet the conscience becomes dull and ineffective when we don’t stay in tune with God’s purpose for our lives. Join me as I share why healthy shame helps us see our need for God.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What takes place between knowing the truth and acting shamelessly
- The difference between the role of the conscience and the Holy Spirit
- Why a conscience is dependent on a solid foundation of truth
- How obedience frees us to live in alignment with God so that we don’t feel guilt and shame
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In this episode, Mike returns to share more about how a support group like PAL can empower parents of young people who are struggling with addiction. You’ll learn what you can expect to take away from a PAL meeting and why Mike is so passionate about equipping parents, rather than licensed counselors to facilitate these groups.
Knowing when to show compassion and when to enforce a boundary as a parent on this journey is stressful and difficult to discern. We will talk about how you can engage your son or daughter in ways that inspire dignity and independence.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What to expect if you attend a PAL group meeting
- Why it’s critical for young people to have space to fail on their road to recovery
- What to do when your son or daughter lashes out at you in anger
- The significance of having other trusted adults involved in your child’s recovery
- Why suggestion is rejection, even when your goal is to support
Connect with Mike Speakman www.speakmancoaching.com
Find A Support Group: https://palgroup.org/
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It is an incredible challenge to navigate personal recovery from addiction, but perhaps even more challenging to navigate it alongside a loved one. It all boils down to how little control we have. Today’s guest is someone who has navigated his own recovery and now uses his story to compassionately and strategically support parents of kids who are battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Mike is a substance abuse counselor and the founder of PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones.)
Mike unpacks what the four seasons of recovery for parents are and why anticipating these seasons can prepare you for inevitable relapse and hopelessness. You are not the problem, but you have been made part of the problem. Finding resources and a community that understands the unique challenge of supporting a child facing addiction is key to being available to celebrate the breakthroughs and stay present on the dark days.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to engage loved ones in a conversation about their relationship with drugs or alcohol even if they don’t recognize it as an addiction
- Why addiction is classified or often referred to as a disease
- How shame fuels addiction
- Why we need to have both short-term and long-term goals to experience lasting change
- What is and what’s not part of the parent’s role in the healing process for a child struggling with addiction
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Chances are you know someone who has attended or benefited from a 12 Step program. It’s been around for a long time and the principles are powerful for those who are seeking healing and freedom. In this episode, Dick shares with us how God has used this program to not only guide him through the healing process but also turn around to serve those who are at the beginning of their journey by sponsoring individuals and facilitating groups. While every story of recovery is unique in its twists and turns, it’s not uncommon to recognize your own familiar themes, attitudes, and feelings in someone else’s story. This is why I want to share these stories on the podcast. Listen to learn why a safe and courageous community continues to be a key to staying sober and choosing freedom every day for Dick.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why Dick was desperate for any validation that he was loved.
- How fear of rejection and a compulsive desire to control are connected
- How Dick can reconcile that he identifies that he is both a child of God and an alcoholic according to the program
- The ways Dick depends on his community to reflect hope to him on dark days
- What the “maintenance” steps are in a 12 Step program and why they are powerful
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God has a way of putting a burden in our hearts for something long before we are ready and sometimes it is hard to wait to see how we will be used. This was certainly the case with Dick, my friend, and guest on the podcast today.
In this episode, Dick shares how his heartbreak over being abandoned as a child became impossible to bear. Alcohol suddenly became a long-awaited reprieve, but quickly became uncontrollable. Dick shares how God was pursuing his unyielding heart and what circumstances led him to crave healing and transformation.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why Dick naturally believed he was unwanted as a child
- The signs that Dick’s relationship with alcohol was more than a bad habit
- What insecurity hid behind his aggression and lack of awareness of the impact of his drinking
- The means God used to get Dick’s attention
- Why for the first time, Dick felt like a whole community could embrace him
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In this episode, Mike picks up where he left off in sharing the road to recovery that began the moment he was arrested. You’ll hear why he was so ready for the authenticity and intensity of a 12 Step program. While being released from jail meant Mike got to start over, facing the mess he left behind could have led to his collapse. But God was ready to show him a new path. Join us in the episode as Mike shares how God redeemed his relationships and career and cleared an unfathomable amount of financial debt as well as his sin and shame. This hope Mike lives with each day is evidence of how big God’s love is for each one of us.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why a 12-step Program was so refreshing for Mike
- About the moment Mike had to finally process how much his addiction had impacted those he loved
- How his marriage was such a key element to his healing process
- What miracles God did on Mike’s behalf to redeem his life’s purpose and career
- How Mike was able to make amends with his parents
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The danger of any addiction is that in the beginning, many people manage to be functional drug users, where the consequences seem minimal. But in this episode, my friend Mike will share how that season was short-lived. He opens up about how the drugs quickly took a grip of his life as he chose to let go of all his significant relationships and took hold of any chance he could get high to keep reality at bay.
