In this week’s episode, I talk with BJ Garrett about recovering from trauma from sexual abuse and the mistakes in the past. She shares that no matter what you’ve done or what has been done to you, healing is available in Jesus Christ. Love changes everything.

Quotables from the episode:

• If you have a secret burden, find a safe person to tell. A friend, a counselor, a pastor, etc.
• If we allow our pain to turn into purpose, God will never waste it.
• God will take the ugliest of the ugly and make it beautiful.
• Forgiveness doesn’t mean reconciliation or saying that what someone did was okay, but that they no longer hold you emotionally hostage to their behavior.
• We forgive because we’ve been forgiven.
• We are commanded to forgive ourselves. When we don’t, it’s like telling Jesus that His death on the cross wasn’t good enough for us.
• When we allow God to turn our pain into purpose, the trauma triggers become less and less.
• Love changes everything.
• As long as Satan keeps you silenced, he remains in control.
• Telling the secret is the first step to releasing you from Satan’s bondage.
• I fail, I learn, I do better. I fail, I learn, I do better.
• No matter what you have done, no matter what has been done to you, there is hope and healing through Jesus Christ.

Scripture References:

• Psalm 147:3 NIV "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
• Revelation 12:11a "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
• John 4:39 "Many of the Samaritans from town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony."

Recommended Resources:

• Unwanted No More by BJ Garrett
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide 
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award

Social Media Links for Host and Guest:

Connect with BJ Garrett:

Website / Facebook / Instagram

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

BJ Garrett is the award-winning author of Unwanted No More from Exploited to Embraced by God. BJ is an energetic speaker, passionate about telling her life story of overcoming a life full of abuse and bad decisions, loves serving on the mission field and serves as the Executive Director for Christ-centered Abortion Recovery & Education (CARE) 

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.