Advertise on podcast: Redeemed Identity After Divorce | Christian, Divorce, Encouragement

keywords   faith, divorce, healing, joy, spiritual growth, God's love, women, grief, Christian life, personal transformation  summary     In this episode, special guest, Yvette Walker shares her journey of faith, healing, and finding joy after divorce. She discusses how abiding in God's love brings peace and joy, and offers practical insights for women navigating seasons of loss and change.    key  topics   Faith and healing after divorce The importance of abiding in God's love Finding joy in God's presence during difficult times Personal stories of overcoming grief and loss Practical steps for spiritual growth and renewal      takeaways   Joy is found in abiding in God's love, not in external circumstances Surrendering control and trusting God brings peace God's love is a constant source of comfort and strength Women can find healing and joy after loss by focusing on their relationship with God Spiritual growth involves seeking more knowledge and understanding of God's word.   action  items   Reflect on your relationship with God and seek His love daily Practice surrendering control and trusting God's plan Read and meditate on John 15:9-11 for spiritual encouragement Create a devotional routine to nurture healing and joy       Chapters   00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 02:03 Yvette shares her journey of faith and divorce 03:52 The moment of divine love and life change 07:00 The significance of abiding in God's love 12:00 Marriage, faith, and God's plan for healing 19:51 Women navigating grief and finding joy 30:01 The importance of spiritual growth and seeking God 40:01 Surrendering control and trusting God's timing 42:01 Closing prayer and encouragement for listeners    guest links   Yvette Walker KC Star Opinion Page Editor Host of The Positively Joy Podcast on divorce and loss Christian YouTuber. Speaker   Faithful & Divorced substack Yvette Walker's Gritty Faith substack Latest book: "Beautifully Loved: A Devotional for Women Single Again" Other Books on Amazon Twitter: @ywalker Instagram: @yvettebwalker LinkedIn: yvettebwalker

Have you ever prayed, believed, and trusted God—only to watch the life you wanted fall apart anyway? Divorce can leave us grieving more than the loss of a marriage. We may lose our dreams, friendships, community, ministry, and the future we thought we were building. And somewhere in the middle of that pain, difficult questions begin to surface. God, where were You? Why didn't You intervene? And why do I feel so disappointed with You? In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, Dana gets personal about her own 18-year journey through a spiritual desert and the painful realization that she had become offended with God. Through honest reflection and the truth of Scripture, we'll explore what happens when disappointment takes root in our hearts—and how we can begin finding our way back to trust. You don't have to pretend you're okay with God when you're not. But you also don't have to let your disappointment become the final word about His character. IN THIS EPISODE, WE'LL EXPLORE: Why divorce can leave us questioning God's goodness and faithfulness. The difference between honestly grieving before God and believing He has abandoned us. How disappointment can quietly grow into resentment and spiritual distance. Why we must separate the pain others have caused us from our identity in Christ. How to surrender our unmet expectations without pretending the hurt never happened. What it looks like to begin trusting God again when we don't have all the answers. YOUR TRUTH BOMBS FROM GOD'S WORD 📖 Psalm 13:1 — God can handle your honest questions. 📖 Job 30:20 — Even Job cried out when God seemed silent. 📖 Hebrews 13:5 — Your painful circumstances are not proof that God has abandoned you. 📖 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Your identity in Christ is not erased by divorce. 📖 Isaiah 43:19 — The end of the life you planned doesn't mean God cannot work in the life ahead. YOUR IDENTITY CHECKS Take a few moments to reflect: What am I believing about God because of what happened to me? Have I confused the loss of the life I planned with the loss of who I am in Christ? Am I willing to take one honest step toward God, even if I don't have all the answers? You can acknowledge your disappointment without condemning yourself. You can release resentment without excusing abuse or wrongdoing. And you can begin rebuilding your relationship with God without having every question answered. A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT If you're angry with God after divorce, you are not beyond His reach. Bring Him your real questions, your grief, and your disappointment. You don't have to manufacture faith or hide behind religious answers. CONNECT WITH REDEEMED IDENTITY AFTER DIVORCE If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this reminder. We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations     LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/     SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!     Amazon:   Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp     WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce     Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/ Divorce may feel like a sandstorm, but your new beginning is still under construction. You are loved. You are seen. And you are still redeemed.

