Lifted to Hope
- Episódios
- 223
- Publicação
- semanal
- Último episódio
- 10 nov 2026
Sobre o podcast
Trying to make sense of God's design for our lives and our day-to-day experience in a sinful world can be confusing and lonely. Join me, Louise Sedgwick, an author, teacher, and survivor of childhood trauma each Tuesday as I share insights about my own healing journey as well as hearing stories from friends and experts that will inspire you. Here you will discover the hope you've been craving. If you're ready to experience true freedom from the past and finally connect with others and God, I've saved a seat for you.
Episódios 223
God's Grace and Truth Heals Four Women from Shame's Power with Susan Stoops, Phyllis Marable, Drea Etienne, and Annette Corwin, Part 2
Drea Etienne, Susan Stoops, Phyllis Marable, and Annette Corwin return this week to share more of their personal journeys with shame and the ways God has brought healing into their lives. They honestly discuss …
Notas do episódio
Drea Etienne, Susan Stoops, Phyllis Marable, and Annette Corwin return this week to share more of their personal journeys with shame and the ways God has brought healing into their lives. They honestly discuss the self-protective strategies they developed in childhood and carried into adulthood, as well as the destructive patterns that continued to affect their relationships and choices. Through their stories, we see how unresolved shame can quietly shape the way we see ourselves, relate to others, and respond to life. What once helped them hide their pain eventually became something that kept them from experiencing the freedom and connection they longed for.
But their stories don't end with shame. As these four women began to understand their value through God's Word and the love of others, their view of themselves started to change. They discovered that shame did not have to define them or determine how they lived. Today, when shame tries to resurface, they know they can stand firm in the truth of who God is and who He says they are. Their lives are beautiful testimonies of God's grace and the hope, peace, and freedom Jesus died and rose again to give us. These women are no longer defined by shame, and their stories offer encouragement that the same freedom is possible for us.
Scripture Mentioned:
Isaiah 53:2
Song of Solomon 2:16
Isaiah 49:16
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Four Women's Experiences of Shame with Annette Corwin, Drea Etienne, Susan Stoops, and Phyllis Marable, Part 1
Shame is something we all experience, but the ways it affects us can be deeply personal. Continuing the series on how men and women experience shame in similar yet different ways, I invited four dear friends …
Notas do episódio
Shame is something we all experience, but the ways it affects us can be deeply personal. Continuing the series on how men and women experience shame in similar yet different ways, I invited four dear friends, Susan Stoops, Annette Corwin, Drea Etienne, and Phyllis Marable, to join me for an honest conversation about their stories. Each of these women has participated in my Lifted from Shame Workbook small groups, and I'm grateful for their willingness to share so vulnerably. As they open up about the ways shame has shaped their lives and the ways they have tried to hide it from others, we begin to see both the unique details of their experiences and the common struggles they share.
Beneath each story is a deep longing to be accepted, known, valued, and loved for who we truly are. Shame can convince us to hide the parts of ourselves we fear others will reject, but God continues to pursue our hearts with a love that meets us in those hidden places. Through these women's experiences, we see how He gently brings the lies we believe into the light and invites us toward healing. My hope is that their honesty will help you recognize your own struggles with shame, feel less alone in your journey, and discover renewed hope in the truth that you are deeply known and loved by God.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Similarities and Differences in How Shame Shows Up in Men and Women
Shame is something we all experience, but it doesn't look the same in everyone. Our personalities, personal histories, and life experiences can shape what triggers shame and how we respond to it. In this solo …
Notas do episódio
Shame is something we all experience, but it doesn't look the same in everyone. Our personalities, personal histories, and life experiences can shape what triggers shame and how we respond to it. In this solo episode, I explore the similarities and differences in how men and women experience and express shame. Because God created men and women as unique expressions of Himself, understanding these differences can help us recognize why we may react differently to the same situation or interpret another person's behavior in ways they never intended.
When we begin to understand how shame affects the people around us, we can become more gracious in the way we respond to one another instead of rushing to judge or misunderstand. This awareness can make a meaningful difference in our marriages, our relationships with our children, our friendships, our workplaces, and even our relationships with siblings. My prayer is that this conversation will help you recognize shame with greater compassion and become an encourager who offers grace and understanding to others. As we learn to see beyond outward reactions and consider the struggles beneath them, we can create more room for healing, stronger relationships, and renewed hope.
Scripture Mentioned:
Ephesians 5:25-33
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
God Enters Into Our Pain with Wayne Jacobsen, Part 2
Wayne Jacobsen returns this week to share more of the journey he and his wife, Sara, walked through as they began to understand the effects of her unresolved trauma on their lives and marriage. As Wayne gained …
Notas do episódio
Wayne Jacobsen returns this week to share more of the journey he and his wife, Sara, walked through as they began to understand the effects of her unresolved trauma on their lives and marriage. As Wayne gained a deeper understanding of Sara's past, he came to recognize that her pain had become their pain. Rather than standing at a distance, he chose to walk alongside her, seeking to understand her experiences and do what he could to help her feel safe and loved. Through this difficult season, they experienced God's presence in the midst of their pain and discovered that healing begins when we are met with compassion, patience, and grace.