Listen as Mike shares why losing everything and going to jail was actually the first taste of the freedom God was about to offer him. He talks about the surprisingly familiar face he meets there and why he was softened by the message of the miracle of grace. Join us next week as he continues to share his story of redemption.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How Mike’s childhood didn’t really pave a path to drug use
- The moment that Mike realized the drugs were stronger than his ability to manage his addiction
- Why Mike was consistently seeking out others who were doing worse than him
- About two huge moments in Mike’s story: his mom leaving and losing a dream job
- What God spoke to Mike in the middle of his arrest
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Kiera is back in this episode to share how God generously supplied the forgiveness she would need to offer her mom. Doing this allowed her to love her well as she began to age, regardless of how her mom treated her. Perhaps the biggest gift was the way it allowed her to have confidence in her own value and in her most significant relationships. Being able to forgive someone who doesn’t understand how they’ve hurt you is truly a miracle, and one we can’t comprehend until we experience it. Listen as Kiera shares how overwhelmed with gratitude she was that God supplied this gift because of her commitment to allowing him to drive the process.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why a season of overwhelming loss and relational strain would be the perfect moment to experience forgiveness
- How God called Kiera to love her mom in the most practical ways
- The ways Kiera was able to put boundaries in place while still being available to support her mom
- The impact of offering forgiveness in one relationship on all other relationships
- Why Kiera is confident about her role and God’s as she continues to engage with her mom
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Attempting to reconcile with someone who is completely unaware of how they’ve wounded you is incredibly challenging. How do you offer forgiveness to someone who doesn’t ask for it - or worse, continues to hurt you even after you forgive them? And what do you do when you still ache to be in relationship, even when it’s unhealthy? It’s not uncommon to wrestle with questions like these, especially in the context of your family of origin.
In this episode, my friend Kiera joins me to share how she struggled to feel valuable and loved by her mom as she grew up. She unpacks how confusing it was for the same person to cause so much hurt and yet love her so well at the same time. Join us next week as Kiera shares how God led the path to a restored relationship against all odds.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How her mom’s focus on relationships with men meant Kiera’s needs often came last
- Examples of how a lack of parental protection for Kiera allowed her to believe she was not wanted
- About the areas of life where Kiera’s mom showed up really well for her daughter
- Why we sometimes have to grieve and release relationships we never got to have
- The realization that empowered Kiera to exercise boundaries for the first time with her mom
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Only in hindsight can we recognize the miracle of God’s healing in our lives. In last week’s episode, Joe shared what deep wounds unhealthy relationships with his parents growing up. While Joe was incredibly uncomfortable in learning how to deal with anxiety, God was laying the groundwork for how he would use Joe to point other hurting hearts back towards God too.
Discover how this journey made it possible to enter into marriage and how God used marriage to continue the healing process. Joe has discovered some powerful tools to identify the thoughts behind his unhealthy behaviors and he unpacks those in our conversation. We also explore some powerful ideas about the connection between shame and pride in the ways sin shows up in our lives.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How God engaged Joe in his fear that he would be single forever
- The reason Joe and his wife were so inspired by the book How We Love
- How Joe would describe how “The Trip In” plays out in our lives
- What happens when we hyperfocus on the behavior vs. the thought behind it
- Why God’s love is distinctively different from all other forms of love
Links Mentioned
Book: How We Love: Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage
By Milan and Kay Yerkovich
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In this episode, I’ve invited Joe Scheid to share his story of growing up in a home with parents who struggled with addiction and codependency. Being able to understand the experience through his eyes as a child has brought clarity to the overwhelming feelings of resentment and rebellious behavior that surfaced as he got older.
