The Wounds Of The Faithful

This week Diana welcomes back Dana Diaz, a bestselling author, to discuss her new book 'Choking on Shame.' Dana shares her personal journey of enduring narcissistic abuse from childhood into her adulthood and offers insights on how she managed to move forward. She talks about her first book, 'Gasping for Air,' and introduces her upcoming works. Dana emphasizes the importance of faith and resilience, providing hope and understanding to fellow victims of abuse. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the complexities of overcoming trauma and finding one's true purpose. 00:00 Sponsor Message: 7 5 3 Academy 00:48 Introduction to the Podcast 01:21 Welcoming Back Dana Diaz 02:24 Dana Diaz's New Book: Choking on Shame 05:34 Dana's Journey Through Abuse 08:31 Finding Faith and Purpose 12:25 Overcoming Childhood Trauma 18:40 Reflections on Narcissistic Relationships 28:18 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser About Dana S. Diaz Dana S. Diaz is a wife, mother, and author of the best-selling book GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE. In addition to her life-long experience with narcissistic abuse, Dana's education in journalism and psychology at DePaul University in Chicago gave her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims, so that she can help other victims know they are not alone and better understand their own circumstances. Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She has been a guest on nearly two hundred podcasts globally, striving to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. She has also been a featured speaker in two Summits for healing after trauma. Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted nearly three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement. Dana's second book, CHOKING ON SHAME: THE SCAPEGOAT CHILD IN A NARCISSISTIC FAMILY, was a #1 New Release on Amazon after its mid-September release. The book delves into Dana's life as an unwanted pregnancy and child, and the physical and verbal abuse she endured as a result. The final book in the narcissist trilogy, SWALLOWING MY PRIDE, is expected to be released in early 2025. This sequel to GFA brings the first two books full circle with recovery, healing, new love, and another narcissist Dana hadn't seen coming. Learn more about Dana, her book, CHOKING ON SHAME, available at https://www.danasdiaz.com as of September 9th.    Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Dana Diaz [00:00:00] I do have a sponsor 7 5 3 Academy. Our martial art program specialized in anti-bullying programs for kids to combat proven Filipino martial arts. Colli. We take a holistic, fun, and innovative approach that simply works. Our fitness community is friendly and supportive without the over the top muscle gym atmosphere. Our coaching staff are professionally trained with over 30 years of experience. Get started by claiming your free class voucher. So go to the link in the show notes. This is in the Phoenix Metro area, so reach out to Coach David and coach Eric over at 7 5 3 Academy. Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic [00:01:00] violence advocate, Diana. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hello everyone. Welcome. Come on in. Glad to have you here for the regular listeners as well as some new folks coming in. We have a terrific show for you today, as always. We have a repeat guest today. Dana Diaz is on the show. She was here in season three, episode 1 53, talking about having a relationship with a narcissist, [00:02:00] which many of us have experienced. So if you haven't. Watch that episode. I really encourage you to go back and listen to it. It's excellent. The first time she was here. She was talking about her book, Gasping for Air, which is her story of, narcissistic abuse. And this time she's coming on because she just released a new book called Choking on Shame. Boy, what a title. Have you dealt with shame like the rest of us? Um, yeah, that's a great verb to use, a description to use choking. So I'm very intrigued about hearing about her second book since her first book was excellent. Okay, so here is her book. Very [00:03:00] engaging cover, a stranglehold of narcissistic abuse. Again, very descriptive, great title. This book is thick. it's very well written. Some parts are very tough to read, as you would imagine, just like. Maybe your story is hard. Your story has some hard sections in it. But before I bring her on the show, I'm gonna just briefly, read her bio again. For those that are new and haven't, met Dana. Dana Diaz is a wife, mother, and author of the bestselling book, Gasping for Air, the Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse. Dana has had lifelong experience with narcissistic abuse beginning in childhood. Her education in journalism and [00:04:00] psychology at DePaul University in Chicago gave her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims so that she can help other victims know that they are not alone and better understand their own circumstances. Today Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted nearly three decades, started as a journal. She hid [00:05:00] under the couch cushion in the basement. Dana is in the process of publishing the prequel and sequel to Gasping for Air. Learn more about Dana at www.danasdiaz.com. So I know that you're going to enjoy this interview, as much as the first one. So here we go with my second conversation with Dana Diaz. Enjoy. I am so excited to have back on the show, my friend Dan Diaz. Thank you for coming on the show again. Oh, I'm so happy I'm back. I just am delighted whenever somebody invites me back on a podcast because there's so many, as we were just talking about, there's so many things, layers to abuse and the things we endure. Um, so there's so much to talk about that's hard to cram into a [00:06:00] half hour or an hour show. So thank you for inviting me back. I appreciate it. Yeah. Well, I like having repeat guests because I already like you. I already know you and you have more to share with us with your new books. And so I'm real excited to hear what you have to say to the folks. I did give, a little bio before you came on, but if you could do like a synopsis, a summary of your abuse story, just as a reminder of what you've gone through so far. Yeah, absolutely. I'm 49 years old, so it's been a ride. But my first book actually covered my 25 year relationship and first marriage, to an abusive narcissist. And I know we use this word narcissist very freely in society, but what I'm talking about is somebody that is so, intent on fulfilling their [00:07:00] egotistical need for power and control, that they will go to the extent of, domestic violence and things like that, various abuses, to feel that, to fulfill that ego of theirs. And so, that covered that. But then after that book came out, the only book I ever meant, to put out. So many people had questions about, well, how does somebody end up in a relationship like that? And my immediate answer was, well, that was my childhood because I was born to a teenage mother who didn't want me. And she, in fact, she had her tubes tied immediately after my birth, and I was born on her 17th birthday. They apparently did that in the seventies. But, then she got married to a man who was not my father and who wanted me even less because I was not his biological child. And so I endured physical and verbal abuse and emotional neglect and, had a pretty hard time trying to figure out my place in the world, especially when I'd go to school thinking, okay, I'm okay [00:08:00] here. I'm safe here. And then I get bullied everywhere I turn, I'm facing adversity and opposition and being put in situations where I'm not good enough and I'm not this and I'm not that. And so what am I, what am I. But then we kind of answer that question in the third book, released March 31st. And that one is called Rising from the Ashes. Breaking the Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse. Yes, rising out of it. But, you know, it's sad that it took me till my late forties to really understand, and I think more so internalize and change my mindset about who I am and where my place really is in this world. Because when you're abused, I think anybody who is listening, who you know, has had that experience, it's part of your soul, feels like it's taken away. [00:09:00] Your independence, your autonomy, I love this. I have this scene in my third book, which. I'm crying, I'm upset because I'm like, I have no contact with my abusive mother and stepfather. I have ended my, relationship, divorced my ex-husband who is abusive. I should be happy. Things are going great. Marrying a man that I've known his family 20 years and he's the sweetest, gentlest, most patient person I've ever met in my life. And so what I really needed, but it was like I still wasn't happy. I was still suffering. I was in still so much pain, but there was no external outward reason for it. I had so many blessings all around me but I couldn't see it because I was still holding on to that victim mindset, that pain. And my priest looked me in my eye and he says, my dear. The problem is, is you are still thinking like you're [00:10:00] the daughter of a mother who rejected you, but you're not. He said, you're here because God intended for you to be here. She may not have wanted you, but he wanted you. Here you are God's child. You're not your mother's child. You're God's child. And that's when literally everything turned around for me. Everything turned around. Mm. And, just made me rethink my place in this world that I was like, that's right. He wouldn't have protected me and had his hand over me through that entire childhood, which I cover in the second book. He wouldn't have protected me from, an ex-husband who was planning to, not have me exist. He wouldn't have done all those things if I wasn't meant to be here to serve his purpose. I'll never forget the morning that I was just coming out of that first marriage and it literally just came into my head. You should write a book about your experiences. And I'd [00:11:00] never understood what it meant when God spoke to you or put something on your heart. But I literally remember like kind of glancing up like. Is that you? It's kind of like that old book. Are you there? God, it's me, Margaret. Like, I'm like, is that you book? Oh God. I know, right? We all have that as a staple in grade school, but that was like the same kind of thing. I'm like, looking up, are you there? God, it's me. Like, were you actually did, was that for me? Like did you, were you talking to me? But I heard it. I heard it loud and clear and that's what I did and it's amazing, as I said that I only ever meant to write the one book and then it led to the second one and now it's. Led to people wanting more. And even now people are like, what about a fourth book? I'm like, the third one isn't even out yet. But now I'm like, actually there is a fourth book in me , and half written already, ironically, because there are so many stories that are pulled out to keep these books. I mean, I know they're thick, but they're pretty quick reads. But, it's been a heck of a ride. But again, I go back to the faith and I think that [00:12:00] as much as people say stay away from religion, politics, when it comes to God, we are all here because we are his children. And once, like I said, I, I got that and somebody said that to me. I'm like, everything changed. Everything changed. It's like I woke up, like my eyes opened up and I said, oh my gosh, I am here. And let me tell you a quick story. And I might have told this on the first podcast, but. During my childhood, and I covered this in my second book, which is called Choking on Shame, the Scapegoat Child in a Narcissistic Family. When you're being raised by two narcissists, it's difficult because I was that kid that always wanted to achieve more, more, doing everything right. I was the best at everything. Honor roll. I taught myself to play piano. I was first chair viola in two orchestras, and like whatever it was, I wanted to do things that would make my parents proud. But it was never enough. It was never enough because I couldn't [00:13:00] be any more than what they wanted me to be, which was nothing, right? So that they could feel better about the way they were treating me. But the irony is, is that as I was going through high school, I really wanted to go to beauty school. I so desperately wanted to do like makeup and facials and stuff. I was really interested in that and, nope. Again, narcissists. They can't brag about a daughter going to beauty school when cousin Joey's going to study engineering and that one's going to study physical therapy or become a doctor. It wasn't brag worthy. Mm-hmm. So they said, you have to go to college. And I'm like, what am I gonna do in college? I mean, yeah, I got good grades, but I didn't wanna go to college. I wanted to go to beauty school. Well, guess what? I went to college. I ended up going to DePaul University in Chicago. Good Catholic girl. Stayed with my faith. I loved the experience, honestly, and I'm glad I did it. But, uh, there's no classes on beauty over there or fashion or [00:14:00] anything unless you wanna be a fashion designer. And I didn't wanna do that. Mm-hmm. But I definitely studied psychology because I knew that I wanted to be in a better mindset myself, even that young. But the funny thing was that all my professors pushed me more towards public speaking and writing. So I went into the journalism program, came out of there. That's about when I met my ex-husband, and again, another narcissist. He would not support me in any efforts to become a journalist or, or work in any kind of media, even, you know, small town, little cable media, because joy, success, achievement, that would outshine anything that he could possibly, or that he thought he could, achieve himself. So he had me cleaning houses, in this podunk town that he moved us to in the Midwest. And um, that was fine. I was one, I've always been one of those people, like, if I'm gonna do something, I'm just gonna do it. Give [00:15:00] 200%. I was reliable. I was trustworthy. I ended up building a six figure empire with this cleaning business and had a crew of eight people. But where I'm going with all this is that, so when I get this idea after that divorce, that I should write this book, it was interesting because I looked back and I thought, talk about coming full circle here. I was in this abusive childhood. I remember 12 years old was the first time I actually thought like I would never want anybody else to endure what I have. And I know I have not even had the most horrific childhood. Other people, most certainly have endured worse, but I knew I wanted to help children that were victims of child abuse so that they could live better lives as adults, and not be stuck in that situation or repeat those cycles with their children. So here I was [00:16:00] 45 years old, have endured this childhood, have endured this abuse, get this idea to write a book, and then I'm like, oh, so this is why you did this to me. God, this is why I couldn't go to beauty school. I had to endure all this stuff, and then you made me go to college. Or you at least put me with two parents who absolutely would not hear anything other than me going to college. I end up in the journalism program. Now I have a degree in journalism that I've never used, but now I've had all these experiences that I can actually verbalize. Help victims of abuse. Mm-hmm. It was like one of those epiphanies where like you're like, oh, that's why you did this all. Like, but we don't see it when we're going through things. We can't see the light at the end. We can't see that there is reason we get, we kind of drown ourselves in the sorrow and the self pity. And it's not to say the things that I endured weren't worthy of, that they were, [00:17:00] you know, awful. Other people have had more awful circumstances, but I think that's the thing that you have to come to at the end of it is to trust. You have to trust God. He's not putting you through anything because I mean, there were times where I'm like, what did I do? What did I do? Like I'm a good girl. Like I haven't, I've made mistakes. We all do. But like, what have I done that was so bad that I deserve this? And I think so many people fall into that and then they start shaming themselves, blaming themselves, blaming God sometimes turning away from him. And for me, it was just, it. He was ever present. There would be people that would come into my life at certain points, whether momentarily or for, some amount of time that would sort of kind of like, like a shepherd kind of herd me back, like into God's light. And so it was like, I couldn't see it until I was there, until the last few years where I'm like, oh, okay, God, I see this now. But maybe some of us aren't meant to understand or [00:18:00] even know. Why and what and all this. But we have to trust, we have to trust that even the bad stuff is meant for us. And it's meant for a specific reason and it's meant for our specific, unique purpose in this world and in this life. And so hopefully that gives other, somebody some hope that no matter what their circumstance, there's a reason for it. And it might not even be for you, it might be for somebody else's benefit or for them to learn a lesson. I mean, we, there we're all so interconnected, but we all are a source from God. Hmm. I totally agree with that. Agree. I know you kind of, glossed over your, ex-husband and the suffering you went through with him in gasping for air. I remember that story. Yeah. Of you were asleep in your house. With your son, and you heard somebody unlocking the door downstairs and [00:19:00] it was your ex-husband just barging in, in the middle, middle of the night, was barging in and took your son and you're wrestling with him downstairs trying to keep him, literally from taking him away from you. And we talked about this before the podcast about the language in your book. The words that he would call you in front of your son and trying to sneak into your house in the middle of the night. That's a monster. That is a monster, yeah. That you were married to. And that must have been really terrifying. How do you move forward from that? That's why I wrote the second book, because I came out of this childhood basically being conditioned to think that I had to earn love, that I wasn't inherently worthy of it. And it's hard to even love yourself when you think you have to earn love or that, you know, even as a kid, and certainly as an adult, I'd look around , I notice [00:20:00] other families and how they operate. Or when I was playing at a little friend's house or having dinner at somebody's house as an adult, like everybody's mother loves them. Every family has dysfunction. But it's family. You stick together and a mother loves all her children, or at least she's supposed to. But I think that's the part that I wrestled with the most was that my mother did not, I mean, she did not want me before I was born. She did not endear herself after, to me after I was born. In fact, after I was born, um, my grandma and I were just talking about this recently that, my grandma and great grandmama came to the hospital and my mother had no intention of bringing me home. She was gonna adopt me out or leave me there, whatever. And my grandma said, oh, no, this is our first grandchild, our first great-grandchild. No, no, we are taking her home. And my grandma said she paid the bill and my grandma took me home with her, and that's who I was with. But at the point where my mother got [00:21:00] married, or, moved in, I should say, before she got married to her husband, who she is still married to after almost 40 years. Um, well, no, it's been just over 40 years actually. But, somebody thought it was a good idea for me to go and live with them because, it's kind of interesting looking at my mother's situation. You know, her family came from Puerto Rico, both of her parents, and they lived in Chicago. They had everything they needed, but certainly weren't living the life that she thought she should have. And she was a very, oh, just a stunning, stunning young woman. Um, and I think she knew it and she knew that she could have a better life without having to necessarily, go the route that a lot of people would. And I'm trying to be very careful how I word that, as you can see, because I don't wanna judge her. That's a whole other thing that I deal with in the third book is my relationship and my feelings about her. But the childhood [00:22:00] being raised by somebody like that who's telling me, oh no, we're gonna wear gap clothes now. We're gonna talk like this. Now we're gonna straighten our hair now. Nobody needs to know where Hispanic, nobody needs to know. He's not your real father. Putting on this facade and basically being told as a small child as early as five years old, I remember being told to lie to people. So I just didn't say anything. 'cause I couldn't keep my mother's story straight. I'm not even sure she could keep her story straight because she told lies about who we were so often. I, I mean, it literally made my head spin and I started saying to my friends as a little girl and all through adulthood, my mother and her stories. They always had a story for everything. And I think that's what I know readers have expressed when they read that book, choking on Shame is the frustration of what happened versus what was put out. I mean, she is like the media, you know, she's like [00:23:00] a political correspondent that's definitely sided on, one side and it's hers. Um, it was never on mine, and that's hard as a child to understand that your mother does not love you, that you cannot depend on your mother to take care of you emotionally, physically. Nothing. So, yeah, it was basically like serving me straight up to a monster because the opening of gasping for Air, the first chapter is when he literally walked into my place of work the first time I met him. And I remember very clearly thinking of the robot had lost in space with the coily arms danger, danger. Like he, he came off arrogant and smug and like he, he had a sense of entitlement and it just, reminded me so much of my stepfather and I thought, oh, I know this personality type. There's no way. But [00:24:00] when you grow up like I did, you're a people pleaser. You, it doesn't matter. It could be the devil himself. You want that person to be pleased with you. You can't deal inside of yourself with the rejection of anybody or anybody's disapproval or disagreement. It's a hard position to be in and something that's very hard to heal from. But that's how I ended up with somebody like that. But we have to remember too, that I always joke with people, I have all these pop culture references, but they're helpful. I always say, it's not like Chucky came into my office with, you know, with a weapon and a striped shirt and disheveled hair and said, Hey, baby, that doesn't do it for me. I don't think anybody would go on a date with Chucky. We have to remember even. Ted Bundy, the serial killer. He was charming and handsome, wasn't he? Mm-hmm. And that's how they lure us in. So even though my initial impression of my ex was [00:25:00] not a good one, I kind of had this hypervigilant detection system. Like, oh no, I know you buddy. You don't even have to say two words. I know who you are. I didn't listen to it because he didn't approve of me. And that, that just trumped everything I had to win his approval. So once I got him to like me a little bit enough to let me in, well then he saw a vulnerable, codependent, people pleasing opportunity to take advantage and take control. And that's exactly what he did. But, but I'm gonna be very clear about this because I'm big on accountability. Sure. Looking back, I mean, it's not my fault that I was raised that way. It's not my fault necessarily that I was vulnerable to a romantic relationship like that. But I do see that, for example, my biological father, who I have a wonderful relationship with, he had two daughters and [00:26:00] like my one sister, the oldest, one of the two, they were raised in a home by two loving parents who wanted them, supported them, encouraged them, took them to church every Sunday. You know what we would think is, uh, I hate to use the word normal, but normal, nice family, right? Oie. Yeah. It would be healthy. She has self-esteem. She knows who she is. She has boundaries. I didn't, I was none of that. So if you would've put her in that same situation I was in with my ex back then, she would not have entertained it in the slightest, right? She would've set that boundary and said, no, thank you. Have a nice day, and that would've been it. Um, me, like I said, just a little bit different. And I think unfortunately, a lot of people that fall into these romantic relationships do have that sense of needing to have the approval and needing to, please other people for whatever reason. And sometimes it's ironically not even a bad childhood. Sometimes [00:27:00] it's this personality that we call the parentified daughter. It could be a daughter of a very nice family, but the oldest daughter who had to help mom with the siblings or it could be the daughter mm-hmm. Of an alcoholic or somebody with a drug dependency who had to be the parent to the parents and to the other children. The parentified daughter that has this intense, uh. She's compelled to nurture and care for and take care of everybody. She subdues her own needs and takes care of everybody. But it's like these narcissistic or abusive people. Um, they can just sense that It's like they can sniff it out because that's exactly what they want you to do. You jump through the hoops and I will give you a treat. I mean, I liken it and gasping for air, oftentimes to being like a dog. I, if I was a good girl, which he actually used that verbiage with me, good girl, good girl all the time. If I said the right thing, good girl. Even [00:28:00] in the bedroom, good girl. It's sad when I look back on what I tolerated, but, um, if I was a good girl, then he treated me okay for a few days. But boy, if he saw that, I said or did something he didn't approve of, well, then I suffered consequences. I think this is a great time to stop our conversation. For now. I definitely wanna hear the rest of what she has to say. She has given us so many gold nuggets today as she has the first time she was on the show, and I really, want to continue the conversation with her a little bit further though. I do encourage you to come back the next time on the wounds of the Faithful podcast. I wish you a great week. God bless you and bye for now. [00:29:00] Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us at DSW Ministries dot org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.  

