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Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome Steve Tracy back to the show to discuss his powerful new book, To Heal or Harm: Scripture's Use as Poison or Medicine for Abuse Survivors. Steve is an author, theologian, and former pastor, as well as president and international director of Mending the Soul Ministries. He and his wife, Celestia, co-founded and co-lead this global nonprofit, which equips churches and communities to respond compassionately to abuse through Christ-centered, psychologically informed care. Steve is also a retired professor of theology and ethics at Phoenix Seminary. Together, their work—shaped by over 40 years of pastoral, academic, and clinical experience—has led to sustainable trauma care models now being used around the world. In this episode, Steve continues to walk through multiple examples in Scripture that reveal God's heart for the oppressed and His deep concern for those who have been harmed. Together, we explore how Scripture can be used either as poison or as medicine—depending on how it's applied. Steve shares insight into how verses are often taken out of context, along with practical examples and guidance on how to approach Scripture in a way that brings true healing and protection for survivors. This is an important, eye-opening conversation you don't want to miss. To purchase Steve's book, click the link below. https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Harm-Scriptures-Medicine-Survivors-ebook/dp/B0FHCWVSVR https://www.mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome Steve Tracy back to the show to discuss his powerful new book, To Heal or Harm: Scripture's Use as Poison or Medicine for Abuse Survivors. Steve is an author, theologian, and former pastor, as well as president and international director of Mending the Soul Ministries. He and his wife, Celestia, co-founded and co-lead this global nonprofit, which equips churches and communities to respond compassionately to abuse through Christ-centered, psychologically informed care. Steve is also a retired professor of theology and ethics at Phoenix Seminary. Together, their work—shaped by over 40 years of pastoral, academic, and clinical experience—has led to sustainable trauma care models now being used around the world. In this episode, Steve begins by sharing a foundational truth: God hates abuse. He walks through multiple examples in Scripture that reveal God's heart for the oppressed and His deep concern for those who have been harmed. Together, we explore how Scripture can be used either as poison or as medicine—depending on how it's applied. Steve shares insight into how verses are often taken out of context, along with practical examples and guidance on how to approach Scripture in a way that brings true healing and protection for survivors. This is an important, eye-opening conversation you don't want to miss. To purchase Steve's book, click the link below. https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Harm-Scriptures-Medicine-Survivors-ebook/dp/B0FHCWVSVR https://www.mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome special guest Sarah Trop—award-winning designer, author, founder of Funcycled, and winner of Flea Market Flip—for a powerful and inspiring conversation. Sarah shares her journey into design, including how she won Flea Market Flip. She specializes in trauma-informed design and has partnered with nonprofits serving survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and homelessness—transforming their spaces into safe, welcoming environments. Together, they explore how elements like color, patterns, lighting, and layout can either trigger the nervous system or create a sense of calm and safety. Sarah explains why intentional design matters so much for those healing from trauma, and how even small changes can make a meaningful impact. This conversation highlights an often-overlooked but critical need: creating spaces that truly support healing. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, caregiver, or someone on your own healing journey, this episode offers practical insight, encouragement, and hope. Sarah reminds us that while Jesus is the ultimate source of healing, the environments we create can help people feel safe, seen, and supported along the way. Her book, "Created To Create, Designing Spaces That Renew Your Soul" can be purchased with link below: https://www.amazon.ca/Created-Create-Designing-Spaces-Renew-ebook/dp/B0G2K4MWBV https://funcycled.com https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J is joined by special guest co-host Mandy—one of our board members and a familiar voice from past episodes—for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the largest child bed charity in the United States. In part one,  Luke shares his powerful story of discovering purpose and what led him to begin building beds for children who were sleeping on the floor. What started as a simple act of service has grown into a nationwide movement with a mission that no child sleeps on the floor in their town. Luke brings awareness to the often-overlooked issue of child bedlessness, and Mandy shares key insights on how real and widespread this need truly is. Together, they discuss how communities can come together to solve this problem—and how serving others is a key part of ending it. In this episode, they continue their conversation which is both inspiring and practical, reminding us that through service, which we each have the ability to make a life-changing difference. https://shpbeds.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J is joined by special guest co-host Mandy—one of our board members and a familiar voice from past episodes—for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the largest child bed charity in the United States. In this episode, Luke shares his powerful story of discovering purpose and what led him to begin building beds for children who were sleeping on the floor. What started as a simple act of service has grown into a nationwide movement with a mission that no child sleeps on the floor in their town. Luke brings awareness to the often-overlooked issue of child bedlessness, and Mandy shares key insights on how real and widespread this need truly is. Together, they discuss how communities can come together to solve this problem—and how serving others is a key part of ending it. This conversation is both inspiring and practical, reminding us that through service, we each have the ability to make a life-changing difference. https://shpbeds.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen W. welcome Dr. Terence Lester to the show. Dr. Lester is an author, storyteller, public speaker, and community activist, as well as the founder and executive director of Love Beyond Walls. In this episode, we discuss his powerful book From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice. This conversation becomes raw, honest, and deeply personal as Dr. Lester shares his journey and challenges us to think differently about educational injustice. In a surprising twist, he also turns the conversation around and asks Brenda and Karen a few thoughtful questions of his own. A powerful episode about resilience, truth, and breaking cycles. https://www.lovebeyondwalls.org