What if the valley of divorce was never meant to be your destination? After 13 episodes of walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Divorce (VOSOD), we’ve reached the end of this series—but not the end of the journey. In this final episode, we step back and look at the bigger picture of Psalm 23 and what it means to walk through the valley rather than build a life inside it. David didn’t say, “I live in the valley.” He said, “I walk through the valley.” That little word—through—changes everything. Divorce can feel like the entire story. The grief, unanswered questions, betrayal, loneliness, anger, shame, and uncertainty can make it difficult to imagine anything beyond the season you're living in. But your divorce is a chapter—not your identity. Your pain is part of your story—but it doesn't get to write the ending. And the Shepherd who walks with you in the valley is the same Shepherd who leads you toward restoration, purpose, divine appointments, hope, and new life. In this episode, we revisit: Why the valley was never meant to become your home How Psalm 23 is ultimately about the Shepherd, not the valley Why healing after divorce isn't always a straight line The danger of building your identity around what happened to you Why small steps are still steps forward What it means to stop decorating the cave—and start following the Shepherd The significance of the table waiting beyond the valley How to recognize when you're still living in an old chapter Why your divorce does not get to determine your identity or your future And we'll bring back some of the Truth Bombs and Identity Checks we've encountered throughout this series as we put a bow on our journey through the VOSOD. Here's the Truth Bomb: The Shepherd never leads His sheep into a valley just to abandon them there. You may not know the entire route. You may not see what's around the next bend. You may even feel like you're walking in circles sometimes. But you don't have to know the whole path. You just need to know who's leading you. The valley isn't the story. The journey is. And the Shepherd is with you all the way through.   Scripture Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”   Identity Check Where are you looking? Backward at what happened? Sideways at what everyone else is doing? Inward at everything you think is wrong with you? Or forward at the Shepherd? Take the next step. Keep walking. Your story isn't over. BLESSINGS,   Dana If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope after divorce and subscribe to Redeemed Identity After Divorce so you don't miss what's coming next. Because the VOSOD series may be ending... but the journey isn't. Remember who you are. #ChristianDivorce #HealingAfterDivorce #DivorceRecovery #IdentityAfterDivorce #Psalm23 #HopeAfterDivorce #ChristianWomen #DivorceHealing #RedeemedIdentity     Original notes: The Valley Isn't the Story… The Journey Is When you're walking through divorce, it's easy to believe the valley is your whole story. The grief feels endless. The questions keep coming. The future looks unfamiliar. Day after day, it can feel as though you've arrived at a place you'll never leave. But what if the valley was never meant to be your destination? What if it's simply part of the journey? As I've been teaching through our Valley of the Shadow of Death (VOSOD) series, one truth has become clearer with every episode: Psalm 23 isn't really about a valley. It's about a Shepherd leading His sheep through one. That little word—through—changes everything. David didn't write, "I live in the valley." He didn't say, "I built a house in the valley." He said, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." The valley was never meant to become home. The Valley Isn't the Whole Psalm One of the enemy's favorite lies is convincing us that our hardest season is our entire story. But read Psalm 23 again. It begins with a Shepherd who provides. It speaks of a Shepherd who restores. It reminds us of a Shepherd who guides. The valley is only one part of the journey. The Shepherd is present in every part. That's true after divorce, too. Divorce may be one chapter of your life, but it isn't the title of your story. Keep Following the Shepherd Think about a hiking trail. You don't see the entire path from the trailhead. Sometimes all you can see is the next bend. You keep walking because you trust the trail. You trust the destination. Our walk with God often feels the same way. He rarely hands us the whole map. Instead, He gives us enough light for the next step. Sometimes progress is dramatic. More often, it's quiet. It's choosing forgiveness one more time. Opening your Bible when you don't feel like it. Believing that healing is possible even when your emotions haven't caught up yet. Those may seem like small steps, but they are still steps. And every step is moving you forward. This Journey Isn't Over One thing I've realized while recording this series is that we're not simply talking about divorce. We're talking about redemption. We're learning that God never intended for us to pitch a tent in the valley. We are never meant to decorate our cave…or name the bats. He invites us to keep walking with Him, trusting that every step has purpose—even when we can't yet see where the trail leads. In the coming weeks, we'll continue exploring what it looks like to surrender what we've been carrying, recognize the Shepherd's voice more clearly, and discover the hope that waits beyond the shadows. Because here's the truth I hope you'll remember: The Shepherd never leads His sheep into a valley just to abandon them there. He always leads them through to the other side where their new life, Divine appointments, and Hope awaits them.