But God graciously broke the cycle of unhealth in his life when his parents, while separated, each pursued support and experienced healing. Discover how witnessing this process first-hand brought hope for the work Joe would have to do on his own.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Practical examples of what codependency looked like in Joe’s home growing up
- The ways Joe tried to maintain a sense of control in the midst of chaotic interactions
- What it felt like for Joe to see his parents taking courageous steps to get help
- The frightening event that prompted the first step toward reconciliation with Joe’s mother
- How Joe began to sense God’s presence more fully in the middle of his pain
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In a fallen world, we all feel the impact of broken relationships. Sometimes we have caused the hurt, sometimes someone else has, and many times it’s a messy combination. While repairing relationships takes an incredible amount of maturity and courage, avoiding the work can often cause much more damage.
Join me as I share some very practical tips for engaging in the process of reconciliation and how to understand if you or the other person are ready to have these needed conversations. I invite you to begin practicing this critical skill of reconciliation so that you can reap the joy of healthy and restored relationships as you learn to love well through listening.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What you can do if you feel incapable of forgiving someone
- The signs that indicate you are not ready to engage in reconciliation
- Conversation starters that communicate you are listening and invite a gentle response
- Why we must be willing to hear and trust someone’s motives in a conflict
- Examples of complete as well as incomplete apologies
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God graciously wired us to thrive through relationships and desires us to live connected and in unity. Yet being human means we’ve experienced the brokenness of these relationships through disagreements, misunderstandings, and betrayal. In different seasons we are the offender or the offended, and often times we are both at once.
The hope for us is that God has also gifted us with the ministry of reconciliation and He offers hope to overcome these hurts in miraculous ways. It starts with understanding what God did on our behalf to draw us near to him. Learn how to begin this process and why you might be feeling stuck navigating broken relationships.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The most common reason you are not ready to engage in repairing a relationship
- Why we can trust God for this specific challenge and why it matters so much to Him
- To name the various different types of obstacles to reconciliation
- Why you can feel hopeless when you are the offender in a relationship
- The hope you can still claim when the other person is not ready to engage in the reconciliation process
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When a wound from grief is just barely healing, it can be devastating when another wave of loss rolls in, exposing your heart all over again. In this episode, Rich and Melissa continue sharing their story in marriage, the mission field, and their pursuit of building a family.
While this couple could never imagine being able to navigate an additional traumatic loss, they quickly realized that their vulnerability was key to restarting the healing process. You’ll also hear how God showed them how to grieve together this time and embrace the support of their community.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How a beautiful gift and surprise turned into another loss so quickly
- The ways the enemy attempted to capitalize on lies and trauma
- Why wrestling with God in your grief is key to survival
- Practical wisdom for how to respond when you have friends who are walking through miscarriage or the loss of a child
Want to win a FREE copy of my book- Lifted to Shame? You can enter to win just by leaving a rating and review for the podcast on iTunes! Check out how to do that HERE! Take a screenshot and send it to hello@louisesedgwick.com to win!
Having hope in God’s plans for our lives can fuel us in such beautiful ways. And yet, sometimes without reason, we come face to face with a “not-yet” - or sometimes worse, a “no” for the things our hearts long for most. Join me in this conversation with my friends Rich and Melissa who met in college, married, and became missionaries soon after. As their ministry developed, so did their desire to start a family. After one beautiful healthy son came a series of complications, losses, confusion, and blocked paths. Listen to discover what questions they asked and what hard and beautiful truths they discovered about themselves, God, and each other throughout this season. Join us next week as they continue sharing how this journey unfolded.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How many challenges surfaced in life and ministry when Rich and Melissa became pregnant
- Why it was so hard to accept God wouldn’t say yes to a dream of a full house of children
- How grief overwhelmed them through multiple fronts in a single week
- What wise advice Rich and Melissa received when doors they didn’t anticipate would close were indeed shut for them
- How challenging it was to pursue fertility treatments overseas
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One of the biggest challenges with grief is that we are never really done with it. Our pain can pop up in so many unexpected ways, even years into our healing journey. So then the question becomes: how do we learn to live with grief? In this episode, Angie Warren returns to share more about the process of grief, the role of the body and the brain in processing trauma, and perhaps most importantly -why God is not disappointed that you are still working through your grief.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How God has designed us with a need for safety
- Why we need to find ways to make our grief concrete (with examples)
- How the process “casting your cares on Jesus” can be re-examined in grief
- What our brains do to protect us from experiencing trauma again
- The ways grief can guide us into deeper purpose and community
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Grief is a universal language and part of the human experience, and yet there is so much about the grieving process that is so easily misunderstood. In this episode, I am joined by Angie Warren, a Licensed Social Worker who meets with children, teens, and adults, helping them process their grief and loss.