This week Diana's guest Tim Thomas shares a compelling personal story about surviving a shark attack while spearfishing, and how trust, faith, and human connection played crucial roles in his survival. Thomas discusses the importance of breath work in managing trauma, enhancing sleep quality, and promoting overall well-being. He offers practical exercises and insights into activating the parasympathetic nervous system to foster calm and healing. Thomas also introduces his 'Breathwork in Bed' app designed to help users achieve better sleep and improve their daily lives. The episode concludes with Diana and Tim emphasizing the significance of addressing and healing generational trauma for oneself and future generations. 02:23 Shark Attack Story 03:05 The Power of Trust and Faith 05:46 Breath Work and Healing from Trauma 15:20 Practical Breath Work Exercise 21:41 The Importance of Quality Sleep 27:24 Conclusion and Contact Information  https://breathworkinbed.com.au/   Free for the first 20 clicks! This is my Breathwork in Bed audio book, narrated by myself; https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V98IW0DdoH_-k4xZGRpokolXMLXhwEP4/view?usp=drivesdk   This is the links to the Breathwork in Bed app. The app will guide you to sleep with peace and out of bed with power. Links are for Apple/Smart phones & Google/Androids Apple link: https://apps.apple.com/app/breathwork-in-bed-app/id6575362285   Google Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.breathworkinbed.bibsleepapp20&hl=en   www.breathworkinbed.com.au https://www.instagram.com/breathworkinbed/   https://www.facebook.com/breathworkinbed   This is the tutorial for the breath of PEACE and POSSIBILITY https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QsuCHJ7UcHrwBIVQp9FTrVvgJGbMjRSw/view?usp=sharing   Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Tim Thomas Part 2 [00:00:00] Last time on the wounds of the Faithful podcast. Tim Thomas 2: I know there's a shark story somewhere. How does the shark come into play with, is that, just something you survived or is that. Oh, look, that was a fun NBE near death experience where, um, okay. Yeah. Very relevant. It was the classic one where you have your life flashing before your eyes. Right. Um, and the important part about isn't so much the shark attack in the, in the context of a, a, let's say Christian faith afterwards, because I, I love the ocean, I love spearfishing. And there's always sharks where there's fish when we're chasing fish. There's, it's always a good sign when there's sharks around because that tells you you're in the right area. And it's a fun story. Like this thing had my leg, and I don't believe it when people say, oh, I punched it and then it went away. I'm stabbing this thing in the eye and it's not letting go. And I'm about to drown, right? As a fighter, I've taken a lot of hits, but never, ever, ever has my body [00:01:00] felt like a ragdoll being shaken by a dog. Mm-hmm. Um, so I literally felt that my body going, oh yeah, yeah. Like just so rapidly shook. I'm like, whoa. Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Tim Thomas 2: Hey folks, thanks for coming back to the podcast. We're back listening to part two of my conversation with Tim Thomas. So far it's been really exciting, hasn't it? He is definitely a [00:02:00] storyteller. We got more of that for you today. So I'm not going to review, his bio. You can read that in the show notes. And of course, as always, I tell you to go back and listen to part one if you have not done so already. But, so hold onto your seats and here's part two of my conversation with Tim Thomas. Enjoy. I had my mate Jimmy. Now Jimmy was a fellow commando, and where we train is a place called the Kill House, where we get very used to shooting close to each other. And he was coming down and he had this look in his eye saying, I got this and I got you. And it was so strange, even though I'm about to drown, like it wasn't a big shark, it was maybe two meters. But you, like I said, the power it had was surprising. And, and I'm getting tangled up in my float line and Jimmy's coming down and I look in his eyes. And like I said, as much as I was about to die, the [00:03:00] trust that went through my system had me completely relax and be at peace. And it was at that moment I realized, you know, when times get tough, as humans, we think, oh, I need more stuff to feel secure. We don't need more stuff, we need more trust. Mm-hmm. And it's in that trust that we can find our rest. My mother always says, we don't find, rest until we rest in the Lord. You know, it's pretty hard to find trust in another human being, but you can find it, you know, in the above. And on this occasion, I got a taste of that through another human. So I was able to turn my body, give him a shot, and his spear from his spear gun went straight through the shark that was hanging onto my leg. And look, long story short. I survived and, lived to tell the story. But afterwards, and the point I need to sort of make here is, afterwards someone said, when you saw your life flashing before your eyes, do you think that was a [00:04:00] spiritual experience? And I'm like, no. And here's why. Really? Yeah. No, it wasn't. It was cool. It was new. I'd never seen it before, but it was just my life through my eyes. Okay. I didn't get any other perspective. It was just my life seen through my own eyes. If that was a spiritual experience, I would be seeing, the sequence of events of my life and how that one action impacted others. I've got the faith to know that, when this body of mine goes back into the earth. God will say, here's your life as you saw it. Now here's your life as I saw it. But faith to me is not so much whether God exists 'cause he simply does or doesn't. Faith to me is knowing that my everyday life is creating powerful and positive impacts outside of my awareness. Well, I'm glad that you had a friend that was there for you to spearhead that, that shark. Now, for me, [00:05:00] that would've been a, you know, see a Jesus moment. If, if I hadn't already been a Christian, I would've definitely gotten on board with that shark hanging onto my leg and shaking me like a ragdoll, as you eloquently, uh, displayed. So I'm like, well, I'm about to drown anyway. I'm as well, you know, forego a finger. So I put my finger inside the corner of this shark's mouth, and I'm feeling around inside its mouth of the on switch. I flick it on and then boom, that's when it, lets go. And before that I'd stabbed this thing in the eye. Jimmy had speared this thing, let's go when I turn this shark shoot on, and then I swim to the surface and take the sweetest breath of air I've ever had. Right? Oh, that was probably a million dollar breath right there. I wanted to give you, enough time to talk about your breath work that, you're so passionate about. How does it work and how can it help, those of us that have gone through some really severe trauma, [00:06:00] like you've talked about shark attacks, PTSD, war, illness, losing your loved ones. How does that work behind the scenes? Sure. So think about all the events that create stress like an accelerator on your car. Okay, people hit the gas, all right? And often, you burn out or you crash into something. Doing that breath allows you to activate what's called your parasympathetic nervous system or your break. And that's quite a strange concept for people who are so used to, accelerating to hit the brake and to slow down. Um, allows your system. Once the revs drop down to a certain point, that's when the healing can take place. So when I was getting guys outta fatigue and I improved their sleep quality, everything in their life improved. So think of everything you've got in your life, everything like work, [00:07:00] play, relationships, the quality of all those things is relative to the quality of your sleep. If your sleep is disturbed, that disturbs everything in the special forces. We used to actively target our enemy's sleep. 'cause we knew if we took it out for three nights, it would mess 'em up better than a bullet. So I just noticed that improving sleep allowed the body to heal. And the best way I know how to do it, pharmaceutical free is the deep activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and done right, it goes beyond words. It goes beyond thought. Because depending on your view of human evolution, before we were thinking, before we putting paintings on rock walls, we were breathing before he was speaking, we were breathing. And one thing the psychologists haven't figured out yet is when people go through trauma, the trauma goes down deeper than the words can reach. And so breath is one of those things that can get into the [00:08:00] deepest parts of us. Slow down and give us peace. And it's funny that for me, poor sleep is the perfect environment for any negative stuff in your head to grow more of. So I tend to lean into the idea that poor quality sleep is the thing that creates a lot of mental problems. And they both feed each other. The more problems you've got in your head, the worse sleep you get. The worse sleep you get, the more problems in your head grow. So to arrest the physical side of things, breath work is a great way, and I'm not just gonna talk about this. I'm gonna show you an activity, to actually have that experience. And I've got a whole company based around that. Breath is something that we do consciously as well as unconsciously. I need to say this because. Think of your mind like a garden, whatever your water grows, okay? And those, uh, for years I was watering the weeds of stress. Let's say you want [00:09:00] to, do some exercise. There's a part of you going, not right now. I don't wanna do this. There's that part of you trying to talk you out of exercise. That's the disempowered parts of your head, knowing that if you exercise and you become powerful, they're gone. They're no longer in there. So they scream the loudest when they're about to die. So if you amplify that by about a thousand and someone's got some trauma in their head that they've been feeding for years, that's what you're up against. When, you often do anything new that's positive. 'cause this stuff in your head goes, no, I don't wanna be kicked out. So the thing I need to tell people is that even though I was a breath work coach. And I knew breath work would make me feel better when I'd gotten divorced. I'd lost my house, my home, my money, regular access to kids, and I'm sleeping in the lounge room of my parents' place at 3:00 AM These stress weeds, were loving it. They're like, this is awesome. We're getting all the resources. And I knew that breathing would bring me peace, but it's like I could [00:10:00] not do it. I was all locked up with the stress weeds running the show. And I got to the point early in the morning that I was either gonna do self-harm, alcohol, pills, whatever it was. and yet I, part of me knew that breathing would help. So what I did in that completely desperate state, was I looked at my left thumb and I said, Tim, you can take one breath. Just take one breath. And I drove into my chest and went, oh my gosh. And it was like taking that first breath after coming up from the shark attack. And then I'm like, okay, that works. And I stuck two fingers into my chest, take two breaths, Tim, take two breaths. And I took two breaths. Okay, 3, 3, 3, get to three and then five, get to five, get to 10. You know, and I'm just driving these fingers in one at a time, one at a time. And then somewhere between breath 15 and breath 25, these stress weeds got kicked out. And the rest of my brain was, thank goodness you kicked those guys out. Keep doing this. This is working. But up until the point they got kicked out, there was so much resistance because these guys were running the [00:11:00] show. So yes, breath work works, but just understand that when you need it most, there will be opposition. And right now I'm just blah blah blahing, right? But when this actually happens, you'll be like, oh, this is what the guy was talking about. And that's why, with the Breathwork in Bed app, it's guided. So you can go, well look, I don't believe this will work, but I'm just gonna do that, and then this, and then all of a sudden, oh my gosh, this actually works. You know what I mean? It does work. We were talking before the show that, I have a good psychiatrist that I've been seeing and, I had some triggers to my trauma and was there to see her and, she introduced me to breath work. And you probably know the beginner exercise. You're breathing in for four and you're holding it for four and Yep. Get all box breathing four, and then you, you start all over again. And I was kind of skeptical. I'm like, just gimme some Xanax, and be done with it. And she said, no, this is faster. And, we started doing that in the appointment and she [00:12:00] had me hooked up to the her little monitor system and she showed me how my nervous system calmed down in just a few minutes of me doing those. Those breath sessions. And so she gave me, homework to do. And, yeah, the demons come out at three o'clock in the morning, brother. And that's when I have to remember, okay, you gotta remember your breath work here. And then I can go back to sleep. So I'm already, excited about what you're doing. Well, you've experienced yourself, it's pretty lonely at 3:00 AM. Yeah. And so, you know, not many people like yourself have that discipline to go into their breath, but to have a button you can press, I wanted to be there for those people at 2:00 AM when I needed it. I think God put me in that situation so I could have empathy and then create a tool for people in those places. Um, 'cause I can't do what you do, Diana, and I can't do what all the listeners do, but if I can improve the quality of your sleep, then you're gonna do what you do even better. And I think if you are a [00:13:00] responsible person, it's one thing to generate yourself and create an abundance in yourself. But if you believe that, you know, at some point God's gonna ask you, what did you do for those others around you? and what nobody knew back when I was doing all these incredible things in the veteran space, 40 saving 40 veteran lives from suicide is every six or seven weeks. I really find that the daily practice of connecting to yourself, your God, first, creating that abundance and out of your overflow, you can be generous with others. Yes. You have to, put on your oxygen mask first before you help others next to you. That whole airplane scenario we always hear about. But it's true. You can't fill somebody else's cup of your cup isn't full. You know, you're running on empty. That's not gonna help anybody. And the thing that really gave me quite a, an uppercut Diana, was the [00:14:00] realization that my trauma, my unhealed wounds, I don't have the privilege of taking them to the grave with me. They don't stop when I die. I pay them forward to my kids. I pay them forward to everyone who meets me. For me it was anger. Now, I've never met my great, great grandfather, but I'm pretty sure he was an angry dude. I had to say, look, anger ran in my family until it ran into me. You know, I had to be the one to create healing for the generations before and the generations afterwards. So having that external focus where if I don't deal with it myself, my kids are gonna have to deal with it. Everyone else has to deal with it. It gets paid forward. Great. And I thank you for saying that because you know, it ends here with me. The generational trauma, it ends now. And so many people miss that. You can't sit here and wallow in your trauma, in your, past abuse because your kids and the people around you are gonna suffer too if you don't deal with it. Oh, I like that. Instead of deal with it, heal with it! So I'm really excited to, get an [00:15:00] example Yes. Of this breath work. I'm, let's get a lived experience, almost like, almost like taste, touch, feel. So the only caveat I have to this, Diana, is people listening to this, I'd love you to participate as fully as possible, but you do need to be seated, supported, or lying down. You can't be driving, you can't be cutting up carrots. Because this is gonna be you connecting fully to your breath, and breathing is easy, but You've been breathing a certain way your whole life, right? And so to do it differently takes a a bit of focus and concentration. So I'm gonna do everything within my power to, have you take these full breaths, and all allow yourself to experience the fullness of it, okay? All allow yourself to go somewhere you haven't possibly gone before. Allow yourself to have a bit of courage right now,​because Most people, they shallow breathe. If you saw someone in public and they're going, sh, sh, sh, sh, you know, they're about to [00:16:00] freak out, right? And without knowing it, most of us are shallow breathing is, or albeit slower, but we're still sending a signal to our brains that we're in fight or flight. We can't rest and digest. So, to breathe fully is to live fully, to feel fully. All right, so this is really simple. I show this to high school students, to corporates, and, and like I said, I'm gonna do everything I can for people to get this, but they do need to be seated, not driving, not cutting up carrots, listening to my voice. So to start with Diana, it's gonna be really easy. Just breathe in and breathe out. All right. That was easy, right? So now we're gonna build on that. We're gonna breathe in, and then we're gonna breathe in again and again, and again and again. All right, let's give that a try. Breathe in again and again, and again and again, and just let that go. Now, did you notice, Diana, a little bit of extra space opening up in your, in your upper chest? [00:17:00] Absolutely. Okay. I didn't think that was there. So what, and it's amazing. We all own bodies, but we don't know what it can do for us. Like our bodies are amazing. I'm gonna show you another amazing fact about your body that you never knew. So in your thumb and two fingers, you've got a turbo button, okay? Thumb and two fingers. And we're gonna pinch our fingers together as hard as possible in just a minute. All right, so that inhale you did where you breathed in, and then you breathed in again and again and again. We'll call that your secondary inhale. All right? We're gonna call that your secondary inhale. So what's gonna happen in a second is you're gonna breathe in through your primary inhale. When it gets to your secondary inhale, I want you to pinch your thumb into your two fingers as hard as you can, and notice how that boosts your secondary inhale. So everybody listening, just blow all [00:18:00] your air out, out, out, out, out, out. Now breathe in. And then when you're ready, hit the turbo buttons really hard and suck it into that upper chest. And then just let that out. Now, Diana, did you notice when you hit those buttons, you can breathe a little bit more in? Yes. That's, that's crazy. Who knew, right? Our bodies are amazing. We are wonderfully made. Do that a couple of times. so can you feel the connection between your fingers and your upper third? Who knew? Right now, we're gonna juice that up even more. All right. So think of your, your chin and your power buttons, and there's a triangle there, right? And we are gonna, we are gonna open that triangle. We're gonna hit our power buttons as we raise our [00:19:00] chin to the sur, to the roof. So our, our chin is gonna go up, our chest is gonna go up. It's like we are leaning back. So I'll give you a little demonstration. We're gonna breathe out, then breathe in. And when it comes to the secondary inhale, we're gonna raise our chin, push our power buttons, and hold it there. And then just feel what it is to get it all up in that space. Are you ready? Yep. So breathing, breathing out, breathe it out, out, out, out, out. Breathing in, hit your power buttons, raise your chin, raise your chest. Look at the ceiling. Look at the ceiling. Raise your chin higher. Up, up, up. Open, open, open. And then just let it out. Almost like an upward dog. Pretty much. It was like a, seated upward dog. Yep. That was great. And, and we're about halfway through. So the thing about [00:20:00] this secondary inhale. I call this the breath of possibility. Okay? When I've got crap in my head, I don't want there, I notice my structure hunches over, okay? And things become impossible because I'm all hunched over, I'm pinching off my own air supply. So what this does, when we breathe forcefully into this upper third, I make the impossible possible. So this is your breath of possibility. So what I want you to do is try and double the speed of inhalation, but just do it through your nose. Really try and snort it. Flare your nostrils, snort it through your nose. One thing my fighting coach taught me was that doing a nice snort through your nose, it goes through your sinuses straight into your brain. So the quickest way to oxygenate your brain is snorting through the sinuses. I dunno the science behind it, but it seemed to work in a fight. All right, so, so what we're gonna do is like double the speed of our inhale by really, raising that chin fast, pinching those [00:21:00] ones and, and, and opening up this space with a, with a bit of aggression. Are you ready? Ready, everyone. Let's exhale. Exhale, exhale, exhale. Breathe in. Hit your turbo buttons and snort, snort snotor. Look at the roof. Look at the roof. Open the chest. Open the chest. Open your chest like a flower. Now hold it there. Wriggle your shoulders. Open up that space by wriggle your shoulders. Wriggle your shoulders. Opening up. Feels really good to open it up and let it out with a loud sigh. Ah, great. All right. How you feeling? I'm feeling good. Okay, so we're halfway through. Breath of possibility is up here. Breath of peace is down low in your belly. So what we're going to do right now. We're gonna do that big inhale. Okay. Filling that breath of possibility, that [00:22:00] top third, we're gonna hold our breath. We're gonna let that air go from our upper chest, middle chest, lower, and we're gonna push it down low. Our hands are gonna be on our stomach, and we're gonna push it down as low as it can go. We're gonna squeeze it down there and we're gonna let it out With a hissing noise. A, it's like the air wants to come out, but your mouth is stopping it a bit like you've got that pressure cooker on the stove and there's that, that, that steam coming out. That's what it's gonna be like and I'll coach you through it, but the longer you can make that sound for the better it's gonna be. Now this is something new. So we're gonna do this three times. And the third time you do this, you'll probably be able to relax and move a whole lot more freely. There's no wrong way to do this, but just this is doing something new, and I wanna acknowledge you. You're doing really well. Normally, when I'm running a workshop, it takes about an hour to get people to this stage. So, you're doing really well. So listening to my voice, we're gonna blow all our [00:23:00] air out, out, out, out, out, out. Breathing in power buttons, raise your chin, raise your chest, open your chest like a flower in, in, in, in, in. Then hold it. And wriggle. Wriggle your shoulders. Wriggle your shoulders. Now let your head relax forward. Let your head relax forward. Let your shoulders relax forward. Put your hands on your belly. And squeeze your belly. Let your head sort of hang forward like it's down towards your knees. And then let out a as long as possible. And as you let it out, let all the tension fall outta your body. Tension out of your shoulders, out of your arms, out of your face. Feel like you're a deflating toy. Air's just falling out of you. And so is the tension. Let it all just fall out with your breath [00:24:00] out now. Very good. And this last one is gonna be the best one ever with your turbo buttons ready? Blow it all the way out. Breathing in. Open up that chest, raise that chin. Feel that flower in your chest opening up. Let the sunshine in. Let the sunshine in. Hold it, wriggle it around. R it around. And holding your breath, just collapse your head forward. Collapse your head forward. Let your head just hang loose. Hands on your belly. Hands on your belly. Feel that balloon of air down below. Squeeze it and let it out with a for as long as possible. And as that air leaves your body, let all the tension just deflate out of your body. Your whole body is deflating and resting and coming to peace. All the tensions from your neck, your shoulders, [00:25:00] your spine, your face, it's all just leaving with your exhale. And all I'm gonna invite you to do is just keep your eyes closed for a second, and sit back in your chair. Sit back in your chair, and let that chair support your weight. Feel how your muscles are feeling supported by that chair. Feel how your relaxation is allowing you to feel held and supported. That chair was built to support you. It will support you. So often in our tension, we don't allow ourselves to feel supported and held. It's like our own tension is, is a backwards way of having us feel held and supported. But it doesn't work like that. It's only when we give up our tension and give up our stress that we can feel supported, feel held, [00:26:00] and I invite you just to breathe deeply into that sensation of feeling supported, feeling held. If there's any muscles in your body that need extra relaxation, I invite you to put your breath directly into them like you are breathing into those shoulders or neck or face. Notice how you can use your breath to target muscle groups and target different parts of your body. It's moments like this. We realize that everything we need, everything we have been looking for is right here underneath our own skin. I. Access through our breath. What a divine gift. Shake your body out and well done. You've just accessed [00:27:00] your breath. A deep connection with your body. And how do you feel? Yeah, I feel like going for a run. Uh, that's the first time I've ever done that on a podcast, so this was great. That was more than I was, uh, expecting you to give us tonight. That was excellent. So tell us how the folks can get in touch with you. I know you have your app. Mm-hmm. Yep. So anyone with a phone can, can put in three words to their app store, breath work in bed. I'm not a tech person, so I made it tech easy. It'll ask you when you wanna sleep, when you wanna wake up, and then notifications will fall out at that time. You just hit the button and away you go. You'll be guided to sleep with peace out of bed with power. There's a bunch of bonus features on there that I'll let you discover for yourself. If you wanna reach out for me personally, you can go through the website, [00:28:00] breathworkinbed.com au. Um, and you know, I, I just want my desire is that people see how wondrously they're made and not just see it, but taste, touch, feel it. So if you did that activity, you'd be feeling what it is to go, wow, this is awesome. I thought I'd have to take a pill or some external substance right? To access that kind of power. The resources is there and there's an accumulation effect. The better you sleep, the better you get outta bed. the better old day you have then, there's a lot in there. And, the app is specifically made to give people, you know, the good stuff when they need it. Yes, I've got socials, and you can subscribe obviously, but there's enough social media in the world, in my opinion, what people need more than anything else is quality sleep. Um, because if you go off the idea that sleep is the soil from which everything grows. I believe everyone's [00:29:00] got seeds of greatness, seeds of uniqueness inside of them, and they're just laying dormant for the right conditions. So when you improve your sleep, that's good. But what makes me excited is the flourishing of people's uniqueness, greatness, the gifts that they have that are just sitting dormant, that'll never grow while you're in fatigue. Right, exactly. Well, this will, be in the show notes. How much is the app? Is there a cost for, uh, the first 28 days is free. It, it costs less than a cup of coffee for a month, to subscribe. But yeah, you do get the first 28 d free. Yeah. Cheaper than pharmaceutical drugs too. Well, I thank you so much for what you do for saving lives and. Even though you're not in our military, thank you for your service. You're keeping people safe and doing the job that some people are not willing to do to go running into fire or bullets or danger. And so thank you so much for being on the show and sharing with us those [00:30:00] exercises at the end. That was priceless. Two things I'll do for your viewers. I'll put in a link, the first p first 20 people that click it will get a free copy of my audio book. Uh, but I'll also put a link in there for that breath of peace and possibility should they want to tap into that again at any point. Excellent. I'll put that in the, show notes as well. God bless you, Tim. Thanks so much for having me on Diana. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us at DSW Ministries dot org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.

  In this episode Diana interviews Tim Thomas, a veteran from Australia, who shares his experiences with breath work for stress management and healing. Tim recounts his military service, the abuse he faced due to his faith, and his mission to help soldiers who have attempted suicide. He elaborates on the transformative power of rest, overcoming PTSD, and breaking the isolation of trauma survivors. Tim's inspiring journey from a decorated soldier to a healer and advocate for veterans' mental health is both captivating and empowering.    https://breathworkinbed.com.au/ This link gives all listeners immediate access to improved sleep using the Breathwork in Bed App. Just hit the appropriate link for your phone and you'll get a 28 day free trial.   00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:47 Welcome to the Podcast 01:21 Introducing Tim Thomas 02:25 Tim's Background and Mission 05:50 Tim's Faith Journey 13:50 Military Experience and Challenges 22:05 Overcoming Isolation and Fatigue 27:08 Shark Attack Story 28:17 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser   Bio:  Meet Tim Thomas—a man on a mission to transform lives and uplift the world, one night of quality sleep at a time. With over a decade of experience in the gritty, high-stakes world of veteran recovery, Tim brings an unparalleled depth of insight, forged through lived experiences in mental health, wellness, research, and breathwork. Alongside his team, he has raised over $1 million for impactful charities like the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, driving advancements in veteran health, and the Queensland Brain Institute, a global leader in neuroscience and mental health research. Tim's personal passion lies in helping people access the transformative power of rest and connection, showing how they fuel resilience, clarity, and fulfillment. He's not just a storyteller—he's a catalyst for change, inspiring audiences to unlock the hidden potential that comes with better sleep and a generous heart. Tim's energy is contagious, his insights are actionable, and his message will leave you empowered and excited. Get ready to hear stories that will captivate, strategies that inspire, and a perspective that will challenge everything you thought you knew about wellness. Let Tim take you on a journey you'll never forget.   Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Tim Thomas Part 1 [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hey everyone. Welcome back to the podcast. So glad to have you with me today. We have a great episode for you and this one will be from down under. We've had some, friends on the podcast from Australia, and so today we also have a guest from Australia, Tim Thomas. We are going to talk about breath work and how that helps with stress management and healing. I myself have [00:01:00] done some breath work with my psychiatrist, and believe it or not, it has really helped me. So I'm really intrigued about hearing what he has to say about breath work. But he is also gonna tell his story about being in the military in Australia and how he suffered abuse for his faith and what he did, to overcome that. And we'll talk about his, work he's doing, to help, soldiers who have attempted suicide, which that is really, really amazing to save lives like that. I'm gonna read you a little bit about his bio. Meet Tim Thomas, A man on a mission to transform lives and uplift the world, one night of quality sleep at a time. With over a decade of experience in the gritty, high stakes world of veteran recovery. Tim brings an unparalleled depth of insight forged through lived [00:02:00] experiences in mental health, wellness, research, and breath work. Alongside his team, he has raised over 1 million or impact charities like the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, driving advancements in veteran health and the Queensland Brain Institute, a global leader in neuroscience and mental health research. Tim's personal passion lies in helping people access the transformative power of rest and connection, showing how they fuel resilience, clarity, and fulfillment. He's not only a storyteller. He's a catalyst for change, inspiring audiences to unlock the hidden potential that comes with better sleep and a generous heart . Who doesn't need more sleep, right? Tim's energy is contagious, i'll tell you. His message will leave you empowered and excited. So get ready to hear some stories that will captivate and strategies that are going [00:03:00] to inspire. A perspective that will change everything you thought you knew about wellness. So here we go. Please welcome my guest today, Tim Thomas. Alright, welcome Tim Thomas to the show from down under and it's, uh, 11 o'clock tomorrow over there. Yep. This is coming to you live from the future. Or time travelers. So, we've had a couple guests from Australia and tell us what is a thing about Australia that maybe is a myth or something that isn't true? What, yeah, sure. Okay. So you guys have, uh, Thanksgiving Uhhuh where you, where you carve up the, the Turkey. We have Thanksgiving here as well, but we carve up a kangaroo. Really? I didn't know that. No, you don't. What do you serve with it? Oh, you don't? Oh, you're joking. I'm just, I'm just kidding you. Oh, you see my [00:04:00] eyeballs go really big. No, they're, they're too hard to catch. Yeah, I, I venture that. People think that, you know, crocodiles live in your backyard and, you have kangaroos as pets, but that's not true. Is it? No, although I was fortunate enough to grow up with my father working with the Aboriginals, and so, eating kangaroos, eating, anything that crawled or, walked on the ground was part of my, uh, diet growing up. Yeah, my dad actually worked in the church, with the indigenous, in some very low socioeconomic, circumstances. There's on the YouTube, there's those clips called Restoring Faith in Humanity, where there's these acts of kindness to people that could, you know, never potentially repay it. But that was just my day to day seeing my parents and their sincere, service, going beyond any sort of physical restraint. The older I get, the more I [00:05:00] appreciate it. I like that. Tell us how you came to know the Lord. What was your spiritual background? You mentioned your, family in the ministry. How did you know, Jesus personally? What did that look like for you? Well, having a faith based background, you think, you know, going to church every week, Sunday school, my father was the pastor, uh, that I would have a faith and I did, but I feel like it was someone else's. I didn't really own it. And the thing is, there's no bottom to the depth of the relationship. So I'm always finding this new depth of relationship, which makes the old relationship redundant. You know, letting the old self die. What you once clinging to and almost to find yourself with, you've gotta literally let that die and allow yourself to, to be transformed. And I've had, uh, quite a few deepening transformative experiences, most of which come out of, uh, [00:06:00] getting in some way, shape, or form broken. And there was something that happened. So my background is, I was a professional fighter, in the early mixed martial arts scene, which was, no rules fighting is what they called it back in the nineties. Mm-hmm. Uh, I joined the special forces and. Before you go on deployment, they get you to write a letter to your loved ones, uh, in case you die. And that was very confronting for a lot of guys. So you coming up against, you know, fear of death, uh, and, and fear in general, right? Mm-hmm. And I thought, well, there was only one time in the Bible where Jesus was afraid, and that was in the garden of Gethsemane. And he wasn't just a little scared. He was so scared he was bleeding blood. and I started thinking, why was he so scared? Why was he so fearful? And I'm like, it can't be for any fear of physical pain because I. I know guys, I can just flick [00:07:00] a switch and they can control their physical pain. And, and I'm sure he had that ability, he had power over his physical body. And I started thinking, what Jesus was really afraid about was that when he was on that cross and he was bearing our sins, he couldn't be with God. So this bond that had been there since the beginning of time, for the first time ever was actually severed. Mm-hmm. And Jesus, for the first time ever in his, in the in, since the beginning of conceivable time, he was alone. He was completely alone. So yes, he experienced everything that us humans experienced while he was here, but he did something that none of us, I. need to experience, and that is separation from God. Yeah. So when he was on that cross, that was Easter is a time of loneliness. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? You know that, it's a bit like, you've got a child, you just put 'em outta the car and drive off. There's no physical harm being done, but those golden threads get severed. So, because I saw that, [00:08:00] because Jesus experienced separation from God, we never have to, and it doesn't matter if I'm alive or I'm dead, I'm doing well, I'm doing poorly. Nothing's gonna separate us because of Jesus experiencing that separation for us. And I, I completely lost my fear of death, um, to the point where I literally had fun with it, you know? Um, I remember guy saying, Tommo, you're not supposed to be having so much fun. But, that was my detachment from, from any fear because I, I realized that nothing could separate us. Oh, I Amen. To that. Wow. So when was your faith real to you? Was there a, a particular event that happened in your life, or? Well, to be honest, I have played in both realms. You might call it the woowoo, energy, whatever you wanna call it, um, new age. But there are some principles that they have in there and they talk about, uh, lower energy frequencies or what we would call in the Christian faith sins, you know? Mm-hmm. Fear, anger, hatred, you [00:09:00] know, lower energy frequencies. And if you are stuck in those frequencies, then you can't transcend to the higher connection with the divine, and then the difference between, your lower energies and your higher energies is courage. And as a Christian you'd say letting the old self die, that which you are familiar with. Okay? I always know Tim, as this particular type of person, this is what I do. This is what I think, this is how I react. And so to. To let go of that and to let that self die. And it is essentially a death, takes a lot of courage to step into the unknown. It's that leap of faith, catch me, Jesus. And, so I found it very useful to use the, technical breakdown in the sort of woowoo space to help me access the sins that I've been hanging onto. All the poison I'd been drinking to try and help hurt [00:10:00] other people. And I'm sure I was still saved by grace, but to, I think we naturally connect with God provided the blockages are removed. But we tend to hang onto these blockages. We hang onto to that which we are familiar with. I was very familiar with going, that person wronged me and I'm angry, so I want revenge. Or I might say I forgive them in my head. And yeah. But that just means that, I've cut them outta my life and I hope God punishes them some way somehow. You know? Yeah. That's not really connecting to something higher. And the way I sort of saw it was, you can draw these wrongs or sins closer to you. Uh, and so, my pathway to a living, breathing, active relationship with God and the divine, has me understanding that it does start in this physical space. It does start with me getting forgiveness for the things that have me in fear, shame, guilt. So, I'm a big fan of breath work and if you wanna look at it from the parable of, the [00:11:00] king giving his servant talents, pieces of gold, do something with it. And then when I return , I'll see what you've done with it. So inside of us is this, let's just say gold. And my experience of my true connection with the divine is he's given me this bag of meat around this wondrous, gold. And when this bag of meat does what I've been put here to do, it's like, it lines up to, to amplify the gold that's inside of me. And that's unique to each individual. Some people get it through playing music, some people get it, with exercise, some people, me, it was combat. I have to be honest. I feel like God put me here to do the things I was made to do. Ah, when, I believe, you're on, purpose. When energy's like money, how you invest, it's how you get it back. And when you are doing the thing that you felt you've been put here to do, you get an incredible reward. So when I started tapping into, getting rid [00:12:00] of the sin, the lower energy stuff and getting into the divine, uh, that's when it became like a daily loving, abundant. I have to reconnect, realign, and, to get that power, get that abundance. We get lost. We get lost in what we can see. We're a very visual society, so we're only looking at what we can see and, what is unseen is what's, super powerful. That's the stuff that I tend to lean into because, and I don't think we say this loudly enough. A man's happiness and generosity is relative to how powerful he feels. 'cause if you wanna see an unhappy stingy guy, I they're not feeling powerful. And I believe that starts with us. So I tell my son, our power starts with us. Um, I hope that lands, so you've probably heard the phrase, you are a soul. You have a body. You heard that before? Yep. Yep. And so a lot of people, they mix it up as they have a body and my soul's here just for the ride. It's, no, we are a soul. We are spiritual. And, yeah. I think, [00:13:00] folks can relate to what you've been saying. You, mentioned your military experience in Australia. Now I'm familiar with American military 'cause I come from a military family. Uh, but what is it like in Australia? Are there any differences? What is it like being a soldier there? Well, I would say it's, I've worked with some of the US troops, and to be honest, I didn't see there was too much difference. Of course as Australians, we'd just say we're much tougher than the US troops. But, but no, I work with some really, switched on guys from the us the Navy Seals in their special forces of selection, they got a hell week. In the Australian Commandos, we have a hell 28 days. Oh, okay. So something similar. And, you mentioned that you had gone through some abuse because of your faith. Was that connected to your military service or in, other areas of your lives? Well, I will caveat this. I struggled with military, [00:14:00] culture and I was always trying to figure it out. So I was always asking questions and, asking questions was probably not encouraged, but I always did it. Uh, so I was always that guy. So insecure alpha males always need someone to, you know, kick sand in the face of, 'cause that to them there's only so much energy in the room, so they have to take it, um, from someone else. And. there was a drinking culture there hanging out with the boys. You know, I had a young family. I didn't hang out with them. And I also had a Christian faith. And I remember there was one particular sergeant that, really tried to break me. Mm-hmm. And the thing is, my physical body, you can't break. You know, my, my mind, you can't break. I'm too tough. You know, I'm connected to something so powerful. but then something happened that I didn't expect. He managed to attack the people I cared mostly about. So I was on deployment and I made a promise to my then wife. I call her my then wife, not my ex-wife. 'cause I, I stand for a positive future. and I promised my then wife that I'd write her a letter every day. And this particular [00:15:00] sergeant, , said, um, you, that's a security risk. We want to take your laptop off you. Now, my wife had given birth, uh, to our second born two weeks before deployment. Mm-hmm. And I had all the pictures of my wife giving birth, my kids in the bath on this hard drive. Mm mm-hmm. And he took the hard drive and he put it on the, the army's equivalent of the internet so anyone could see it. And I'd never been in a situation where the people I cared about most was used against me like that, you know? And obviously that freaked my then wife out, you know, and she was scared that her milk will dry up. She was so stressed. And now then that then of course freaked me the hell out, and so I'd never been. Like, I got a, armor of God man, but it was like a knife got un underneath under all of it hit my heart and I just bled out. and I, I literally, in this lucid state, I saw a bird fly out from inside of me, just jump around in a rock and then fly off. And I'm like, what is [00:16:00] that? And I was later to realize that was the bluebird of happiness leaving me, and for about a decade there, 'cause, and when I went back to Australia and I, and you know, they decompress you with psychological stuff and, and I shared that the psychologist re reacted how you react and said, that is so wrong. Right? Yeah. Um, and so I put in what's called a an ROG redress of grievance. That's when the second layer of abuse started happening, because what the army is particularly good at is if you challenge rank, and I was just a private Okay. Nothing, nobody, oh, you know? Right. So, so they all thought, well, he's an external threat. Let's all bond together and, and screw this guy over a second time. So on every level, people who are really friendly then just treated me like I was invisible. No one would talk to me on base, yeah, I was kind of dead inside for the longest time, and, it really impacted my relationship with my then wife. Um, I was, it was the classic term where my [00:17:00] husband came back from deployment a different man, you know? Mm-hmm. Yeah. Um, Out of all that because I'm, I'm the toughest guy I know, right? Yeah. No, no one can break me. But the thing is, God put me in that place because it's not so much what we do that gives us value to others. It's what we've come through. And, and I had to go through that so I could actually have a heart having empathy for other people needing healing. You know, I was one of those tough guys that, if you couldn't handle it, bugger off mate. You can't handle it. Get out. There is a time and a place for that. There is a time and a place. I think this country is made great by that, but it's not the only option that, that is in your tool belt. What I didn't know was that when I got out, something happened when I got out. So in 2011, I think it was April. And this is just a true story. So I, I'd reached rock bottom. Well, long story short, I was about to kill a man. The Australian government wasn't paying me. Uh, this is gonna be murder. Mm-hmm. [00:18:00] Um, I'd, I'd reach rock bottom. PSDI didn't even know I had, I just had to drink half a car and a grog every night before I spoke to my then wife. Family was going to hell. what do you do when you're experiencing something you've never experienced before? And you need help or you see a psychologist? And that was such a strange concept for me, Diana, because I'm hurting and I've gotta go speak to a stranger. How does that make sense? I don't know this guy. I don't trust him. So I am completely triggered just driving in there, right? And after I told him all I saw in service, all the abuse, this guy wasn't just incompetent. Incompetency I can handle. This guy was apathetic. And at the end he's like, oh, so you think it was a problem with your mom and dad? And, and everything in the room just froze. And I saw he had a glass framed, you know, psychology degree behind him. And it made a lot of sense to grab that and feed it to him because he was a healer and he was supposed to be healing people, but he wasn't just not healing people, he was harming people. And in my state of [00:19:00] disconnection it made sense to do that. So I get outta my chair to do it. And this, this is really real, right? But then I felt this hand on my chest saying, red flag, Tim, you're the toughest guy. You know how many other guys are struggling in a, in this system that doesn't seem to care or want you to get better? And that's when I sat back down, Diana. And then I saw them, I saw all these people left and right of me just willing me on saying, you know, Tim, if you can find a way forward for you, you can find a way forward for us. And, and I really need people who are listening to this to draw this question to them. ' cause I didn't just go through that for myself. All right, there's a spirit at work here. Everyone's up against something. And the the golden question I asked, I invite everyone to ask, and that is how many other people are in your situation right now? And that, that's a real question. Give it a real number. And, and when I looked to my left and my right, there was no depth of people in my space. And I thought, well, look. It doesn't [00:20:00] matter if it takes me a week, a month, a year, a decade, I've gotta find a way forward. 'cause if I can find a way forward for me, I can find a way forward for them. And if it takes me a decade, I'm pretty sure that's the amount of time I'm gonna be able to save these people. And I was pretty sure that at some point in the future there's gonna be people that possibly haven't even met yet. Really glad I made a decision to move forward positively as opposed to going to jail. I understand that you saved, what, 17 people from committing suicide? Uh, I, I stopped counting at over 40. Oh, well that's even better. Um, I'd certainly like to hear more , about that. Okay. So my lifetime goal was to say, 'cause we've lost about 40 troops to bombs and bullets in Afghanistan, in Australia. But we've lost 30 or 40 times that amount to suicide. And so I had this goal in my head that if I can, save, 40 guys from suicide, I'll die a happy man. I don't care if it takes the rest of my life. This is what I wanna do. and I had no qualifications, but God had prepared me for this. So I'm [00:21:00] dyslexic. I, failed high school, but I could see patterns. And the pattern I saw happening is, is something that the mainstream spreadsheet never saw. And that was this. And these two things enabled me to save those 40 guys within a year. All right, so this is, this is powerful stuff that I'm showing. I need everyone to listen to this. It doesn't matter if the pain's physical or emotional for us humans, it'll get to a certain duration or intensity that it transforms from just pain into loneliness and isolation. And when we're all alone, when we're feeling isolated, all sorts of crazy crap. It can be justifiable. I was about to kill a man, and that was justifiable in my isolated state, but my isolation was broken. When I asked the question, how many other people are going through this? So I saw that, of all the millions of dollars of resources that get poured into veteran, it's all water off a duck's back if you're not breaking the isolation. And it's as simple as understanding that, especially for us guys [00:22:00] when we experience trauma. Yeah, we want to talk about it, but we are waiting for another, especially we need another bloke who has walked the same path to speak the unspoken words inside our hearts. So we've got these unspoken words that we can't speak ourselves, that we need to hear another guy who's walked that path. Speak, and then all of a sudden the jaw pops open. And I can't say what they normally say, but let's just say they say things like, gee whiz, I thought I was the only one going through this. Exactly. So, so breaking the isolation is the first step that it cannot and should not stay there. Uh, a lot of people get stuck in the feel goods of breaking the isolation. Oh, I'm not the only one going through this. Right? And veterans are really good at forming these anti-social social groups where, oh, look, we've broken our isolation, but I can only be myself around these people, and I'm only around them for one hour a week. You know, for the other times, I have to sort of go back [00:23:00] in my shell, right? Mm-hmm. So, yes, breaking the isolation's the first point, but it can't stop there. The next point that needs to be, uh, addressed is the plain and simple fatigue. I'm alone and isolated. I'm the only one that's got my back. I can't drop my guard for a second. Everything's a threat. 'cause everything is a threat. So I'm not sleeping, if I drop my guard, something bad's gonna happen. It's gonna be my fault. And it's this loop and it just becomes normal. Not sleeping, being hypervigilant, drinking lots of alcohol, lots of substances. And I made the mistake of telling the doctor I couldn't sleep and I lost six years of my life to pills, and initially i'm like, this is great long service, leaving a bottle. But no one tells you the cost of taking them. Yes, there's a benefit, but there's a massive cost. You get something, but it takes something from you. Mm-hmm. I lost a lot of memories. That's kind of a, a real gray patch in my life. Those six years I was on all these pills and I'm pretty sure I lost a bunch of memories from before that. So I. There's a time and a place for pills. They're [00:24:00] sometimes are lesser of two evils, but no one tells you the cost and especially nobody tells you just how hard it is to come off these things. Mm-hmm. You know, if you wanna feel like a minute, turns into an hour, be in the kind of pain that the withdrawals put through your system. I, I nearly went completely insane coming off of these things. So point I'm trying to make here is the two things I did that say 40 guys within, um, a year, and then I stopped counting, was breaking the isolation. And I want all the listeners to understand that what you are up against when you come through that, that gives you the qualification to break the isolation of other people going through it. You know, my pathway was a veteran, but it could be breast cancer, it could be a relationship, it could be anything. Whatever you're up against, you get through that. Live the life you wanna live. That gives you the qualification to break the isolation. Now, you might not say anything that that person hasn't heard before, but coming from you and your lived experience, you can put that from their head [00:25:00] into their heart, into their soul spirit. And then they get a chance to start making powerful choices, in a place of connection. And then getting them out of fatigue was where, when they gave me a bunch of pills, I didn't know breath work was something that could alkalize my neural pathways, turn my overthinking head off, give my body peace, give my body healing. It is the piece that transcends all human understandings. And I, and I don't just wanna talk about this there, there'll be a time at the end of this podcast where we'll have a lived experience of this. those 40 lives were saved by two simple PR principles that aren't addressed. Breaking the isolation, through authentically spoken words. I've got six pages of weapons I'm qualified in, but the most powerful thing I own is the authenticity in the words coming outta my mouth. That literally changes the axis of the world. And then getting people out of fatigue because people have 98% of everything they need inside of them. But if they're feeling [00:26:00] alone, if they're feeling fatigued, they can't access their own resources. But when their isolation is broken and they're out of fatigue, it's like their inner compass just turns on and it, and they, they know where they need to go. And it's just, it's, it's amazing how little people need when they get exactly what they want. Um, yeah, definitely. You know, I know there's a shark story somewhere. How does the shark come into play with, is that, just something you survived or is that. Oh, look, that was a fun NBE near death experience where, um, okay. Yeah. Very relevant. It was the classic one where you have your life flashing before your eyes. Right. Um, and the important part about this isn't so much the shark attack in the, in the context of a, a, let's say Christian faith afterwards, because I, I love the ocean, I love spearfishing. And there's always sharks where there's fish when we're chasing fish. There's, it's always a good sign when there's sharks around because that tells you you're in the right area. [00:27:00] And it's a fun story. Like this thing had my leg, and I don't believe it when people say, oh, I punched it and then it went away. I'm stabbing this thing in the eye and it's not letting go. And I'm about to drown, right? As a fighter, I've taken a lot of hits, but never, ever, ever has my body felt like a ragdoll being shaken by a dog. Mm-hmm. Um, so I literally felt that my body going, oh yeah, yeah. Like just so rapidly shook. I'm like, whoa. This is a great place to stop and continue. Next time on the podcast, I know that you'll wanna hear the rest of his story and what helpful things does he have for us to better our health and and handle the stress and heal from our trauma. So [00:28:00] thanks for listening today. I wish you a great week, and we'll see you back next time on the Wounds of The Faithful Podcast.  

Diana continues her conversation with Ronald Davis, husband of Shana Rattler Davis. Diana and Ronald delve into how prayer plays a crucial role in healing from abuse and trauma. Ronald shares his personal journey of overcoming anger towards God, learning to seek God's will through prayer, and finding restoration and transformation. He discusses the importance of consistency in prayer, the impact of long hours in prayer, and shares insights from his new book 'Thy Kingdom Come: The Purpose and Power of Prayer.' Diana resonates with Ronald's experiences and emphasizes the need for personal transformation through prayer rather than seeking changes in others. They both highlight that understanding and relying on the finished work of Jesus Christ can enhance intimacy with God and lead to a life of victory. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:37 Recap of Previous Episode with Ronald Davis 01:34 The Role of Prayer in Healing from Abuse 03:44 Personal Testimonies and Experiences 07:20 The Power of Consistent Prayer 10:56 Writing the Book on Prayer 15:50 Encouragement and Final Thoughts 22:32 Closing Remarks and Contact Information  website:  www.thykingdomcomebook.com  Purchase his book Thy Kingdom Come: The Purpose and Power of Prayer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thy-Kingdom-Come-Purpose-Prayer/dp/B0DKH87X5T/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1 Facebook:  Kingdom Truth Global Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Ronald Davis Part Two Transcript [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hi everybody. Welcome back to the podcast. I was talking with Ronald Davis last time on the podcast. He is Shana Rattler Davis' husband. She was on the show in episode 76. What is a God shift? I recommend you go back and listen to Shayna's interview with me. Would truly bless your heart talking about multiple topics, [00:01:00] particularly her journey with abuse and how she healed. I'm not gonna go through the bio for Ronald for the sake of time, I wanna give him as much time as possible to deliver the rest of his message, what he has for us today on prayer. So be sure to listen to the first episode if you have not yet listened to it. But we're going to carry on. Without further ado, my continuing conversation with Ronald Davis. You said so many things that are absolutely true. And a lot of our listeners, they have trouble, like I did praying in the midst of the abuse or shortly after getting out of the abuse and trying to recover. So tell us about how does prayer fit into your life when you're being abused? When you're angry with God, when you're don't understand what's [00:02:00] going on you're on the couch with God. What do we do with that? Yeah, that's a great question. I was angry with God, I'm gonna be honest with you. If I could be transparent, because at one point I thought God put me together. I thought this was a God thing, and God, why would you allow me to go through this just for it to end this way? Just for me not to be able to see my daughter? So I understand that place. I was also angry with God, but when you know the word of the Lord, you realize that I can't blame God for my own decision. And a lot of times what I've discovered, especially now that I've really learned the way of prayer, is a lot of times we are making decisions and we're wanting God to bless our decision. Instead of praying and seeking God for his will. God's blessing, his grace will always follow his will. So sometimes we end up in situations that our flesh got us into, and then we blame God for it. So we first have to forgive ourselves and once again, we do have to be word [00:03:00] based, not based on our emotions. So if every good and perfect gift comes from above , and I was in a bad marriage, then there may be an indication that maybe I chose wrongly and I have to own that. To forgive myself, not to play the victim or, to be shameful about it, but own it. Forgive myself and understand that God forgave me. Even if I had to get a divorce, God still forgave me. Not that we condoning divorces or we are encouraging divorces. We always push marriage, we always push stay together. Yes. But we understand that there's certain situations that do require for people to end, for marriages to end, because it's worse for them to stay together than it is for them to be apart. And in those situations, we have to trust God in that process. So what I learned to do is to go to God in my brokenness. I went to God in my brokenness and I realized, God, I've made some decisions. I've settled for some things. I've said some things. I'm tired [00:04:00] of the life that I have produced. I want the life that you produce. Mm-hmm. So I would just sit in his presence. I will seek God and I would cry out to him until he began to really deal with my heart, really begin to deal with me. I just began to love on Jesus. I stayed in worship, I stayed in prayer. And in that, you God, you begin to really experience God's love. And once you experience God's love, you'll realize that that was not his will for you. That was not his perfect plan for you. And even if he allows you to go through it, you'll begin to understand now how all things are working together for your good 'cause. You're called to God and you love God and called according to his purpose. And even in that though, I, we say that scripture, all things work together for the good. I have this saying in my, yeah, all things work together for the good, but all things don't have to. That means I don't necessarily. There's some things I go through because I made some bad decisions, but even in that God can get the good out of it, God can restore me. [00:05:00] God is not responsible for the abuse. God is not the one who did that, but God is the one that can heal me from that experience. God is the one that can restore me from going through such a thing. So I will say this real quick. Mm-hmm. So in that process of the seeking God and praying, I remember I did nine hours of prayer for the first time. I pray for nine hours straight, our purpose. I said, I'm gonna worship and pray for nine hours. Ooh. About three and a half hours in, I can hear the spirit whisper to me so clearly that I'm gonna restore the past nine years of your life. I kept worshiping and I kept praying, and I didn't think thing about it. I was on a 21 day fast. And then he said again, he said, I'm gonna restore the last nine years of your life. He said, what happened nine years ago? All right. I'm getting a little emotional now because I just, that's journey. He says, what happened nine years ago? And I didn't realize that on this fast. The fast was ending right around what would've been my nine year anniversary. [00:06:00] Oh, so nine years prior to that is when I got married. Nine years prior to that is when that journey started, because that we separated at seven. So we already separated for a couple years when I had this encounter, right? So he said, what happened nine years ago? And I said, and and I began it this week before because he said, I'm gonna restore the years. You gave me nine hours. I'm gonna restore nine years. So I remember having that conversation with the Holy Spirit, not thinking much about it. Continue to pursue God. I wasn't seeking a spouse, I wasn't praying for a spouse. I just wanted Jesus. And in that pursuit, I tell people all the time, the life that I have now is the life that came out of prayer. Not necessarily that came because I asked for it. It's like God begins to reveal his will, his purpose, and he began to send his person, his, his people into my life. And in the Holy Spirit, begin, your next wife will be the exact opposite. The exact opposite of what you've been through. [00:07:00] So apart the same year that I received that word is the same year that I met my wife. Ooh, that's good. I love that. So, sometime we think we lose time by withdrawing and some people think, well, I need to be out there dating. No, you don't. Allow God to deal with you first. There's nothing more powerful when it comes to the transformation of the believer than spending time in his presence. There's nothing more empowering. There's nothing more enlightening. There's nothing more transformational. There's nothing more encouraging than spending time in his presence. And unfortunately, we don't make the time to do that consistently. And we're wondering why we're not living that life of victory and transformation. It's something that happens when we just sell out to God completely and we become consistent in our pursuit of him. Amen. That . I agree with [00:08:00] you and you say, we've made some decisions that weren't God's will. I did get red flags before when I was dating my now ex and my mother and my sister warned to me and I didn't listen. And I don't know, maybe it was just 'cause I was 22 years old and naive. But I didn't listen to the red flags the Lord sent me. Yes. So I do own that for sure. And when I started dating after my divorce, that was a big mistake. Huge mistake. If I could take back by going on a time machine, I would not have done that because a lot of train wreck relationships, I was not ready. I should have worked on my relationship with Jesus, like you said. And I was smart enough not to marry the guys on the dating websites that were just as abusive as my ex. But it wasn't until I gave up [00:09:00] on meeting anybody and, I'm just going to go to church and serve the Lord. And I didn't really wanna get married either. And then God brought me my current husband when it was time, and it'll be 15 years in March, so, wow. Yeah. And our marriage isn't perfect, but it's built on love and respect and, Jesus is in charge of our marriage, not each other. And it is night and day. Yeah, it is. Yeah. He is completely opposite. And the problem is, a lot of times what we don't realize is when we come out of something, what we came out of needs to get out of us. Because if what we came out of doesn't get out of us, it would attract the same thing. It would attract the same person into your life. It would attract the abuser. It's like a magnetic pulling force. So you gotta allow you to yourself to be delivered [00:10:00] from the victim that you have become, and start seeing yourself differently. Start loving yourself again, valuing yourself again, and therefore you'll have a low tolerance from anything that looks anything like yesterday. And you would know that God has something better for you and you're willing to wait for it. And when it comes, like, it's God. Because like I said, it's the exact opposite. It's like God smiles on you and that's when the restoration comes in because God will now give you someone that will help you get to a place in life that the years of abuse have taken from you. You know what I'm saying? Like where you probably should have been further along the line, but now you got the right person in your life and now there's an acceleration. There's a grace upon your life for speed and in production, and now you're thriving in ministry and everything you want now is coming to pass. It's because God put the right people around you. Amen. Yeah. Now, when did you decide to write this book? Tell us what's [00:11:00] in the book and how did God tell you, Hey, you need to write this book about prayer. Yeah. So this prayer, like, the prayer journey that started so much for me, it started up the ministry that I have now kingdom True global. We do prayer revivals in different regions. We have 365 days of prayer where we pray every single day. We have intercessors praying every single day. We have times where we schedule long prayers that we have a lot going on in the area of prayer, and we'll also be doing a church plant starting this year. So we're excited about that. But, when God began to take me deep in prayer, he began to gimme so much wisdom and revelation. It's like he just began to unlock. And a lot of it was because I began to experience a lot of things in the place of prayer. So in that, I started teaching at this place called Eagle Institute. It's a Bible Institute friend of mine, she's a leader of, and I taught a course on prayer. And it was after that course that the Lord was like, you need to put this in a book, so I talked about the 12 [00:12:00] language, the prayer, the four stages of transformation, the purpose and power of prayer, which is to see his kingdom coming as will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And foundational, the prayer is our intimacy and identity. So all of these truths begin to come out of my encounters with God and my experience with him, and he began to show me why most people don't thrive in prayer. Most people don't thrive in prayer. It's because prayer is about what they want. It's not about what you do. You're calling me out, brother. So the purpose of power of prayer, thy kingdom come is to challenge the body of Christ. Not just to engage prayer on a consistent basis, but to engage prayer with spiritual understanding. To build with the right foundation, building on the foundation of intimacy. Make prayer more about knowing God and communing with God and growing in your identity in Christ than you do with what you want. Because the more we grow in our identity and the more we understand that he's our father, then we [00:13:00] will come to grips with the fact that he knows what we have need of, and then we have the grace to seek versus kingdom and watch all things beyond it to our life. So there, there's prerequisites, and like, and the more we grow in, in identity. The more we grow and provision, the more we grow in identity, the more we grow in power. The more we grow in identity, the more we grow in holiness. So God begins to continue to allow you to grow in the place of prayer that the promises of God will begin to find expression in your life. But most of us, we don't stay in prayer long enough to experience those dimensions. Because the moment we ask for something and it's not happening in the timeframe that we want, we would think either it's not God's will or God is not hearing me. And no God is hearing you. And then maybe God is molding you and shaping you into a person that he wants to respond to. And that's what happens in a place of prayer, consistent prayer. God molds and shapes us into a vessel that he's eager to respond to. Therefore, whatsoever we ask in prayer, believing we shall receive whatsoever, we ask in accordance as will [00:14:00] should be done unto us. Why we become the person. He that he answers, we become that person in prayer, so prayer is a journey. It really is a journey with God as a journey into God. And when you commit to that journey, God will begin to reveal himself first. And as He reveals himself, he transforms you. And as he transforms you, he transforms your life. And as he transforms his life, then you become an agent of transformation. And it all happens in the place of prayer. So this book, thy Kingdom Come the purpose its power and prayer, like I said, it is igniting. I'm getting so many testimonies already, how this book is this impacting and changing lives. But it really gives you a clear understanding of the kingdom agenda and the purpose and power of prayer and understanding the benefits of prayer. What happens when you begin to pray? And most people pray for revival, right? And we look at the history of the church. We pray for revival. What happens? Revival comes. [00:15:00] We no longer pray. Revival dies. See the same level of .Intensity that brings revival is the same level of intensity that sustains revival. It's not that we keep praying for revival. No. We just keep praying with the same level of intensity. And most of what we call revival is simply the Christian life, normal Christian living, finding expression in a believer. That's how we're supposed to be living. We just got so powered, right, right Earth. But with the secret to that lifestyle of constantly walking in the newness of life and walking in the abundance of life is to be constant in prayer, to be consistent in prayer, to be steadfast in prayer, to be earnest in prayer. And when prayer becomes not just something we do to receive, but something we do to live, that's when we really begin to see the benefits of prayer. Yeah. I'll admit that it is not something I'm good at. I am much, much better at Bible study than I am at prayer. I [00:16:00] think transition that I'm going through right now, instead of having a list of, pray for so and so, pray for this. And, and lately God's been telling me because I'll say, I'm praying for my husband to change this, or I'm praying for my coworker, my coworkers on my last nerve or whatever, change my coworker, whatever. And I'm now hearing God saying, no, you need to pray and work on yourself, for love and tolerance and changing yourself instead of praying for the other person to change, you need to change yourself and give them more grace. You were mentioning forgiveness. So yeah, it's definitely a journey and it's not easy. Yeah. And it's one of the things that the devil fights the church the most. Because if you think about it's, most people, sometimes it's a struggle to study, but you find more people that study than you do that pray, it is [00:17:00] something about prayer that the enemy doesn't want the believer to do it. Yeah. Because if we really look at it, what does the Bible teach us as much as we study the Bible said, pray without ceasing. Be constant in prayer. Be instant in prayer. Continue on prayer watching the same way Thanksgiving. Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer. Suffocation, with thanksgiving, make your request known unto God. Men are always to pray and faint not. Pray that you enter not into temptation. So the Bible has much to say about prayer, but our lives often don't exemplify the level of importance that the Bible stresses about prayer. And then the question is then must be asked, is it possible? The reason why we're not living in the fullness of Christ is because we're not living the way of prayer, because we've done the Bible study thing. We got degrees for days. Some of us, we can break down the text. Yes. But, and one thing I'd say, I say in the book, it's in the place of prayer where your theology becomes your reality. Your revelation becomes your experience, and the truth, becomes the truth you do. So that's [00:18:00] what prayer does for us. So no matter how hard it is, the challenge is just to commit to being consistent and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. The more you pray, the more you can pray. The less you pray, the less you can pray. It's just that simple. So when you make that commitment, I don't care if it's 15 minutes a day where you say every single day, I don't want ask God for anything. Prayer. You'll see prayer not just as a time of request. See, it is time with God. So for 15 minutes, I'm gonna commune with God for a hour, I'm gonna commune with God, and I'm going to pray thy kingdom come thy, will be done. I'm gonna pray. Father let you, perfect will be done. Father, let your life be revealed in me. You pray His word over your life. You pray his word over your family, and you keep it simple and you keep it consistent. And you'll be surprised over time how now you will develop a hunger for more of God and you'll develop a hunger for more of [00:19:00] prayer, mm-hmm. So I challenge anyone listening to this interview, no matter where you are, are you pray every so often or you don't pray at all? Decide today. That God is gonna be first. I was reading a book. I recommend this book actually , plus my book, of course, that came to Color, purpose of Power, but is a book. The guy's last name is Eastman. Dick Eastman, the Hour That Changed the World. And he talks about how he decided to be consistent in prayer, where he prayed for just one hour. He broke it down to 12 different things that he gave five minutes to, and he developed a real basic way of developing consistency and prayer, so when it boils down to it, we just gotta commit to that consistency and know and be in there for the long run. Don't think everything's gonna change overnight. See it as a place where you can commune in fellowship with God every single day. I've found that the Psalms help a lot. Yeah. Because when you're like, I don't know what to pray for. I don't know how to do this. [00:20:00] Boy this, the Psalms really help because it even talks about when you're depressed and you're feel abandoned, you feel, far away from God. You just pray those psalms and, mm-hmm. That's a great, jumping off point. Yeah. Yeah. And one of the things we talk about in the book too, it's like, and it is really seeking God for his will, and then understanding the power of just those simple words. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. With that. If that word alone found the expression in every believer's life, we will see what revival looks like. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. If you have nothing else to pray, pray that. Put that on repetition. Say it over and over again until it becomes your reality, till you start seeing that word begin to manifest in your life. I have two prayer points, believe it or not, as much as I pray, I still only have two main prayer points. My two main prayer points. Number one, thy kingdom thy [00:21:00] will be done on earth as it is in heaven. My second prayer point is, father, let Christ be exalted. Let Christ be revealed. Let Christ be glorified in and through my life. So prayer , you're not heard by much saying, even though we should spend a lot of time with God, because I believe in long prayer. I believe in consistent prayer, but you gotta start somewhere. I've grown to that place. But most importantly, it's doesn't necessarily have to be full of a bunch of words. Even that thy kingdom come that alone, that could be pray, thy kingdom come, that will be done in my region. Thy kingdom come. That will be done in my city. Thy kingdom come, that will be done in my finances. Thy kingdom come. That will be done in my body. Father, that your kingdom come, will be done in my marriage. Your kingdom come, will be done in my loved ones. You know what I'm saying? So you take that and you make that a prayer point for everybody you know, and you start there and say, now what happens is over time that you unlock the grace to pray. The Holy Spirit will begin to quicken [00:22:00] your prayer life. And from there it's like you would, you begin, you become a major intercession for the Lord. Amen to that. Yeah. Boy, that's, it is so profound and such a blessing, what you said today. It's gold. It really is helpful hearing those things, to get us back into prayer if we've been absent for a while or to strengthen the prayer life we have. I know I've got some things to work on just listening to you. Where can the folks listening get your book? Yeah, so you could get the book at thy kingdom come book.com and you can, follow me on Facebook at Kingdom Truth, global. All right, so we got your Facebook and I have an Amazon link in there 'cause everybody's on Amazon. Yeah. Thank you. Is, is there anything else that you didn't get to say today that you wanted to [00:23:00] leave the listeners with? I would say this, there's no other access has been granted thrown by the blood of Jesus Christ. So no matter what happened to you, no matter what you've done, we have the grounds of prayer is not how long we can pray. The grounds of prayer is not how often we can pray. The grounds of prayer is the finished work of Jesus Christ and understanding that through the blood of Jesus, we have access. We have been forgiven, we have been redeemed, we have been washed, we have been purified. And now Jesus is the door. Prayer is life inside the door. Prayer the blood of Jesus. The finished work of the cross is God's commitment to you. Prayer is your commitment to God, and you have access. Now, the life sacrifice of Jesus makes our lives sacrifice acceptable. So I encourage all of us to present our bodies, to present our lives as a living sacrifice and a [00:24:00] place of prayer, holy and acceptable to God which is our reasonable service. Give yourself the prayer. I just wanna encourage everybody, to give yourself the prayer as much as, as often as prayer comes to mind. You don't have to know what to say, just do it. You to talk to God. Love him, worship. Praise him, speak his word. So I just wanna encourage everybody with that, know that you have access. And that's one of the reasons why a lot of people don't pray. Where the combination it says, this is the confidence that we have in him, that our hearts condemn us. Not we have confidence towards God, but if our hearts condemn us, right? So God is greater than our heart. So realize God is greater than your heart. The blood sacrifice of Jesus was enough. We have access. Let's pray. You have been such a blessing Ronald to me, and I know the listeners, and God bless you. I hope that you stay in touch. Yes. And I hope the listeners reach out too with any questions or to get the book. And say hi to Shayna for me.[00:25:00] I sure will. Yes, indeed. All right. Take care of yourself. Thanks so much for being on the show. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us at DSW Ministries dot org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.    