Goodness & Mercy After Divorce What if the things you think are following you through your divorce aren’t the only things pursuing you? Fear. Shame. Rejection. Failure. Your past. Your divorce. The loss. Divorce can leave us carrying things we never intended to carry: a broken heart, unanswered questions, grief, disappointment, and even the fear that this is all our life will ever be. But Psalm 23:6 gives us another perspective: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” What if the thing pursuing you isn't condemnation—but redemption? What if it isn't rejection—but belonging? What if it isn't failure—but purpose? In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we take a closer look at Psalm 23 and the Shepherd who doesn't abandon us in the Valley of Divorce. We explore the beautiful meaning behind God's goodness and steadfast love, and why the Hebrew word translated “follow” paints a much stronger picture than simply walking behind someone. God's goodness isn't dependent on our circumstances being good. His faithful love didn't leave when our marriage did. Our circumstances may change, but God's character does not. And perhaps most importantly, divorce may have changed your circumstances—but it did not change who you are or where you belong. You are not your divorce. You are not your rejection. You are not your failure. You belong to God. So what is following you into your future? Maybe it's time to look again. In this episode: Why God's goodness doesn't mean everything that happens to us is good The deeper meaning behind “mercy” and God's steadfast love Why “follow” in Psalm 23:6 carries the idea of pursuit What it means to have the Shepherd with us in the valley How divorce can affect our identity—and how God restores it Why your circumstances can change without changing your belonging How to begin looking toward a future that isn't defined by the valley Reflection: What has been following you? What does God say is following you? And where might the Shepherd be leading you next? The valley may explain where you've been. It does not get to determine where you're going.   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations     LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/     SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!   Amazon:   Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce   Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/   FOR MUSIC "SMILE": Music I use: Bensound.com Funny Song License code: DM5CQOZKF0EUTN1L   Hashtags: #divorcedlife, #christiandivorce, #divorce, #divorcedchristian

The Switchbacks of the Valley (Why Healing Feels Repetitive) Have you ever thought, "Lord, why are we talking about this again?" You thought you had forgiven. You thought you had healed. You thought you had moved forward. And then, suddenly, an old wound, fear, memory, or trigger appears again. Welcome to the switchbacks of the valley. In this episode, Dana shares a humorous hiking story from the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and reveals how the Lord often uses switchbacks in our healing journey after divorce. Although these seasons may feel repetitive, they are often God's way of strengthening our faith, building endurance, protecting our hearts, and preparing us for the next stage of the journey. The Shepherd knows the trail—even when we don't. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why healing is rarely a straight path Why God sometimes revisits old wounds The purpose of spiritual switchbacks How God builds endurance and stamina Why the long way is sometimes the safest way How to trust the Shepherd when the trail doesn't make sense Scriptures in this episode Psalm 23:3 Psalm 119:35 Psalm 121:1–2 Isaiah 55:12 Habakkuk 3:19 Remember, friend, you are not going backward. You are going higher. We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!   Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce   Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/ Redeemed Identity After Divorce is the podcast that helps you re-remember who you are after your divorce. After all, divorce is a sandstorm, and we all need goggles. #ChristianDivorce #DivorceRecovery #HealingAfterDivorce #ChristianPodcast #FaithAfterDivorce #Psalm23 #SpiritualHealing #IdentityInChrist

