Advertise on podcast: Lifted to Hope

Wayne Jacobsen returns this week to share more of the journey he and his wife, Sara, walked through as they began to understand the effects of her unresolved trauma on their lives and marriage. As Wayne gained a deeper understanding of Sara's past, he came to recognize that her pain had become their pain. Rather than standing at a distance, he chose to walk alongside her, seeking to understand her experiences and do what he could to help her feel safe and loved. Through this difficult season, they experienced God's presence in the midst of their pain and discovered that healing begins when we are met with compassion, patience, and grace. Wayne also shares the heart behind his new book, Just Love, offering a fresh perspective on righteousness and the way God draws us to Himself. God is not asking us to perform or prove our worth to earn His love. Instead, He invites us into a relationship where we can experience His mercy, comfort, and grace. Just as Wayne chose to enter into his wife's pain rather than leave her to face it alone, God does not stand at a distance when trauma touches our lives. He comes close, meets us in our brokenness, and lovingly invites us into healing. This conversation offers a beautiful reminder that we are not alone in our suffering, and that God's love is not something we have to earn.   Connect with Wayne:  Wayne's podcast: The God Journey https://www.thegodjourney.com/ Wayne's Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/wayneljacobsen/ Book Mentioned: The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk, MD Links Mentioned: Wayne's newest book (withTobie van der Westhuizen): Just Love: How One Mistranslated Word Distorted the Gospel Other books by Wayne Jacobsen: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wayne+jacobsen+books&crid=1N32BHLV4H91V&sprefix=wayne+jacobsen+books+%2Caps%2C210&ref=nb_sb_noss_2   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

When a crisis hits, what we believe about love, commitment, and ourselves often comes to the surface. Wayne Jacobsen experienced this firsthand when his wife, Sara, left him after 46 years of marriage. Neither of them fully understood how unresolved trauma from Sara's past was shaping the way she interpreted their relationship. What Sara had believed was kindness toward others, she began to recognize as people pleasing, a pattern that had been robbing her of life. Rather than focusing on his accomplishments or responsibilities, Wayne chose to set everything else aside and seek God's wisdom about what was happening. He wanted to understand his wife's pain, examine his own heart, and discover how he could love her well. In this episode, Wayne shares the journey of learning to understand Sara's trauma, rebuild trust, and help create space for healing. Known for his work as a bestselling Christian author, founder of Lifestream Ministries, and co-host of The God Journey podcast, Wayne could have focused on the many things he had accomplished. Instead, he chose to prioritize his wife and pursue her heart with patience, humility, and love. His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is lay aside our own agendas to understand someone we love. I was deeply touched by Wayne's choices and the way he walked through this difficult season with Sara. I hope his story encourages you to consider what love looks like when the person closest to you is hurting.   Connect with Wayne:  Wayne's podcast: The God Journey https://www.thegodjourney.com/ Wayne's Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/wayneljacobsen/ Links Mentioned: Wayne's newest book (withTobie van der Westhuizen): Just Love: How One Mistranslated Word Distorted the Gospel Other books by Wayne Jacobsen: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wayne+jacobsen+books&crid=1N32BHLV4H91V&sprefix=wayne+jacobsen+books+%2Caps%2C210&ref=nb_sb_noss_2   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

Anne Wooten, author and life coach, returns this week to share more of her powerful story of what happened when her inner critic became her own persecutor and accuser. Years of bitterness and self-hatred had created a prison she struggled to escape, but in 2019, the Holy Spirit invited Anne to turn away from that destructive way of living and toward God Himself. As she responded to His invitation, Anne began to experience something she had long struggled to receive: God's love and forgiveness. She also discovered that she could extend that forgiveness to herself. Anne's journey did not stop with forgiveness. As she learned to live from her identity in Christ, she began to understand her value through the way God valued her. The accusations and lies that had shaped her view of herself no longer had to define who she was. Today, Anne shares this beautiful gift with others who long to experience the same freedom. Her story offers hope that we don't have to remain imprisoned by self-hatred, bitterness, or the voice of our inner critic. Through God's love, forgiveness, and the truth of who we are in Christ, freedom is possible.   Connect with Anne:  Website: www.annewooten.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/awooten77/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hgbc991 Scripture mentioned: 2 Corinthians 10:5   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