Wayne also shares the heart behind his new book, Just Love, offering a fresh perspective on righteousness and the way God draws us to Himself. God is not asking us to perform or prove our worth to earn His love. Instead, He invites us into a relationship where we can experience His mercy, comfort, and grace. Just as Wayne chose to enter into his wife's pain rather than leave her to face it alone, God does not stand at a distance when trauma touches our lives. He comes close, meets us in our brokenness, and lovingly invites us into healing. This conversation offers a beautiful reminder that we are not alone in our suffering, and that God's love is not something we have to earn.
Connect with Wayne: Wayne's podcast: The God Journey https://www.thegodjourney.com/
Wayne's Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/wayneljacobsen/
Book Mentioned: The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
Links Mentioned:
Wayne's newest book (withTobie van der Westhuizen):
Just Love: How One Mistranslated Word Distorted the Gospel
Other books by Wayne Jacobsen:
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
When Unresolved Trauma Hits a Marriage with Wayne Jacobsen, Part 1
When a crisis hits, what we believe about love, commitment, and ourselves often comes to the surface. Wayne Jacobsen experienced this firsthand when his wife, Sara, left him after 46 years of marriage. Neither …
Notas do episódio
When a crisis hits, what we believe about love, commitment, and ourselves often comes to the surface. Wayne Jacobsen experienced this firsthand when his wife, Sara, left him after 46 years of marriage. Neither of them fully understood how unresolved trauma from Sara's past was shaping the way she interpreted their relationship. What Sara had believed was kindness toward others, she began to recognize as people pleasing, a pattern that had been robbing her of life. Rather than focusing on his accomplishments or responsibilities, Wayne chose to set everything else aside and seek God's wisdom about what was happening. He wanted to understand his wife's pain, examine his own heart, and discover how he could love her well.
In this episode, Wayne shares the journey of learning to understand Sara's trauma, rebuild trust, and help create space for healing. Known for his work as a bestselling Christian author, founder of Lifestream Ministries, and co-host of The God Journey podcast, Wayne could have focused on the many things he had accomplished. Instead, he chose to prioritize his wife and pursue her heart with patience, humility, and love. His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is lay aside our own agendas to understand someone we love. I was deeply touched by Wayne's choices and the way he walked through this difficult season with Sara. I hope his story encourages you to consider what love looks like when the person closest to you is hurting.
Connect with Wayne: Wayne's podcast: The God Journey https://www.thegodjourney.com/
Wayne's Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/wayneljacobsen/ Links Mentioned:
Wayne's newest book (withTobie van der Westhuizen):
Just Love: How One Mistranslated Word Distorted the Gospel
Other books by Wayne Jacobsen:
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
The Inner Critic Silenced by Identity in Christ with Anne Wooten, Part 2
Anne Wooten, author and life coach, returns this week to share more of her powerful story of what happened when her inner critic became her own persecutor and accuser. Years of bitterness and self-hatred had …
Notas do episódio
Anne Wooten, author and life coach, returns this week to share more of her powerful story of what happened when her inner critic became her own persecutor and accuser. Years of bitterness and self-hatred had created a prison she struggled to escape, but in 2019, the Holy Spirit invited Anne to turn away from that destructive way of living and toward God Himself. As she responded to His invitation, Anne began to experience something she had long struggled to receive: God's love and forgiveness. She also discovered that she could extend that forgiveness to herself.
Anne's journey did not stop with forgiveness. As she learned to live from her identity in Christ, she began to understand her value through the way God valued her. The accusations and lies that had shaped her view of herself no longer had to define who she was. Today, Anne shares this beautiful gift with others who long to experience the same freedom. Her story offers hope that we don't have to remain imprisoned by self-hatred, bitterness, or the voice of our inner critic. Through God's love, forgiveness, and the truth of who we are in Christ, freedom is possible.
Connect with Anne:
Website: www.annewooten.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awooten77/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hgbc991
Scripture mentioned: 2 Corinthians 10:5
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
The Relentless Inner Critic with Anne Wooten, Part 1
Anne Wooten, Life Coach and author, grew up knowing that her parents loved her, but they rarely expressed that love with words. As she watched other parents openly tell their children they were loved, Anne …
Notas do episódio
Anne Wooten, Life Coach and author, grew up knowing that her parents loved her, but they rarely expressed that love with words. As she watched other parents openly tell their children they were loved, Anne began to wonder why she never heard those words from her own parents. Over time, that absence of verbal affirmation became a source of shame. She began to believe there was something wrong with her, and an inner critic took root, constantly telling her that she was unlovable and without value. In an effort to earn the love she longed for, Anne spent years striving to achieve and prove her worth.