Trust is not a feeling. Trust is choosing to follow the next trail marker—even when you can't see the entire path. After the feast in the presence of our enemies, the Shepherd tells us it’s time to get up and keep walking. But that’s often when doubt and fear show up again—especially when betrayal, abandonment, and loss have taught us to be cautious about trusting. So how do we learn to trust God again when we can't see where He's taking us? In this episode, we follow five trail markers for learning to trust the Shepherd: Remember His character. God is good, merciful, and faithful. Follow today's instructions. God's Word is a lamp for our feet—not a stadium floodlight for the entire journey. Stop demanding a map. We may want explanations and blueprints, but God offers us His presence. Remember previous rescues. Your past testimonies of God's faithfulness become trail markers for the next part of the journey. Learn to trust His pace. Healing doesn't have to happen on someone else's timeline. As the Shepherd reminds us, "Limping is still moving." Then comes a mini pep talk for anyone who is afraid to trust again—to hope again, love again, serve again, or dream again. Because the Shepherd doesn't merely know the way. The Shepherd IS the way. You aren't following a map. You're following a Person. And when the trail suddenly turns into a switchback, remember: God never promised us a straight path. He promised to walk it with us. IT IS WRITTEN When doubt shows up, reach into your backpack and remind yourself: I may not know the path, but I know my Shepherd. — John 10:14 He goes before me. — Deuteronomy 31:8 He directs my steps. — Proverbs 3:5–6 He will never leave me. — Hebrews 13:5 He who began a good work in me will complete it. — Philippians 1:6 Goodness and mercy are following me. — Psalm 23:6 Trail Mix for the Journey Three things to keep in your spiritual backpack: Scripture. Gratitude. Remembrance. Because when doubt comes, you can reach into your pack and say: "The Shepherd fed me here once before. He'll feed me again." And somewhere in heaven, the Shepherd smiles and says, "Good thing I packed leftovers." 😊 Scripture Mentioned Psalm 100:5 Psalm 119:105 1 Samuel 17:37 Isaiah 40:31 John 10:14 Deuteronomy 31:8 Proverbs 3:5–6 Hebrews 13:5 Philippians 1:6 Psalm 23:6 If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be struggling to trust God after divorce. Your engagement helps us reach other hurting people who need to know they haven't been forgotten. And remember… D is a S. Microdermabrasion is cheaper. I only know because I keep checking the prices. SIGH. 😂 Join me next time as we explore the switchbacks of the VOSOD—why they're there and how God can use them in our healing journey.   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/ An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!     Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW: PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce   Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/ #RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce #ChristianDivorceRecovery #HealingAfterDivorce #TrustGod #TrustingGod #DivorceRecovery #ChristianHealing #FaithAfterDivorce #SpiritualHealing #GodsFaithfulness

