Choosing to trust again after being wounded takes courage, yet for some, that trust is met with harm more than once. This was the painful reality for my guest, author Charlaine Martin, and her first husband, Don. After experiencing spiritual abuse in their very first church assignment, they later faced it again further along in Don's pastoral career. The repeated betrayal left deep wounds of hurt and shame, made even heavier by the silence and inaction of denominational leaders who should have offered support and protection.

In this episode, Charlaine shares how the path to healing did not come easily, and how forgiveness became the doorway to release, restoration, and freedom. Her story speaks to the resilience of faith, the cost of misplaced trust, and the redemptive power of choosing love even after profound disappointment.

Connect with Charlaine: https://charlainemartin.com

Charlaine's book: Twice Blessed

Links Mentioned:

Peacemakers Ministries, Ken Sande

To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

Many who enter full-time Christian ministry expect hardship, but few anticipate the depth of disappointment, betrayal, and criticism that can come from within the church itself. For some, the wounds go even deeper, resulting in spiritual abuse by those entrusted with oversight and care. These experiences have led many faithful servants to quietly step away from ministry, carrying grief they never expected.

In this week's episode, Charlaine Martin joins me to share the first part of her story. As a pastor's wife, Charlaine faithfully served alongside her husband in small rural churches for many years. In this conversation, she recounts the painful experience of spiritual abuse they endured in their very first church assignment. Her story sheds light on a hidden struggle faced by many in ministry and opens the door to hope, healing, and truth.

Connect with Charlaine: https://charlainemartin.com

Charlaine's book: Twice Blessed

Links Mentioned:

Peacemakers Ministries, Ken Sande

To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

The miracle of God's grace is that He is never hindered by the walls we build or the shame we carry. Even when our hearts feel locked away, He faithfully creates safe places for us to risk drawing near to Him. Through His Word and His presence, He reveals Himself as the God who heals, restores, and frees us from the burdens we were never meant to carry.

This week, therapist and advocate Tanyka Abbott, LCSW, returns to the podcast to share how God gently earned her trust after the trauma of sexual and spiritual abuse. In this powerful conversation, Tanyka describes the slow, holy journey of learning to forgive, releasing shame, and embracing God's peace. She also shares how the freedom she found in Christ allowed her to meet with her abusers and extend grace with miraculous outcomes.

Scripture mentioned: Genesis 50:20

Connect with Tanyka: https://tanykaabbott.com/

To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.