That inner critic eventually affected Anne physically, emotionally, and spiritually, leading her into patterns of self-hatred and harm. Her story is a powerful reminder of how deeply the messages we believe about ourselves can shape the way we live. In this episode, Anne honestly shares her journey and the impact of growing up without the affirmation she needed. If you have ever struggled with a harsh inner voice, felt unworthy of love, or believed you needed to achieve in order to be valued, Anne's story will give you an opportunity to recognize those patterns and consider the truth about your worth.
Connect with Anne:
Website: www.annewooten.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awooten77/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hgbc991
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
The Path Forward after Healing with Melissa Gendreau, MS, LMHC, NCC, Part 2
Melissa Gendreau, LMHC, returns this week to share what happens after we begin healing from shame and the wounds of our past. Healing does not mean we have reached a finish line. There is still room to grow …
Notas do episódio
Melissa Gendreau, LMHC, returns this week to share what happens after we begin healing from shame and the wounds of our past. Healing does not mean we have reached a finish line. There is still room to grow, mature, and discover the person God created us to be. For years, Melissa walked alongside people as they worked through painful experiences and found freedom from the issues that had kept them stuck. But God began placing a new desire on her heart: to help people not only heal from their past, but also move forward into their future.
We don't have to remain in a place of believing we will never move beyond shame or brokenness. As we grow in our understanding of who God says we are, we can begin to step into the good works He has prepared for us and live with greater joy and purpose. Melissa shares the hope of moving from simply surviving and healing into becoming all that God designed us to be. This journey can bring freedom, purpose, and joy while giving God great glory.
Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://melissagendreaupllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissagendreaupllc/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gendreau-39908b327/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardpathwithmelissa/
Podcast: Forward Path with Melissa
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Hiding Behind Perfectionism with Melissa Gendreau, MS, LMHC, NCC, Part 1
As a quiet and shy bookworm growing up, Melissa Gendreau, LMHC, learned to believe that she needed to perform and be perfect in order to be accepted. That mindset followed her into adulthood, shaping the way …
Notas do episódio
As a quiet and shy bookworm growing up, Melissa Gendreau, LMHC, learned to believe that she needed to perform and be perfect in order to be accepted. That mindset followed her into adulthood, shaping the way she viewed herself and contributing to a deep sense of shame, including shame from a teenage relationship that went wrong. Yet even before Melissa fully knew Jesus, God had already placed a desire in her heart to give her life for His kingdom and help people who were hurting. In this episode, Melissa openly shares how those early experiences shaped her understanding of herself and how God began to change that perspective.
As Melissa came to know Jesus, she discovered that the way she had been assessing herself was not the truth. Through time, practice, and learning to trust what God says about her, she began to believe that she was who He said she was. Today, as a therapist, Melissa helps others who feel stuck in places of shame, drawing from both her professional experience and her own journey of healing. I loved her honest and vulnerable sharing, and I hope her story encourages you to look beyond the labels and expectations you have placed on yourself and discover who God says you are.
Connect with Melissa: Website: https://melissagendreaupllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissagendreaupllc/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gendreau-39908b327/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardpathwithmelissa/
Podcast: Forward Path with Melissa
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Experiencing God's Grace After Infidelity with Margaret Maxey Ellis, Part 2
Margaret Maxey Ellis returns this week to continue sharing the story of how her marriage slowly healed after her infidelity. After confessing her affair to her husband, Margaret faced the long and difficult …
Notas do episódio
Margaret Maxey Ellis returns this week to continue sharing the story of how her marriage slowly healed after her infidelity. After confessing her affair to her husband, Margaret faced the long and difficult journey of rebuilding trust. With God's wisdom and grace, she learned how to walk alongside her husband as he processed the deep pain of betrayal. Margaret also discovered that she needed practical tools and support, but when she could not find the resources she needed, God began to reveal a new purpose for her story.
Together, Margaret and her husband recognized an opportunity to help other women who have experienced infidelity in their marriages. That calling led Margaret to write her upcoming book, Chased by Grace. Her story is a beautiful testimony that God's grace is greater than our sin and that He can redeem even our deepest failures for His glory. Through her vulnerability, Margaret offers hope to women who are longing to find healing, restoration, and a new purpose beyond their past.