Angie will share why grief is not linear and how it is as unique as the individual experiencing the grief. Additionally, we dive into how the body can hold onto grief and why it’s important to learn how to spot the physical signs of grief. Angie also offers helpful distinctions between what grief can look like at different developmental levels. Be sure to subscribe so you can catch the next episode where she shares tools for managing grief and the gifts that God offers us as we work through grief.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why we need to recognize grief
- The importance of learning to recognize signs of grieving in our physical bodies
- Why grief can be as unique as the individual
- Why the 5 Stages of Grief shouldn’t be used as a formula
- How grief looks different in a child vs. an adult
Resources Mentioned:
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
Five Stages of Grief–Elisabeth Kubler Ross
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When we find ourselves walking through a season of grief or loss, unresolved hurts from the past can surface, making us vulnerable in ways that are hard to anticipate. In this second episode with Mary, she shares the heartbreaking story she lived through when she opened her heart up to a relationship again. Listen to how she had to navigate multiple acts of betrayal and how God showed Mary how to rebuild her life, step by step, reaching as far back as her childhood.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How Mary was swept off her feet by a man that pretended to care for her
- The ways Mary began to discover her second husband’s hidden agenda
- How Mary began to trust God to be her Advocate who would bring her justice
- The gift of friendship Mary found in someone walking just a season ahead of her on a similar journey
- Why God longs for us to name our hurts to Him and in trusted community
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If you have become someone who is really well-versed in performing, many times it’s because early on, we learned to do it as a means of survival. It’s one way we can control the chaos-or at least be sure we don’t add to it.
In this episode, my guest Mary is sharing how maintaining an image of perfection in childhood was a practice that followed her into marriage and parenting. And as hard as she tried, for many years, she was not able to break the cycles of shame that broke her. Learn how an unexpected hardship taught her to release her need to appear put together and embrace an ability to love without conditions.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The first time Mary can remember experiencing shame
- How Mary became the referee in her parents’ marriage at a young age
- A child’s experience of the process of escaping an abuser
- Why she still felt the need to control when she married a healthy man
- Why even 180 degrees from sick is still sick
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Healing rarely happens at the rate we would wish it would. Yet it doesn’t take long to realize just how different we are. We can see how much God has been at work. In the episode, EJay and Lori will continue to share more about the lies that God exposed in their lives. They will unpack what allowed them to rest and be free of a compulsive need to try to win the favor of each other - and God.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How EJay was able to start shifting from striving to believing the work Christ had already done on his behalf
- Why it was so easy for EJay and Lori to trigger one another in their pain
- Key questions to ask yourself if you’re feeling stuck in the healing process
- How Lori and Ejay introduced authenticity in their relationships with their kids even as they became adults
- What it’s been like to witness their kids learn to forgive and reconcile with one another
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One of the most common traps for people who’ve been part of the church for many years is believing that saying and doing all the right things will make God and others inclined to love us more. This theology can wreak havoc on our relationship with God and others because there is so little room for grace and forgiveness.
In this episode, I’m joined by EJay and Lori, an incredible couple who invested years of life on the mission field in part because they thought it was such a highly esteemed calling. What they didn't expect was for God to expose their need to examine old wounds, restore a fragile marriage, and realize that there was nothing they could do to make God love them more.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How easy it is to hide behind the guise of ministry
- Why EJay felt so vulnerable in the challenges of language learning
- The difference between knowing and living the truth of your identity
- How Lori released her need to judge EJay so often
- The role and impact of healthy community on their healing process
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- Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
The Gospel may be the most familiar element of your faith, but have you ever stopped to consider: what kind of Gospel have I heard? As we continue this conversation on the transforming power of the Gospel, Caleb is asking us to think about what expectations or perhaps traditions have we added to the Gospel. Unpacking this concept may give us clues as to why it’s harder to trust God in the middle of our pain.
