Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

Elsie’s links: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elsie-McKenney/author/B0BNZJ7541

Elsiemckenney.com

Trigger warning: reference to a physical attack and references to human trafficking

In this compelling episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman interviews Elsie McKenney—author and survivor—who shares her extraordinary journey of escaping a cult and discovering lasting freedom through God’s grace.

Elsie recounts her childhood in a Mennonite community, the devastating turn when her family became entangled in a cult when she was just 10 years old, and her harrowing escape at age 19. She opens up about the emotional and spiritual challenges she faced along the way, and how God’s grace both protected and guided her through every step of her journey.

Elsie also discusses her award-winning novel, Eve’s Covering, a gripping story inspired by her real-life experiences, offering hope to others who feel trapped by circumstances beyond their control.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How God’s grace empowers survival and healing after trauma
• The realities of growing up in and escaping from a cult
• The importance of reclaiming identity and freedom in Christ
• How fiction can be used to share powerful testimonies of faith

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:51 Interview with Elsie McKinney: Escaping a Cult

01:04 Elsie's Early Life and Introduction to the Cult

04:56 Life in the Cult and Initial Escape

06:55 Return to Michigan and Continued Struggles

11:26 Final Escape and Finding Safety

20:29 Writing Eve's Covering

22:17 Elsie's Message of Hope and Trust in God

23:41 Closing Thoughts

Perfect for: Christian women, trauma survivors, spiritual seekers, and anyone longing for healing, freedom, and encouragement through faith

Schedule your Discovery Call to see if I'm the right fit to support you in your journey towards growth in Grace: calendar.1fit-wellness.com

7 Minutes with Jesus is a weekly segment of The Grace Cycle Show podcast designed to help participants connect with God on a heart and soul level.

Join me to pray through 2 Chronicles 7:14 for God to heal and restore our nation.

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

Kim Cusimano’s website: fulljoyministries.com

In this heartfelt episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman sits down with Kim Cusimano—collaborative author and mother of two special needs adults—for an inspiring conversation about experiencing God’s grace in the midst of parenting challenges.

Kim opens up about her journey raising children with unique needs, including her daughter’s struggle with mental illness, and how God’s grace has carried her family through difficult seasons. She shares how her decision to turn their story outward became a source of encouragement for others walking similar paths.

Together, Karen and Kim discuss:

• The power of relying on God’s grace in everyday challenges
• Finding freedom within healthy boundaries
• Remembering God’s faithfulness in times of struggle
• Accepting personal limitations and trusting God’s sufficiency

The conversation is both honest and uplifting, offering hope to parents, caregivers, and anyone walking through seasons that feel overwhelming. Karen closes the episode with reflections on how to rest in the assurance of God’s sufficient grace.

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:52 Introducing Kim Cusimano

02:18 Kim's Family Journey

07:49 Challenges and God's Grace

21:24 Practical Tips for Caregivers

31:21 Kim's Ministry and Contact Information

33:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Perfect for: Christian women, parents of special needs children, caregivers, and anyone seeking encouragement and practical wisdom rooted in faith.

Schedule your Discovery Call to see if I'm the right fit to support you in your journey towards growth in Grace: calendar.1fit-wellness.com