Connect with Margaret:
Scripture Mentioned:
Luke 15:1-7
I Corinthians 10:12
Song Mentioned:
"Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury
Links mentioned:
Lifted from Shame Workbook Small Groups
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
A Good Girl is Unfaithful with Margaret Maxey Ellis, Part 1
Margaret Maxey Ellis spent the first few decades of her life trying to be the "good girl," believing that obedience, doing the right things, and checking all the right boxes would keep her safe and make her …
Notas do episódio
Margaret Maxey Ellis spent the first few decades of her life trying to be the "good girl," believing that obedience, doing the right things, and checking all the right boxes would keep her safe and make her acceptable to God and others. But when challenges in her marriage created deep vulnerability, Margaret made a choice that brought her face to face with her own sin. She had an affair with a client at work, while continuing to maintain the appearance of having everything together. Beneath the surface, however, she was overwhelmed by shame and guilt.
What makes Margaret's story so powerful is that God met her in the middle of her sin. Rather than discovering a God who turned away from her, she encountered His mercy, grace, and presence. Her story reminds us that our own goodness can never save us, but neither is our worst failure beyond the reach of God's grace. Margaret's vulnerable testimony offers hope for anyone who has carried deep shame and needs to discover the freedom that comes from being honest before God and receiving His mercy.
Connect with Margaret: Facebook
Links Mentioned:
Lifted from Shame Workbook Small Groups
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Holding on to Faith, Hope, and Love Instead of Shame with MIchelle Thooft, Part 2
Author and ministry leader Michelle Thooft returns this week to share more of her journey toward freedom from shame and self-hatred. After years of allowing painful thoughts and regrets to shape how she saw …
Notas do episódio
Author and ministry leader Michelle Thooft returns this week to share more of her journey toward freedom from shame and self-hatred. After years of allowing painful thoughts and regrets to shape how she saw herself, Michelle realized that healing would require a change in mindset. She could no longer remain focused on the past, leaning into regret and grief. Instead, she began learning to practice the discipline described in 2 Corinthians 10:5, taking her thoughts captive and bringing them into alignment with the truth of Christ.
In this episode, Michelle shares how choosing truth over the lies of shame transformed her life, health, and relationships. She learned that without intentionally focusing on what is true, her thoughts could easily spiral back into old patterns of self-condemnation. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing often involves a daily choice to believe what God says rather than what shame tells us. As Michelle embraced truth, healthy living began to take root where shame had once dwelled, offering hope to anyone longing for freedom from destructive thoughts.
Connect with Michelle:
https://www.michellethooft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MichelleThooftAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/michellethooft/
Links Mentioned:
Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
Registration for Lifted from Shame Workbook small groups: https://www.louisesedgwick.com/zoomsmallgroups
Questions about small groups: [email protected]
Scripture mentioned:
2 Corinthians 10:5
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Self-Hatred Produced Physical Illness with Michelle Thooft, Part 1
My guest, Michelle Thooft, shares a powerful story of discovering the hidden shame she had carried over past mistakes. From the outside, Michelle appeared capable, accomplished, and spiritually influential, but …
Notas do episódio
My guest, Michelle Thooft, shares a powerful story of discovering the hidden shame she had carried over past mistakes. From the outside, Michelle appeared capable, accomplished, and spiritually influential, but beneath the surface she was carrying messages of self-hatred that she had never fully recognized. Eventually, the emotional turmoil began to take a toll on her body, and significant illness forced her to slow down and face the painful beliefs she had been carrying about herself.
Michelle's journey toward healing began through prayer and the willingness to bring those hidden messages into the light. In this episode, she shares how God began to meet her in those wounded places and reveal a different way of seeing herself. Her story is an encouraging reminder that shame can remain hidden beneath even a strong exterior, but God sees what is beneath the surface and lovingly invites us into truth, grace, and healing.
Connect with Michelle:
https://www.michellethooft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MichelleThooftAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/michellethooft/
Links Mentioned:
https://www.louisesedgwick.com/zoomsmallgroups (for small group registration)
Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Moving Past Shame and Regret with Jason Castleberry, Part 2
When we come to know Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit begins a transforming work in us. The change is complete, but learning to believe and live in the truth of who we are in Christ can take time. My guest …
Notas do episódio
When we come to know Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit begins a transforming work in us. The change is complete, but learning to believe and live in the truth of who we are in Christ can take time. My guest, Jason Castleberry, experienced this transformation firsthand. After military service left him carrying deep shame, PTSD, depression, and regret, Jason could have remained trapped in isolation and despair. Instead, God pursued him, rescued him, and began bringing him back to life.
In this second episode, Jason shares the dramatic difference Jesus has made in his life. The heaviness and despair that once defined his days gave way to hope, joy, purpose, and freedom. His own healing awakened a desire to tell others what Jesus can do when life feels impossibly dark, eventually leading him into pastoral ministry. Jason's story is a powerful picture of Colossians 1:13 and a reminder that God can rescue us from darkness and bring us into the freedom and hope found in Christ.