The truth is that we were always designed to live connected to God. In our flesh, we long to make a name for ourselves and add to the work of the Gospel. But there’s nothing left to accomplish-it is finished. So come rest in this truth as Caleb and I as we dive into a conversation about the beauty of God’s gift to us on the cross.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why it can be challenging to trust God without examining your view of the Gospel
- Why it’s important to never become too common or simple for us
- Questions you can ask God when your heart and pain are exposed
- How it’s easy to miss the Gospel’s gift in a culture consumed with establishing a unique identity
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How a renewed look at the Gospel can impact how we approach Christmas this year It's HERE! Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
- Pre-order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
- Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
As life-changing as the Gospel is when we first receive it, it can be really common for us to set it down in the middle of life’s chaos or believe that it will only be completely fulfilled after death. But the beauty is that God’s work on the cross means it is relevant to everything we're going through right now.
In this episode, I’m joined by young adult pastor and good friend, Caleb Smith. He shares the gentle ways God has pursued him with the redeeming power of the Gospel in the middle of some very painful seasons of life. His understanding of grace reveals why he is able to trust God when it seems impossible.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How God’s pursuit of Caleb impacted him most
- How grace made his heart tender enough to trust in the middle of his parent's divorce
- Why having the courage to forgive his family was such a miracle
- The ways Caleb is making sense of the work of the Gospel in his day-to-day life
- Why we need to get in touch with how desperate we are for the Good News
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
- Pre-order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
- Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
Have you ever been encouraged to “get a handle on” or a “get serious” about your sin? It’s simple, right? You just need to make it a priority and work really hard. If you’re like me, approaching the most troublesome areas of my life with this theology only leads to more hurt, disappointment, and shame.
But there’s good news. The reality is that this thinking is flawed because it leaves no room for the Holy Spirit to work in you. Join me in this episode as I unpack how you can practice trading a habit of reacting out of your flesh for relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. The more we exercise this trust, the more God shows up to work on our behalf. That’s when the miracle of grace begins and where we get to stop trying to manage everything on our own.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why we crave being able to take care of lives on our own terms
- Specific scriptures that explain how God takes us from operating out of our flesh to relying on the Holy Spirit
- Why God chooses to be patient with our process
- The reasons why we’re so attached to a performance-based theology
- Practical examples of how I’m learning to lean into the power of the Holy Spirit
Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame
- Pre-order your eBook or print book on Amazon here.
- Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.
While you may be preparing for the holiday season that begins this week with coordinating, shopping, or cleaning, I’m inviting you to set that aside for 30 minutes. Together we will explore some ways that you can prepare your heart to engage with family that has a habit of triggering and misunderstanding us.
I’ll share how you can use the Serenity Prayer as a guide and consider how you can find the peace and confidence to respond -rather than react during family gatherings. I’ll also have some tips and encouragement for anyone finding themselves without plans, which can be just as challenging.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why regret and anxiety about the past and the future strike us during the holidays
- How taking care of ourselves may be the best way to prepare for the holidays
- Why serenity is such an empowering state of mind
- The reasons why we must practice naming our loss and disappointment
- How you can seek out community when you are feeling isolated
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
In this episode, Ryan shares the path God revealed that led to his healing. He shares with us how he took steps out of hiding into a lifestyle marked by radical honesty. Ryan shares how hesitant he was to trust the principles and community of a 12 Step program. He also talks about the freedom that came with being accepted in the middle of his mess.
Ryan is incredibly articulate about the way God’s grace empowered him to accept the limitations of his flesh and still choose to live fully out of his identity in Christ.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why Ryan struggled to trust in the context of a 12-step group
- What he realized porn had impacted most in his relationships with women
- How Ryan slowly began to embrace a lifestyle of radical honesty
- Why we have learn to distinguish between the flesh and our identity in Christ
- What it looks like to practice disrupting patterns of shame
Links Mentioned:
- Healing Wounds of Sexual Addiction by Mark Lasser
- Sex Addicts Anonymous https://saa-recovery.org/
For partners of addicts:
- S-Anon https://sanon.org/
- CoSA https://cosa-recovery.org/
- Celebrate Recovery https://www.celebraterecovery.com/
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
It’s easy to classify certain emotions as positive or negative, and yet God designed us with a capacity to feel them all. If no one is available to teach us what to do with our most vulnerable emotions like anger and fear, we quickly learn that expressing these is not welcome. And so we also learn to hide and numb. This was the experience of Ryan, my guest on the podcast this week.