In this episode Ronald Davis shares his powerful story of overcoming abuse and finding healing through prayer. Ronald discusses his tumultuous first marriage, the deep impact of his relationship with God, and how intense prayer and faith led him to forgiveness and restoration. Diana and Ronald also explore the challenges men face in abusive relationships and the often inadequate support from religious communities. Ronald introduces his book, 'Thy Kingdom Come,' which delves into the transformative power of prayer and its role in personal and spiritual growth. 00:00 Sponsor Message: 7 5 3 Academy 00:48 Introduction to the Podcast 01:22 Diana's New Camera and Podcast Updates 02:26 Introducing Today's Guest: Ronald Davis 06:43 Ronald Davis' Background and Journey 08:04 Ronald's Early Life and Spiritual Awakening 10:59 Understanding Prayer and Its Importance 12:40 Ronald's First Marriage and Struggles 17:02 Healing and Restoration Through Prayer 21:12 Challenges Faced by Male Abuse Survivors 25:27 The Church's Role in Addressing Abuse 27:54 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser   Thy Kingdom Come: The Purpose and Power of Prayer thykingdomcomebook.com   Bio:  Ronald Davis has been preaching the Gospel since his teenage years, driven by a deep passion for spreading the message of the Kingdom of God. With decades of ministry experience, he is known for his dynamic teaching and unwavering commitment to advancing God's Kingdom on earth. As the founder of Kingdom Truth Global, Apostle Davis equips believers worldwide with biblical truths, empowering them to live out their faith and walk in their God-given purpose. His life's mission is to see lives transformed by the power of the Kingdom and to raise up leaders who will impact the world for Christ.  Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Ronald Davis Part One [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hi everyone. How are you today? I'm glad that you're here with me for those that are watching on YouTube. I have a new camera today. Um, My old one, kind of, bit the dust and just got a new one. So hope I'm looking good for you guys. It's definitely high definition for sure. You could see my face very [00:01:00] clearly, probably too clearly. I could see my flaws, imperfections, whatnot. But hey, I'm an authentic person. There's no filters on here. I. Yes, this is my skin. I've not done any work to it. No Botox, nothing like that. It's just me. I don't use AI for very much at all for the podcast. I I just started using it for maybe summarizing show notes, but that's pretty much it. But anyway, that's what's new here on the show. I do have a great guest for you today. Those of you that have been listening for a long time on the podcast, we've had Shayna Rattler back on episode six. Yeah, that was second season, talking about what is a God shift. Well, she contacted [00:02:00] me and said her husband has written a new book about prayer and that she asked if I would have him on the podcast. So me and Shana had such a great time that I was happy to have her husband Ronald Davis on the show. He is a survivor of abuse from, looks like his first wife. I. His journey in prayer helped him to heal and prepare him for what God had next for him. So we're gonna be talking about his upbringing and his ministry. Of course, his story of abuse and how prayer played a big part in his recovery, and that's something that we all need more of is prayer. Such a touchy topic for a survivor to talk. We're a survivor because we were going through this [00:03:00] transition of going through all this abuse and coming out of it, and. Abuse always affects our relationship with God, especially our communication with God. Many of us are on the couch or we're not really sure about where do I stand on the subject of my faith? And that's okay. That's what the podcast is for, is we talk about these topics and we wrestle together for the answers. What does the Bible say about prayer? How does God feel about us? He wants to communicate with us and fellowship with us, and yes, we are asking for things with prayer, but we're also sometimes just sitting and listening and it's hard after you've been through an abusive. Relationship or you're still in one, it's hard to hear God's voice in the midst [00:04:00] of the noise around you. So we're gonna definitely talk that out today. So, Ronald's book is called Thy Kingdom Come, the Purpose and Power of Prayer, and you can purchase that on Amazon. I am gonna include the link in the show notes, of course. So I'll read what the book's about here. In this book, Ronald Davis takes you on a transformative journey into the heart of God's kingdom and the undeniable role of prayer in unlocking its power. This book is more than just a guide. It is a called a Deeper Intimacy with God, a rediscovery of identity, and an invitation to experience the fullness of his purpose for your life. Through insightful revelation and biblical reference, you'll explore the different dimensions of prayer and how to communicate with God effectively. Learn the key stages [00:05:00] of personal and spiritual transformation that align you with God's will. Understand the foundational connection between knowing your identity in Christ and walking in kingdom power. Discover the life-changing impact of intimacy with God on every area of your life. Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned leader, thy kingdom come, will empower you to deepen your relationship with God and live out his kingdom purpose in every aspect of your life. Embrace the power of prayer. Embrace the purpose of the kingdom. Let your life be a reflection of his glory. All right, sounds pretty good. so enjoy my conversation with Ronald Davis, I'm so excited to welcome Ronald Davis on the show. Thank you for coming on [00:06:00] today. Oh, you're, you're welcome. I definitely an honor to be here. I appreciate you having me. So I was saying to the audience before you came on that. You are Shayna Rattler Davis's husband. So when she reached out, it was very exciting that you wrote a book about prayer and that you'd like to come on the show. So any friend of Shayna is a friend of mine. So you said you were only married for five months? So far? Yes. Alright. How did you guys meet? Well, believe it or not a mutual mentor of ours he reached out to me one day and he said he said he wanted to introduce me to someone. He said, he thought about her about a year or so ago before he called me. He said, when he thought of her, he thought of me, but he knew at that time that I wasn't. By the leadership of the Holy Spirit. He just knew it wasn't time yet. So after a year or so, and what's funny is during that year I was in a deep [00:07:00] consecration and fasting before the Lord and seeking God. So after the year of that is when he called me and, he felt like it was now that time to make that introduction. And once we met it, we've just been inseparable ever since. Oh, that sounds fun. Now I'd like to get into a little bit about your history, your ministry how you were raised. Were you raised in a Christian home? I was. I was raised in a Christian home. But I was also raised in a very low income area. So it was two different worlds I was exposed to. My mom kept us in church, I got home to a father that was strung out on crack cocaine. And I had older brothers and siblings that were also contributors of drugs. So I was like, I lived in a house in an environment of, drugs and fighting and, just being exposed to gangs and that lifestyle, that street lifestyle, that, the hood lifestyle where people would refer to it as but my [00:08:00] mom put us in church, so we knew all the Bible stories, we used to receive prophecies as children. I remember receiving a prophecy that I was gonna be a preacher, my mom would threw it at my face at times. But when I was acting a fool and I wanted to do my own thing, but now look, I'm now writing books and glorifying Jesus many years later. But yeah, so that's kind of short version of my my household coming up. When did you meet the Lord? So I became serious about my relationship with God when I was about 16 years old, so from the time of, I'd say about 12, my mom stopped making us go to church, and I got more involved in like, as a young person in streets, sinning , using drugs, trying to sell drugs, trying to, adapt this lifestyle that I was, that was around me. I was, I was never a good fit for it, though, I'll be honest. I'd do wrong and feel bad, it just wasn't a good fit for me. I always knew my whole life that I was different. I remember having the gun put to my face and and I was about 14, 15 years old. And if there was ever a time ever heard [00:09:00] the first time I ever heard the voice of God, it was that day I could hear as clear as day, you can't die. I got work for you to do. Mm. And I wasn't even saved at the time, but that moment stuck with me to, to this very day. So I knew the hand of God was on my life, maybe 'cause of the upbringing in church. But I always knew God's hand was on my life, but I just thought it would be later in life that I would serve the Lord. But at 16, I went to a revival. Well, just before I turned 16, I went to the revival and I seen people being healed. I seen children giving their lives to Christ, and the message was powerful, and the man of God was amazing. And I wanted to be a part of what the Lord was doing. So, I, did antar call and I gave my life to Christ. And my life changed. People in my, my neighborhood saw me change. My school seen me change, so I went to being this bad kid in school to being the kid who was preaching in the hallways, telling people about Jesus. So it was a wonderful experience. I mean, and it's been a journey like everyone else, after we get saved, even that's sometimes when the story really begins, [00:10:00] right. Yeah. I love hearing people's stories of how they came to Christ. They're all different in yours is, exception. When you came to Christ when was the first time you actually understood the concept of prayer? I mean, talking to God, was that a natural thing for you or a foreign concept? Well, we've always taught, prayer in, in, in the church, but they didn't teach prayer like I know prayer now. They taught us we should pray. Mm-hmm. But they didn't really model prayer. I didn't know the way of consistent prayer. I didn't know the way of long prayer. So I would say my little daily prayers and as a young believer, just a level of zeal and hunger that we have for God. So we spend a lot more time, praying, even not praying as much as I do now, but I, what I thought prayer was, I did it to the best of my ability, but more so for me, I was given to the word of the Lord, like my first few years of salvation. I would read the [00:11:00] Bible for hours. That was my way of communing with God. This, studying the scriptures. So, by the time I was 18 years old, I was reading Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge. I was like, I was going deep in theology and breaking down the, historical background of the text. So before I was even 20, you would think I had went to seminary and I never did. I just was so deep in the word. So that was the journey that God took me first. He, it's almost like he wanted me to get that word foundation. And then, my journey into prayer as far as the place of prayer that I'm in now is, was relatively later in life. So from that point, I have that book, that systematic theology book. It's wonderful. Had I had that through Bible college. So, definitely got a lot of meat in that book. I still have it on my shelf. I do know that you were married before to your first wife. Tell us as much as you're comfortable [00:12:00] with what happened there? How did you meet her and what was the relationship like with her? Absolutely. So, that's a long story. I would give you the short version of it, oh yeah. Whatever you wanna do. I met my wife, in the church community, so we known each other from church. We served each other, we served each other in ministry. We took a liking to each other. I was really strong in the word, strong in theology. She had a strong prophetic gift and it seemed like we were just a good fit, the things that I would be studying, she would know by intuition. Like she just know by prophetically. And I said very gifted. And then, I was very rich in the word, but I wouldn't consider myself like as prophetic as I am now, and so, make a long story short, when we kind of took a liking to each other and we decided to get married, that's when the journey really began where I realized that you can have extremely gifted [00:13:00] people. But hurt people, hurt people. That's not just a cliche. It is actually true when the people have deeply rooted issues. It's hard for them to be loved, and it's hard for them to love. So, we had went through a season, when I first, I remember the first encounter where we got into an argument, a disagreement. And before you know it, somebody's throwing a blow. I mean, got punched in my face and I was in shock because this, this woman of God, this person I've just married, who I was so excited about, I think so highly of, lost control. So, and when the things ,first stuff like this start happening, obviously you're in shock, but then because we're Christians, we try to be forgiving as much as possible. Now we're in this marriage, we don't believe in divorce. So you figure, okay, I'm gonna love her through her pain, and many people think this, I'm gonna love them through it, but in all actuality, it's like, if two people get some serious help. You can't love them through it. It just sets the stage for [00:14:00] continuous abuse later. ' you know what? You may not want it, but if you tolerate it over time, what happens is now you'll begin to see yourself unconsciously as one that's worthy of such behavior. You know what I'm saying? Because what tells me that you feel like it's okay is because you stay. And I'll come back to that point later. But anyway, make a long story short, there was physical abuse, there was emotional abuse, there was psychological spiritual abuse. There was a lot of different things going on. And I'm not by any means trying to paint the picture that I was perfect in this marriage. 'cause I wasn't. Right. Right. I was developing, I wasn't as secure. In my prayer life as I am now. So I was doing a lot mm-hmm. Religiously, I was doing a lot trying to figure it out. I was doing a lot in the name of trying to love a person through it. I went through seven years of a marriage and I can't remember nine months of, 90 [00:15:00] days of consecutive peace. Yeah. I understand that. It was hard. Every, me too, it was just so hard. And as much as you prayed, as much as you tried to get through it, it's like it was always something, something just was never, it was never good enough. So after that, after everything we went through and the different financial hardship, that was the only source of income. There's a lot. I don't gimme the short version of the story, but there was a lot that I suffered. There was a lot that she suffered. There was a lot that we went through together trying to make it work and it got to the point which eventually we separated due to financial hardship. And in that separation. She blocked. I was blocked. I couldn't see my daughter. Blocked me on that, all the emails. And one thing I noticed about certain people with abusive personalities is they like to cut off all ties of communication. It's one of the ways that they inflict harm, whether they're doing it intentionally or not. It's that narcissistic personality is one of the ways that inflicts arm, they now feel like you're gonna suffer. [00:16:00] I'm gonna withdraw my presence from you. And it makes you feel less valued because not you feel like you were the one done wrong, and then they're treating you as if you were the one that treated them the way you felt like you've been treated. You know what I'm saying? Right, exactly. So in that, during that time of separation with no communication, I was able to find myself, I was able to see like, what is it about me that made it okay? Because even if it was, if this was gonna ever work, it wasn't gonna work like this. It wasn't gonna work. Yeah. So after all of that. Not having access to my daughter coming out of that relationship, coming out of that marriage. I was broken. I didn't really want to do ministry anymore 'cause we was doing ministry together. I didn't wanna do ministry more, I still wanted, God, I just didn't want ministry. So I was like, God, I needed to go through this process of healing. So I stopped, going live on Facebook. I stopped ministering, and I just began to shut down and just start working. And I went away for away from my, where I was [00:17:00] staying, went back home, felt like I needed to restore relationships, strengthened relationships back home that would, that would have been strained because of my relationship in this other marriage. So during that time, somebody invited me to preach one of my friends, and they didn't realize that's where my healing process started. Because it's like once I, wow. Once I started preaching and I saw God use me even in my brokenness. It's like I realized that, okay, like I still, this is what I'm here for. And I began to seek God in worship, began to see God in prayer, but still not at the level that I needed to. And there was many times on this period of time, I really felt like I hated her. I felt like, and then it was times where I couldn't see my daughter, so I felt that was really making me feel like a hater. And after all of that, when I went on a deep consecration, after some time had passed, we ain't talking a while, but artist society, you know what, I'm [00:18:00] not gonna date. I filed for divorce. We ended up separated with divorce. She signed, and I still, it was a gap in time when I actually first started seeing my daughter, but I really began to seek God and has left that whole situation in his hands. I began to cry to the Lord. I mean, I would fast and I would pray. I would pray from 10 to 3:00 AM in the morning. I sometimes I would pray 5, 6, 7 hours straight, just praying and seeking God, laying before him. And it was during that period of time that God really began to deal with me. He began to heal me. Like I would spend hours cry. I didn't know you could cry. That many got tears. And it wasn't all tears of sadness. It was tears of restoration. It was tears. It was tears of joy. It was like a cleansing, it was deep, and God was reminding me that I am his child. He is reminding me of who I am in spite of what I've been through. And I think the biggest challenge sometimes is to not identify yourself with your pain. Not identify yourself with a disappointment. [00:19:00] Because how another person treats you doesn't mean that's who you are. That just means how they treated you. So, but in that process of seeking God, God begins to restore me. And in that process of restoration, I was able to truly, to forgive from my heart. Because what God did is he took me back to the time that she was a child and begin to show me what it felt like to be an abandoned child. What it felt like to be an abused child, what it felt like to go through different foster care systems and nobody coming to your rescue. So he began to show me, he says, don't take it personal. She's hurting. And at that given moment, I cried with a deep cry and I began to like really just forgive. And it was that journey of forgiveness in complete, in, in wholeness that God was taking me through. That was preparing me for what was coming. So I won't let you jump in 'cause I don't want to talk too much. If you have any questions. Anything like that. No, I think you're saying your story very [00:20:00] eloquently hitting a lot of points that I can relate to. And I think, I mentioned to you that we have male listeners on the podcast that are survivors, that are listening is as well as the women. And they're just starting to get exposure that men do suffer from abuse also. Mm-hmm. How did you feel as a man going through abuse? You touched a little bit in general, but as a man did you get any kind of pushback from your community, your friends, your church about, oh, well, men don't get abused. You're the man of the house. You're supposed to be in charge, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. What was that like? Well, the, the thing about most abusive relationships is you're in isolation. Yes, you're in isolation to protect your own image and also because you also want to protect the image of the person you trying to keep. Especially when you're in [00:21:00] ministry, you don't want people to see her in the light of her flaws. You try to keep people seeing her in the light of her, her gifts and her, her calling, right? So in a lot of times what happens when you're a part of an abusive relationship of any kind, there's an isolation. There's a pulling away from those who love you. You're not telling everybody your situation, even if they seen some of it from a distance. They don't know if it's continuing or not, because you're not sharing that information. And most men, we don't like to talk, we don't like to tell people what we're going through. We kind of go through it ourselves. Meanwhile, we're feeling broken. We're feeling devalued. We're feeling disrespected. We're feeling unworthy, and no matter how anointed we are, no matter how handsome we are, when you go through something like that, it makes you feel like less. And the man you feel, you feel like your manhood has been taken from you, and you, what happens is when you're dealing with a certain personality, if you're not careful, you will lose your voice. And one of the [00:22:00] last things that you can ever do and still re expect respect from a woman, for a man, is to lose your voice. Because if you lose your voice, you no longer lead . So, and to keep the peace sometime, we'll keep silent. So I did get a whole lot, I mean, some family members who knew what I got went through. I mean, my best friend, he was like, bro, I don't even know why he went back type thing. Like he was like, he was on this, I should have ended it a long time ago. Like he was, he had a different perspective on it all together, but other than that, but there wasn't much from that perspective as far as a lot of pushback from the community or, or, negative talk because a lot of people didn't know the extent of what I was going through to after, even to this day, a lot of people still don't know the extent. They just know my marriage didn't work, yeah. I was in full-time ministry with my ex who was my main abuser. And the same thing, I put on the mask. I'm in [00:23:00] ministry, I have to have it all together. I need to protect my reputation. Even, the church's reputation and. I didn't like the way I was treated. The church denomination I was in, devalued women and their their contributions and it was, submit. And that's the only role you have is to do what you're told. And when I wanted to get out, the church told me I couldn't. That is why I stayed and put up with it because the church said, well, you're gonna get excommunicated, you're gonna lose your ministry. You're gonna lose your friends and you're gonna have to start all over again. And that's exactly what happened. But I left because I couldn't take it anymore. I'm like, I don't care anymore. I'm, I'm getting out. Yeah. There's only so much you can stomach and then you wake up one day, it's like, I, can't live like this anymore. And God. I know [00:24:00] you're up there. I haven't been praying for a few years now because I don't think you're listening and but I'm getting out and taking the consequences of whatever happens if they shun me or kick me out for being divorced, so be it. I'll find another ministry. Well, I was like you, I didn't wanna go back into ministry either. My ministry now is very different than church planting that I was doing before. But yeah. So I can relate to a lot of the things that you were saying. Some some parallel there. I think the church has done a disservice. For the most part, the religious community has done a disservice when it comes to matters like this. And believe it or not, we protect the abuser more than we protect the person that's being abused. And this whole idea of, just work it out, work it out, work it out, and they're not understanding the full weight of what's going on. Like when [00:25:00] people have that, and I believe in deliverance, but I truly believe one of the hardest spirits to get rid of is that narcissistic, abusive personality that grows out a orphan spirit. Because that spirit oftentimes is the people are so far gone that even though they're conscious of what they're doing to you, they don't actually see themselves as being a bad person. Right. You're making me lose control. You're pushing me to this point. Mm-hmm. And, and a of times they're very intellectual, they're very gifted. They're, and people, they're likable, to the average person. So people are like, yeah, you just gotta work it out. I mean, every marriage have tough problems. No, I am being abused. I am being manipulated. I am being controlled. God did not create us to be controlled. This is why we always end up feeling some level of depression or a level of unsettling in our belly. Anytime you're under control, because it's not, you're not wired to function that [00:26:00] way, and it's just a matter of time that our, that dominion in us just ride and say, I can't take no more. I gotta get, because I know that, oh, God did not design me to be in control. Unfortunately, we have the enemy sometimes arranged marriages. Mm-hmm. I destinies and then he used religion to keep you in it. You can't get your divorce. You can't. So he'll use scriptures to kind of keep you in something that he's the author of. Because God is not the author of abuse. God is not the author of confusion. God is not the author of disrespect. If my husband is not good and perfect for me, he didn't come from God. I gotta have that. I have to know the word and be confident enough in the word to know that every good and perfect gift comes from above. I don't care how gifted, I don't care how anointed they appear. I don't care how intellectual they may be. If they're abusing me, they're manipulating me, controlling me. That was not from God. Yes, exactly. [00:27:00] Something I give myself, I'm not gonna say God gave me this person. well folks, this is a great place to stop our conversation. I know you want to hear more on prayer and how actually to commune better with God. So be sure to be with us next time on The Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. I wish you a great week. God bless you, and we'll see you next time. Bye for now. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us at DSW Ministries dot org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.  