Connect with Jason:
https://www.facebook.com/jason.castleberry.2025/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castleberry-96b80394/
To connect with Jason through his church:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505
https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Regret and PTSD After Military Service with Jason Castleberry, Part 1
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is Jason Castleberry, whose life was forever changed by the realities of war. Before becoming a pastor, Jason served in the military as a UAV (drone) operator …
Notas do episódio
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is Jason Castleberry, whose life was forever changed by the realities of war. Before becoming a pastor, Jason served in the military as a UAV (drone) operator, witnessing the devastation of conflict from a perspective that left deep emotional scars. After returning home from deployment, he struggled to function in everyday life and was diagnosed with PTSD and depression. When his hopes of continuing his military career came to an unexpected end, he was overwhelmed by shame, regret, and the painful question of how to move forward.
In this episode, Jason courageously shares the impact of trauma on his mind, heart, and identity. The horrors of war left him feeling broken and uncertain about his future, but God had not abandoned him. As Jason came to know Jesus more deeply, he began a journey of healing, restoration, and renewed purpose. His story offers hope to anyone carrying the invisible wounds of trauma, reminding us that no pain is beyond the reach of God's grace and redeeming love.
Connect with Jason:
https://www.facebook.com/jason.castleberry.2025/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castleberry-96b80394/
To connect with Jason through his church:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505
https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Surrendering to God Brings Freedom from Comparison, Krystal O'Neal Part 2
Krystal O'Neal returns this week to continue sharing her journey of finding freedom in Christ after years of wrestling with unmet expectations. As a single woman, she learned that true peace was not found in …
Notas do episódio
Krystal O'Neal returns this week to continue sharing her journey of finding freedom in Christ after years of wrestling with unmet expectations. As a single woman, she learned that true peace was not found in changing her circumstances but in surrendering them to God. Through His personal care, unfailing love, and perfect sovereignty, Krystal gradually came to believe that her relationship status did not define her identity or determine her worth. God gently replaced comparison and self-condemnation with confidence in His goodness and His plans for her life.
In this episode, Krystal shares how surrender transformed her perspective and gave her the freedom to embrace the life God had given her. Her story is filled with wisdom and encouragement for anyone who has struggled with waiting, disappointment, or wondering whether God's plans are truly good. Whether you are single, married, or in another season of life, Krystal's testimony is a beautiful reminder that lasting hope is found in trusting Christ and resting in His faithful love.
Connect with Krystal: https://linktr.ee/FearfullyMadeFaithfullySingle
https://www.facebook.com/krystalwoneal/
https://www.instagram.com/krystaloneal/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Comparison Grows Shame with Krystal O'Neal, Part 1
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author and podcaster Krystal O'Neal. Raised in a loving, healthy Christian home by parents who faithfully pointed her to Jesus, Krystal expected her life …
Notas do episódio
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author and podcaster Krystal O'Neal. Raised in a loving, healthy Christian home by parents who faithfully pointed her to Jesus, Krystal expected her life would naturally follow a familiar path. She assumed she would one day marry and become a mother, just as many around her had. But when those hopes remained unfulfilled, unexpected questions surfaced. Was something wrong with her? Had she somehow failed? In this episode, Krystal shares with honesty and vulnerability about the shame, loneliness, and confusion she experienced as a single woman in the Christian community.
As Krystal wrestled with unmet expectations, God gently invited her to anchor her identity in His love rather than in her relationship status. Learning to trust His timing and purposes became a journey of surrender, freedom, and deeper intimacy with Christ. Her story offers hope to anyone whose life has not unfolded as they imagined, reminding us that our worth is not defined by the roles we hold but by the God who calls us His own.
Connect with Krystal: https://linktr.ee/FearfullyMadeFaithfullySingle
https://www.facebook.com/krystalwoneal/
https://www.instagram.com/krystaloneal/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Symptoms of Shame
This week, I begin a new podcast series called Symptoms of Shame with a solo teaching episode. Often, we don't recognize that our unhealthy behaviors, destructive thought patterns, or emotional struggles are …
Notas do episódio
This week, I begin a new podcast series called Symptoms of Shame with a solo teaching episode. Often, we don't recognize that our unhealthy behaviors, destructive thought patterns, or emotional struggles are rooted in wounds we have never fully addressed. We may dismiss them as personality traits or simply "the way we've always been." But many of these patterns are actually symptoms of shame. In this episode, I explore how identifying those symptoms and inviting God to heal the deeper hurts beneath them opens the door to lasting transformation.
As I launch this new series, I also take a moment to reflect on a special milestone. This summer marks four years since the beginning of this podcast journey. I am deeply grateful for God's faithful presence every step of the way and for each of you who has listened, encouraged others, and prayed for this ministry. In the coming weeks, you'll hear powerful stories from guests whose lives have been transformed as God healed the shame beneath their struggles. My prayer is that these conversations will strengthen your faith and remind you that God is able to restore your soul.