Brenda J. and Karen W. welcome Dr. Terence Lester to the show. Dr. Lester is an author, storyteller, public speaker, and community activist, as well as the founder and executive director of Love Beyond Walls. In this episode, we discuss his powerful book From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice. This conversation becomes raw, honest, and deeply personal as Dr. Lester shares his journey and challenges us to think differently about educational injustice. In a surprising twist, he also turns the conversation around and asks Brenda and Karen a few thoughtful questions of his own. A powerful episode about resilience, truth, and breaking cycles. https://www.lovebeyondwalls.org

As one of our featured podcasts for Night of Hope 8, one of the largest anti–human trafficking awareness events in Arizona, Brenda J and Karen B are honored to interview Sherrie Cavalari, founder of Red Rover SOS. One of the most powerful moments in this episode is a simple phrase that could save a life: "Red Rover SOS." If someone is being trafficked or feels unsafe, saying those words can discreetly alert someone nearby to call for help. It's strategic. It's simple. And it could make all the difference. Sherrie brings over 40 years of experience in broadcast media and marketing. Through Red Rover SOS, she and her team use their combined experience to amplify and promote anti-trafficking nonprofits so frontline organizations can focus on rescue and restoration. We also talk about what trafficking and grooming really look like, why awareness matters, and how education and partnerships — including work with children's homes and community organizations — are critical in prevention. This is a powerful, must-listen conversation that could equip you to recognize the signs — and possibly save a life. 📞 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (Text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733) 📞 National Grooming Prevention Hotline: 623-688-3204 Please listen, share, and help us spread awareness. Awareness saves lives. https://redroversos.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Sheri Lopez, Founder of Pearl At The Mailbox, which works to end child grooming and exploitation in America through prevention, education, and awareness. Sheri is also an Author, Speaker, Prevention Educator, Law Changer, and Family Advocate for the trafficked. Sheri tells her story of how she was groomed and trafficked at age 15 while she was living at home with her parents. She announces her Grooming Prevention Hotline (number below) to call if you think your child is being groomed to help prevent trafficking. Sheri talks about the dark web and some horrific details of these predators and it was used against her. Please use discretion and skip forward or turn off the episode if necessary! Arizona Grooming Prevention Hotline: 623-688-3214 https://pearlatthemailbox.com https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Sheri Lopez, Founder of Pearl At The Mailbox, which works to end child grooming and exploitation in America through prevention, education, and awareness. Sheri is also an Author, Speaker, Prevention Educator, Law Changer, and Family Advocate for the trafficked. Sheri tells her story of how she was groomed and trafficked at age 15 while she was living at home with her parents. She announces her Grooming Prevention Hotline (number below) to call if you think your child is being groomed to help prevent trafficking. Sheri explains how churches need to be more involved and also how she is making a difference by making more strict laws against traffickers and protecting the rights of the trafficked. A must listen! Arizona Grooming Prevention Hotline: 623-688-3214 https://pearlatthemailbox.com https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Jessica and Ruth, both who work with human trafficking victims through their non profits. Jessica tells her story of how she escaped human trafficking and her mother was actually trafficked. Both women talk about how they help human trafficking victims and discuss the signs to look for to help put an end to this horrific form of abuse and trauma.   National Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888  https://thefirerevolution.com https://www.brilliantlightinternational.com https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Jessica and Ruth, both who work with human trafficking victims through their non profits. Jessica tells her story of how she escaped human trafficking and her mother was actually trafficked. Both women talk about how they help human trafficking victims and discuss the signs to look for to help put an end to this horrific form of abuse and trauma.  National Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888  https://thefirerevolution.com https://www.brilliantlightinternational.com https://hangingontohope.org

Sneak peek into episodes 97 and 98 Human Trafficking Education and Prevention With Jessica and Ruth,

Brenda J and Karen W interview Lea Benson, President and Co-Founder of CeCe's Hope Center. CeCe's is a nonprofit and shelter for women ages 18-30+ recovering from human trafficking and exploitation. On the podcast, Lea talks about the services CeCe's provides. Lea also talks about healing from exploitation and some startling statistics about human trafficking everyone needs to know. Website link below to for donations or volunteers: https://cecescenter.org https://hangingontohope.org  

Brenda J interviews Co-Host Karen Wonder. She tells her story and provides helpful tips and advice from her own experience towards healing.  thehotline.org 1-800-799-SAFE Domestic Violence Hotline rainn.org 1-800-656-HOPE Sexual Assault Hotline hangingontohope.org