In this episode, host Diana updates listeners on her trauma therapy before welcoming returning guest Mark Sowersby along with his wife, Jennifer. The couple discusses their new book, 'Letters to the Weary,' a 21-day devotional aimed at helping readers find rest and support through God's word. They share their personal journey of marriage and healing, offering insights for dealing with trauma within faith. Additionally, Mark talks about their award-winning short film based on his life and his involvement with the TCT Network's show 'Ask the Pastor.' The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for listeners.   00:00 Introduction and Host's Update 02:23 Introducing Today's Guest: Mark Sowersby 03:46 Mark and Jennifer's New Book: Letters to the Weary 05:22 Mark and Jennifer's Personal Stories 11:29 Navigating Marriage and Healing Together 16:50 Writing and Publishing Letters to the Weary 19:07 Interactive Devotional Experience 20:07 Connecting with God Through Devotion 21:14 Personal Reflections and Genuine Writing 24:18 Film Project: Forgiving The Nightmare 26:01 Future Plans and Community Engagement 30:41 Final Thoughts and Prayer   https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Weary-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475399 Bio: Mark and Jennifer have been married for over 20 years and have four beautiful children. Mark is a Lead Pastor and graduate of Northpoint Bible College. He is the author of Forgiving the Nightmare and has shared his testimony across the country in churches, seminars, and a variety of media platforms, including The 700 Club, Fox Digital, TCT Ask The Pastor, CTN, God TV, Cornerstone Network, and over 350 podcasts across the globe. https://forgivingthenightmare.com/   Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Transcript: Mark and Jennifer Sowersby [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hey everyone. Welcome to the podcast. So excited that you're here with me today. We have a great show for you today. I hope you're doing well. A little update on my trauma therapy that I mentioned to you. I don't remember which episode that was, but I'm on like session five. And things are going well. We are still in the [00:01:00] process of me telling my story. we haven't done a whole lot of unpacking. Mostly touching base with me as to how am I feeling, while I'm sharing with her all these things that I went through. Now I'm being more detailed telling her my life story then when I was telling my story on the podcast, and even when I tell my story in my Mending the Soul groups. There's a reason of course for that so she has a complete picture and able to pick the correct treatment plan to help me. So, uh, today I got a bill from my insurance company, for a hundred dollars. And up to this point, my invoices have been zero, which I'm assuming mental health with my insurance has been covered a hundred percent. So I was kinda like, what's going on? I sure hope that I don't owe a hundred bucks every time I go see her, because I would not be able to afford that. [00:02:00] So I will be investigating about why I got an invoice, but again, don't be afraid to reach out to a trauma therapist, somebody that is licensed where you live, the state you live in, the country you live in. If you need help, send me a message. I'll do my best to help you find something in your area. So, Now onto our podcast and our guest today. I'm really excited because I have a returning guest today, a friend of the podcast, Mark S owersby. He's been on the show twice so far. And I really want you to go back and listen to his previous episodes because he is probably in my top five guests that I've had on the show in the last five years, the life of my podcast. That's why he's back on because he is excellent and, Mark is bringing his wife, [00:03:00] Jennifer, today, which will be fun. Mark was on the show on season one and that was episode 11. So he tells his story, I guess as much as you can tell your story on a podcast in an hour. and he's had this book, Forgiving The Nightmare is excellent. That is about his story. He's been on a lot of very prominent podcasts and he even has a movie about his life that he has film this past year. The second time, he was part of our Bible series. How can I trust the Bible when I've been abused? So please go back and listen to those. They are excellent. You'll be blessed. He is on the show again because him and his wife have written another book just as recently called Letters to the Weary. Of course I am wanting to know all [00:04:00] about it. But let me read you a little bit of the synopsis on the back of this book. Life is filled with moments of confusion, doubt, and uncertainty. These struggles combined with everyday life can feel impossible to overcome. Do you find yourself feeling weak and tired at the end of each day instead of fulfilled? Do you complain more than express gratitude? Have you lost hope that things can actually change? Letters to the weary is a devotional that will inspire and encourage you to find a place of rest, support and understanding. Understanding your situation is not enough. We want to show you a way out. Letters to the weary is filled with testimonies, scripture, and encouragement bringing the reader to a [00:05:00] place of peace. It has been said that habits can be broken in 21 days. That may or may not be true, but we do believe if you wholeheartedly commit to prayer and pursuing God for 21 days, our life will be forever changed. That sounds pretty good, doesn't it? I'm always looking for really good devotional. So Mark, individual bio is Mark Sowersby is a speaker, writer, pastor. In 2019, pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood, and how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance. He now speaks about his story and testimony of healing, forgiveness, and freedom. Through his ministry Forgiving the Nightmare. So on his website, he is got a lot [00:06:00] of videos, his video testimonies on there. I'll let you watch that. But you really are in for a treat. You're gonna love Mark. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Mark and Jennifer S Alright, we have back to the show today, Mark Sowersby, and for the first time we have his lovely wife, Jennifer, on the show. Welcome. Thank you. Thank you. It's to be so much good to be with you. Yeah, this is number three. I mean, you're just like a friend of the podcast, a regular here on the show, Mark. Well, it's always a blessing to be with you and be able to share. The testimonies and stories and the victories of the Lord with you and your audience. So thank you so much for having me on, and I'm really excited that my wife could join me. Uh, I'm really great. That's really a blessing. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, this is gonna be fun. [00:07:00] And of course we all know about Forgiving the Nightmare and your story. Mark, we heard your story and then you were back. That was episode 11 was your story. That was season one. Wow. Thank you for being on my first season when I was starting out. I'm on year number five now, and then you run episode 100, you did our Bible series. How can I trust the Bible? Yes. Amen. I remember that. Yep. That was a great series. So you're back on the show to talk about your new book, Letters to the Weary. That sounds awesome. There it is. Yeah. There's a picture. There you go. There you go. Gotta get the angle right. Letters to the, we, our new book, A 21 day devotional. It's, we're really excited about it. I wrote it with my wife Jennifer, and, we're really blessed to be able to have this, just published and released. Oh, just a few, about a month ago. [00:08:00] It's brand new right out there. It's. It's a little different from the first book I wrote, and that was testimonial with some scripture references and kind of a how to and a hold on to God. And this is just, I got to put my pastor hat on and kind of share a little bit. So Jen and I were really excited to be able to write this devotional together. What do you think, Hon? Yes, it was a good time to be able to do it together and to collaborate and I'm honored to write something like this with my husband. So, Jennifer, tell us about your story, your background. 'cause we haven't met you on the podcast before. Well, I came to know the Lord when I was five years old. My kindergarten teacher led me to the Lord and I've been following Jesus ever since. And he's kept me from things. I don't have the testimony where I did things and then I , you know, recovered from them. I have the testimony that God kept me from ever doing them. Absolutely. [00:09:00] Some people feel bad that they don't have this, well, I did drugs or I was a rebel or something. I really appreciate the stories that, I lived a faithful Christian walk my whole life. That means that it is possible. It is, it is, it is possible. Like that God can use you and, you can live a holy life. Now how did you and Mark meet? I was the three to five year olds coordinator at church. And he was the children's pastor when I was old enough to meet. We've known each other for a long time, but he is seven years older than I am. So when he realized who I was, I was an adult by that point, and he was like, oh. We were friends. And then when I was in my twenties, I went off to finish college and he realized he missed me. And he was praying about [00:10:00] who the Lord would lead to him to marry. And he's like, God, I need this type of person. I need that type of person. And he said he felt like the Lord was saying, Hey, McFly, there's a girl down in Florida. She'd be the right one. Right. I knew Jen so long that, you know, I, I knew her parents and when I first got saved her, uh, mom and dad were involved as youth group leaders and like anything else, you go over people's houses for cookouts and pizza parties. And, and Jen was there, but she was always the kid, you know, she was just the kid of the youth leaders, youth directors, youth helpers, and never really on the radar. And when I finished Bible college, I came back and Jen was our three to 5-year-old director, but she was as, as I say, she was all grown up. You know, she was all grown up and, but really she wasn't like, I never saw her that way until one day in the prayer, prayer closet, the Lord said, Hey, McFly, uh, you know, she's right in front of you, you know? So, uh, we. We started a relationship, and I remember when I went to the lead pastor of the church, I, when [00:11:00] Jen and I were getting serious and we started to date, I, I went into the senior pastor's office just to kind of let him know. And I, and I said to him, Hey Pastor, I want you to know Jen and I are gonna date. And he started to laugh and he said, you are the last two to know this. Everybody has known this. The whole church knew that you two were gonna date, you're the last two. So, uh, we started to date and then. The rest, as they say, is history with four kids. And we're getting ready to celebrate 22 years of marriage. Wow. Amen. I love that story. And, I know your story really well, Mark, and the suffering and the abuse that you went through. I know Jennifer had to be, a huge, huge support through all of the recovery and raising a family. So tell us, Jennifer, what was it like, supporting him in that way with his past and such? I think we just, we just live life and I'm naturally, I think I'm a nurturer, so I think I, helped in that way. But, God had [00:12:00] already done a huge amount of healing before we were together because he's seven years older than me. When we got together, I was 25, so he was, almost 33 by the time we got married. So God had already done a lot in his life. Even when you're healed of things, there's still scars. Like after you've had surgery. Like I had carpal tunnel surgery, many years ago. And even though the site healed for over a year, I couldn't put weight on that wrist without pain because the scar tissue was there. And I think the same thing happens when you're healed. Emotionally or from other things, you know, traumas that have happened to you, you still have scars. That doesn't mean you're not healed. It just means that there's scar tissue there and. So we had to walk through that. Amen. Amen. I think that's a good way to put it. Yeah. You know what, you don't know what you don't know, you know? So, of course a lot of my [00:13:00] trauma and hurts, pains, wounds, I brought to the altar. I dealt with my counselor coaches, pastors and friends, but that I've never married, I never had that closeness of a wife, the intimacy of a marriage. You know that connection that you have. So I didn't know what I was gonna carry in there because I didn't know what marriage was like, and I didn't know how to, prepare myself or warn her or say here. I, we just kind of grew into this marriage together. We both brought our baggage in. My baggage was obviously loud and big, but we both carried our pain as people do. And what we learned is we had to go to the altar of God. Uh, we had to go and lay our, our marriage down, our hopes down our family down. We laid all those moments, and it didn't mean that it was always easy. There were moments of tears and prayers and challenges and trials and blessings, but as we learned to trust the Lord, you'll hear me say all and each other and each other because we had to communicate. I mean, there were, we had to have some frank conversations about things and [00:14:00] mm-hmm. You know, where we, where I expressed where I was hurt in our relationship in the beginning and, and then that left its own scars. Not that I was hurt because he did something wrong, just the pain of going through feeling like I had done something wrong because I happened to touch one of his scars, you know, where it brought pain to him. So he handled it the way he did and then I handled it the way I did. 'cause again, neither one of us had been married before. Neither one of us had, dealt with things together. So we've had to deal with things, by communicating and working through things and god has the victory. Amen. Amen. And that's true. You know, like I, I'll have to say, if you come to our church, I'll pray for couples at our altar. I'll say, Lord, help us grow closer to you so we can grow closer to each other. And I would say those early [00:15:00] years of marriage, as many early years of marriage as you're trying to figure it out. Uh, you could have, uh, perfect backgrounds or you could have broken backgrounds, but you're trying to figure it out. Uh, time, money, communication, family, uh, re intimacy, intimacy, responsibility, all those things that, uh, you're trying to figure out. And, and just like anybody else, we had our ups and downs, but we had the altar to hold onto. We had the word of God to guide us and we had friends that would hug us and love us through it. But 22 years we've done pretty good. When there were times where it was difficult, that's when you run to God, because he's the one who fixes everything. He's the ultimate healer. So when I didn't understand what was going on or when we were having, um, troubles and learning to communicate and learning to walk, navigate through these things, that's when I would spend time with God and I would just cry out to him. Amen. And that's why I'm [00:16:00] so glad now that we've been able to. You'll come together and, and work together and parent together and have a home together and a ministry together. And it's blessing that my wife has beside me. So that's what's really excited that we published this book together. These 21 Devotions. Uh, we both poured ourselves into 'em. Jen wrote some independently. I wrote some independently. Most of them we collaborated on. She knew a better word than I knew. I thought it about this way, she thought it about that way. And it was just a wonderful collaboration of a a 21 day devotional to pour everything that we're talking about you into these pages, to talk about communication and, and trust and ups and downs and lefts and rights, and, and how all God gets the glory. And that's what we wanted to give in this, uh, new, our new book called Letters to the Weary. So I see that it's on Amazon. Did you self-publish this or do you have the same publishers Forgiving Nightmare? We publish. Yeah. Yep. We work with the same [00:17:00] publisher. He is, uh, our publisher's been a blessing to us. He is really helped us hold, holds our hand. He is been my friend. He has been my writing coach. He is just kind of been everything to help me write these books , and him and his, team has been behind me a hundred percent. They were amazing. So you have testimony, scripture, encouragement. Can you give us an example of one of them? Well, I'll tell you what I have, which, like the format. So, so we wanted to write it like a letter and Yes, what happened is I wanted somebody able to go in and read it and have enough of the day, you know, and somebody said, why 21 days? Why not 30 days? Why not 90 days? Why not 365 days? And I can just tell you Jen and I, the church we grew up in, it was very common for in January, people would do a 21 Day Daniel Fast. It was kind of a tradition. It was just something that our church we grew up in, they would celebrate, the New Year by con doing a Daniel Fast. There's a book called The Daniel [00:18:00] Fast has to do with dieting and things like that. So whenever I thought about fasting or devotion, I always thought 21 days. It is one of those things that got caught in my head. So, because that was in my spirit, in my head, we wrote this 21 day devotion, but we wanted 'em to be independently. We wanted 'em to standalone. Like, uh, the reader is reading a letter in my first book, forgive the Nightmare. We talked about the trauma. We talked about the hard times. We talked about the big picture, the, but I wanted to say, okay, you've laid your trauma at the altar, you've given it to Jesus. Now what. Now how do I wake up Monday and Tuesday, and now what do I do? And we hope to put in the pages. Of letters to the weary. The next part, what do I do Now? I've given the big part to Jesus. I've walked in victory. I've claimed it. I've confessed it. I believe it. I stand on the word, but now I gotta get up Monday and go to work. So we hope this, uh, this devotion in which again is filled with scriptures and testimonies and as you heard, real, real trials and ups and downs and victories that have poured [00:19:00] out of the. The valley and out of the grace of God, we've tried to pour into this book and let God, uh, be blessed and honored by it. I hope that when you read it, it feels like you're sitting down reading a letter from a friend and, and that's pointing to Christ and that's why we put the entire scripture in. We don't just put the references is what we write, we fill out the entire scripture and that way ultimately you're pointed to the Bible, which. God's word and it is amazing. If you're not reading the Bible, you should be. A spot, they're asked questions or reflections. Mm-hmm. And we, we put something in our devotion called the big question. So every, after every one of them, after every 21 of these devotions we have the big question. We left space in the book to journal, to write, to put your thoughts down. So again, we wanted to be interactive. We just didn't want it to stand on the shelf. We [00:20:00] picture people a big old cup of coffee, the word of God, and our devotion, and they go in their prayer closet and, and serve the Lord that way. Yeah, I think that it's a, a smaller book, then you can actually finish it and, get the process starting of connecting with God. Maybe you don't know where to start with reading the Bible or prayer. You're a new Christian, or you've been away from the Lord because of, of course, trauma and abuse. You know, we're on the couch with God. We, don't understand why he allowed this to happen. This looks like it'd be a great transition into connecting with the Lord, just a short 21 days. With some of my background, not only the trauma of abuse, but the trauma of academia being a dyslexic, you know? Yeah. In both of my books, I thought, well, what would I wanna read? I wouldn't wanna read this. 607. Now my wife may wanna read the big books, but I read something you could [00:21:00] read in a plane. I think I would've been too intimidated if somebody handed me this. For me, I wanted to be able to read it, digested it, and then move forward. So I tell people my books aren't huge. They're not big books, but they're full reads. Right. Uh, so that's how I always identify 'em. We really hope that it pierces the heart. We hope the scriptures fill the soul and confession of praise comes out of one's mouth. And they're written to be something you can do even when life is crazy busy. Yeah. So I, I'm a mom, the other thing, and so we wrote it in between life, so. We wrote it, you know, I would work on it when I was dropping the kids off at school. I'd be sitting in the car and, on the computer or, in between making dinner. And so it was written with life going on around us. And so I hope that, he ministers to each person who reads it. Both of my books. I've always wanted to be really genuine. I. Really genuine [00:22:00] to the reader. And we tried to be genuine in this book. We tried to be as genuine and forgiven the nightmare just to say, look, we're real people. We love an awesome God. We got ups and downs, lefts and rights. We got bills we're trying to pay. Uh, we got cars that are trying to fix. Life isn't always beautiful and there's hard days and tough days, but God is always good. And we wanted to share that in. In our books, and we wanna share that in this devotional letters to the weary. Again, hopes it challenges you, makes you think, it makes you praise. We wrote it not only for the individual, but we think it would work good in a group too. Yeah, A bible study, a a men's group, a women's group, a grieving group, uh, a counseling group, a so we figure it has, it covers a wide variety of topics. Anywhere from hearing God's voice to knowing you're loved, when you're having sleepless moments, when you're feeling like you just wanna blend in and hide just all different, topics. When you're not sure you wanna follow God, there's even a topic [00:23:00] on that. Yeah. When you're not sure where you wanna go. But God is faithful and he loves us and he is there for us. He's there. 24 7, 365. It says in the Psalms, where can I go from your presence? If I made my bed, in the depths, who are there if I, up to the heavens are there. So no matter where you go, God is there. Yes. Like I love that scripture. We, we've been in the pits before, haven't we? Yep. Yeah, we have. We have. Yeah. But once you get out of the pit, it's an amazing view when you're out of it. Yeah. It is amazing when you get out. But it's nice to look back and see. When I was in the pit, God was still there with me, even though I couldn't sense him there. Yep. Yeah. Yep. Even though I walked through the valley, I shadow death. I shall fear no evil. Yes. Yeah. Amen to that. Now Amazon, is that the main place that we can find the book or is there other spots? Well, that's probably the easiest and [00:24:00] biggest place to find the book on Amazon, but it is on Barnes and you can go barn, Walmart. You can go to any search engine where they sell books. You go to our website and you can, connect there with the books. But really, if you want worldwide distribution and you want everybody to find it, Amazon is king in that world. I hear you're this big movie star now. You have a short film about your life, Mark. Let's hear about that. Yeah, well, thanks. It's a great project. I don't know if I'm a big movie star, I might be big, but I'm not a movie star. So, what happened was a few years ago I connected with a great young director and he and I got ahold of my book and, we started to discuss what to do. Well, it's a full book and in that there's so many twists and turns, ups and downs. It's about a life. It's about victory, it's about challenges. So we kind of had to take a snapshot of one scene of the whole book. And, uh, we made a 20 minute movie and. We had a set and he had a cast and [00:25:00] we had the lights and we had the DP director of, we had it all. We had editors and, and, this young director, he was just ready to go. Tru Vine, studios, Tru Vine Pictures, a great young guy named Henry Kay. And he has just been my partner and my blessing. So, so it took us about a year to make it from the moment we filmed it till I went through editing and sound and all the things that needed to be done. And then we started putting in film festivals. And, before you'd know it, we were nominated for many film festivals, all Christian film festivals, and there's one called The Crown, a Crown Film Festivals, which they tell Crown. Mm-hmm. Crown Sports. And which they tell me is, uh. Kind of one of the most prestigious, or one of the most, recognized one in the Christian circles. And we were nominated for the best short film, at the beginning of this month. And we walked away with a bronze. So they give a bronze of silver and a gold, and. And we won the bronze in the best short film category for the Crown's awards. And so we're [00:26:00] excited about what God's doing with that. We hope to do a feature film, that's our prayer, that Lord, we could do a 90 minute, two hour feature film where we get to tell the whole story. But for Forgiving The Nightmare Short film, we call it Forgiving Nightmare film. You can actually go online. There's a website called Forgiving the Nightmare Film, and you can find a little, blurb or a little preview of the film there. And on your website you can see a clip of the film as well. Yeah, you can see a clip there@forgivingthenightmare.com. But, again, it's 20 minutes long. We don't have the whole thing online yet because we're still in festival season. And so when that's done, we'll be releasing it online, but. Yeah we're excited that we walked away with that bronze award and now people are saying, let your people call my people. We don't know what God's gonna do next, but we believe it's all in God's hands. Well, that sounds really exciting. It probably cost a lot of money to do that. Well, there was a budget for it. You're right. And I have to be honest, when you say make films, I wrote the story. It was about my life. But really my [00:27:00] director and his team put it together. I have to, tip my hat. Yes, it was my story. Yes. He gave me room to collaborate, but it was really his eye and his art that, brought this film together. There was a budget, I think we did ours for about, 14 to $17,000. It was a commitment to doing it, but most films are done for much more than that, so. Oh, yeah. Yeah. So we're, we, were blessed to have a good team, a lot of volunteers, but we were given free access to a hospital area. The main scene is being filmed in like a hospital room and it's so hard to find hospital space, because they're always being used and you find when they're very costly to rent for the day. But God just gave us favor with a school and they, allowed us to film at this place. So a lot of stories where God just gave us favor. We're blessed. It's out there. We hope to continue to, move forward to see what God's gonna do with it. Ultimately, our prayer is [00:28:00] to make a feature film. I thought about Matt Damon playing me. What do you think? I was just gonna say if I, you had somebody in mind, who would you want to play you? Well, I think it's, first I thought about Arnold Schwartzenegger. What do you think? Me and Arnold? Matt Dammon, Mark Walberg. Yeah. Mark. Mark. I dunno. But no, I'm just happy to have our story told. Who could play my wife? What supermodel will play her, so? Yes. When it comes out where we can all watch the film, that's gonna be a great day. Has anybody come up to you yet and given you any feedback from the festivals? Yeah, yeah, this really changed my life, or. We've heard how people have been touched by it. We've heard how people have been ministered to it. We've heard how people have said they have felt the Holy Spirit through it and in it. Mm. Uh, we've heard a lot of great comments. Again, we are in this film festival season, but from what I understand [00:29:00] is the plan right now is to release it on probably YouTube or something of that way. Probably, late summer, early fall. When the seasons are over. So we'll kind of release it that way. So keep looking for us and we'll keep, continue to promote it. I'm sure when it's released on YouTube or one of these social networks, we'll be able to promote a lot of it and let people know it's out. We do wanna bring lots of eyeballs to it because we believe the story. The story's not about abuse. The story's about forgiveness. The story's about how to overcome that trauma, and we tried to tell that in Forgiving The Nightmare. And we try to share that in Letters To The Weary. We don't wanna just talk about the pain, we wanna talk the victory, right? We wanna be honest, right Jen? We've always wanted to be honest, but we also wanna say, listen. We got a hold of Jesus. As much as those early years , were trials sometimes and learning to communicate and learning to walk through. I think today we could say, we're about ready to have a 20-year-old, Jennifer. Wow. You are gonna be a mom [00:30:00] of a 20-year-old. Our daughter's Just 17, 12, 15, 17 and 20. They're all teenagers. Woo. We have, two of them driving. So, we talk about the early years where I brought in my mess. She brought in her life and, but there's so many victories today, where God has moved. And, my wife is now teaching a women's group. She's counseling with women. She's writing, these books. So I've just seen God bless my wife and help her grow. And I know that I'm growing and together the Holy Spirit's moving us forward with Forgiving the nightmare film, Forgiving Nightmare Books, and all the different expressions that God lets us do. Yeah. Amen. So you've shared so much today, much about your relationship, your marriage, and the stuff the Lord's blessed you with to minister to others. Anything you want to leave our listeners with, if you both want to, give your last piece of love and [00:31:00] advice to them. Well, Jesus says to come to him, all you who are weary and heavy burdened and he will give you rest and that's why we wrote this book. So you have a chance to pause and take some time and come to the father who loves you. With an everlasting love. Amen. And spend time with him. Amen. Pain, trauma loves to isolate people. Loves to, make us feel we're all alone. We're no good, we're bad. No one will ever understand. And like my wife said, God wants us to come to him and to have that moment of Selah where we just pause and we hope that when you pause, you pause with the word of God. And if either of our writings, our ministry letters to the weary, Forgiving the nightmare can help you in that journey. Let us just come to the Lord no matter who we are. Let's come and let God touch us and heal us, and we love God. And thank you so much for having us on. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Yes, this has been great. And [00:32:00] having you, Jennifer. On the third time that Mark's been here. You guys are always welcome to come back. If you do another book, another movie, you can just come on and I'll definitely, look forward to that. You guys are gonna probably do more stuff down the pike for sure. However the Lord leads. We're really blessed. Hey, I just want you to know on Mondays you can find me on the TCT network. I'm on a part of, I'm on a show called Ask the Pastor. So, you may have it in your market. But if not, you can go, always go online, on Facebook, on Instagram, go to TCT and it's a wonderful network. They have a program called Ask the Pastor, and at 2:30, every Monday, I'm a part of a panel. I'm not the host, I'm just one of the voices of the panel. But if anybody wants to catch me, see my ugly mug, uh, you know, just turn to, to ask the pastor on TCT Network. Oh, and we can ask questions? [00:33:00] You can, you can. You can do it in and stump the pastor? I think some people think it's called that, but it's really called Ask the Pastor. Oh, absolutely. I'll put everything in the show notes for you listeners. And I don't remember if I asked you this before, Mark. Can you say a short prayer for our listeners before you go? I would be honored. I'd be honored to. Father. God, we just thank you so much for your goodness and grace. Lord, we thank you that you love us, that you're still the lifter of our head. You're still the lover of our soul Lord, and the empty tube still matters and the cross where you died for our sin still has power. But Father your word still goes forth and it wants to heal, deliver and set free. So I pray for everyone, with a heavy heart today. Lord, I pray the lie of the enemy that isolates and robs from them their dignity, their value. Lord, I just pray that those words fall short and Father, we hear the word of God. It reminds us that we are delivered, made [00:34:00] new and set free. And Father, I thank you for our host today. I pray you bless her. I pray you bless this show. I pray, Lord God, that you go before us and touch us. In Jesus' name. Amen and amen. Thank you guys. Love you guys. Thank you. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us@dswministries.org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.  