Links Mentioned:
Registration for Workbook Small Groups
Scripture mentioned:
Psalm 25:20
Psalm 3:3
Isaiah 54:4
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
God Restores What was Lost with Marilyn Johnson, Part 2
Marilyn Johnson returns this week to continue sharing the story of God's healing work in her life. Today she serves alongside her husband in church leadership in England and is the founder of At the Well …
Notas do episódio
Marilyn Johnson returns this week to continue sharing the story of God's healing work in her life. Today she serves alongside her husband in church leadership in England and is the founder of At the Well Ministries, where she encourages others with the hope she has found in Christ. Out of her own journey of restoration, Marilyn wrote Divine Revelation: The Ten Ways God Heals, offering practical and biblical insight into the ways God restores hearts that have been wounded by sin, loss, and brokenness.
In this episode, Marilyn shares some of the life-changing truths from her book, explaining how God uses prayer, His Word, healthy relationships in the body of Christ, wisdom, and other means of grace to bring lasting healing. Her message is one of hope, reminding us that God is faithful to restore those who trust Him and that healing is a journey He lovingly walks with us. I believe Marilyn's wisdom and testimony will encourage your heart and strengthen your confidence in God's ability to make all things new.
Connect with Marilyn: https://www.marilynjauthor.com/
Her Book: Divine Restoration: The Ten Ways God Heals
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GVDQF5V4
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Saying Yes to God's Invitation with Marilyn Johnson, Part 1
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author, speaker, and ministry founder Marilyn Johnson, who joins me from England to share her remarkable story of healing and faith. Marilyn's book, Divine …
Notas do episódio
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author, speaker, and ministry founder Marilyn Johnson, who joins me from England to share her remarkable story of healing and faith. Marilyn's book, Divine Revelation: The Ten Ways God Heals, was born out of her own journey of restoration. In this first episode, she recounts the difficult experience of becoming pregnant at age eighteen by a man in his thirties who abandoned her. Alone, frightened, and facing judgment from her church, Marilyn found little support from those around her. Even her parents, struggling with their own limitations, did not know how to help her navigate the crisis.
At one of the darkest moments of her life, Marilyn considered terminating her pregnancy. Yet it was there that God met her in a profound way. He challenged her to trust Him with both her unborn child and her future. Marilyn chose to say yes. That decision marked the beginning of a life-changing journey of intimacy with the God who loved her completely and without reservation. Her story is a beautiful testimony of grace, redemption, and the healing power of God's faithful presence.
Connect with Marilyn: https://www.marilynjauthor.com/
Her Book: Divine Restoration: The Ten Ways God Heals
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GVDQF5V4
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
The Power of Affirmation and Gratitude to Heal Shame with Mags Ohmes, Part 2
When my friend Mags Ohmes became part of a grace-based church community, her healing journey took a significant turn. Through support groups and authentic relationships, she encountered the safety, love, and …
Notas do episódio
When my friend Mags Ohmes became part of a grace-based church community, her healing journey took a significant turn. Through support groups and authentic relationships, she encountered the safety, love, and acceptance she had long needed. For the first time, she was able to bring painful struggles into the light without fear of rejection. As she joined ministry teams and developed close friendships with trusted brothers and sisters in Christ, she experienced the kind of encouragement and affirmation that helped reshape how she viewed herself. Slowly, the shame she had carried for years began to lose its hold.
In this episode, Mags shares how healthy community became one of God's tools for healing in her life. She also talks about the transforming power of gratitude and how learning to focus on God's goodness shifted her perspective from shame and hopelessness to grace and hope. Through the support of loving friends and a growing awareness of God's faithfulness, Mags learned that she was worthy of love and acceptance. Her story is a beautiful testimony to the healing that can happen when we allow God and His people to speak truth into our lives.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Lack of Adulting Skills Creates Shame with Mags Ohmes, Part 1
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is my sweet friend, Mags Ohmes, who joins me to share the first part of her story. Mags grew up in a beautiful setting in Wisconsin and treasures many happy …
Notas do episódio
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is my sweet friend, Mags Ohmes, who joins me to share the first part of her story. Mags grew up in a beautiful setting in Wisconsin and treasures many happy memories from her early childhood, especially those spent with her siblings. Yet beneath those good memories, her parents carried their own unresolved brokenness into family life. While they loved their children, they were unable to teach many of the relational and life skills Mags would later need. As she entered adulthood, those gaps contributed to unhealthy patterns and choices that brought significant pain and heartache.