Anne Wooten, Life Coach and author, grew up knowing that her parents loved her, but they rarely expressed that love with words. As she watched other parents openly tell their children they were loved, Anne began to wonder why she never heard those words from her own parents. Over time, that absence of verbal affirmation became a source of shame. She began to believe there was something wrong with her, and an inner critic took root, constantly telling her that she was unlovable and without value. In an effort to earn the love she longed for, Anne spent years striving to achieve and prove her worth. That inner critic eventually affected Anne physically, emotionally, and spiritually, leading her into patterns of self-hatred and harm. Her story is a powerful reminder of how deeply the messages we believe about ourselves can shape the way we live. In this episode, Anne honestly shares her journey and the impact of growing up without the affirmation she needed. If you have ever struggled with a harsh inner voice, felt unworthy of love, or believed you needed to achieve in order to be valued, Anne's story will give you an opportunity to recognize those patterns and consider the truth about your worth.   Connect with Anne:  Website: www.annewooten.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/awooten77/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hgbc991   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

Melissa Gendreau, LMHC, returns this week to share what happens after we begin healing from shame and the wounds of our past. Healing does not mean we have reached a finish line. There is still room to grow, mature, and discover the person God created us to be. For years, Melissa walked alongside people as they worked through painful experiences and found freedom from the issues that had kept them stuck. But God began placing a new desire on her heart: to help people not only heal from their past, but also move forward into their future. We don't have to remain in a place of believing we will never move beyond shame or brokenness. As we grow in our understanding of who God says we are, we can begin to step into the good works He has prepared for us and live with greater joy and purpose. Melissa shares the hope of moving from simply surviving and healing into becoming all that God designed us to be. This journey can bring freedom, purpose, and joy while giving God great glory. Connect with Melissa:  Website: https://melissagendreaupllc.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/melissagendreaupllc/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gendreau-39908b327/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardpathwithmelissa/ Podcast:  Forward Path with Melissa    To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

As a quiet and shy bookworm growing up, Melissa Gendreau, LMHC, learned to believe that she needed to perform and be perfect in order to be accepted. That mindset followed her into adulthood, shaping the way she viewed herself and contributing to a deep sense of shame, including shame from a teenage relationship that went wrong. Yet even before Melissa fully knew Jesus, God had already placed a desire in her heart to give her life for His kingdom and help people who were hurting. In this episode, Melissa openly shares how those early experiences shaped her understanding of herself and how God began to change that perspective. As Melissa came to know Jesus, she discovered that the way she had been assessing herself was not the truth. Through time, practice, and learning to trust what God says about her, she began to believe that she was who He said she was. Today, as a therapist, Melissa helps others who feel stuck in places of shame, drawing from both her professional experience and her own journey of healing. I loved her honest and vulnerable sharing, and I hope her story encourages you to look beyond the labels and expectations you have placed on yourself and discover who God says you are.   Connect with Melissa:  Website: https://melissagendreaupllc.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/melissagendreaupllc/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gendreau-39908b327/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardpathwithmelissa/ Podcast:  Forward Path with Melissa    To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

Margaret Maxey Ellis returns this week to continue sharing the story of how her marriage slowly healed after her infidelity. After confessing her affair to her husband, Margaret faced the long and difficult journey of rebuilding trust. With God's wisdom and grace, she learned how to walk alongside her husband as he processed the deep pain of betrayal. Margaret also discovered that she needed practical tools and support, but when she could not find the resources she needed, God began to reveal a new purpose for her story. Together, Margaret and her husband recognized an opportunity to help other women who have experienced infidelity in their marriages. That calling led Margaret to write her upcoming book, Chased by Grace. Her story is a beautiful testimony that God's grace is greater than our sin and that He can redeem even our deepest failures for His glory. Through her vulnerability, Margaret offers hope to women who are longing to find healing, restoration, and a new purpose beyond their past.   Connect with Margaret: Facebook Scripture Mentioned: Luke 15:1-7 I Corinthians 10:12 Song Mentioned: "Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury     Links mentioned: Lifted from Shame Workbook Small Groups   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