In this episode,  Diana continues her conversation with John David Graham, founder of Good Samaritan Home. They discuss his extensive work in mentoring men and women re-entering society after prison, the transformative impact of his program, and his award-winning book, 'Running as Fast as I Can.' They also touch on the broader role of the church in giving second chances and offering hope, particularly to those marginalized by society. Graham shares stories of success and resilience, emphasizing the power of compassion and authentic service. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:40 Recap of Previous Episode with John David Graham 01:32 John David Graham's Ministry and Mission 03:40 Challenges and Realities of Ministry Work 07:13 The Story Behind 'Running as Fast as I Can' 12:46 Success Stories and Impact 14:30 Current State and Future of the Ministry 17:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections Buy John's book here:  https://www.amazon.com/Running-As-Fast-Can-ebook/dp/B0CKK418FB/   Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Transcript: John David Graham Part 2 ​[00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hello everyone. Welcome back to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. I'm glad that you're here. We had a terrific conversation with John David Graham last time. He is the founder of Good Samaritan Home, the mentoring program, helping men and women restart their lives after prison. [00:01:00] He has 17 homes that he has started and we're talking about his fantastic book. Running as fast as I can. I'm not gonna review too much of what we talked about last time, so if you have not listened to part one, as always, I say go back and listen to that first because you'll miss the foundation of the conversation and then come back here with us to hear the rest of John's story. So I'm not gonna delay any further. Here is my continued conversation with John David Graham. I think my audience hears me much better than any sermon I ever prepared. Yeah, Jesus tells us to visit those in prison and serve people that are, less fortunate or struggling or the hated of society like the Samaritan. Jesus went out of his way to meet the Samaritan woman and to evangelize the [00:02:00] Samaritan people. And they were, they hated ones in his day. We sometimes forget, we make Samaritan into a compliment. But the truth is that you're exactly right. It was not just a criticism, it was a vile criticism. Yes. She as a woman, was rejected. And Jesus, if I remember correctly, didn't he take a drink from her? Yes. Yes he did. And that was, again, forbidden because she was unclean according to his tradition. And when he would hug people and welcome the lepers and all of that, that to me is exactly what the church can do so well, if we would just do it instead of getting involved in I want you to look like me, then you can come to church. Amen to that. Yeah. In fact, you think about it, if I drive down the road and you see a church marquee that says, here's my sermon for Sunday, you are all welcome. But why would somebody who doesn't understand your traditions. Doesn't understand any of [00:03:00] your teaching. Never had been in that building. Why would they come in and do something that's totally foreign? Just because you're Marquee says you're welcome. They'll never do that. No. But if you go where they are and help them with their hunger, then they'll hear you. I believe. Yes. I had a a guest on the show that had he had a a ministry to bikers. It was the same thing. He would invite these groups of bikers that come into church and they got all this, terrible treatment because they ride a bike and they wore leather jackets and they didn't want them there. And yeah, they're not gonna, they're not gonna feel welcomed just by a sign. Absolutely. And I understand many of the traditions, but if I were to walk into a small church, I would immediately be noticed as a visitor. And even the welcoming would make me uncomfortable. And so identify, I go to a [00:04:00] large church. All of the the swell of people would make me uncomfortable unless I had somebody there walking me through it. And. A friend, leading a friend , I think the only way you can actually introduce somebody into into your church. And the truth is we don't emphasize that at all because number one, we have so much power that's they'll never give us the right answer. They'll say, oh yeah, I believe all your doctrines. And what they're saying is, I need this roof over my head. So I just try to be real. I just try to be myself and I don't put any religious pretenses into the conversation. If somebody asks, I will answer, but I try not to. I don't have a score sheet that said I, I witnessed the six people today. That, to me, doesn't work. Okay. I am I was a missionary for 13 years in the Baptist Church. I know exactly the kind of list you are talking about. Yeah. And I'm [00:05:00] kind of, sorry of some of the things that I did as a missionary with that particular list. Yeah. And this, the whole idea, even what a missionary does if we're going and simply teaching, are we teaching our western ways or are we helping people dig a well so that they have water for their farm? And are we helping them with their medical needs because that's what they need, and our faith motivates us to do these works of compassion, and they hear those works. So tell me, what your wife, Kathy thinks of all this. What is her role in your ministry there? She's sitting here with me, so Hey. Let me just say this, that I never could have done this alone because number one, it came out of our own house and when we bought our first house beyond our home, our first shelter, she had inherited a few thousand dollars that was supposed to be for retirement, [00:06:00] but she gave all of that to purchase this other house so that we could remodel it for the next two years. So she gave not just her time, but her sweat equity and her meager retirement funds. And then she's been basically in charge of all the residential services. So even at her age, and she's the same age as I am, and she will spend her days either painting and patching a wall. Cocking bathtubs today, she was patching a floor that had a hole in it. So she was working with wood putty and a sander. Now this is a woman who should be watching Oprah on television and at the local community luncheon. But she's more comfortable wearing work clothes. And and then when we leave here, we're gonna go do curfew rounds at the houses and she'll be right there with me. Sounds like a servant's heart to me. Yeah. It really is. Because we all, [00:07:00] I think all of us on my staff come from some point of brokenness and we're one step away from our residents and we try to walk with that in mind, and it makes us, I think, more forgiving. Oh, yeah. Yeah. That you've been through some hard things you can relate. I want to talk about your book running as fast as I can, and this Daniel Robinson, is he somebody that you actually know, and you then you fictionalized the story, or is it completely separate from your life and your ministry? I started to write a book 50 years ago when I was homeless. Actually. I was in my truck and I had a royal typewriter, if you remember those. Yeah. And I realized I had nothing to say, and so I put it on the shelf. And then 10 years ago I said, it's time because I want to tell this story of second chances. But, [00:08:00] I could present data and I could give you statistics. In fact, my doctoral work was in reentry and the social and psychological and spiritual benefits of reentry in the community. And I, I think maybe six people read it. I spent three years writing that, and it had all the data, but nobody is influenced by data. So what I decided to do is write a story, and I'll give you an example. Let's suppose that I want to talk to everybody about lifeboat safety. It's very important if you're going on a cruise, if you know how to work the lifeboats, I'll guarantee you nobody will watch that video because it's boring. But if I made a movie. And I had Jack and Rose on the Titanic and I made it into a love story that actually was about lifeboat safety. Everybody will watch it and remember when they get on a boat, where are the lifeboats? So that was my thinking [00:09:00] when I started writing this book. How do I write a story about second chances? But I want people to read it and remember it and identify with it. And so Daniel Robinson is fictional, but it's based on my life and your life and my wife's life and every life of the men I deal with. But I brought it together. And it's Forrest Gump going through the sixties and the idea he grew up in a home that where he was neglected and eventually he was abused by his pastor, the one man he trusted, and he ran away from home and spent the next 20 years trying to undo the damage that was done to him. And at one point in his life when he married a woman named Kate who had her own limp. We like to say that when two broken people lean on one another, then they can walk straight. And Daniel and Kate were married and started to create the family they were both looking for. But he [00:10:00] said one line. I think that probably the most important, he said, Kate, it's been 17 years since that man did that to me, but it's like it was yesterday. I can still smell the after shave he wore, I can still see the room. I still feel that man touching me. And they say, you get over it, but you never do. Some hurts last forever. And that is the theme of the book. It's the idea of some of us are born so far behind in the race that we have to run hard to even find the starting line, but the object is as long as you're willing to keep running. You will reach your goal. It just, some of us need longer time. And the truth is that the stories resonate very well with readers. It's garnered 26 awards for literary and inspirational fiction. It, and it's sold thousands of copies [00:11:00] and we're really not even advertising it. We're simply putting it out there on social media. But the object is that I believe, particularly in this day and age, I. Where on the internet, on Facebook, all your sins from sixth grade keep coming back at you, and every little thing you've done wrong will haunt you. We are all looking for a second chance, and that's why I think this story is resonating. People believe in second chances. They want it and they need it. And here's a story that says you can get a second chance. Amen. That sounds intriguing. I'm sure that everyone would want to get a copy of this book. Where can we get a copy of the book? Is that on Amazon? Yeah. Easiest way is to go to John David graham.com. That's my website and that will link you. To Amazon, and [00:12:00] it can, it's electronic, it's print, it's audible version. So it's available in all the versions. And the truth is that, it's I definitely think that it's one of those it deals with issues that we wrestle with, like homelessness. It deals with drug addiction, it deals with sexual abuse and the response of the church or lack of response to that. What I'm hearing again and again of people who have been victims of sexual abuse often become victimizers too. Yes, because they've never learned to forgive and be forgiven. And I had a mentor in college who taught me that healing of the memories only comes when we're able to face our memories and find forgiveness. And that's the intent of this story, is to help people forgive themselves. Now, do you have a story of someone specific that has really come out on the other side and [00:13:00] has done really well? Obviously don't give their name, but do you have someone like that you could tell us about? Oodles of stories. Interesting you should say that because just the last week one of our first residents who was with us, I will say his name is Walter, but he came to us when he was 26 years old. He had been in prison for nine years. That meant he went to prison as a juvenile. And he came out after nine years in prison and he was homeless and he stayed with us for several years, in fact, well beyond the normal time, but he was able to get a job with somebody who's willing to mentor him, and he stayed at that job and he's become a manager in that factory. And just last week. He put a posting on Facebook. He said he just read my book and how much he appreciated not just the book, but the work that we did in [00:14:00] helping him. Aw. And then. Then just a few days after that, I had a call from another fellow named Reggie, who was our very first resident. And he said virtually the same thing. He's been out of prison for 20 years. He's married, got kids, has a family, and he's working as a truck driver. And he just touched base to say thank you. And we don't solicit those stories, but when they call like that, it makes it all worthwhile. Oh yeah. You feel like you're making a difference in the world. One person at a time. Definitely. Now you're in Dayton, Ohio. Is that right? Yeah we we we started off in a rural area, a small town, and that's why there was so much nervousness with our program. But we quickly expanded to Dayton, which is a larger area, and the truth is that by going into. Homes that were in distress, we're able to remodel the neighborhood while we're also remodeling our residents. [00:15:00] So we haven't had nearly the politics in the bigger city that we had in the small town. Oh. But on any given day, we may have upwards of 90 to a hundred men and women in all of our houses. That's a lot of people. We don't have to do day-to-day management. We just do, like I say, it's independent housing, so we just touch base so that way we're good landlords because we're there regularly, but also we're mentors, so if somebody wants to talk, we're there to listen. So you said that the guys they come to you through the prison system. They're the ones that. Give you the fellows that need a place? You don't have people just coming up to you and asking for a place to stay? We used to do that originally, we called it off the street. And the truth is that's actually more dangerous because you have no control. No filtering. And so we don't do the off the street anymore. Because the need in the community was for men who are [00:16:00] required to be released. It they had a release date. And if you're released from prison and you're put out onto the street with no money, no place to stay, you'll do whatever you have to do to survive. Our priority became to make the community safe. We need to help those people. And it turned out that we were one of many providers when we started in back in 2003, but most of those other organizations, faith-based organizations disappeared. So we've become the only official provider of reentry housing in the entire southwest corner of the state. That's why we've had to grow from house to house. The need is so great. And on the positive side, the state will pay us a per diem for this because it costs $109 a day to keep somebody in prison. But what they'll do is they'll pay us a fraction of that. And [00:17:00] so the state saves tax money, we're able to pay our bills and our staff and then our residents get free housing for six months a year. Some people stay two years, and so everybody wins. Even the community wins because they're now working and spending their taxes their income in the city and paying child support too. So everybody wins with this. Absolutely. That's that is amazing. And I know we talked a lot about a variety of different things. Was there anything that we didn't talk about that you wanted to mention to our audience? I see a lot. Again, I mentioned that I see a lot of similarities to the sixties, and the only thing I'm seeing now more so is the church. Has taken on the role of what I call a political action committee, where it's trying to influence the politics, and I feel that's not what the church does [00:18:00] well, and I would strongly recommend the church go back to do the acts of mercy that we are best at. In fact, the word hospitality, the word hospice. It comes from the Greek words in the Bible for loving the stranger, what we did. And if we try to get political, we're gonna end up with a Spanish Inquisition. We're gonna end up with all the issues where we have the crusades, where we do battle for God and we do nothing in reality, for God. But we're just, becoming another army. And right now I see a lot of that, and the numbers are showing, particularly among the Gen Z, they're not responding to the church's actions. They're looking for authenticity. They're looking for honesty. And they're not finding it. And so the numbers in churches have declined 20% over the last decade. People are not going because they don't want to get involved in [00:19:00] politics on Sunday. They want to find Jesus with the woman at the well. Yes. And I think I've been on these podcasts for just six months and everywhere I turn I hear the same response. There's the sense of hope that if the church were doing this, if we've stumbled onto something that I believe is what the church can and should do. And I think if the church more churches were to do this without trying to evangelize, just do the work of the evangelist. I think it would change the world. Yes, it would. Be Jesus. Yeah. The irony is that we like to think we're too old, but I started Good Samaritan home at 53. I published my novel at 75, and I'm working on two sequels now, so I believe that you're never too old to do ministry of some sort. In fact I've searched the Bible and I cannot find the [00:20:00] word retirement anywhere. No. How old was Moses? How old was Caleb in the Bible? How old was, Noah for crying out loud. It I forget how old he was, but he was a senior. He wasn't a young man. And to my knowledge, he wasn't a sailor either until he learned to be No. So yes, I agree with you. There's really no retirement in the Bible. We're called to serve with whatever we have, where we're at in our life right now.   What I've tried to do, Diana, is I try to think, how is my message? How are my words heard? So when I write an article for Substack or if I put something on Facebook, or if I on these podcasts, I I try not to speak in church language. I try to speak in the language of my listeners. And the listeners that I'm I'm hearing back from are looking for hope. They're looking for purpose, and they know. What they're seeing out there is not working and they're looking for authenticity. [00:21:00] And the feedback I've been getting has confirmed that we're on the right track and I'm just glad to be part of it. I'm glad to know you, John, that you're out there being the hands and feet of Jesus to the people that need it the most. And you're making a difference. Tell folks if they go to my webpage, there's a contact link and they're welcome to contact me. I'm open for discussions. I do a Substack newsletter where I talk about this and other things, and we've had just a lot of positive feedback and I think if we can talk, if we can discuss, and we may differ, but as long as we're talking. With one another and not at one another. I think we can make a difference. Amen to that. I'm subscribed to a couple people on Substack and I'll subscribe to you too. I would really like to hear more especially about your theological discussions. Jesus. So I have a lot of fun in [00:22:00] Substack 'cause you can actually wrestle with some ideas. Yeah there's people that really like substack and you can get a real following on there. I really appreciate you coming on this show today, John. It's been educational and inspiring and if you have any new books coming out or another new ministry, you're always welcome to come back on the podcast. I'd love to have you. I find it ironic that there were two tragedies that happened today, filling the news, and yet the message of hope is what's gonna end my day. And hopefully the end the day of some of your listeners too, that no matter what happens on the news, no matter happens in the world, we can still present a voice of hope and I think people will hear that message. Amen. God bless you, John. Hey, thank you so much, really, I enjoyed this, Diana. Thank you. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please [00:23:00] hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us@dswministries.org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.    

In this episode Diana introduces her new sponsor, 753 Academy, which specializes in anti-bullying programs and holistic martial arts training. Diana's guest, John David Graham, shares his remarkable journey from experiencing homelessness to founding the Good Samaritan Home. John talks about the challenges and successes of providing post-prison housing and rehabilitation for former inmates. He emphasizes the importance of respect, community support, and teaching life skills to help individuals reintegrate into society. John also reflects on his personal experiences and how faith drives his mission to help others. The conversation provides valuable insights into the struggles of those re-entering society and the impact of compassionate support. BIO: JOHN DAVID GRAHAM is the founder of Good Samaritan Home, a housing / mentoring program helping men and women restart their lives after prison. Prior to that, he was a door-to-door salesman, children's home counselor, substitute school teacher, truck driver, fireman, building contractor, minister and journalist. As you can see, he has a lot of life experience. Sometimes the road home takes many twists and turns to develop what John calls “calloused hands and a tender heart” which he used to write his award-winning debut novel RUNNING AS FAST AS I CAN. Readers Favorite hailed his book as “truly a masterpiece.” It has won 30 awards Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Running-As-Fast-Can-ebook/dp 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:36 Exciting News: New Sponsor Announcement 01:30 Introducing 7 5 3 Academy 02:35 Martial Arts and Fitness Programs 04:45 Podcast Transition and Guest Introduction 07:13 John David Graham's Background and Ministry 13:13 Challenges and Success Stories 17:32 Community Resistance and Overcoming Obstacles 20:56 Daily Life at Good Samaritan Home 26:11 Faith-Based Motivation and Service 28:22 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ John David Graham 2 [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. ​ Hey everybody. Welcome back to the podcast. I have some big news for you today. I do have a new sponsor, a local business that I'm involved with, called 7 5 3 Academy. . You guys know me really well, that I am very particular who I endorse on this podcast. I'm not just going to have mattress commercials. I want to support [00:01:00] somebody that is going to benefit you personally in your life and also benefit your healing and, recovering from abuse,

In this week's episode host Diana speaks with Dr. Benjamin Keyes, an expert in trauma and the developer of the Heart Model for healing. Dr. Keyes has over 40 years of experience and multiple accolades in the field. The discussion covers his unique faith-based approach to trauma therapy, including self-forgiveness and contemplative prayer techniques, the differences between Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and the critical role of divine presence in recovery. Dr. Keyes also shares about his work with Green Cross, an organization that provides mental health support during disasters, and plans for future research on the Heart Model's effectiveness. Personal stories and professional insights offer listeners a deep understanding of trauma recovery and the hope and healing available to survivors. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:57 Welcome and Opening Remarks02:33 Introducing Dr. Benjamin Keyes03:13 Dr. Keyes' Background and Credentials09:49 Understanding Trauma and Disorders13:39 The HEART Model Explained21:23 Green Cross and Disaster Response27:05 Success Stories and Real-Life Impact34:12 Final Thoughts and Contact Information37:38 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960236075/?bestFormat=true&k=the%20heart%20model%20benjamin%20keyes&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k1_1_14&crid=1FG73O5TS5JW9&sprefix=Benjamin%20Keyes Buy Dr Keyes' book on Amazon! Website: www.greencross.orgemail: bkeyes@divinemercy.edu Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Dr Benjamin Keyes [00:00:00] Next on the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. From a Christian standpoint, they may never forgive a perpetrator, but self forgiveness for healing is absolutely essential, and it opens them up to receiving God's forgiveness. God has forgiven us, but sometimes we have to dare to forgive God for not being who we wanted God to be. Where was God in the midst of what I went through, right? Right. And that, and I told them, I said when we do this, when we use this prayer technique, that's the very first question I want you to ask him. And I want you to sit expecting an answer. And it's amazing. God, in all the years I've been using this model, God has never not shown up and has never not answered. Oh, that's powerful. [00:01:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now, here is Diana. Hey, everybody. Welcome to the podcast. So glad that you're here with us. It is a pretty volatile environment out there in the world, isn't it? I'm hoping that when you come to listen to the podcast that you get some encouragement and...

In part two of Diana's conversation with Scotty Aemis, they delve into the complexities of adopting children from traumatic backgrounds and the challenges that come with it. Scotty shares practical advice on finding trauma-informed counselors, the importance of creating a safe environment for children, and the necessity of establishing trust before enforcing discipline. They discuss how integrating trauma awareness into various facets of life, including church and social activities, can significantly aid in the healing process. Scotty emphasizes the need for parents to provide a stable, loving environment rather than focusing on correcting behaviors. The episode concludes with resources for connecting with trauma-informed support and announcements about a new trauma-focused book and ministry services. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:33 Recap of Part One with Scotty Aemis 02:00 Choosing the Right Counselor 03:34 Creating a Safe Environment for Traumatized Children 05:25 Navigating Family and Social Situations 08:16 The Role of the Church and Faith 12:07 Final Thoughts and Resources 14:40 Conclusion and Farewell Scotty Aemis is passionate about helping parents navigate childhood trauma. After he and his wife adopted two children, they found themselves learning everything they could about helping their children thrive. Everything that felt instinctually “right” was actually not helpful for children trying to heal from trauma. That set him on a journey to develop out my PSR (Positive Safe Relationships) Approach to parenting. It's helpful for all children and parents, but especially those navigating childhood trauma. https://www.childtraumasherpa.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1002238933611804 Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Part Two Scotty Aemis [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now, here is Diana. Hey everyone. Thanks for coming back to part two of my conversation with Scotty Aemis We had a wonderful time with hearing his background and how he came to adopt two children from Russia in a horrible orphanage And the surprises that he encountered when things just didn't go the [00:01:00] way that they planned. All you need is love. It's not necessarily true. We need a little bit more. than love to parent children, including children that have had severe trauma. So I'm excited to hear the rest of his story about some examples of what works and what doesn't work, and what resources are out there for parents. We're going to talk about discipline in detail. Sometimes discipline needs to put,

In this episode, Diana is joined by guest Scotty Aemis, who shares his experiences with adopting two children from a Russian orphanage and the challenges they faced. Traditional parenting techniques failed to address the needs of his traumatized children, leading Scotty to develop his Positive Safe Relationships Approach to Parenting (PSR). Scotty, who calls himself the 'Child Trauma Sherpa', discusses the importance of relationships in healing trauma, the pitfalls of public schooling for traumatized children, and his journey towards finding effective therapeutic interventions. He offers practical advice and examples for parents in similar situations, emphasizing the need for patience, trust, and regulation. Scotty also touches on the role of trauma-informed therapy and specialized schools like Lakeside in Philadelphia, which are designed to support children with trauma. The episode concludes with a promise of more insights and resources in the next installment. Bio: Scotty Aemis is passionate about helping parents navigate childhood trauma. After he and his wife adopted two children, they found themselves learning everything they could about helping their children thrive. Everything that felt instinctually “right” was actually not helpful for children trying to heal from trauma. That set him on a journey to develop out my PSR (Positive Safe Relationships) Approach to parenting. It's helpful for all children and parents, but especially those navigating childhood trauma. Main website: https://www.childtraumasherpa.com/ Link to his book: https://www.childtraumasherpa.com/book/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1002238933611804 I have a number of free resources on my website, a free Facebook Group, and a bestselling book available. All of these can be helpful to your listeners. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 01:05 Meet Scottie Amos 02:08 Challenges of Overseas Adoption 02:43 The Positive Safe Relationships Approach 03:40 Scottie's Personal Journey 06:24 Practical Parenting Techniques 15:25 The Role of Schools and Counselors 24:07 Lakeside School and Trauma-Informed Education 29:05 Conclusion and Next Steps Main website: https://www.childtraumasherpa.com/ Link to his book: https://www.childtraumasherpa.com/book/ Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/

In this episode, host Diana welcomes Jodeen Bradfield, a survivor of 17 years of incest and sexual abuse, who shares her story of healing and faith. The episode delves into Jodeen's new book, 'This Is Not My Life: God's Providence Through My Story of Abuse and Recovery', her journey through trauma therapy, and the impact of Mending the Soul groups. Jodeen discusses the importance of seeking professional counseling, forgiving abusers, and how her faith journey intertwined with her healing process. The conversation offers support and encouragement for abuse survivors, emphasizing God's presence and the value of professional help and faith-based group support. 00:00 Introduction and Childhood Fears01:02 Welcome to the Podcast02:18 Diana's Personal Update03:48 Introducing Jodeen Bradfield06:15 Jodeen's Abuse Journey and Mending the Soul08:49 Writing the Book: A Therapeutic Journey12:37 Repressed Memories and Counseling21:03 The Stalking and Its Impact23:39 Faith and Healing25:58 Returning to Church and Growing Faith27:39 A Shocking Revelation About My Father29:51 Struggling with Depression and Seeking Help30:35 Unraveling My Past Through Counseling34:55 Support from My Husband37:32 Discovering More Family Secrets38:56 Healing and Forgiveness44:09 Sharing My Story and Helping Others47:13 Final Thoughts and Resources Jodeen's website: https://www.Jbradfield.com Her book is also available on AmazonFollow her on Facebook: Jodeen Bradfield To find a group in your area, go to www.mendingthesoul.org Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Jodeen [00:00:00] Next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. So I was by myself a lot. And I would go out in the front yard and play, and he would drive down the street in the camp van when there was no one else on the street. I mean, there was no one in the neighborhood that he needed to pick up. And I remember being scared to death. And in fact, my whole plan was, I came out through the back door of the house, And kept the front door locked because now this is childish logic here. [00:00:38] Um, I figured I could run faster and get at least to the back of the house before he got out of the car and got to the back of my house. Get in, lock that door. And if he stopped and thought he was going to fool me and come in the front door, ah, it was locked. had a whole plan, but I do remember the fear [00:01:00] this happened more than once. [00:01:02] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:01:28] Now, here is Diana. [00:01:36] Hi everybody, welcome to the podcast. Glad that you're here with me. For those of you watching on YouTube,

This week on the podcast, Diana continues her conversation with missionary Kenny Sacht. Kenny shares his profound experiences and vivid visions of rescuing girls from the sex trade in the Philippines. The discussion covers the significance of prayer and fasting, the power of God's intervention, and the importance of education and spiritual healing for the girls. They highlight Kenny's mission organization, Wipe Every Tear, which provides safe houses, education, and holistic support to help these girls build new lives. The episode also emphasizes the need for financial support and volunteers to sustain and expand their impactful ministry. 00:00 Introduction and Vision00:57 Welcome to the Podcast01:32 Kenny's Story Continues01:58 A Vision of Compassion02:54 Treating Everyone with Dignity05:20 Revival in the Sex Trade06:27 The Power of Prayer and Worship08:22 God's Miraculous Guidance11:04 Success Stories and Challenges14:15 The Importance of Education21:52 Funding the Mission25:39 Call to Action and Support29:28 Closing and Prayer Link to send listeners to: https://www.wipeeverytear.org Kenny's phone number 208-866-1967 Our website will demonstrate our heart and what God is doing in the sex trade, and how to get involved. And for those desiring to give for her freedom, there is a link where it's quick and easy to do so! They can also go to our social media pages on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wipeeverytear, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wipeeverytear. Wipe Every Tear started in a high school teacher's classroom. After years of leading basketball and volleyball teams to the Philippines, Kenny's eyes were opened to the nightmare of human-sex trafficking. Having five daughters of his own, his heart broke at the reality that girls were being sold for sex. In 2008, Wipe Every Tear was born, and in 2012 It all began in 2007 where Kenny lead a summer basketball mission team to the Philippines. The following year in 2008 while leading a girl's volleyball team, Kenny's eyes were opened to the nightmare of human-sex trafficking when his heart broke at the reality that girls were being sold for sex. After the 2008 trip he and his wife decided to help one impoverished girl he'd met during that time and they founded Wipe Every Tear. Helping one girl quickly became four, and then many. He entered into the sex trade (the good side!) in 2012. Kenny began with the mindset, “If these girls were my daughters, how would I want someone to treat them and come to their rescue?” Shortly thereafter he left his teaching and coaching career to dedicate all of his time rescuing and restoring girls and women from the sex trade. Their first safe house, called Hope House, was secured in 2012 in partnership with local Filipinos. Wipe Every Tear works closely with local Filipino churches to help women escape the imprisonment of sexual exploitation, providing a new life in Jesus along with formal college education which is a must in the Philippines to even work in the fast food industry. Kenny is passionate for revival and seeing the kingdom of heaven invade the poor, hungry, destitute, and lovely women trapped in the sex trade, believing the presence of God changes everything. Since our inception, many more women have been welcomed into our safe houses where they experience freedom, security, three meals a day, education, and discipleship. Through this simple act of providing a loving home, women's lives are continuing to be restored to this day. We have had the privilege to see the transformation of dozens of young girl's and women's lives, bringing hope, freedom, and a great future in the name of Jesus. Kenny travels one third of his time in the Philippines and also speaks at churches, gatherings, and conferences in the Philippines, America, and other nations. Prior to Wipe Every Tear, Kenny graduated from seminary and pastored two churches. He was a high school teacher and basketball and track and field coach for ma...