Everything began to change when Mags met friends in college who knew and loved Jesus. She saw something different in their lives, something authentic and compelling that drew her heart toward Him. As she came to know Christ for herself, a new journey began. God started the work of healing the wounds of her past, teaching her healthier ways to live and relate to others. Mags's story is a beautiful reminder that God can redeem even the places where we feel most unprepared and lead us into wholeness and hope.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
No Longer Alone as a Parent with Addicted Sons with Kim and Michelle Humphrey, Part 2
When a son or daughter is caught in addiction, parents often discover that the loving responses that worked in earlier years are no longer effective. In this week's episode, Kim and Michelle Humphrey return to …
Notas do episódio
When a son or daughter is caught in addiction, parents often discover that the loving responses that worked in earlier years are no longer effective. In this week's episode, Kim and Michelle Humphrey return to share what happened after they found support through PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones). As they connected with other parents facing similar struggles, they began to realize they were not alone. That simple truth became a turning point in their journey. Through PAL, they gained a deeper understanding of addiction and learned that healthy parental love often looks different when a teen or adult child is dependent on drugs.
As Kim and Michelle grew in wisdom, support, and encouragement, they began to heal even while their sons continued to struggle. Instead of being controlled by fear, guilt, and isolation, they learned how to establish healthier responses and trust God with what they could not control. Dawn began to break through the darkness. Today, Kim serves as Executive Director of PAL, and together he and Michelle help other families find the same hope and healing they experienced. Their story is a powerful reminder that parents can move toward health and freedom, even in the midst of a loved one's addiction.
Connect with Kim and Michelle:
https://palforward.palgroup.org/who-is-pal/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/229449267401069/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Feeling Alone and Blamed for Sons' Addictions with Kim and Michelle Humphrey, Part 1
Many parents faithfully love, guide, and invest in their children, yet still find themselves facing challenges they never imagined. My guests for this and next week's podcast episodes, Kim and Michelle …
Notas do episódio
Many parents faithfully love, guide, and invest in their children, yet still find themselves facing challenges they never imagined. My guests for this and next week's podcast episodes, Kim and Michelle Humphrey, were devoted Christian parents who taught their two sons about Jesus, stayed actively involved in church, and warned them about the dangers of drugs. Kim served as a police officer, Michelle as a stay-at-home mom, and together they worked hard to create a loving home. Nothing could have prepared them for the heartbreak of watching both of their sons struggle with drug addiction.
As their sons' addictions deepened, Kim and Michelle experienced not only grief and fear, but also isolation. Others blamed them, and they blamed themselves. Despite doing everything they knew to help, they often felt helpless and alone. Then they discovered PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones), a support group that connected them with other parents walking a similar road. For the first time in years, they found understanding, encouragement, and hope. Their story offers comfort and strength to any parent carrying the burden of a child's destructive choices.
Connect with Kim and Michelle:
https://palforward.palgroup.org/who-is-pal/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/229449267401069/
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Brothers in Christ Bring Healing with Chuck Sedgwick, Part 2
When I scheduled these two podcast episodes with my husband, Chuck Sedgwick, I didn't realize the second episode would release during the week of our 44th wedding anniversary. Looking back, we have so much to …
Notas do episódio
When I scheduled these two podcast episodes with my husband, Chuck Sedgwick, I didn't realize the second episode would release during the week of our 44th wedding anniversary. Looking back, we have so much to celebrate because of God's faithfulness to His promises. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion, and our marriage stands as a testimony to that truth. Through the years, Christ has done more in our lives than we could have imagined, bringing healing, growth, and restoration step by step.
In this episode, Chuck shares how God transformed the shame narrative he carried through the gift of trusted friendships with brothers in Christ. As he began building safe and healthy relationships, he slowly came to believe that he was worthy of love, connection, and belonging. Those friendships helped him see himself more accurately and challenged the deep feelings of inadequacy he had long believed. I have had the privilege of watching this healing unfold firsthand, and I believe Chuck's story will deeply encourage anyone longing for freedom from shame and the healing power of authentic Christian community.
Scripture mentioned:
2 Peter 3:18
Romans 5:1
Hebrews 4:1
Ephesians 2:1-4
Colossians 1:27
Proverbs 3:5
Psalm 34:8
Psalm 27:10
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
An Absent Father's Impact with Chuck Sedgwick, Part 1
I have been deeply blessed by the many guests who have courageously shared their stories on this podcast, but these next two episodes are especially meaningful to me. My husband of 44 years, Chuck Sedgwick …
Notas do episódio
I have been deeply blessed by the many guests who have courageously shared their stories on this podcast, but these next two episodes are especially meaningful to me. My husband of 44 years, Chuck Sedgwick, joins me to share part of his own healing journey as we continue this series on God's Tools for Healing Shame. Though I did not witness the struggles of his childhood firsthand, I experienced the impact those early wounds had on his life, just as he experienced the effects of mine. I have also had the privilege of watching God faithfully restore him step by step through the years.
