What to do when Family is the Source of Family Trauma

🌿 Episode Summary In this powerful and compassionate episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana explores one of the most painful and often unspoken realities in faith communities: religious trauma that comes from within the family. Family is meant to be a place of love, safety, and spiritual nurturing but for many, it becomes the very place where faith is misused, weaponized, or distorted. This episode brings clarity, validation, and hope to anyone who has been shamed, silenced, or spiritually harmed by those closest to them. Keana blends psychology, scripture, and lived experience to help listeners understand why this happens, how it affects their relationship with God, and what healing can look like. Most importantly, she reminds listeners that God does not condone abuse, manipulation, or spiritual control and His heart is always for healing, justice, and restoration. 🌱 In This Episode, We Explore: 💔 Why Family Can Be the Source of Religious Trauma How rigid, legalistic, or fear‑based beliefs get passed down Ways families misuse faith to control, shame, or silence The psychological impact of spiritual manipulation How distorted family teachings can warp your view of God 📖 Biblical Examples of Family‑Based Religious Trauma Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers Hannah’s spiritual anguish under Peninnah’s cruelty Jesus’ own family calling Him “out of His mind” What these stories reveal about God’s heart toward the wounded ✝️ How God Feels About Religious Trauma Jesus confronting religious hypocrisy God’s compassion for the brokenhearted Why spiritual abuse is never God’s will The difference between God’s character and human misuse of His name 🚨 Abuse, Cover‑Ups & Weaponized Forgiveness How families hide behind religion to silence victims Why forced forgiveness is not biblical The emotional and physical impact of unprocessed trauma God’s call to justice, truth, and protection of the vulnerable 🌸 Five Healing Practices for Survivors Sacred Journaling Music & Prayer Reset Boundary Mapping Scripture Reframing Safe Community Connection These practices help restore emotional clarity, rebuild trust in God, and create space for true healing. 🛡️ Removing Yourself from Harm Why stepping away from toxic family dynamics is biblical Jesus’ own boundaries and withdrawals How God provides spiritual family when biological family is unsafe 💜 God’s Love for Survivors God sees, validates, and draws near to the brokenhearted Your story is not too heavy for Him Healing is possible, and God walks with you through it 🎵 Song of the Week “A Word” by Uniquely Chosen A reminder that God’s Word brings healing, hope, and restoration. 💬 Key Scriptures Mentioned Psalm 34:18 Matthew 11:28 Genesis 37 1 Samuel 1 Mark 3:21 Matthew 23 Isaiah 61:1 Galatians 5:1 John 8:36 📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose https://keanawmitchell.com 📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 💛 Free Skool Community: Restoring Faith After Abuse https://www.skool.com/restoring-faith-after-abuse-4824/about?ref=afeaf0bc4df2485d81b2e43d18415929 📧 Email [e-mail] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen New Music Coming Soon!!! ✨ Final Thoughts Ending the year strong doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine it means choosing healing, truth, and freedom. God does not ask you to endure harm in His name. He calls you to restoration, peace, and a deeper understanding of His love. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations