Finding God in Our Pain

Amy Watson - PTSD and Trauma

BONUS EPISODE - Amy Watson - PTSD and Trauma

I’m going to keep this intro short because you want to get to the good stuff. You want to hear what my guest Amy Watson has to share about trauma and PTSD. She'll share the definition, symptoms and skills to manage PTSD.

I met Amy, this past August (of 2021) in Nashville at a podcast conference. I wish we’d had more face to face time together because she is so interesting and has a gracious, encouraging spirit. She’s a blessing in so many ways.

As we discussed our podcasts she shared the work that she does with regard to PTSD so I assumed she had served with our military forces. However when she shared that her PTSD comes from the traumatic childhood abuse she endured it was a fresh revelation for me to learn that PTSD was not limited to the traumas of military service. It’s attached to trauma, period.  

As Christians we know that God can and does do super natural healings. But the reality for some people and I’m included in that is that there are times when God chooses to leave our mountain unmoved. He seems to want challenge us to find Him in the our pain. My experience has been that He wants to reveal something about Himself in our trauma.

It was quite refreshing for me to hear Amy say that her reality is that she still battles PTSD. Sometimes Christians get a bad wrap because we want everything to look perfect. Somewhere along the line we have fallen for the lie that if we serve a perfect God then at the very least, everything should look perfect. So. Not. True.

Amy has real tactics and an arsenal of skills to manage her PTSD. She applies them everything she's triggered or begins to feel those feelings creeping up.  

Like me, Amy knows that God heals in layers. We get levels of breakthrough, peace, and freedom but it remains a fact that more healing is needed. If you experience a trigger associated with your traumatic experience, then be assured there is more freedom, peace and healing for you and God wants to reveal Himself to you in your pain. He wants to rewrite the lies and wounds of this life.

Amy has practical suggestions for dealing with triggers from trauma. She talks about the importance of community, counseling and church. Something else that was interesting to me was when she talked about why we shouldn’t compare our pain, rating them for severity and it has to do with the window of tolerance. 

Amy is so passionate to let you know that you are not alone, that there are realistic ways to work your healing, and that there is always always always hope. 

Lived Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com

Read more on the topic of suffering here at A Life of Thrive: https://alifeofthrive.com/2021/09/21/suffering/

Connect with Amy vis her podcast website @ https://wednesdayswithwatson.com/

Bio: 

I am a Florida girl who loves a simple life, Jesus, family, friends, football and the beach (usually in that order). I am a native of Jacksonville, Florida, but have spent most of my adult life on Florida’s west coast.

While being introduced for a speaking opportunity a few years ago, the pastor asked me “who are you?”. The words that followed shocked even me: “I am the precious daughter of the most high God”. There were many years when I would not have answered that question as I did that day.

I have spent most of my life defining myself by all that I have survived; all that I have accomplished or all the degrees on my wall. The truth is, my answer to that pastor’s question that day is the definition that is most important, and one that I hope truly defines my life when I am gone.

The rest: survival, accomplishments, and college degrees are certainly a part of my story; and why I write, mentor and speak. My description of “who I am” that day is why I stand proclaiming Him and Him alone.

I grew up in a children’s home, graduated from Clearwater Christian College with a degree in Biology (1994); was married for 12 years to a man who tried to kill me and somewhere along the way managed to earn my Masters Degree in Business Administration. I have enjoyed success as an entrepreneur as well as an educator. As a survivor of a lot of things that tried to kill me, it is my desire to use my story to spread a story of Hope for any who may find themselves in similar situations as mine.

I love both the written and spoken word, and enjoy opportunities to share my experiences in both personal and professional genres. My greatest desire is to invest my life in something that will outlive it. It is my hope that all of my efforts here and other places will accomplish just that.

Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/8f2cf468b3db470eb6dd9a6b7dcda10e/edit_v2

Laura Warfel - More Than a Widow

Laura Warfel - More Than a Widow

Laura Warfel, Founder of More than a Widow is my guest today and our conversation is centered around being a widow. Sadly she and I share that status. Laura offers encouragement, resources, and her personal insight into what she’s learned and discovered along her journey.

Because  Laura’s website is such a rich asset, I wanted to share the info found under the Resource tab. I talked to her about what she offers there. In that tab you’ll find free and recommended resources.

The free resources are the ones she’s authored and the recommendations are the publications that have made a direct impact on her life as she navigated her way through the loss of her precious husband, Gene.

For many years after her husband’s passing Laura avoided the title of widow. The journey of avoidance led her to have honest conversations with God about about what she was suppose to do with her life now. Once she made peace with her widow status God showed her there was more to her life and led her to start More than a Widow.

Now Laura’s focus is to share the encouraging news that God has more for everyone of us and she strives to help widows discover their more and live out the more that God has for them.

She was such a blessing to me so naturally I purchased a couple of the resources and have found great value in them. Im especially interested in the Stephen Ministry resources that she suggested and ordered a couple of things there as well.

After talking with Laura I reached out to my home church to find out if they have resources for widows. I found out we do not and so I’m starting conversations to find out how I can put something in place. You might wonder why I have not looked for a widow support group already. To be honest, while I’m not out of touch with the fact that my husband is gone I don’t know how to think of myself as a widow. I know that sounds strange because it feels strange too.

Laura and I had a brief but impactful conversation. Side note: I’ll let you in on some inside info. Our conversation was brief because I was experiencing a violent thunderstorm.  We kept loosing connection, even loosing power a couple of times but we persevered!

However brief, I’m excited to connect you with Laura and all that she has for widows. She is equipping us to live out our more and embrace a new path full of new experiences and joys.

If you are a widow listen in to discover the beauty that will help you take the next step and if you know a widow please make sure you connect her with Laura Warfel of More than a Widow….you will find her on her website Laurawarfel.com

Live Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com

Connect with Laura:
Laura Warfel is a widow, writer, and follower of Jesus Christ. Her greatest joy is to bring others along with her on her faith journey. In 2015, because of the encouragement of the Launch Out Conference and Jon Acuff, she launched More Than A Widow on Facebook and Twitter. Today she blogs, tweets, and posts to help widows (and those who know them) find encouragement, hope, and resources for the journey. Her goal is to help all widows live beyond the label and live as more than a widow.

Facebook: More Than a Widow with Laura Warfel

https://www.facebook.com/MoreThanAWidow

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurawarfel

Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/897d16939e4d4853adba36bbdc63463b/edit_v2

 

Donna Renay Patrick - When Life Doesn‘t Go as Planned

Donna Renay Patrick - When Life Doesn't Go as Planned

My guest today is Author, Radio Host, Speaker, Worship Leader and Choir Director Donna Renay Patrick. She and I had a light hearted conversation about the various ways to recover when life does not turn out like we thought it would.

We shared our personal understanding of God based on our individual experiences and how we interpret God’s word through our understanding. We talked about keeping a journal whether it’s a gratitude journal or a journal to help you sort out your thoughts and feelings. There’s value in getting out the over whelming thoughts that are bouncing around in your head, onto paper.

We discussed the importance of a strong identity, as well as the importance of grieving.

An interesting portion of our conversation for me was when we touched on the 3 entry areas to our heart and mind: Ear gate, eye gate, & mouth gate. Theses are significant entry points into our lives and they need to be guarded.

We are the gate keepers and when we’re equipped to take our position we learn to cultivate peace in our lives. Not that we can keep from experiencing pain or trauma because ultimately these are opportunities to draw close to the Lord and not be self-sufficient but for the purpose of limiting the times we are confused and suffering.

Donna and I shared our thoughts on what it means to let go…not to nothing or anything hoping something will happen but rather letting go and submitting yourself to God’s care…it’s the only place we’re safe.

What does it mean to praise God in the middle of our pain and suffering? Donna and I found value in taking our focus off of ourselves and putting it on the One, Jesus Christ who can bring healing and restoration. The One who is with us in the places that no one else can reach.

Even our climate with its 4 seasons reflects something about the seasons in our individual lives…..Side note: So you don’t get pulled out of the conversation wondering what I’m talking about….I describe the Fall leaves as God’s confetti…but for some reasons I said flowers. I meant to say leaves.

Join Donna and I as we explore the various things that are helpful when life does not happen like we had envisioned it would.

Live Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com 

Get Connected with Donna Renay Patrick:
https://donnarenaypatrick.com
Facebook:  Donna Renay Patrick, M.A.
Twitter: @Donnarpatrick
Instagram:  donnarenaypatrick
LinkedIn:  Donna Renay Patrick, M.A

BIO: Donna Renay Patrick is an award-winning author of two praise and worship-themed Devotionals; It’s In Your Praise, and At All Times.  She also co-authored three anthologies; The Perfect 7, Stories of Roaring Faith (Vol 4), and Be Refreshed.  She has served in music ministry for over 35 years in the capacities of musician, choir director, and worship leader.  Her passion is training and development in worship ministry, and why it is important for the 21st Century church to keep God-pleasing worship priority – not only on Sunday morning, but in our daily lives.  