Psalm 23:5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over." Why doesn't God simply remove our enemies? Why doesn't He silence the accusations, erase the pain, and close the mouths of the people who wounded us? Instead, He does something completely unexpected. He sets the table. In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we continue our journey through the Valley of the Shadow of Divorce (VOSOD) and explore one of the most beautiful and surprising images in all of Scripture. Together, we'll uncover the rich Hebrew meanings behind the words shulchan (table), tsarar  (enemies), dishan (anoint), shemen (oil), kos (cup), and revayah (overflowing). We'll discover that God isn't waiting for the valley to end before He cares for us. He is offering peace, honor, protection, healing, and abundance right in the middle of it. After all, the Shepherd has become the Host. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why God prepares a table instead of removing the battle The cultural significance of hospitality in the ancient Near East What the Hebrew word tsarar teaches us about our enemies Why shame, fear, rejection, and regret are often our greatest adversaries The significance of anointing oil in Scripture The meaning behind an overflowing cup The beautiful picture of the shepherd preparing the tablelands before the sheep arrive Why your enemies may watch, but they are not allowed to sit at the table Truth Bombs 💥 Your seat at God's table was purchased by Jesus, not approved by people. 💥 God is not merely tolerating you after your divorce. He is restoring, healing, and honoring you. Identity Checks ❤️ Are you living as someone invited to God's table, or are you standing outside the tent because shame told you that you don't belong there? ❤️ What if the valley isn't evidence that God has abandoned you? What if it's the very place where He intends to reveal your true identity? Homework Assignment #1: Pull Up a Chair Place an empty chair at your kitchen table. Spend ten minutes talking with the Lord as though you were sitting at His table. Write down what you believe He would say to you. Assignment #2: Identify the Tsarar or the Enemies Make a list of everything that has been squeezing, restricting, binding, or distressing you. Then write these words at the bottom of the page: "You may watch, but you may not sit at my table." Assignment #3: Overflow Journal Every evening, write down three ways God provided for you that day. Remember this: God did not abandon you in the valley. He did not forget you in the valley. And He certainly did not leave you hungry there. The King has prepared a table. Your name is on the invitation. All you have to do is pull up a chair.   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!   Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW: PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce   Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

You've survived the bandits, endured the echoes, wrestled with silence, discovered mercy in the cave, and surrendered everything God never intended you to carry. Now it's time to shoulder your backpack and leave the valley. In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we're talking about what happens when healing becomes movement. The valley may have changed you, but it was never meant to define you. Together, we'll explore: Why the cave was meant to be a refuge, not a permanent residence The rocks of control, fear, shame, bitterness, and resentment that must be left behind The gifts God quietly places in our backpacks along the journey Why empty hands are often the beginning of God's greatest work How the Shepherd's rod, God's whispers, discernment, mercy, and His Word prepare us for the road ahead Why God gives us the next step instead of the entire map How Joshua's story reminds us that courage is discovered while walking in obedience If you've been camping in the Valley of the Shadow of Divorce, this episode is your invitation to stand up, shoulder your backpack, and take the next faithful step. Because the valley was never your destination. Identity Check "I am no longer defined by where I hid. I am defined by the One who called me out." Scriptures referenced: Psalm 23 1 Samuel 22 (The Cave of Adullam) Joshua 1 Psalm 119:105 Practical challenge: Don't try to conquer the next five years. Find your next trail marker. Take one faithful step. Remember, friend, divorce is a sandstorm ... and the map is upside down. But the Shepherd still knows the way. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. Blessings,   Dana   BUY ME COFFEE LINK:   If this podcast has encouraged you, you can support my work here ☕💛 It truly helps me keep creating episodes for people healing after divorce. https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   WEBSITE: www.redeemed-identity.com   LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/     SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW: PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

not to take with you? In this episode of the Valley of Divorce series, we're standing at the edge of the Valley and asking one life-changing question: What are you willing to leave behind? Divorce often leaves us carrying far more than grief. We pick up fear, shame, bitterness, false identities, unhealthy patterns, and the exhausting need to control what we were never meant to carry. But before God leads us into the next season, He lovingly invites us to lay those burdens down. Drawing from John 12, Romans 8 and 12, and the lives of Joseph, Jonah, David, and Jesus, we'll discover that the Valley isn't just a place of survival—it's a place of surrender and transformation. In this episode you'll discover: Why a seed must "break open" before it bears fruit. The surprising burden God asked me to surrender after my divorce. Why truth matters—but why you don't have to spend your life serving on the jury of your own case. How the Valley whispers false identities—and why God's Word has the final say. Why God doesn't waste valleys... He uses them to prepare us for what's next. Reflection Homework: Grab a backpack and a few rocks. This simple visual exercise may become one of the most powerful moments in your healing journey as you identify what God is asking you to leave in the Valley. Remember... You are not what happened to you. You are who Christ says you are. "It is written." Next time, we'll stop talking about what to leave behind and discover what God wants you to carry out of the Valley. Scriptures in this episode: John 12:20-26 Romans 8:28-29 Romans 12:2 Hebrews 13:5 Ephesians 1:4 2 Corinthians 5:17 Psalm 23 Romans 11:29 Luke 4:1-14 Blessings, Dana   Amazon:   Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp     WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