I invite you to listen to his incredibly honest and relatable story of how some long-neglected emotional needs led to trying to get those needs met in a very counterfeit way. It’s not graphic, it’s just honest and incredibly powerful. Be sure to subscribe so you can hear the rest of his story as we explore his story of healing and recovery in part two next week.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
As we continue the conversation about sexual addiction, I asked my friend and therapist, Mark Huey some more questions about what is needed to experience healing and recovery for sexual brokenness. We dive into the purpose and role of therapists, support groups, and 12-Step groups. We will also explore how to use wisdom and boundaries to select who you ask to join your support team.
Mark helps us understand how God wired us for intimacy and how sexual addiction is a cry that we are unable to communicate our emotions or connect in authentic ways. There is hope for individuals and couples who carry this wound. Come listen to why Mark is so passionate about sharing tools and truths that reduce shame in this area of our brokenness.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
In our previous episodes, we’ve explored so many examples of trauma and how shame prompts us to try to hide in our pain. A very common, yet rarely addressed attempt to numb pain is by means of sexual pleasure, which can easily escalate into an addiction.
Join me as my friend and therapist, Mark Huey and I discuss what’s at the root of sexual addiction, its impact on our lives, and how God feels about us when we wrestle with this addiction.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
In last week’s episode, we heard from Sandra who worked hard to suppress her shame through performance. It wasn’t until well into her journey into marriage and parenting that an apology from a trusted family member unleashed a lot of pain Sandra had experienced but never understood its source.
Discover how her courage to say what felt unspeakable began a bumpy but extraordinary journey of healing in her life. You’ll learn how her willingness to re-enter this pain has allowed her to pass on healthy patterns of communicating and connecting with those she loves most.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
In our last episode, I shared some of the specific strategies we use to keep our shame and failure hidden. Now in today’s episode, my guest Sandra shares how shame had a way of causing her to perform and look perfect. As she grew up, she learned that being hypervigilant was the only way she would remain safe. But in the end, all these strategies left her lonely, anxious, depressed, and sure she was to blame.
Join me Sandra shares her story and be sure to subscribe so you can catch part two where she talks about how she realizes the trauma she was suppressing throughout her childhood.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
Have you ever been shocked at your ability to hurt someone or how badly you could mess up? Whether we intend to or not, we have the capacity to do a lot of harm. And in these moments the most natural thing to do is hide. But then another trap is set for us because the ways we try to hide can lead to even more sin.
Join me in this episode as I share specific examples of the most common strategies we have as humans to hide. But the good news is that we never have to stay stuck. Jesus came to cover all these weak places in our lives. But more than that, He is the only one capable of meeting our deepest needs. Come discover how it’s possible.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
When it comes to needs related to accessing food, shelter, and clothing, we can easily agree that these needs are valid. But what if I told you that your need for love and respect were just as valid–and even necessary–for you to thrive?
We live in a world that teaches us we can’t just be handed love and respect–we have to earn it. Yet the truth is that you crave both of these things because God created you with these needs so that He could fulfill them. Join me in this solo episode as I share five core needs we have as humans and how we hurt ourselves by trying to meet those needs on our own terms because we struggle to fully trust God.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
The fact that it’s possible to heal from experiences like Lisa’s is a complete miracle. That’s exactly why I’m so eager to share these stories of redemption. In this episode, Lisa returns to unpack more of what her healing journey looks like. While you will be encouraged by all the work she has already done, the healing journey continues day by day.