This week, host Diana interviews Kenny Sacht, founder of the ministry Wipe Every Tear. Kenny shares his journey of discovering the reality of sex trafficking in the Philippines during trips with his basketball and volleyball teams. Touched by the plight of the trafficked girls, Kenny and his wife founded Wipe Every Tear to provide safe houses, education, and holistic care for women escaping the sex trade. He discusses the challenges, approaches, and the divine protection they've experienced in their mission work. The episode also highlights Kenny's transformation in his view towards the men involved in the sex trade and emphasizes the power of God's love and presence in their efforts. His joyful enthusiasm, love for Jesus, and care for these girls is contagious! You will love Kenny's interview! 00:00 Introduction to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast 00:04 The Reality of Sex Trafficking in the Philippines 00:37 Mission Trips and Building Relationships 01:57 Meet Kenny Sacht: A Life-Changing Journey 02:46 The Birth of Wipe Every Tear 04:16 Rescue Operations and Safe Houses 07:49 Challenges and Spiritual Battles 20:04 Loving the Unlovable: A New Perspective 25:29 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Kenny's website: https://www.wipeeverytear.org Our website will demonstrate our heart and what God is doing in the sex trade, and how to get involved. And for those desiring to give for her freedom, there is a link where it's quick and easy to do so! They can also go to our social media pages on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wipeeverytear, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wipeeverytear. Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Rescuing Girls In The Sex Trade: Kenny Sacht: Part One [00:00:00] Coming up next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. [00:00:04] I saw these girls. There are 240 bars and over 12, 000 girls in Angela City, Philippines. [00:00:12] So these are adult women, they're supposed to be, they can be minors, but they're supposed to be 18 years of age. Sex trafficking is illegal in the Philippines, and yet It's everywhere. On this street alone, this area, some bars have hundreds of these girls in them. [00:00:29] So we go into the bars and Filipinos cannot go into the bars in the Philippines. Only foreigners can go in. And and that's why we do mission trips. We need Americans. We need foreigners. No matter what country you're from Canada, anywhere in Europe, all over the world. [00:00:47] We get people coming and then we do these mission trips, and then we do teams and we get our Filipino staff with you, and we go into the bars and. And it's the foreigner it's they're the ticket to get in the bars. We go in we build [00:01:00] relationships you know during the week we feed meals. And so we have a very good reputation and God has just covered us. [00:01:07] God has just been so gracious to us.

In this solo episode Diana reflects on the past year, updates listeners on her personal journey, and outlines future plans for the podcast. Diana discusses her fifth year of podcasting, her dedication to helping domestic violence survivors, and her experiences in music and health. A surprise political rant, personal updates about her family and cats, and plans for community building through a new Facebook group are also featured. Diana closes the episode with a song, wishing listeners a Happy New Year. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:47 Personal Updates and Reflections 01:43 Podcast Goals and Mission 03:38 Diana's Backstory and Healing Journey 05:46 Community Building and Listener Engagement 08:27 Plans for the Podcast and Guest Highlights 11:15 Health and Fitness Journey 15:08 Vacation Adventures and Challenges 19:03 Cat Tales and Family Updates 23:40 Political Rant and Reflections 39:49 Closing Remarks and Song Featured Song: A Million Dreams used by permission by license. Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ NYE sermon [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:33] Happy New Year, everyone. This is a time for new beginnings. Actually, every day is a new day. Today will be a solo episode. We've had some great guests this year. I have cut down on the details of my personal life before or during the guest episodes, but today I thought I'd update you on what has happened this year, my [00:01:00] thoughts on some current events. [00:01:02] And about future plans for the podcast this year. Well, this episode is for my regular listeners. If you are new here, you are welcome to stay. Uh, just know that I'm going to be talking a lot about my personal stuff. Uh, if you're not interested in my personal updates, then you can tune in. Then you can tune in to my guest episode tomorrow with Kenny Sackt. [00:01:30] Hopefully you're, hopefully you regulars want to stick around because you care about me as a person and want to hear some of my, uh, news. [00:01:43] So first I'll start off with some of the plans for the podcast [00:01:49] so I thought there were a bunch of new people listening to the podcast since last year. Maybe you don't know what I'm about or what my [00:02:00] goals are for the podcast, so I'm gonna review those things today. This is my fifth year podcasting. I can't believe that I made it this far. Now, I started the podcast after Mending the Soul group that ended during the pandemic. [00:02:21] They needed more resources for healing after the group ended.

Welcome back to Part Two of my conversation with Ana Megrelishvili. From Ana's challenging life in Eastern Europe to finding healing and purpose in the United States, discover how silent retreats and a newfound faith transformed her life. This episode delves into the profound impact of understanding trauma, separating it from identity, and the powerful practice of silent retreats for deep spiritual and emotional healing. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:38 Recap of Ana's Story 01:50 Understanding Trauma and Identity 02:36 The Power of Hypnotherapy 03:36 Journey to Faith and Healing 04:35 Silent Retreats: A Path to Deep Reflection 06:28 Writing and Publishing a Book 07:27 The Impact of Silent Retreats on Life and Business 08:24 Practical Advice for Silent Retreats 21:23 Connecting with the Guest 22:27 Conclusion and Farewell Ana's Website:  http://cpnworldwide.com Check out the work that Christian Professionals Network Worldwide is doing Biography: Ana Megrelishvili is the visionary founder of the Christian Professionals Network Worldwide (CPNW) in Atlanta, Georgia, where she skillfully blends her passion for positive change with actionable initiatives. CPNW transcends traditional networking by integrating business relationships with service-oriented values, fostering global community transformation. Grounded in Christian principles, Ana ensures CPNW serves as a collaborative hub, uniting leaders to pursue societal betterment. The foundation's mission is to combat relational poverty through faith and community. CPNW pairs mentors with shelter residents, encouraging regular church attendance and community integration, providing a consistent support network to help them build positive relationships and professional connections. Over a year, mentors provide support, fostering a community of encouragement and love. Monthly networking events not only facilitate professional connections but also spotlight local non-profits, offering hope and inspiration. Graduates of the program join a networking community, with membership funded by CPNW's for-profit business, enhancing their career opportunities and ensuring sustained success. Ana's dedication extends to her roles as a board member for Gift-Wrapping Stars for Children and chair of the Saprea gala committee, where she leverages her expertise to uplift vulnerable communities. Her impact is also reflected in her literary contributions, sharing her journey of healing and resilience in her book, "Finding Courage to Change," and in "Powerful Female Immigrants: Volume 3," which narrates her inspiring journey from Georgia to the US. Co-authoring "Success Redefined" with Jack Canfield, Ana has earned recognition as an Amazon Best-Selling Author. Her academic credentials include a BS in Business Management from Berea College and an MBA from the University of Kentucky, completed in just 11 months. Ana's unwavering commitment to fostering faith-based community support and professional growth continues to inspire and transform lives worldwide. Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.

Setting Boundaries During the Holidays | Wounds of the Faithful Podcast In this special holiday episode of Wounds of the Faithful, host Diana addresses the challenges of celebrating Christmas for domestic violence survivors. She offers practical tips for setting boundaries with toxic family members, managing holiday expenses, and dealing with grief and loss. Diana also shares personal updates, talks about holiday films, and recommends devotionals by Wayne Stiles. Enjoy a heartwarming Christmas song performance by Diana to close the episode. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:38 Holiday Reflections 01:40 Coping with Loss During the Holidays 03:52 Setting Boundaries with Toxic Family Members 07:01 Financial Boundaries and Gift Giving 07:56 Personal Stories and Holiday Experiences 12:01 Bible Devotionals and Spiritual Investments 18:47 Final Thoughts on Holiday Boundaries 26:27 Musical Conclusion and Christmas Wishes https://walkingthebiblelands.com/pages/christmas-reading-plan Affiliate link: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Song Candlelight Carole by John Rutter used by permission through license Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Christmas part one [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana.​ [00:00:33] Welcome everyone. Merry Christmas to everyone listening today. We're going to do a solo podcast today. It's been a while, hasn't it? We do still have part two of Ana Megrelishvili tomorrow on the podcast, but I wanted [00:01:00] to take some time to talk to you about the holidays to update you on some things and send you some Christmas thoughts. I will be doing a solo episode New Year's Eve also for you. I call it the State of the Podcast Address. Now, this is primarily for my regular listeners. You're still welcome to listen to it if you are new here, but It's going to be more things about my personal life and what is coming up for the podcast, some reflections on this particular year that's ending. [00:01:40] So today I wanted to be there for you during this time when the holidays can be really tough. I have to admit to you that Christmas is not my favorite holiday. Not by a long shot. Now there are many reasons for [00:02:00] that, one being commercialism, of course, but the real answer for that is many terrible things happened on Christmas. [00:02:11] One in particular is a death in the family. Actually, many deaths in the family. If you've been listening to my show for a long time, you know that I lost my oldest brother during the holidays in 2020. Maybe you have losses of loved ones this year. You don't know whether to mourn or to celebrate. Now,

I am sharing a profound story that has shaped my life in unimaginable ways. This journey, from despair to hope, is one I hope will inspire you as deeply as it has transformed me. My story begins in Moscow, Russia. When I was seven, my father lost his job and turned to alcohol, leaving my mother, who was financially dependent on him, to fend for us. Hunger became a constant companion. At eight, I collected bottles to buy bread and even stole food from classmates. This trauma of constant hunger haunted me into adulthood, making me stock my pantry excessively. Did you know that in the US, 34 million people, including 9 million children, live in food-insecure households? At nine, I was hospitalized with tuberculosis due to malnutrition. For the first time, I felt safe, away from the chaos at home. Our struggles worsened when we moved outside Moscow. We lived in a cramped apartment with my aunt's family, facing eviction threats due to my father's debts. My grandmother saved us by selling her jewelry for plane tickets, preventing us from becoming homeless. At 20, I came to the US on a scholarship. I climbed the corporate ladder, acquiring wealth but feeling something was missing. Four years ago, I had a profound spiritual experience, leading me to feed the hungry in Atlanta. This encounter sparked my mission to help others. Ana's Bio: Ana Megrelishvili is the visionary founder of the Christian Professionals Network Worldwide (CPNW) in Atlanta, Georgia, where she skillfully blends her passion for positive change with actionable initiatives. CPNW transcends traditional networking by integrating business relationships with service-oriented values, fostering global community transformation. Grounded in Christian principles, Ana ensures CPNW serves as a collaborative hub, uniting leaders to pursue societal betterment. The foundation's mission is to combat relational poverty through faith and community. CPNW pairs mentors with shelter residents, encouraging regular church attendance and community integration, providing a consistent support network to help them build positive relationships and professional connections. Over a year, mentors provide support, fostering a community of encouragement and love. Monthly networking events not only facilitate professional connections but also spotlight local non-profits, offering hope and inspiration. Graduates of the program join a networking community, with membership funded by CPNW's for-profit business, enhancing their career opportunities and ensuring sustained success. Ana's dedication extends to her roles as a board member for Gift-Wrapping Stars for Children and chair of the Saprea gala committee, where she leverages her expertise to uplift vulnerable communities. Her impact is also reflected in her literary contributions, sharing her journey of healing and resilience in her book, "Finding Courage to Change," and in "Powerful Female Immigrants: Volume 3," which narrates her inspiring journey from Georgia to the US. Co-authoring "Success Redefined" with Jack Canfield, Ana has earned recognition as an Amazon Best-Selling Author. Her academic credentials include a BS in Business Management from Berea College and an MBA from the University of Kentucky, completed in just 11 months. Ana's unwavering commitment to fostering faith-based community support and professional growth continues to inspire and transform lives worldwide.  http://cpnworldwide.com Check out the work that Christian Professionals Network Worldwide is doing. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio,

Welcome back to Part Two of Pastor John Smith's story about his experience with church hurt and how he dealt wit it. This week we talk more about how to find a healthy church and what kind of questions to ask during your search. God does want you to be in community! Join us for an excellent conversation in Christ. Here is the link of my guest interview on John's podcast Open Wounds! https://youtu.be/SNrwoX4_tMQ?si=P_URmacUX8eHA2cV I'm the pastor at Maricopa Alliance Church in Maricopa, AZ. My new podcast “Open Wounds” is a journey we can all take together to learn ways to overcome church-hurt. I'm married with 2 adult children. Http://youtube.com/@OpenWoundsPodcast/ email: openwounds@maricopaalliance.org Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/ John Smith Part Two [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:25] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:33] Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome back to the podcast. We heard part one last week With Pastor John Smith. And today we're continuing on with his story of Church Hurt. He was church planting, ministries with bikers, a very unique ministry, but there were a lot of things that happened that caused a lot of pain [00:01:00] and, spiritual abuse. [00:01:01] so we're going to hear the rest of his story. It's going to get, uh, worse before it gets better. You're just not going to believe, what he's doing now as a pastor. Please go back to part one [00:01:16] if you have not listened to that, you will miss a lot of, background of his story. We had a lot of fun on this conversation.

Have you been hurt by the church? Are you done with all the betrayal, pain, and suffering? John Smith knows exactly what that is like. He experienced it when planting churches in Arizona and starting a biker ministry to those seeking Christ. John candidly tells us about how he came to know Christ, start his ministry and suffered abuse from the people he served with. Join us! Here is the link of my guest interview on John's podcast Open Wounds! https://youtu.be/SNrwoX4_tMQ?si=P_URmacUX8eHA2cV I'm the pastor at Maricopa Alliance Church in Maricopa, AZ. My new podcast "Open Wounds" is a journey we can all take together to learn ways to overcome church-hurt. I'm married with 2 adult children. Http://youtube.com/@OpenWoundsPodcast/ email: openwounds@maricopaalliance.org Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life John Smith Part One [00:00:00] ​ [00:00:05] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:31] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:38] Hey everybody out there. How are you doing? Thanks for listening to the podcast. Thanks for joining me today. [00:00:47] I'm still here. [00:00:48] Couple weeks ago, I was a guest on a show called Open Wounds Podcast. And that was started by Pastor John Smith. I'm [00:01:00] going to leave a link in the show notes for you to listen to our conversation, but, we felt it was a good match because, you know, he's talking about open wounds and my podcast is the wounds of the faithful. [00:01:14] So. [00:01:15] Uh, that we really should get together and record something. So I had a conversation with him about my story on Church Hurt, and we had so much fun that I invited him to also record on my podcast. and tell his story of church hurt. So he is a pastor in Maricopa. That is about an hour or so south of me.

Why does God allow his people to suffer? What purpose is there is pain? We have Part Two of my conversation with Norm Wielsch, where we talk about these very important topics. What is one of the things that God hates?(It's not what you think.) We talk about another book he has in the works about the question of suffering. You will be encouraged and lifted up listening to Norm's experiences of loss and recovery. Connect with Norm and purchase his books on his website: Healing A Broken Heart: A Christ-Centered healing of Trauma God's Purpose in Pain: Why Does God Allow Suffering https://www.christ-centeredhealing.com/ Bio: Norm Wielsch was a law enforcement officer for over 25 years. Sixteen of those as an undercover narcotic agent. He has experienced many traumatic incidents during his career. In 1998 he was diagnosed with an incurable neuro-muscular disease that caused the loss of feeling, mobility, and strength in his hands and feet. After over 30 surgeries he became addicted to opioids. He was diagnosed with PTSD. Then his daughter was diagnosed with a serious illness with a poor prognosis. Due to his poor coping mechanisms that are against God's moral standards, Norm made a series of poor decisions that landed him in federal prison with a 14 year sentence. It was during this most intense trial of his life, with the reality that he was going to go to prison for a long time, that he answered God's calling. Norm had been an agnostic all of his life, but he knew that God was calling him to minister to those people who were suffering from trauma, especially first responders.  ​ While in prison, he obtained a Master's Degree in Theology & Counseling, a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, and a California Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate. He is currently working at a Men's Residential Treatment facility as a Registered Alcohol and drug Counselor and Pastoral   Care Chaplain. While in prison, Norm counseled many inmates with a variety of issues, preached God's word in the chapel, taught Christian classes, and led bible studies. ​ Norm often speaks to those who are suffering from traumatic experiences  including churches and addiction ministries. ​ Norm has a Master's Degree in Law Enforcement Management. He achieved the rank of commander prior to his arrest and has over ten commendations for outstanding service. Norm Wielsch is an expert in law enforcement tactics including: narcotic, enforcement, addictions and influence, criminal investigations, traffic collisions, pursuit driving, high risk search warrant service, report writing, PTSD, and the police culture. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host!

We have Norm Wielsch from Episode 35 back on the show this week, promoting his new book: Healing A Broken Heart: Christ Centered Healing of Trauma. Be sure to go back to listen to his story if you haven't already. He talks candidly about having PTSD as a police officer. He then was diagnosed with an incurable, debilitating neuromuscular disease, having over 25 surgeries in 10 years. He was abusing the opioids to relieve the negative emotions of PTSD. On top of that, his daughter was diagnosed with liver tumors. This placed him in a downward spiral that led him to make some very poor decisions that led to a 14 year prison sentence. Find out how he is doing today with his health, his family, and his new career in counseling. Hear how he is now helping others to heal who are struggling with abuse, trauma, PTSD, and addictions. We had an enjoyable and encouraging conversation filled with hope! Don't miss it. Connect with Norm and buy his new book on his website: https://www.christ-centeredhealing.com/ Norm Wielsch was a law enforcement officer for over 25 years. Sixteen of those as an undercover narcotic agent. He has experienced many traumatic incidents during his career. In 1998 he was diagnosed with an incurable neuro-muscular disease that caused the loss of feeling, mobility, and strength in his hands and feet. After over 30 surgeries he became addicted to opioids. He was diagnosed with PTSD. Then his daughter was diagnosed with a serious illness with a poor prognosis. Due to his poor coping mechanisms that are against God's moral standards, Norm made a series of poor decisions that landed him in federal prison with a 14 year sentence. It was during this most intense trial of his life, with the reality that he was going to go to prison for a long time, that he answered God's calling. Norm had been an agnostic all of his life, but he knew that God was calling him to minister to those people who were suffering from trauma, especially first responders.  ​ While in prison, he obtained a Master's Degree in Theology & Counseling, a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, and a California Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate. He is currently working at a Men's Residential Treatment facility as a Registered Alcohol and drug Counselor and Pastoral   Care Chaplain. While in prison, Norm counseled many inmates with a variety of issues, preached God's word in the chapel, taught Christian classes, and led bible studies. ​ Norm often speaks to those who are suffering from traumatic experiences  including churches and addiction ministries. ​ Norm has a Master's Degree in Law Enforcement Management. He achieved the rank of commander prior to his arrest and has over ten commendations for outstanding service. Norm Wielsch is an expert in law enforcement tactics including: narcotic, enforcement, addictions and influence, criminal investigations, traffic collisions, pursuit driving, high risk search warrant service, report writing, PTSD, and the police culture. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now?

Welcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Jessie Torres. How do you forgive someone who killed your brother? How do you forgive your father when he sexually abused you? We are going to find out a fresh perspective about forgiveness from Jessie's own experiences and how you can find peace after abuse and trauma. You don't want to miss this episode! BIO: For the last 18 years Peak Performance Coach and Life Strategist, Jessie Torres has coached thousands of High Performance People from all walks of life and various parts of the world that have achieved success and the highest level of fulfillment. Out of the top 120 coaches on the planet, Jessie ranked either number 1 or top 3 in every measurable category while working with the top coaching company in the world. Jessie is fueled by a passionate love for humanity and a burning desire to end suffering. She is driven to discover the truth of the client's deepest potential and unlock the limitless opportunities that leave others in the dark ages! Bringing all levels of mindset, emotional intelligence, energy and strategy with an authentic, client driven approach. Jessie's teachings will help you transform your life from pain or trauma into purpose and passion, what Jessie refers to as “Fierce Grace”. https://unshakeablelife.com/ This will lead you to a free Masterclass to get the 5 key secrets to living your Superhero life. You will also get the opportunity to schedule a free call with me. Additionally, here is a free 10 step guide to freedom. Free 10 Step guide: Link: https://www.unshakeablelife.com/10stepstofreedom www.ourarmyofangels.com A book Jessie also mentioned: Broken to Brilliant, Breaking Free to Be You After Domestic Violence, Stories of Strength and Success. https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Brilliant-Breaking-Domestic-Violence/dp/0994571402 Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Transcript: Jessie Torres Part Two [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler.

Have you ever hated God for something that you think He did? Have you ever lost two brothers to murder? My guest Jessie Torres knows exactly what that is like because she went through it herself. Paired with sexual abuse with her father, the loss of her two brothers to murder, 30 years apart, and an 18 year marriage of mental, emotional & verbal abuse, that left her completely apathetic, emotionless and spiritually dead. She is someone who has lived with fear every day. Hear her story of how she was able to find light even in the darkest moments! Bio: For the last 18 years Peak Performance Coach and Life Strategist, Jessie Torres has coached thousands of High Performance People from all walks of life and various parts of the world that have achieved success and the highest level of fulfillment. Out of the top 120 coaches on the planet, Jessie ranked either number 1 or top 3 in every measurable category while working with the top coaching company in the world. Jessie is fueled by a passionate love for humanity and a burning desire to end suffering. She is driven to discover the truth of the client's deepest potential and unlock the limitless opportunities that leave others in the dark ages! Bringing all levels of mindset, emotional intelligence, energy and strategy with an authentic, client driven approach. Jessie's teachings will help you transform your life from pain or trauma into purpose and passion, what Jessie refers to as “Fierce Grace”. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Jessie Torres Part One [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:33] Hi everyone, welcome to the podcast. I'm glad you're with me today. How are you on this fine summer afternoon or whatever time it is where you're listening from?

We have our friend Al Descheneau aka XtianNinja back on the podcast for the 3rd time! He is talking about his new book The Art of Digital Influence, teaching Christian content creators how to use their gifts for digital ministry. We talked about why the people hurt by church, gamers sitting in a basement, and those who don't leave the house, will never come to your church. We need to go where they are with the Gospel, just like Jesus did! Be sure to listen to Al's previous interviews to hear about his abuse story and how he started his ministry! Bio: www.XtianNinja.com Hello! My name is Al Descheneau, known online asXtianNinja (Christian Ninja) and the Executive Director ofTACO: The Alliance for Creative Outreach. After 16 yearsas a full-time solo pastor, I followed God's call to become afull-time online missionary and mentor to Christiancreators. As a Canadian, husband, father of four, author,and someone who has faced abuse and mental healthchallenges, I bring a unique perspective to digital ministry. My mission is to use my ministry experience and creative skills to create meaningful,entertaining content and train up a world-changing generation of Christian creators thatcan bring the light of the gospel to people that will never be reached by traditional missions.I'm blessed to lead a pioneering ministry that's transforming lives—and I invite you to sharein this excitement!In Jesus' Parable of the Great Banquet the master of the house, upon hearing that hisinvited guests wouldn't come, told his servants to “go out to the highways and hedges andcompel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Lk 14:12-24) In the same way, I feelcompelled to reach beyond traditional boundaries, ensuring that no one is overlooked—be itgamers, seekers, or the spiritually disenfranchised. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life XtianNinja3 [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and ab...

Welcome back to Part Two of my interview with Arlene Lehmann who shares the devastating experience of domestic violence and not only one, but two coerced abortions. This week we talk about the miraculous way in which she was able to escape from her abuser and begin a new journey towards healing. Her ministry and message is one of compassion, forgiveness and grace for those that have been through similar traumas. Join us for her powerful story! BIO: For more than 30 years, Arlene Lehmann has been helping women recover from domestic violence and abortion trauma. She has facilitated many support groups for battered women and post-abortive women. She has served on the leadership team for Deeper Still, a ministry that facilitates weekend retreats for women and men with abortion-wounded hearts. She is a member of Operation Outcry and the Silent No More Awareness campaign. Arlene is also a frequent public speaker on these topics and has been a guest on various TV shows and media outlets. She currently resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  http://www.healinghiddenbruises.com You are not alone. There is a way out of the pain you are experiencing. Help and hope are available, along with forgiveness and healing through Jesus Christ. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Transcript Arlene Lehmann Part Two [00:00:00] [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:33] Hello. Thanks for coming back to part two of my interview with Arlene Lehman and she talks about her story of a coerced abortion. So, this episode, we're going to talk about how she healed from her abortions. Cause she had two abortions that she had no choice in the matter. And she did escape her abuser, and we definitely [00:01:00] want to hear about that. So,

For more than 30 years, Arlene Lehmann has been helping women recover from domestic violence and abortion trauma. She has facilitated many support groups for battered women and post-abortive women. She has served on the leadership team for Deeper Still, a ministry that facilitates weekend retreats for women and men with abortion-wounded hearts. She is a member of Operation Outcry and the Silent No More Awareness campaign. Arlene is also a frequent public speaker on these topics and has been a guest on various TV shows and media outlets. She currently resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  http://www.healignhiddenbruises.com You are not alone. There is a way out of the pain you are experiencing. Help and hope are available, along with forgiveness and healing through Jesus Christ. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Transcript: Arlene Lehmann Part One [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:33] Hello, everybody. Welcome back to the podcast. How are you doing today? It has been a crazy week. It is very hot here right now. We Phoenicians like to talk about the weather and how horrible it is in the summer. So right now we're in our tropical storm season. [00:00:55] It's 110 here, but we have now humidity [00:01:00] about 38%, I'd say. So for us, that's very sticky and very hot. I was out in the garden at 6am doing my chores. I stopped at 8. 30 because I was getting nauseous and dizzy, uh, that is the first stage of heat exhaustion. So, I stopped my chores today. Uh, and it will 120 degrees every summer it does. [00:01:28] That's, that's normal for us, and why do we live here and put up with that heat? Well, because the rest of the year, it's gorgeous. It's, it's 75 degrees during the winter. And so that's what we live for.