After divorce, it's natural to want to hide. Maybe you've pulled away from friends, stopped serving, or found yourself retreating into what feels like an emotional cave. If so, you're not alone—and you may be surprised to discover that God has a purpose for caves. In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we're continuing our Valley of the Shadow of Divorce series by exploring how God often uses hidden places to protect us, restore us, and prepare us for what's next. Throughout Scripture, caves were places of refuge. David found shelter in the Cave of Adullam. Elijah encountered God's gentle voice in a cave. These weren't places of defeat—they were places of transformation. But there's also an important warning. The cave that once protected you can become the place that keeps you stuck. God never intended the cave to become your permanent address. If you've been hiding, healing, or wondering whether it's time to step back into life again, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll discover: Why God sometimes leads us into seasons of hiddenness What David's Cave of Adullam teaches us about healing after divorce The difference between resting and hiding How God's provision can become our prison if we're not careful Practical steps for recognizing when it's time to leave the cave and continue your journey with the Shepherd Key Scripture 1 Samuel 22:1–2 Psalm 57 Romans 8:29 1 Kings 19 Truth Bombs 💣 God hides people He intends to heal—not people He intends to abandon. 💣 Resting in the cave is healthy. Building a house there is not. 💣 The Shepherd never calls you to stay where He only intended you to recover. If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with someone who may be walking through their own valley. Your review helps other hurting Christians discover hope and healing.   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!   Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST: APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce   Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/

Divorce can feel like a walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Not because you have physically died, but because so much of life as you knew it has. Dreams. Plans. Identity. Security. Relationships. The future you thought you would have. In this powerful episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we explore the famous words of Psalm 23 and uncover what the "Valley of the Shadow of Death" meant to those living in biblical times. We'll look at why valleys were places of danger, uncertainty, and vulnerability—and how those same realities often mirror the experience of divorce. If you've ever felt lost, abandoned, overwhelmed, or unsure how you'll make it through another day, this episode is for you. You'll discover: ✔️ What the Valley of the Shadow of Death represented in biblical culture ✔️ Why divorce often feels like a journey through a dark valley ✔️ The difference between living in a valley and getting stuck there ✔️ How God's presence changes everything, even when your circumstances haven't changed ✔️ Practical encouragement for navigating grief, loss, fear, and uncertainty ✔️ Why your valley is not your final destination The valley may be dark, but it is not permanent. The Good Shepherd never abandons His sheep, and He is with you every step of the journey. If you're walking through one of the hardest seasons of your life, this episode will remind you that God is still leading, still protecting, and still writing your story. Key Scripture: Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Resources Mentioned: 📖 Amazon:   Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp Dana Connect with Redeemed Identity After Divorce: 🎙 Podcast: Redeemed Identity After Divorce 📺 YouTube: Redeemed Identity After Divorce 🌐 Website: Redeemed-Identity.com Enjoying the podcast? Please follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps other divorced Christians find hope, healing, and biblical encouragement during one of life's most difficult journeys. #ChristianDivorce #DivorceRecovery #Psalm23 #ValleyOfTheShadowOfDeath #HealingAfterDivorce #FaithAfterDivorce #ChristianPodcast #RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce #BiblicalHealing #DivorceSupport #ChristianEncouragement #HopeAfterDivorce #Psalm23Study #GodsPresence #EmotionalHealing