As a regular presenter at the Bay Area Sunday School and Church Workers Convention Castro Valley, California, she facilitates workshops in various facets of Christian Education.  Some of the topics she frequently teaches on are Church Growth Through The Ministry of Worship; The Call To Worship Revisited; and Improving the Working Relationship Between The Pulpit and The Music Ministry.   On the invitation of the African American Lectionary, she wrote a commentary to coincide with the September 2013 Worship & Arts Sunday celebration. 

Donna earned a Bachelor of Science in History and Secondary Education from Bishop College in
Dallas, Texas. In May of 2011 she received her Master of Arts in Christian Education from
Dallas Baptist University. She received her personal trainer certification from the International
Sports Sciences Association, and completed her paralegal education at the former Southeastern
Paralegal Institute. She taught in the paralegal program at The University of North Texas for 4 years. 

Donna currently serves on the music staff of the New Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Lancaster, Texas.  She is host of The Donna Patrick Show, heard globally each Monday afternoon, where the focus is on life-transforming praise and worship beyond the music.  She serves on the Executive Board of The Northeastern District Baptist Association, and is a certified instructor with the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. 

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/85b6b1c87e2442fcb4e99131aa85347b/edit_v2

 

 

 

Rachel Fahrenbach - Identity, Purpose, Belonging and the Sabbath

Rachel Fahrenbach - Identity, Purpose, Belonging and the Sabbath

Today's guest, author Rachel Fahrenbach has some valuable insight to share on what rest can do for you in all the areas of your life, and rest in the form of practicing Sabbath. Our conversation was based on her new book, Rest & Reflect: 12-Week Guided Sabbath Journal.

Through her guided journal you will explore these 3 areas with God:
Identity
Purpose
Belonging

To me, identity, purpose and belonging are key areas that are foundational for us when navigating this thing called life. When those 3 areas are healthy we get to enjoy things like peace, clarity, and joy for the journey.

This isn't a legalistic practice. It moves with the ebb and flow of life and it looks original to the families that define how they want to focus on God. It’s truly a beautiful thing.

Because resting in God is a spiritual inheritance that we have access to as His children, you know God has a beautiful exchange for us when we practice the Sabbath.  Anytime we draw near to Him He showers us with His affection and generosity. And He always gives more than we can imagine.

God’s value system is such that when we discover who He is in the type of rest that He has for us we get more. More peace, less anxiety. More relationship with less work. More life, less overwhelm.

Giving God our focus helps us to begin to see things through the lens of God’s heart for us and that sweet friend is transformational!

Talking with Rachel about practicing the Sabbath reminds me that it offer us the opportunity to  have that garden of eden experience...in the here and now…..daily perceiving Him, walking and talking with Him. 

Rachel shows us that resting is not being lazy, it shouldn’t make you feel guilty and you’re not adding something to you To Do list. I want to challenge you to give God your time by practicing a Sabbath and see what He has for you. Test Him, taste and see that He is good.

Live Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com

BIO:

RACHEL FAHRENBACH is the author of Rest & Reflect, a guided journal that helps you implement a weekly rhythm of rest and reflection in your week through the practice of Sabbath. Her desire is to see moms reclaim a deep joy and stabilizing peace in their weeks by actively choosing to rest. To support them in this choice, Rachel offers encouragement and resources for implementing a Sabbath practice at rachelfahrenbach.com. Rachel and her husband live in the Chicagoland area with their three kiddos.

 

To connect with Rachel:

Instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach

Facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach

 

To download a sample week from the guided journal: rachelfahrenbach.com/journal 

To purchase the journal: https://www.amazon.com/Rest-Reflect-12-Week-Sabbath-Journal/dp/1736855514 

To get access to The Busy Mom's Guide to a Simple Family Sabbath: rachelfahrenbach.com/sabbath  

 

TRANSCRIPT:

https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/6cfadbd6fb7e47b0b7d1a21a33fefe22/edit_v2

Diana Winkler - Abusive Christian Marriage

Diana Winkler - Abusive Christian Marriage

As with any of my interviews, I’m talking with real people about their personal life, and the way they, as the individuals they are, experience trauma. Today I’m talking with Diana Winkler. She shares her story about suffering abuse at the hands of her Christian husband, having the courage to leave, get a divorce and what healing looks like for her. 

As I explored Diana’s journey with her it was for the purpose of trying to understand what she experienced, through her individual lens of looking and discerning the world she lives in and the God she’s struggling to discover.

Our relationship with Christ is personal, and our learning curves are at different paces. God is patient with us and so I have no judgement about where any one person is on their maturing process with Christ, I’m open to the fact that it can look different because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The One who formed our inward parts; the One who knitted each of us together in each of our mother's wombs….speaks of such an intimacy that I trust Him with our struggle even when we make mistakes, even when we completely miss the mark.  