Welcome back to Part Two with my guest Logan Hufford who continues his story of recovering from his sex addiction that nearly destroyed him and his marriage. He answers why his wife didn't leave him, even though she had every right to. He tells us about the different recovery groups he was a part of and which one was actually the best fit for him. What is the real secret sauce to successful recovery? How do you talk to your kids about these sex topics? He offers lots of resources your those that are struggling with sex addiction. Join us for this important conversation. BIO: Logan is a born & raised Alaskan, married to his gorgeous bride Carrie, who herself is a 4th-generation Alaskan; and together they are raising 4 amazing but crazy little monkeys. Their life is a simple one - they love their family time, their dogs, and exploring the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. And yet, absolutely none of this should be possible today. For years, Logan did just about everything in his power to destroy his marriage and his life. Logan was a raging sex addict. Porn, affairs, hiring prostitutes, and more had simply become a way of life for Logan. He thought he had no hope. In 2016, God began to change all that. Through Recovery, God transformed Logan's life and his marriage. Logan and his wife Carrie each now lead Recovery groups, doing what they can to give back by sharing the gifts that God has given. https://www.prodigalsofalaska.com/ Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Logan Hufford Part Two [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:28] Welcome I'm glad you're here. Thanks for coming back to listen to part two of [00:00:34] my guest, Logan Hufford, we, had a conversation about, his sex addiction and how he destroyed his life,

I'm Logan, and I'm no longer in bondage to sexual addiction. Being able to say those words is the 2nd biggest blessing in my life, after salvation through Jesus Christ. I spent years actively destroying my marriage, my life, and the lives of many others. I was an addict to pornography, affairs, and much more. I was, as Paul said, the chief of sinners. And I truly never envisioned a life where I wasn't constantly mired in sexual depravity. It had become all I knew, in order to live on a daily basis. In 2016, God began to change all that. My life & my marriage now is something I literally could not have fathomed, 8 years ago. And I sincerely believe my mission on this earth is to share with others, how that happened. Because it wasn't easy, it wasn't quick, and I didn't do it on my own. BIO: Logan is a born & raised Alaskan, married to his gorgeous bride Carrie, who herself is a 4th-generation Alaskan; and together they are raising 4 amazing but crazy little monkeys. Their life is a simple one - they love their family time, their dogs, and exploring the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. And yet, absolutely none of this should be possible today. For years, Logan did just about everything in his power to destroy his marriage and his life. Logan was a raging sex addict. Porn, affairs, hiring prostitutes, and more had simply become a way of life for Logan. He thought he had no hope. In 2016, God began to change all that. Through Recovery, God transformed Logan's life and his marriage. Logan and his wife Carrie each now lead Recovery groups, doing what they can to give back by sharing the gifts that God has given them. Since January of 2021, Logan has been blessed to be able to use many of the tools he's learned in Addiction Recovery, as a Dave Ramsey-endorsed personal finance coach. He's honored to help folks find freedom & healthy living, in a different venue than just specifically recovery. Logan's website: http://Logan Hufford's Website Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Transcript Logan Hufford Part One [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries.

We're back with Part Two of David Chotka's amazing stories! We talk about why Ravi Zacharias' lifelong scandal was so wrong. He tells the amazing story about how his wife was healed from MS. David also shares his fruitful prayer ministry, and how we can experience the same power of God in our own lives. David is a great storyteller and you don't want to miss this episode! David Chotka's website: https://www.spiritequip.com/books BIO: Rev. Dr. David Chotka is the Founder and Director of Spirit-Equip Ministries, a trans-denominational equipping ministry focused on developing spiritual disciplines. He is also the Chair of the Alliance Pray! Team (APT)--a ministry developed by the General Assembly of the C&MA Canada, to serve as a catalyst to develop prayer equipping resources and leading events across the movement and beyond. In addition, David has served as the Canadian director of the College of Prayer, Canada, a trans-denominational ministry dedicated to working with every stream of the Lord's church to deepen ministries of intercession. Dr. David has led many prayer/deeper life events in differing contexts, including sacramental, evangelical and charismatic churches and trans-denominational gatherings of leaders (in Canada, the US, 6 nations in Europe, Australia, Japan, as well as in various nations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America). He has studied in Sacramental, Reform, Brethren, Wesleyan Methodist, and trans-denominational contexts, and was mentored by Dr. Gordon Fee (Pentecostal), Dr. John White (Brethren/Anglican), Dr. Maxie Dunnam (Evangelical Methodist) and Rev. Danny Morris (Discernment Author and speaker). David has four earned degrees with three in Theology/Spirituality (M.Div. TST, Th.M. Regent College, Vancouver, D.Min. Gordon Conwell), and serves as an adjunct instructor in the Pathways School for ministry. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/

We have Dave Chotka today, and he reached out to me, to come on the podcast and talk about, his background, his story growing up with an alcoholic father and, grandparents who were not believers. He was a pastor and, he has a wife that had MS and was healed from MS. I was interested in his story because he, took trips to Uganda to participate in these prayer services over there. Listen to his inspiring stories of hope and healing! Bio: Rev. Dr. David Chotka is the Founder and Director of Spirit-Equip Ministries, a trans-denominational equipping ministry focused on developing spiritual disciplines. He is also the Chair of the Alliance Pray! Team (APT)--a ministry developed by the General Assembly of the C&MA Canada, to serve as a catalyst to develop prayer equipping resources and leading events across the movement and beyond. In addition, David has served as the Canadian director of the College of Prayer, Canada, a trans-denominational ministry dedicated to working with every stream of the Lord's church to deepen ministries of intercession. Dr. David has led many prayer/deeper life events in differing contexts, including sacramental, evangelical and charismatic churches and trans-denominational gatherings of leaders (in Canada, the US, 6 nations in Europe, Australia, Japan, as well as in various nations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America). He has studied in Sacramental, Reform, Brethren, Wesleyan Methodist, and trans-denominational contexts, and was mentored by Dr. Gordon Fee (Pentecostal), Dr. John White (Brethren/Anglican), Dr. Maxie Dunnam (Evangelical Methodist) and Rev. Danny Morris (Discernment Author and speaker). David has four earned degrees with three in Theology/Spirituality (M.Div. TST, Th.M. Regent College, Vancouver, D.Min. Gordon Conwell), and serves as an adjunct instructor in the Pathways School for ministry. https://www.spiritequip.com/books This link goes to the Book page of Spirit Equip Ministries. This page is important because it not only takes you to the books I have written but to other books that made profound marks on my walk as a Christian. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spi...

Welcome back to Part Two of my conversation with Tiffany Owen! We will talk about how to deal with those pesky triggers that all survivors have to deal with, hear the rest of her journey, and how you can get a copy of her fabulous book Wounded To Warrior! Tiffany Owen is a fitness and life coach on a mission empowering people to be radically transformed into their best version. Her pain is her purpose. With over 20 years experience in the fitness and health industry, she is a voice for those caught in a vicious cycle of self sabotage. Through her experience as a trauma survivor, Tiffany offers hope, strength, and instruction, sharing her victories to help warriors in waiting revolutionize their minds, bodies, habits, and goals. Along with the same tools she used to overcome PTSD, addiction, mental health struggles, and living from a victim mindset. Now it is your turn. https://coachtiffanyowen.com/ This link is a way to directly contact me to learn more about what I offer as a fitness and life coach. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Tiffany Owen Part Two [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:33] Hello. Welcome back to the podcast. Part two on my interview with Tiffany Owen, who is sharing her abuse story last week. She's a mom. She's a life coach. She has tons of experience as a trauma survivor. She's been through addiction, [00:00:55] some health problems, and she's rocking it. [00:00:59] [00:01:00] How did she get from where she was to where she is going? So I'm not going to review too much more than that. Go back and listen to part one, if you missed it. So you have the context and then jump right into part two of my conversation with Tiffany Owen. [00:01:19] So in 2010, and I,

Tiffany Owen is a fitness and life coach on a mission empowering people to be radically transformed into their best version. Her pain is her purpose. With over 20 years experience in the fitness and health industry, she is a voice for those caught in a vicious cycle of self sabotage. Through her experience as a trauma survivor, Tiffany offers hope, strength, and instruction, sharing her victories to help warriors in waiting revolutionize their minds, bodies, habits, and goals. Along with the same tools she used to overcome PTSD, addiction, mental health struggles, and living from a victim mindset. Now it is your turn. https://coachtiffanyowen.com/ This link is a way to directly contact me to learn more about what I offer as a fitness and life coach. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Tiffany Owen Part One [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:33] Hello everyone! Welcome, welcome to the podcast once again. Good to have you with us if you are new here. [00:00:42] This week we have our guest Tiffany Owens. [00:00:48] I will be telling you about her shortly, just as a reminder that we are doing the podcast every other week instead of weekly, [00:01:00] and I explained it was just because of my schedule and my energy level and technology. Pick one. I'm a little bit overwhelmed. And I'm trying to keep up, but I don't want to stop the podcast because I believe that what I create is valuable to you. [00:01:20] So I'm not going anywhere. So don't be alarmed when you don't see a podcast every week on your favorite platform. You can take the time to go back and listen to some episodes that you missed, some like older guests. This is my fourth year, so there's plenty of content. Um, I also have a YouTube channel,

We are continuing with my exciting conversation with my new friend, Win Charles. She is a person with Cerebral Palsy, and she is an abuse survivor, And you heard some of her story last time. Today on Part 2, She has been victorious over the abuse and learned to heal from some of the trauma that she has suffered. She's moved from Colorado here to Phoenix, and she's in a special disability community in an independent living condo. We are going to talk about resources for a person with a disability who is being abused. Share this episode with someone who needs it! About Win Charles Born with Cerebral Palsy, Win Charles has defied the odds by becoming an author. Her memoir I, Win is an amazing story of how she remembers her life through the years of having a condition called “CP”. As a competitor in the Kona Iron Man Triathlon, CEO of her own jewelry design company, and motivational speaker, Win Charles truly is an inspiration to many. Today Win Charles tours the country, speaking to schools and institutions to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and living a full life no matter what holds you back. She is also an advocate of veterans across the world. Her website: http://ceoofadisability.weebly.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wincharles/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wincharles622 Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Win Charles Part Two Transcript [00:00:00] ​Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now, here is Diana. Hello, and welcome back to the podcast. We are going, we are continuing with my exciting conversation with my new friend, Win. [00:00:47] Charles. And you heard some of her story last time. We're going to hear the rest of the story, as they say, today on Part 2, and for a very [00:01:00] short review,

What would you do if you had a physical or mental disability and you're being abused? You have no resources or support. You're dependent on people to help you and instead they take advantage of you and abuse you. Domestic violence and abuse are horrible even when you don't have any kind of disability. Just imagine being in a wheelchair or not being able to feed yourself, bathe yourself. Something as simple as being able to verbally express what your needs are, or you're visually or hearing impaired. It can be even a darker place for someone who's experiencing sexual, emotional, financial abuse. I have Wynne Charles on the show today who is going to share her story of having cerebral palsy and being abused by a woman and her advocacy work for the disability community. That is next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. About Win Charles Born with Cerebral Palsy, Win Charles has defied the odds by becoming an author. Her memoir I, Win is an amazing story of how she remembers her life through the years of having a condition called “CP”. As a competitor in the Kona Iron Man Triathlon, CEO of her own jewelry design company, and motivational speaker, Win Charles truly is an inspiration to many. Today Win Charles tours the country, speaking to schools and institutions to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and living a full life no matter what holds you back. She is also an advocate of veterans across the world. Her website: http://ceoofadisability.weebly.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wincharles/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wincharles622 Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Win Charles Part One Transcript [00:00:00] What would you do if you had a physical or mental disability and you're being abused? You have no resources or support. You're dependent on people to help you and instead they take advantage of you and abuse you. Domestic violence and abuse are horrible even when you don't have any kind of disability. [00:00:24] Just imagine being in a wheelchair or not being able to feed yourself, bathe yourself. Something as simple as being able to verbally express what...

Are my abusers going to get away with what they have done? We are looking at Psalm 10 in our series in the Psalms. Am I going to get justice for the things that they have done to me? Is it wrong to pray for my abusers to be punished? That is next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Psalm 10 [00:00:00] Are my abusers going to get away with what they have done? We are Looking at psalm 10 In our series in the psalms And so we're going to be talking about that. Am I going to get justice for The things that they have done to me So, that is next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. [00:00:23] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:49] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:57] Hello everyone, welcome one [00:01:00] and all to the podcast. I really am grateful that you're here with me. So thankful that you take the time to listen. I work very hard to bring you something that's worth listening to, so I hope that you're enjoying the study on the Book of Psalms. Now, I said I wasn't going to go in order, but [00:01:21] I think I'm probably going to go in order. I've been reading through the psalms and I just keep reading until I find a psalm that, oh, I really like what this is saying. I want to talk about this one. So that would be Psalm 10 this week. [00:01:36] And if there's one that you would like me to do, please contact me by email or social media, whatever your preference is, and I will study that one. [00:01:49] So I wanted to talk about something that I've experienced this week. You know, I had some really stressful things happen to [00:02:00] me the last couple weeks, [00:02:02] I would say traumatic for me. Maybe not to somebody else. I'm not going to get into the specifics yet as to what I went through because I'm still processing i...

How does God feel about us when we mess up? Is He really angry with us? What should we do when we want to run away from God? Why should we confess our sins to God and humble ourselves? When Does God love David so much? These questions and more we will be discussing in our study in Psalm 6! Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life

The book of Psalms in the Bible has been a source of inspiration, encouragement, and songs of praise for countless believers. We are starting a series in Psalms, starting with the background of David, the author of half the Psalms. How does the life of a king who lived so long ago have anything to do with my life right now? We'll explore some victories, faults, and trials of the boy shepherd who became Israel's greatest king. Join us for some refreshment in the Psalms! Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life

Welcome back to Part Two of my interview with Kirsten Samuel! She continues with her journey of healing and saving her marriage from porn addiction. Kirsten holds nothing back sharing the guilt, shame, anger, and the hard work involved in coming out on the other side in one piece. But above all she finds hope, a new marriage, faith and love! Kirsten D Samuel understands first-hand the shock and pain of discovering your spouse's porn use. Through the healing process, she also received counseling related to suicidal depression, PTSD, and an anxiety disorder. As a coach, she has empowered hundreds of women to rediscover peace in the mess, heal their broken hearts, regain their confidence, and create a healthy path forward. Kirsten has been featured on the Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast, Chris Fabry Live on the Moody Radio Network, and many relationship and recovery podcasts. Women who work with her finally find the freedom to be who they are beyond their partner's struggles and find hope that there is a life worth living out there for them. Want to save your marriage? Download this FREE ebook,“10 Warning Signs Your Gut Already Knows” KirstenDSamuel.com; https://www.facebook.com/kirstendsamuel; https://www.pinterest.com/kdsamuel/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-d-samuel-33b62b27/; https://www.youtube.com/kirstendsamuel; https://www.instagram.com/kirstendsamuel/ Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: A donation link: Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! Bible Planner For Survivors Kirsten Samuel Part Two [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:24] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:25] Hello everyone! Thank you for coming back today to hear my guest Kirsten Samuels, Part 2 of her interview. I know Part 1 was a little rough, but I think that we have to talk about these topics of porn addiction. And we need tools and we need help. We need hope. What can we do about this? How can we prevent it? [00:00:50] How can we heal from this? I'm not gonna go over her bio again or review what's gone over very much. If you have not listened to part one, [00:01:00] please go back and listen to that because you'll miss some very important informati...

Kirsten D Samuel understands first-hand the shock and pain of discovering your spouse's porn use. Through the healing process, she also received counseling related to suicidal depression, PTSD, and an anxiety disorder. As a coach, she has empowered hundreds of women to rediscover peace in the mess, heal their broken hearts, regain their confidence, and create a healthy path forward. Kirsten has been featured on the Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast, Chris Fabry Live on the Moody Radio Network, and many relationship and recovery podcasts. Women who work with her finally find the freedom to be who they are beyond their partner's struggles and find hope that there is a life worth living out there for them. Want to save your marriage? Download this FREE ebook,“10 Warning Signs Your Gut Already Knows” KirstenDSamuel.com; https://www.facebook.com/kirstendsamuel; https://www.pinterest.com/kdsamuel/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-d-samuel-33b62b27/; https://www.youtube.com/kirstendsamuel; https://www.instagram.com/kirstendsamuel/ Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out! https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Kirsten Samuel Part One [00:00:00] What would you do if your husband came home and confessed he was caught at work using porn and in danger of losing his job? Would you stay? That happened to my guest today, Kirsten Samuels, has a happy ending to her story. Come and find out how, next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. [00:00:23] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:49] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:57] Welcome, folks. Come on in. The [00:01:00] water's fine. [00:01:00] We've got a very exciting guest for you today. And [00:01:05] we talk a lot about porn on this show. We've had a lot of guests on the show. Most of the people on the show are victims of the porn use and their spo...

We are back with Part Two of Kelly Hall's story, talking about her journey as a military wife, a mom with 4 children, 3 of which are deaf. Find out what happened when the faith community told her it was wrong of her to get cochlear implants for her children. She continues to tell the many stories of God's grace and provision through the struggles and the tears. Do not miss the inspiring conclusion to our conversation filled with Unshakable Hope. Get to Know Kelly! I'm a wife, mom, Bible teacher, speaker, author, occasional blogger, and podcaster with a unique story enriched by our four children, three of whom have special needs. My husband, Lee and I, raised them in the constantly challenging world of Air Force military life. Our story evolves into an unexpected journey of chronic illnesses, medical treatments and ongoing caregiving. I am intimately familiar with the ache of unanswered prayers and experienced in the anguish of wrestling with the Lord through the weariness of long waits. If this is your story, I'm deeply and truly sorry, but I pray the Lord will encourage and comfort you through His Word, His presence and renew your hope through resources available here. My family's deepest comfort is the unshakable hope we have through faith in Jesus Christ—through Jesus and Him alone, we have hope that holds us even when life shakes us. website: kellyhall.org The Unshakable Hope Podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Transcript: Kelly Hall Part Two [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:25] Now, here is Diana. [00:00:33] Hi, welcome back to the podcast. So now on to part two of our guest. From last week, we have Kelly Hall. She's a speaker, a podcaster, a mother, a blogger,

God wouldn't give me two deaf children, would he? My guest this week is my friend Kelly Hall who is the wife of an Air Force pilot and mother of four children, three of which who have special needs. She talks of her trials struggles and heartaches in raising her children, but also shares her great faith and the grace and goodness of God. Join us for an inspirational conversation! Get to Know Kelly! I'm a wife, mom, Bible teacher, speaker, author, occasional blogger, and podcaster with a unique story enriched by our four children, three of whom have special needs. My husband, Lee and I, raised them in the constantly challenging world of Air Force military life. Our story evolves into an unexpected journey of chronic illnesses, medical treatments and ongoing caregiving. I am intimately familiar with the ache of unanswered prayers and experienced in the anguish of wrestling with the Lord through the weariness of long waits. If this is your story, I'm deeply and truly sorry, but I pray the Lord will encourage and comfort you through His Word, His presence and renew your hope through resources available here. My family's deepest comfort is the unshakable hope we have through faith in Jesus Christ—through Jesus and Him alone, we have hope that holds us even when life shakes us. website: kellyhall.org The Unshakable Hope Podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/ Kelly Hall Part One [00:00:00] God wouldn't give me two children that were deaf, would he? And would the faith community abuse me, persecute me, judge me for having deaf children? My next guest is Kelly Hall, [00:00:15] who I've been wanting to have on the show for a long time, a very good friend of mine. my Bible study teacher at my church and her story's gonna knock your socks off, her faith her family. [00:00:30] That's next on the wounds of the faithful pod...

We're back with Part two of my conversation with Tina Smith talking about the responsibility of the churches to help victims of abuse in their congregation. To purchase her book Renewing Our Minds in Love: Amazon. ca if you're in Canada Amazon. com if you're in the States Rewired by Love Radio Program: The radio station is played in three different cities in Ontario. It's the Christian Radio Station. So there's Kitchener Radio Station. There is Woodstock Radio Station and there's London. If you want to listen to the On Demand episodes, you go to 94. 3. The Hope FM in Woodstock, and then you just have to go on to the on demand, you'll see a picture of me, you click it, and then you'll see all the episodes there, and then people can check those out as well. website: http://www.tjscounselling.ca/ Biography Tina Smith, a Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, teacher, and host of the Rewired by Love radio program, who has founded Selah Treatment Centre to provide subsidized mental health healing and recovery. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/

“When a spiritual environment changes, lives are saved.” That phrase is at the heart of Tina's life as well as her book “Renewing Our Minds in Love: Integrating Neuroscience and Scripture for Wholeness and Healing.” As a psychotherapist and debut author, Tina Smith lays out the harmony that exists between science and Scripture, and how, through a better understanding of both, church leaders and Christians can be Christ's hands to others. The fact that humans have the capacity to change their own brains and become healthier through developing healthy thought patterns, self-talk, spiritual disciplines, and relationships, has profound implications for science and for spiritual transformation and discipleship. In our current church culture environment, pastors and leaders are increasingly encountering individuals affected by mental health issues, abuse, trauma, and, sadly, faith-based trauma at an alarming rate. The uncomfortable reality is, most church leaders are simply not equipped to handle the complexities those struggles involve, let alone aware of the tools and methods needed to help people heal (particularly when it comes to religious trauma). Tina Smith is a Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, teacher, and host of the Rewired by Love radio program, who has founded Selah Treatment Centre to provide subsidized mental health healing and recovery. Website: http://www.tjscounselling.ca/ Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/

We've finally made it to the finale of our series in the book of Job! Job is restored to his previous prosperity and then some. Did we ever get an answer on why humans suffer? Did he get his life back gradually or right away? What about Job's wife and late children? What are the parallels of Job's story with Jesus' story? How do you feel about the book of Job now? Private FB Group: The Wounds Of The Faithful Podcast Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/

God finally answers Job after all these months of suffering. What God said to Job was not what he expected, but more wonderful than he could possibly imagine. He was never alone. He kept his faith. What did God do with Job's friends in the end? Is God still loving? Did Job actually sin? Join us for some fresh perspectives. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/

This week you will hear from the long winded, very young eavesdropper who has come to counsel Job. Elihu takes 5 chapters to accuse, abuse, and brag about his puffed up knowledge to Job, an elder with a lifetime of experience. God is approaching Elihu, job and the three friends in the storm, ready to settle the score and end this misery once and for all. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/

Job, now in his most exhausted state after sparring a few rounds with his so called friends, is once again exposed to one more round of verbal abuse. Job vigorously defends his character, his innocence and reputation in the community. He speaks of the most profound exclamation of faith in the Bible: I know My Redeemer lives! Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/ When Your Friends Go In For The Kill [00:00:00] ​ [00:00:00] So, it's not bad enough that Job's friends each took a turn to verbally abuse and discourage him, attack him, his character, his integrity, but now they make one final circle around him each taking jabs for one last time before Elihu chimes in, [00:00:22] but Job still has A hope in a redeemer to come. So that is next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. [00:00:31] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:57] Now, here is Diana.[00:01:00] [00:01:01] Hey folks, how are you doing today? Thanks for being here with me. I hope that you've survived the holidays. I know that it was difficult for some of you. And again, that's okay if you didn't participate in all of the festivities that the season had to offer, [00:01:14] So, I wanted to remind you that we do have a private Facebook group for those of you listening on the podcast, and it is called the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast Group. So, go ahead and search on Facebook and Join in. We're just getting started. I'm posting stuff there on a regular basis, trying my best with my crazy, very full schedule. [00:01:33] I'm looking forward to talking with you about things that you're interest...

Zophar is Job's third friend and he is more arrogant and judgmental than his other two friends. Job holds strong in his innocence and even fights the fiery darts of spiritual abuse. Why are his friends so mean? What do we learn during the tough times? Join us in Part 6 on this series of Job. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/ Zophar [00:00:00] Just when you think that couldn't get any worse, you've had your two friends jump on you during your worst days ever. You have a third friend that joins in to call you a sinner, tell you to repent. So, we are going to talk about Zophar, Rotten Friend number three, on our series on the book of Job. And, I finally have our private podcast group, so that is next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:59] Now, [00:01:00] here is Diana. [00:01:06] Hey folks! How are ya? Glad that you are here. We are going to start this episode, with The news that I finally got the Private Facebook Group up and running. So now you can search for it to join. It's called the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast Private Facebook Group. Thanks to Mark for being the first one to join in. [00:01:32] So, I have several posts on there to start off with. I will continue to add posts on a regular basis. And what am I going to put on there? Well, some clips of the podcast itself, different episodes, some topics of conversation, I might do a book recommendation, uh, I may put some music on there, my own music. [00:01:56] And we're just getting started, so it's [00:02:00] going to take a while to get people to...

We're talking about Bildad, Job's rotten friend #2 on this week's episode. Bildad isn't much better as a friend than Eliphaz is. We have Job's agony and roller-coaster ride of emotions from the abuse from his friend and God's silence. Hear Job's response to his accuser friend who is demanding repentance in the midst of a blameless life. At the end of the podcast, Diana includes a favorite Christmas carol that she recorded two years ago. Join us! Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/ Bildad [00:00:00] So you have not one, but two rotten friends that are not supporting you in your time of need. Have you been there? You just need to repent and then everything will be fine. That is Job's friend, Bildad. That's who we're going to talk about this week, [00:00:20] and what Job's response to his second friend. So that's next on the Winds of the Faithful podcast. [00:00:29] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:55] Now, here is Diana.[00:01:00] [00:01:03] Hi, everybody. Welcome to the podcast once again. Here we are, middle of December. [00:01:10] Thanks for listening to the show in the middle of the holidays. I haven't really talked about Christmas up to this point. I know this is not a happy time for many of you. For me, it's a mixed bag. I just wanted to acknowledge that. [00:01:27] This can be a hard time. Tomorrow is the anniversary of my oldest brother's death. Will be three years he's been gone. And so Christmas is a really difficult time for our family because of those memories. We try and make them happy memories.

In our continuing series of Job, we meet Job's first rotten friend, who does nothing to support him or comfort him. Only to abuse him. What is Job's response to this treatment? What should our response be? Join us for Part 4! Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Karen Robinson's Trauma Coaching https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/ Free Healing Coaching Intensive https://dswministries--htd.thrivecart.com/healingfromtraumatogether/64d8efa94c8de/ Eliphaz [00:00:00] What if your friends who came to comfort you in your worst days of your life, called you a sinner, called your kids sinners, and you were totally innocent of any wrongdoing? They kept insisting that you're suffering because you sinned against God. You deserve what you got. What did Job do when accused by his friend Eliphaz? [00:00:27] That is next on the Wounds of the Faithful podcast. [00:00:30] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer, songwriter, speaker, and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:57] Now, here is Diana.[00:01:00] Hello, friends. Thank you for being here with me. I hope that you're enjoying this series on Job. I am certainly enjoying doing this study. I've had I have a new appreciation for this book that I didn't have before and [00:01:21] I have a lot to go over today. We're going to talk about Eliphaz, the first speaker, the first friend to speak to Job about why this is happening to him. I was going to do all of his chapters, but I think I'll be biting off more than I can chew because there's so much in between what Eliphaz says. In chapters 4 and 5, and then we have b's reply in chapter 6 and 7. [00:01:51] So, [00:01:52] I definitely will be doing them separate, because Eliphaz speaks also in chapter [00:02:00] 15 and in 22. I'm gonna have to do those on another day. [00:02:05] So let's get started here.