Physical Abuse Episodes

We dig into why people stay in abusive relationships — Dawn shares her story of being married to Sean, the years of coercive control, shame, and the church pressure that told her to “do the right thing” even when it cost her health and identity. I (Dawn) talk about how a fast courtship, an unexpected pregnancy, isolation, and messages about submission made me doubt myself, stay in survival mode, and even feel “so incredibly faithless” at times. We unpack how well-meaning pastors focused on behavior modification instead of root issues, how a friend and counselor (shout out to Brandy and Andrea) finally helped give permission, and how worship and reclaiming the gospel became the lifeline that led me to leave. Ben and I also wrestle with how churches can enable abuse by telling victims to go back, why one person believing a victim matters, and how marked repentance — not platitudes — is the line between restoration and danger. I share the painful aftermath — Sean’s suicide, my journey to…

God is there, waiting—arms open—and you have to get to the other side. We sit down with Shayla Renee, who vulnerably walks us through how a five‑year, manipulative relationship nearly stole her life, how losing her mother and hiding behind church attendance instead of a real relationship with Christ set the stage, and how God’s patient love finally pulled her out. Shayla tells us plainly about how abusers don’t show up as monsters at first, how red flags and the yo‑yo cycle of love‑bombing and discard look, and why triggers are not reasons to stop but invitations to let God heal. We talk about conviction versus condemnation—run toward God when you feel convicted, don’t run away in shame—and how practical support (friends, church, advocates) and faith helped her reclaim herself. Shayla’s now a best‑selling author and victim advocate—her book He Almost Stole My Life and shaylaInspires.com are full of resources—and we hope her story gives you the courage to keep moving forward, even when…