Episode Summary:

Have you ever wondered why trauma seems to leave lasting marks on your mind, heart, and even relationships? In today's conversation, I sit down with Dr. J. Otis Ledbetter, author of Set Free, Released from the Damage of Trauma, to uncover how we can overcome the destructive effects of trauma and move towards God's peace and restoration.

Drawing from scripture and real-life experiences, Dr. Ledbetter reveals how even biblical heroes wrestled with trauma and how we can learn from their stories to create tranquil paths of healing and wholeness. If you've been searching for hope after loss, abuse, crisis, or disappointment, this episode will encourage you that freedom is possible. Today, we're going to be talking about how to overcome the lasting damage of trauma through God's word.

Quotables from the episode:

• Trauma is not the event. Trauma is the chronic reaction to that event. Trauma is ongoing. An event can happen and then it can be in your past. You may never forget it, but it no longer identifies you. And it no longer points the direction that you should go, whether life or death.
• The first emotion that somebody faces after a traumatic event is fear.
• Fear leads to anxiety. Anxiety leads to mood swings. Mood swings will lead you into isolation.
• Isolation brings the worst. It brings hopelessness. And it brings despair, and loss of purpose.
• The truth is what heals. God does not heal deceit. He heals truth.
• The one word for parents to pass a heritage to their children their faith, is intentionality. Just do something. Don't think it can be done by accident. Be intentional.
• The trauma of the unknown is, I think, the most garden variety trauma you can have.
• Don't leave out the spiritual because there is a God who loves you and he is a God of hope.
• God knows us so intimately that he knows what we need and willingly provides it. God says, come to me if you're heavy laden. I'll give you rest. He didn't say I'll rescue you. He's not going to rescue you. But he's going to give you a place of rest.

Scripture References:

• Isaiah 61:1—“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
• Psalm 40:2 (NIV) – “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
• Joel 2:25 (ESV) – “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.”

Recommended Resources:

• Set Free, Released from the Damage of Trauma by Dr. J. Otis Ledbetter

• Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue

Social Media Links for Host and Guest:

Connect with Dr. J. Otis Ledbetter:

Website / Facebook / X

Connect with Dr. Bengtson:

Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple

Guest:

Otis Ledbetter lives in Clovis, California, with his wife Gail. He is an author, conference speaker, and the Lead Pastor at Sonrise Church. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University’s Theological Seminary. He and Gail have three grown children and twelve grandchildren. He has written numerous articles for magazines and specializes in Heritage Builders workshops nationally and internationally, which teach parents and grandparents the spiritual, emotional, and social components of the heritage they are passing to the next generation. His books include Your Heritage, In the Secret Place, Soul Hunger : Satisfy Your Heart’s Deepest Longing, and his latest 2022 release Set Free: Released from the Damage of Trauma. He has been featured on numerous radio and television broadcasts. His book Your Heritage was distributed as a premium offer on Billy Graham’s Hour of Decision.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson

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