Just like any of our human relationships when we spend more time with each other there is more depth with which we know each other. The same can be said about God, we experience an ever increasing intimacy with anyone that we spend more time with. I say that to say this, some of us have a solid footing, a rich intimacy with God and others of us are still leaning. 

This conversation is not the Proverbs 31 woman….the woman we’re talking to needs healing…..so this conversation is for the Proverbs 13:12 woman ….. the one whose hope deferred has made her heart sick, she’s the one who would say she has no solid ground to put her feet on, no peaceful place to rest her heart.  I want her to know she’s not alone…that God sees her and that He sees the pain, the anguish of her shattered heart and He has something beautiful for her. I want her to know that God embraces her search for Him in the painful places….He welcomes her questions, her pain, and He hasn’t allowed anything that He does not plan to redeem. 

Are you in a Christian marriage that you know in your heart God does not approve of the abuse you’re experiencing? Keep this close to your heart, God has a plan of redemption for you. Theres extravagant grace in Gods covenant with us. He doesn’t turn His back on you. He meets you where you are and shepherd’s you through into healing.

Lived Loved and Thrive! @ALifeOfThrive.com

A story I chose to encourage your heart today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz81dIfwf4Y

 

Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/49cb3400e11f43559ce1524835b96ec2/edit_v2

Connect with Diana Winkler:
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/

My podcast: The Wounds OF The Faithful
https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/

Bio:
Diana Winkler is a singer, songwriter, speaker and abuse advocate. She served as a missionary, planting churches for 13 years, while enduring abuse that was enabled by the church. 10 years ago, she started her ministry, DSW Ministries. She uses her music to help survivors in the church heal from domestic violence, abuse, and trauma. She is the host of The Wounds of the Faithful Podcast and is a certified facilitator for Mending the Soul small groups. Diana is passionate about helping victims discover that, not only can you survive, but you can be victorious!

Meredith Bunting - Crisis, Chaos, Surrender and Celebration

Meredith Bunting - Crisis, Chaos, Surrender and Celebration

My sweet friend Meredith Bunting is back, and she was one of the original seven women who agreed to get my podcast off the ground. And at that time she shared her journey with chronic illness that included paralyzing pain that would seize her body and leave her balled up in a fetal position for days until it decided to let her go. And she had no promise that it would get better, and no one had a cure for her.

Additionally, you might remember, in our original episode, we briefly talked about a book that she had in the works. Well, she's back today to talk about that book because it's been published, and it will be available for purchase in February. At the current moment, you can preorder it and I'll give you the info below.

The title of her book is "Cutting and Pasting Truth: Snapshots of a Life Lived Through Faith and Fitness." The book is broken down into four parts, crisis, chaos, surrender and celebration. We talk about the journey of pain and what it looks like through those 4 phases but I want to share with you my favorite part of our conversation. Here's some amazing news. A month or two ago, Meredith's pain went away, disappeared. It has not returned.

She'll tell you it's been somewhat of a struggle to go from living with that level and frequency of pain to no pain at all. That in itself brought on a whole different struggle with God. Meredith knows crisis, chaos, surrender and she has entered into the celebration phase.

Now that she had been supernaturally healed, I had a question for her that centers around people who, without a supernatural move of God, will not receive an answer to their prayers. What if their mountain will not be moved? What does God have for those who are in a holding patter of chaos or even surrender but no proof that things are changing?

My question comes at a time in Meredith's personal life when she just recently laid to rest one precious friend and is watching another dear friend who is slipping into the arms of Jesus. Her answer is so beautiful, and it reveals the God we serve in a way that He never wastes a thing and that we're never alone. I immediately wrote about it in a blog post as well.

If you've ever wondered if God has something for us when we suffer, don't miss what she has to share. I feel sure your heart will be infused with a deep measure of peace and joy.

Live Loved and Thrive!

Amazon Book Link: Cutting and Pasting Truth - Snapshots of a life lived through faith and fitness

Connect with Meredith:
Email:  mbunting3195@gmail.com
Website: meredithbunting.com

Finding God in Our Pain Turns ONE!! Year in Review

Finding God in Our Pain Podcast Turns ONE!!

Bonus Episode!

It’s my one year podcasting anniversary! I'm ONE YEAR OLD!  It’s celebration time for Finding God in Our pain because my learning curve was real but I can testify that God is faithful!

Today’s episode is my year in review. What did I learn in this past year from hearing the stories of others? How have their experiences shaped my understanding of who the God of the Holy Bible is when it comes to pain and suffering? 