In this week's episode, Chuck opens up about growing up with a father who was emotionally and physically absent for much of his childhood. Without a healthy model of manhood or connection, he was left searching for identity and direction. Everything began to change when he came to know Jesus as a teenager. Through Christ, Chuck discovered love, belonging, and a new path forward. His story is a beautiful reminder that God meets us in our broken places and patiently brings healing and growth over time.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
From Perfectionism to Resting in God's Presence with Tina Slaughter, Part 2
Tina Slaughter returns this week to share how God led her out of the exhausting cycle of perfectionism and performance and into the beauty of living in His presence. After years of striving to earn approval and …
Notas do episódio
Tina Slaughter returns this week to share how God led her out of the exhausting cycle of perfectionism and performance and into the beauty of living in His presence. After years of striving to earn approval and value through achievement, Tina longed for something deeper. She wanted true intimacy with God. Through slow and intentional steps of spending time with Him, her relationship with the Lord began to grow in ways that transformed her heart and mind.
In this episode, Tina talks about how a wilderness season deepened her dependence on God and awakened in her a passion for His presence. What began as a desire for freedom became a lifestyle of closeness with Him, often spending hours in prayer and communion with God each morning. Now Tina shares that hope and encouragement with others, helping them discover the peace, purpose, and joy that come from walking closely with the Lord.
Connect with Tina:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.slaughter.2025
Tina's book, The Nearness of God
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Trapped by Perfectionism and Performance with Tina Slaughter, Part 1
Performance and perfectionism can look admirable on the outside, but they often hide a deep longing for approval, belonging, and worth. My guest for this and next week's episodes is author, teacher, and …
Notas do episódio
Performance and perfectionism can look admirable on the outside, but they often hide a deep longing for approval, belonging, and worth. My guest for this and next week's episodes is author, teacher, and Christian life coach Tina Slaughter, who shares how this pattern shaped her life from a young age. As a high achiever, Tina believed that if she could just get everything right, she would finally feel secure and accepted. Instead, the pressure to perform left her feeling alone, unknown, and driven by shame.
When Tina came to the end of herself, she did something different. She surrendered. In this episode, she shares how God gently began to earn her trust, teaching her to release striving and rest in His love. Through that process, she discovered that freedom was not found in perfection, but in allowing God to meet the deepest needs of her heart. Her story is a powerful invitation to step out of performance and into the peace that comes from trusting Him.
Connect with Tina:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.slaughter.2025
Tina's book, The Nearness of God
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
After Abuse, God's Word Heals with Terrie Tollerson, Part 2
Terrie Tollerson returns this week to continue sharing her powerful story of healing after escaping an abusive marriage to a pastor. She describes her experience as living through an "unnatural disaster," one …
Notas do episódio
Terrie Tollerson returns this week to continue sharing her powerful story of healing after escaping an abusive marriage to a pastor. She describes her experience as living through an "unnatural disaster," one that brought deep destruction to her life and the lives of her children. After fleeing to safety, recovery did not happen overnight. It was a long and difficult journey marked by survival, grief, and the slow rebuilding of what had been broken.
Through that process, God began to restore Terrie's soul. The very Scriptures that had once been distorted and used against her became a source of truth, comfort, and life. As she spent time in God's Word, she came to understand His true heart for her and discovered that she was cherished and cared for by Him. Today, Terrie shares that same hope with other women who have experienced their own "unnatural disasters," pointing them to the healing power of God's truth.
Connect with Terrie: www.terrietollerson.com
Facebook: Unseen No More
Instagram: @TerrieTollerson
TikTok: @terrie.tollerson
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
Escaping from an Abusive Husband/Pastor with Terrie Tollerson, Part 1
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author, teacher, and soon-to-be podcaster Terrie Tollerson. Terrie came to faith in Jesus at a young age and later met the man she believed she would serve …
Notas do episódio
My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author, teacher, and soon-to-be podcaster Terrie Tollerson. Terrie came to faith in Jesus at a young age and later met the man she believed she would serve alongside in ministry. After marrying a pastor, she looked forward to building a life centered on Christ. But soon after the wedding, the reality of his sexual addiction surfaced. What she had learned from Scripture as a child became twisted through his manipulation, leaving her confused, trapped, and unsure of what it truly meant to be a faithful Christian wife and mother.
As the abuse and addiction escalated, Terrie carried deep shame, believing she was somehow responsible for her husband's behavior. With no clear place to turn, she endured increasing harm until she made the courageous decision to escape with her children to find safety. In this episode, Terrie begins to share her story with honesty and vulnerability. Her journey reveals the devastating impact of spiritual distortion and the first steps of trusting God to begin again.
Connect with Terrie: www.terrietollerson.com
Facebook: Unseen No More
Instagram: @TerrieTollerson
TikTok: @terrie.tollerson
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].
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