Margaret Maxey Ellis spent the first few decades of her life trying to be the "good girl," believing that obedience, doing the right things, and checking all the right boxes would keep her safe and make her acceptable to God and others. But when challenges in her marriage created deep vulnerability, Margaret made a choice that brought her face to face with her own sin. She had an affair with a client at work, while continuing to maintain the appearance of having everything together. Beneath the surface, however, she was overwhelmed by shame and guilt. What makes Margaret's story so powerful is that God met her in the middle of her sin. Rather than discovering a God who turned away from her, she encountered His mercy, grace, and presence. Her story reminds us that our own goodness can never save us, but neither is our worst failure beyond the reach of God's grace. Margaret's vulnerable testimony offers hope for anyone who has carried deep shame and needs to discover the freedom that comes from being honest before God and receiving His mercy.   Connect with Margaret:  Facebook   Links Mentioned: Lifted from Shame Workbook Small Groups   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

Author and ministry leader Michelle Thooft returns this week to share more of her journey toward freedom from shame and self-hatred. After years of allowing painful thoughts and regrets to shape how she saw herself, Michelle realized that healing would require a change in mindset. She could no longer remain focused on the past, leaning into regret and grief. Instead, she began learning to practice the discipline described in 2 Corinthians 10:5, taking her thoughts captive and bringing them into alignment with the truth of Christ. In this episode, Michelle shares how choosing truth over the lies of shame transformed her life, health, and relationships. She learned that without intentionally focusing on what is true, her thoughts could easily spiral back into old patterns of self-condemnation. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing often involves a daily choice to believe what God says rather than what shame tells us. As Michelle embraced truth, healthy living began to take root where shame had once dwelled, offering hope to anyone longing for freedom from destructive thoughts.   Connect with Michelle:  https://www.michellethooft.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleThooftAuthor/ https://www.instagram.com/michellethooft/   Links Mentioned: Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD Registration for Lifted from Shame Workbook small groups: https://www.louisesedgwick.com/zoomsmallgroups  Questions about small groups: [email protected]   Scripture mentioned:  2 Corinthians 10:5   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

My guest, Michelle Thooft, shares a powerful story of discovering the hidden shame she had carried over past mistakes. From the outside, Michelle appeared capable, accomplished, and spiritually influential, but beneath the surface she was carrying messages of self-hatred that she had never fully recognized. Eventually, the emotional turmoil began to take a toll on her body, and significant illness forced her to slow down and face the painful beliefs she had been carrying about herself. Michelle's journey toward healing began through prayer and the willingness to bring those hidden messages into the light. In this episode, she shares how God began to meet her in those wounded places and reveal a different way of seeing herself. Her story is an encouraging reminder that shame can remain hidden beneath even a strong exterior, but God sees what is beneath the surface and lovingly invites us into truth, grace, and healing.   Connect with Michelle:  https://www.michellethooft.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleThooftAuthor/ https://www.instagram.com/michellethooft/   Links Mentioned: https://www.louisesedgwick.com/zoomsmallgroups (for small group registration) Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