It has been such a precious experience because of the places I’ve been allowed to go and by places I mean, my guests have allowed me to enter into their intimate pain, their vulnerable places and their genuine struggle with God. To me that is sacred ground where our pain meets Gods sovereignty.

I have been extravagantly encouraged to learn, in deeper ways that God never leaves us. That is pure gold in this life. With each story my heart has been given significant revelation in my understanding of God’s heart for us in the midst of this life's trauma, trials and disappointments.

In todays episode I’ve asked my friend Amy Heilman to be the interviewer and to help me reflect on the past year of guests and topics with a focus on what I’ve learned in my own life through the concept of shared story.  You may remember Amy's episode on Identity. She kicked off 2021 having an in-depth conversation with me on our identity in Christ.

To date, I have produced 27 podcast episodes (a couple of which are bonus episodes) and I currently have 2600+ downloads. As you know, Finding God in Our pain is a bimonthly podcast so I release episodes every other Wednesday.

The majority of my listeners are in the states but here is a short list of the areas where I also have listeners: Switzerland, Ireland, Russia, India, Netherlands, Germany, Guatemala, France, New Zealand, Austria, Australia, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Canada…just to name a few

Of my 27 episodes to date I share who the top five are with regard to number of downloads only. I’ve had my head in the learning curve on how to produce a quality product and give you something worth listening to so I haven’t had a chance to learn analytics nor what the measurable aspects are other than downloads.

Of the 27 current episodes, 2600+ downloads I get an average of 96 downloads per episode. I’l be honest, I have no idea if that’s good or not so good but to me, its phenomenal.  When I look at it I see progress, I see God’s intimacy of calling and equipping.

Every time I get to talk with a guest I get a front row seat to someone’s redemption story. With each testimony God is continually showing me who He is. You want to talk about building faith… I am richly rewarded over and over again

To my listeners….Thank you for listening! Where would I be without you? Granted I'd still be learning some beautiful things about God but my heart would still be longing to reveal these things to your heart too. May these stories of the God who never leaves us in our distress, give you the courage to take the next breath, the next step and give you hope in a better tomorrow.

Also, I deeply appreciate any time you share my podcast with those whom you have influence with or someone you want to bless with an encouraging message.  That is a blessing to me. I love and appreciate YOU! Thank you!

As a Side note: I’m open to suggestions on what I can do better or the type of guest you want to hear from or maybe there is a topic you want to hear about. Are you ready to share your story? I’d love to talk to you! Maybe you know someone who needs to share their story that will encourage others.  Should any of that apply to you, please Visit the home base for my podcast and it’s the website A Life of Thrive .com. Use the contact link and let me know your thoughts, give me your suggestions, let's talk about your story or introduce me to your friend who has beauty to share with the world.

Again, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Much love to you sweet friend!

Live Loved and Thrive @ alifeofthrive.com 

Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/9aa609a97c394a908e5b7d0289a217b5/edit_v2

 

Charlie Griffin - Facing the Lie that I‘m Never Enough

Charlie Griffin - Facing the Lie that I'm Never Enough

I’m so happy you’re here because my guest Charlie Griffin is the sweetest, I mean the sweetest young woman who has a precious story of transformation. She’s been set free from the lie she once believed, “I’m not enough.”  She’s left addiction behind, a failed marriage when her husband returned to his addiction and the revelation that sometimes what we think are God’s plans for us turn out to be exactly that … what WE thought He wanted.

Charlie and I really dug into regret, guilt, shame and looked at it through several different angels because I wanted to find all the different ways that it surfaces.

Charlie’s transformation began when she learned that God did love her and begin to understand that He says she is enough. Period.  No matter what she’d done or where she found herself God saw the beauty of who He had made her to be. 

The power of her transformation really grabbed major traction when she moved from what she thought she knew about God to discovering Him for who He truly was. From what she believed and reasoned in her own mind to what she discovered about Him with her heart.

As you listen to her talk you will hear that she is thoughtful about what she says and how she reveals the heart of God. You’ll also hear her love of God pour forth and you’ll understand why as she tells you about  her journey through addition, trying her best to save her marriage only to realize she’s fighting against God, how God used her 4 year old daughter to give her a reality check and the beauty of the knowledge that she lives in and with today. 

Friend, since you’re listening in, I want to encourage you. Hang on to this truth - No matter what this life wants to label you with or put on you, keep the eyes of your heart on God because He is writing a much bigger love story with you as the individual He created you to be.

Connect with Charlie:
https://www.facebook.com/charlie.griffin.589
charlie@thatmediagirl.org

Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/f18fb18e05794ca88a6c1c08b90250dd/edit_v2