Have you ever prayed for your marriage, your healing, or your future... only to be met with silence?   If you've wondered whether God has stopped listening—or worse, stopped caring—you're not alone.   In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, Dana continues the Valley of the Shadow of Divorce series by looking at the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. After one of the greatest victories of his life, Elijah found himself exhausted, afraid, isolated, and convinced he was alone. Yet it was in the quiet of the cave that God met him—not with wind, fire, or an earthquake, but with a gentle whisper.   Discover why God's silence is never the same as His absence, how fear distorts what faith once believed, and why your divorce has not canceled your calling. If you're walking through a season where Heaven feels quiet, this episode will remind you that the Good Shepherd never leaves the valley. In This Episode Why fear tries to distort what faith just realized How isolation magnifies emotional pain after divorce The importance of allowing God to restore you before redirecting you Why honest conversations with God deepen intimacy What Elijah's cave teaches us about hearing God's voice How God reframes our story and gives us a new assignment Practical steps for trusting God when He feels silent Key Scriptures 1 Kings 19:1–21 Psalm 46:10 Psalm 56:3–4 Psalm 62:8 Psalm 23:2–3 Matthew 11:28–30 John 10:27 2 Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 4:15–16 Hebrews 10:24–25 1 Peter 5:8–9 Jeremiah 29:11 Philippians 1:6 Truth to Remember "God's silence is not God's absence." "Fear tells you what might happen. Faith remembers what God already did." "God isn't writing your obituary. He's writing your next assignment."   Identity Check The valley may change where you're walking, but it never changes whose you are. Your identity is not defined by divorce—it is rooted in Christ. If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and written review on Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today. Your review helps more hurting hearts discover that healing and purpose are still possible after divorce.   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/ An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/     SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!   Amazon:   Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST: APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

There are bandits hiding in the valley of divorce—and they're after more than your marriage.   Fear whispers that your future is over. Shame tells you you'll never recover. Guilt keeps replaying yesterday, and lies slowly begin to sound like truth.   In this episode of Redeemed Identity After Divorce, we're continuing our Valley of the Shadow of Death series by exposing the spiritual bandits that try to steal your identity while you're walking through one of life's deepest valleys. Psalm 23 reminds us that God never intended for us to build a home in the valley. We are called to walk through it—with the Good Shepherd leading every step.   Together we'll uncover: • Why divorce often feels like walking through the valley of the shadow of death • The four "bandits" that try to rob you of hope after divorce • How fear, shame, guilt, and lies work together to redefine your identity • What Scripture says about who you really are • Practical prayers to help you keep moving forward • How to stop camping in the valley and begin walking toward healing   No matter what you've lost, your identity has never been determined by your divorce. It has always been determined by Christ.   If you've been feeling trapped in the cave, discouraged by the journey, or wondering if you'll ever feel like yourself again, this episode is for you.   Scriptures Mentioned: • Psalm 23 • Psalm 27:1 • Isaiah 43:2 • Romans 8:1 • Ephesians 1   Resources Healing After Divorce: 35 Prayers Rooted in God's Word for Divorced Christians   If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today? Every share helps another hurting heart discover that healing—and identity—can be found in Christ.   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi:   BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/ An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/   Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are!   Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST: APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce   Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/   FOR MUSIC "SMILE": Music I use: Bensound.com Funny Song License code: DM5CQOZKF0EUTN1L   Hashtags: #divorcedlife, #christiandivorce, #divorce, #divorcedchristian