When we come to know Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit begins a transforming work in us. The change is complete, but learning to believe and live in the truth of who we are in Christ can take time. My guest, Jason Castleberry, experienced this transformation firsthand. After military service left him carrying deep shame, PTSD, depression, and regret, Jason could have remained trapped in isolation and despair. Instead, God pursued him, rescued him, and began bringing him back to life. In this second episode, Jason shares the dramatic difference Jesus has made in his life. The heaviness and despair that once defined his days gave way to hope, joy, purpose, and freedom. His own healing awakened a desire to tell others what Jesus can do when life feels impossibly dark, eventually leading him into pastoral ministry. Jason's story is a powerful picture of Colossians 1:13 and a reminder that God can rescue us from darkness and bring us into the freedom and hope found in Christ. Connect with Jason:  https://www.facebook.com/jason.castleberry.2025/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castleberry-96b80394/ https://x.com/Pbcpastor24 To connect with Jason through his church: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505 https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is Jason Castleberry, whose life was forever changed by the realities of war. Before becoming a pastor, Jason served in the military as a UAV (drone) operator, witnessing the devastation of conflict from a perspective that left deep emotional scars. After returning home from deployment, he struggled to function in everyday life and was diagnosed with PTSD and depression. When his hopes of continuing his military career came to an unexpected end, he was overwhelmed by shame, regret, and the painful question of how to move forward. In this episode, Jason courageously shares the impact of trauma on his mind, heart, and identity. The horrors of war left him feeling broken and uncertain about his future, but God had not abandoned him. As Jason came to know Jesus more deeply, he began a journey of healing, restoration, and renewed purpose. His story offers hope to anyone carrying the invisible wounds of trauma, reminding us that no pain is beyond the reach of God's grace and redeeming love.   Connect with Jason:  https://www.facebook.com/jason.castleberry.2025/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castleberry-96b80394/ https://x.com/Pbcpastor24 To connect with Jason through his church: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505 https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

Krystal O'Neal returns this week to continue sharing her journey of finding freedom in Christ after years of wrestling with unmet expectations. As a single woman, she learned that true peace was not found in changing her circumstances but in surrendering them to God. Through His personal care, unfailing love, and perfect sovereignty, Krystal gradually came to believe that her relationship status did not define her identity or determine her worth. God gently replaced comparison and self-condemnation with confidence in His goodness and His plans for her life. In this episode, Krystal shares how surrender transformed her perspective and gave her the freedom to embrace the life God had given her. Her story is filled with wisdom and encouragement for anyone who has struggled with waiting, disappointment, or wondering whether God's plans are truly good. Whether you are single, married, or in another season of life, Krystal's testimony is a beautiful reminder that lasting hope is found in trusting Christ and resting in His faithful love. Connect with Krystal:  https://linktr.ee/FearfullyMadeFaithfullySingle  https://www.facebook.com/krystalwoneal/ https://www.instagram.com/krystaloneal/   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author and podcaster Krystal O'Neal. Raised in a loving, healthy Christian home by parents who faithfully pointed her to Jesus, Krystal expected her life would naturally follow a familiar path. She assumed she would one day marry and become a mother, just as many around her had. But when those hopes remained unfulfilled, unexpected questions surfaced. Was something wrong with her? Had she somehow failed? In this episode, Krystal shares with honesty and vulnerability about the shame, loneliness, and confusion she experienced as a single woman in the Christian community. As Krystal wrestled with unmet expectations, God gently invited her to anchor her identity in His love rather than in her relationship status. Learning to trust His timing and purposes became a journey of surrender, freedom, and deeper intimacy with Christ. Her story offers hope to anyone whose life has not unfolded as they imagined, reminding us that our worth is not defined by the roles we hold but by the God who calls us His own.   Connect with Krystal:  https://linktr.ee/FearfullyMadeFaithfullySingle  https://www.facebook.com/krystalwoneal/ https://www.instagram.com/krystaloneal/   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

This week, I begin a new podcast series called Symptoms of Shame with a solo teaching episode. Often, we don't recognize that our unhealthy behaviors, destructive thought patterns, or emotional struggles are rooted in wounds we have never fully addressed. We may dismiss them as personality traits or simply "the way we've always been." But many of these patterns are actually symptoms of shame. In this episode, I explore how identifying those symptoms and inviting God to heal the deeper hurts beneath them opens the door to lasting transformation. As I launch this new series, I also take a moment to reflect on a special milestone. This summer marks four years since the beginning of this podcast journey. I am deeply grateful for God's faithful presence every step of the way and for each of you who has listened, encouraged others, and prayed for this ministry. In the coming weeks, you'll hear powerful stories from guests whose lives have been transformed as God healed the shame beneath their struggles. My prayer is that these conversations will strengthen your faith and remind you that God is able to restore your soul.   Links Mentioned: Lifted from Shame  Lifted from Shame workbook Registration for Workbook Small Groups   Scripture mentioned: Psalm 25:20 Psalm 3:3 Isaiah 54:4   Book: "Getting Them Sober"     To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].