Podcast: Play in new window

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

When you go through something as devastating as a divorce, it can feel like no one understands your situation, until you finally hear from someone who has been through it and come out on the other side. Suddenly, it’s like the skies open up and hope seems possible again. 

If you’re going through a storm, I know that my conversation with author Vaneetha Risner will be that hope you’ve been looking for. Her perspective on navigating shame, betrayal, and forgiveness is a necessary one because it speaks to the power of clinging to God in the middle of unexpected challenges. 

In this episode, we discussed Vaneetha’s new book, This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God through the Heartache of Divorce, and how she rebuilt a life that fell apart right before her eyes.

Vaneetha’s childhood experience of living with a disability resurfaced as trauma in her adulthood, which led to shame and a focus on what other people thought of her. Things only became more complicated after the demise of her marriage forced her into single parenthood and a need for community like never before. Although difficult to navigate, these trials deepened her dependence on God and the trusted friends she would need in the next season of her life.

If life has taken you by surprise, you may be wondering whether it’s even possible to rebuild your life. Maybe you’re fighting to hold on to the very thing God is trying to release you from. Vaneetha’s story shows that the same hope she needed to start over is available to you. 

No matter how difficult the situation, there is always something you can do. Little by little, you can:

  • Journal through the grief and heartache
  • Pray for the heart to forgive those who have wronged you
  • Find support in the safety of one or two trusted friends
  • Believe that God has more in store for your life

Navigating hard times isn’t about rushing through your healing process. Start small and do what you can right now. Make room to write down how you feel about what’s happened in your life. Give God a few minutes of your day. Reach out to one person that you can count on to answer your calls. There’s no shame in doing one small thing to move the needle forward in your journey.

Starting again may feel scary, but you can find peace even when things are uncertain. The freedom that comes from releasing bitterness and unforgiveness is worth the steps of faith you’re willing to take. 

Remember: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 KJV)

If you need a picture of what it looks like to make it through a storm with dignity and grace, then this episode is for you. Here’s to more faith, less fear, and openness to God’s plans even when your plans seem to fail.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Unpacking shame 
  • Building community
  • Releasing bitterness

Related Resources

Click to Post

Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. How has past physical or emotional trauma resurfaced in this season of your life?
  2. What shame do you carry as a result of someone else’s actions?
  3. Who are the one or two people in your life that you can trust to support you when storms come?

 

Connect with me…​

Follow: Instagram| Twitter | Facebook| YouTube​

Listen: iTunes | Android | Google | Spotify| Stitcher​

Support: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation | Swag

​

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.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

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!