The divorce may be over, but the voices often remain. In this episode, Dana explores one of the most overlooked realities of life after divorce: the echoes that linger long after the event itself has ended. Old accusations, painful memories, labels, rejection, shame, and fear can continue to reverberate through our minds, influencing how we see ourselves and our future. Drawing from Psalm 23 and the ongoing Valley of the Shadow of Death of Divorce (VOSOD) series, you'll discover why echoes are so powerful, how they shape identity, and how to recognize the difference between the voices of the past and the voice of the Shepherd. If you've ever found yourself replaying old conversations, reliving painful moments, or struggling to silence the accusations that follow relational loss, this episode is for you. In This Episode: Why the valley of divorce has echoes How old wounds continue speaking into the present The difference between an echo and the voice of truth Recognizing the lies that shape identity Learning to hear the Shepherd above the noise Identity Check: What voices from your past still influence how you see yourself? Are you listening to an echo or to truth? What labels have you accepted that God never gave you? Whose voice has the greatest authority in your life today? Key Scripture: Psalm 23 The valley may contain echoes, but the Shepherd's voice is still greater. Blessings, Dana   BUY ME COFFEE LINK: If this ministry has blessed you, you can buy me coffee through Ko-Fi: BUY ME COFFEE LINK: https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   WEBSITE: www.redeemed-identity.com LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/# Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   Healing After Divorce ebook https://a.co/d/etcpVyR     WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST:   APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce

When the Valley of Death Becomes Home After Divorce, The danger of camping in grief and unhealed pain. Have you ever felt like you've been stuck in the same painful place for years after divorce? Maybe you've survived the crisis, signed the papers, rebuilt parts of your life, and yet something still feels heavy. The grief lingers. The joy feels distant. The darkness keeps pulling you back. In this episode, Dana shares a deeply personal story about her own struggle with depression seven years after her divorce and the surprising revelation the Holy Spirit gave her: stale grief. Drawing from Psalm 9:9-10 and Hebrews 4:15-16, we'll explore what happens when we stop walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death and unintentionally make a home there. We'll talk about the caves we hide in—grief, bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, trauma—and how God lovingly calls us back into the healing journey. If you've ever wondered why you're still carrying pain from your divorce, this episode offers hope, practical insight, and a powerful healing exercise to help you identify areas of unprocessed grief. In This Episode: What "stale grief" is and how it can affect your healing • Why unresolved pain often turns into depression, hopelessness, or emotional stagnation • The dangers of camping in the caves of anger, bitterness, trauma, and unforgiveness • Why real faith includes honest conversations with God • Lessons Dana learned during her own "cavern season" of healing • A practical journaling exercise to uncover hidden grief and begin processing it with the Holy Spirit • Truth Bombs for navigating the Valley of Divorce with purpose and hope Key Scriptures: 📖 Psalm 9:9-10 📖 Hebrews 4:15-16 📖 Philippians 3:13-14 Homework Challenge: Create a timeline of the significant losses, disappointments, betrayals, and painful experiences in your life. Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where grief remains unfinished and invite Him into the healing process. Remember: Divorce is a sandstorm... and there are days it will feel like someone stole your umbrella. But Jesus has you covered. ❤️ Resources: 🌐 Website: https://redeemed-identity.com 📧 Email Dana: [email protected] Connect With Redeemed Identity After Divorce If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be walking through their own valley.   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana     LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/ An encouraging word article: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/02/19/a-word-of-encouragement-for-you/ Embracing Christ's Design: https://redeemed-identity.com/2024/03/26/embracing-christs-design-amid-divorce/   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Free ebook: Who Am I After Divorce? Contact [email protected]. Are you a divorced Christian needing encouragement? Do you struggle with how to see yourself since your divorce? This free ebook will encourage you and remind you who and WHOSE you are! Amazon: Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW: PODCAST: APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce   Guest Scheduling https://redeemed-identity.com/scheduling/   FOR MUSIC "SMILE": Music I use: Bensound.com Funny Song License code: DM5CQOZKF0EUTN1L   Hashtags: #divorcedlife, #christiandivorce, #divorce, #divorcedchristian