Podcast: Play in new window
For Christians, talking about sex can be awkward, even when the subject is simply about what God intended it to be. So it’s not surprising that for most Christians, the idea of discussing sex addiction is downright terrifying. But these struggles do need to be discussed: With about 30% of the internet industry being pornography, access to pornography is arguably greater than ever. Currently, 17-18% of all men and women would say they struggle with an internet pornography addiction (and, of course, given the nature of such an addiction, it is likely that that percentage is much higher, with many others regularly visiting sites without claiming addiction). When someone struggles with an addiction to pornography or sex, it causes immeasurable pain and brokenness not just to themselves, but to their family as well.
On this episode, Lynn Marie Cherry shares her experience of being married to someone with an addiction to pornography–the feelings of betrayal, the battle to heal, and the joys of redemption. She details how for years addiction and denial played a role in her marriage–that is, until she reached the point of desiring lasting change. In a candid and honest conversation, Lynn Marie provides insight into the world of internet pornography addiction and describes the impact it has on spouses and families. As a writer and speaker, she now uses her experiences to help others in similar predicaments to heal.
Like all other addictions, pornography addiction is insidious and can impact any person, and by extension, any family, at any time. The questions, shame, guilt, and desperation for change can seem overwhelming. Although the consequences of an addiction to pornography are serious, and working through all the damage that it leaves behind is far from easy, redemption is attainable. With great vulnerability, Lynn Marie describes the pain on the road to recovery, the highs and lows of therapy, and the freedom of no longer being a victim. Among other things, she highlights that while forgiveness is vital, it is not something to be taken lightly, and it takes time.
Join me and Lynn Marie as we set aside the awkwardness of talking about sex and have a much-needed discussion about the nature of addiction and the healing that is available!
Highlights from Today’s Episode:
- Internet porn addiction
- Recovering from betrayal
- Learning to forgive
- Celebrating the victory of redemption
Quotes:
- When betrayal happens, do not make a life decision for at least six months. -Lynn Marie Cherry
- Dont’s delay recovery by choosing denial. – Lynn Marie Cherry
- Sometimes the only way out…is through. -Chrystal Evans Hurst
- Choose the pain that leads to the path of redemption. – Lynn Marie Cherry
- Forgiveness is not pretending the load doesn’t exist, it’s handing it to God and letting Him worry about the weight of it. -Chrystal Evans Hurst
Resources From Today’s Show
- Keep up with Lynn Marie Cherry on her website, Twitter, and Facebook!
- Download Daily Affirmations: 40 Days to Hope and Freedom after Betrayal
- Get your copy of Keep Walking here!
- Learn more about Affair Recovery.
==> General Links
Have you taken the staying awake assessment? Find it here.
Did you catch last week’s episode on Healing from Abortion? Listen here.
What about the bonus episode on Recovering from Alcohol Addiction? Listen here.
Grab my latest book, She’s Still There!
Take a look at Kingdom Woman by Chrystal Evans Hurst and Tony Evans
Let’s Talk!
After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!
- Have you ever had difficulty forgiving yourself?
- What scares you about forgiving yourself?
- Have you ever felt disconnected from God because of past mistakes in life?
Connect with me…
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
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You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
This was a great podcast. Many will be encouraged by it. You sure know to pick good communicators, Chrystal!
Other great resources for those in recovery from the effects of sex addiction are the “Every Man’s Battle” (for men) and “Restore” (for women) intensive workshops that New Life Ministries offers. Well known authors Henry Cloud and John Townsend, who wrote the BOUNDARIES books, have been a part of this Christian counseling ministry for years—newlife.com. All of their resources are great. This ministry started the WOMEN OF FAITH Conferences too, many years ago.
This is a great podcast. I’ve dealt with my husband actually leaving our marriage. Many times. How on earth do you recover or heal when your husband doesn’t even believe in God!? There’s no bible study for us. We went to marriage counseling..what our dr wanted us to do we were and had been doing for years. So we felt it was pointless to keep going. We explained that to the Dr and it didn’t matter. So here I am, struggling horribly. We have 7 children and I want to run away but of course I can’t! Help!!
If anyone is in a similar situation, please get individual counseling from an APSATS certified counselor (preferably a female, I would suggest!) Here is their website: https://www.apsats.org/about/APSATS. These counselors are specifically trained in dealing with women who are partners of sex addicts. Going to an APSATS counselor changed my life. Many blessings!
We actually were divorced as of may this year. Thanks for the reply though a tad too late