Lisa talks about the mindset shifts God helped her make in order to be aligned with truth again. The way God has cared for Lisa over these painful years is an inspiring and powerful testimony. She will also share how community and a therapeutic tool, EMDR had a profound impact on her ability to heal from her trauma.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
Many of us have known someone who has experienced domestic abuse, but what happens when you suddenly realize it is happening to you? When someone who promised to love and protect now only seeks to control, destroy, and instill fear, your whole world can crumble quickly, even if you came from a supportive family growing up.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Lisa, a brave survivor of domestic abuse that included physical, verbal, and spiritual attacks. Listen as she shares the unfolding of this nightmare and how she could clearly identify God’s presence in the midst of her chaos over and over again. Discover how she’s been able to accept this experience as part of her story instead of her identity.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
In our last episode, Claire Atenian helped us understand what betrayal trauma is and how it impacts our brains. If you can identify with this type of trauma, you are likely feeling more seen and even considering next steps for pursuing help and support.
Listen as we explore specific things to look for as you identify support resources. We talk about why we must take ownership for our own healing before trying to support the one who hurt us. Betrayal trauma is suffering that Jesus faced first-hand, and your experience and healing matter deeply to Him.
Check out the links mentioned in the show notes at: https://www.louisesedgwick.com/podcast/8
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Do you know if you are a victim of betrayal trauma? If you think you could be, this episode will likely offer you clarity and hope if you’ve felt stuck. Today I am joined by Claire Atenian, LMFT of Thrive Therapy.
Claire specializes in betrayal trauma and breaks it down into terms and examples that are easy to connect with. We will explore everything from what the brain does with trauma to why betrayal trauma specifically has a direct effect on our ability to connect with God.
Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the second half of this conversation with Claire where she shares practical first steps for getting support to heal from betrayal trauma.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized: Biblical Characters Who Experienced Shame
https://www.louisesedgwick.com/resources
In our previous episode, you heard from Kent who shared how God met him in moments of extreme loneliness even at the height of a musical career. In this episode, you’ll discover how Kent began to walk out the new life God had called him to.
This is an incredibly honest and powerful testimony of the tender ways God meets us right where we’re at. He is faithful to reveal only as much of the path to healing that we need for the moment so that we continue to trust His design for our lives.
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https://www.louisesedgwick.com/resources
Have you ever managed to achieve a huge dream or goal, and been surprised by how empty you still managed to feel? When we reach new levels of achievement, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by new waves of doubt and fear.
In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend and musician, Kent. He is sharing his sharing of how he chased a dream of making it big as a musician in LA and actually made a breakthrough-even headlining for his own shows. Yet this was the place where God had planned to open up old hurts and start sorting through them, one by one.
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Some days it is unbelievably hard to believe that God or anyone else could love us, much less like us. It’s because each of us has this big pile of evidence that we add to each time we get hurt. We think that if we were truly loveable, these things wouldn’t happen to us.
But the truth is, these things happen to us because we live in a broken and sinful world. Each time we get hurt, we feel forced to view our lives through the lens of shame. God has invited each of us on a journey of discovering those lies and exploring what life can look like when we are free of their power. I took him up on it, and my life has been completely transformed.
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You don’t have to have lived very long to recognize: sin destroys relationships. The moment that someone sins against us or we sin against someone else, it instantly causes us to question: why would they do that to me? Or -why would I do that to them?
Join me in this episode as we continue to explore the impact of shame. You’ll learn what a shame response can show you and why you will always be tempted to hide in your shame. While it seems easier to hide, you’re also protecting yourself from any hope of any healthy connection.
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Do you know what shame does to you? Shame is a toxic result of sin - sin done to us and the sin that we commit. Shame is dangerous is because it can attack us at any age and continues to take up much space in our minds and hearts.
In this episode, you’ll hear examples of how a simple negative experience can begin to destroy our entire view of ourselves. You’ll learn why it’s natural to look for evidence of why you feel unworthy and how to start gathering the courage to let God expose your shame and release its power over you.
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It’s 100% possible to be a joyless, hopeless Christian. How do I know? Because for much of my spiritual journey, I was one. It happens when we understand the truth of the Gospel in our minds, but fail to understand the practical application of Christ’s work in our day-to-day life.
Join me in this episode as I share how I’ve wrestled with my faith over the years. In the process, I discovered the courage to ask God some hard questions and to my surprise (and JOY!), He answered. I created this podcast because I believe that God wants to answer you too if you’re brave enough to ask your questions.
Grab your FREE chapter of the Bible study: Minimized
https://www.louisesedgwick.com/resources