What One Survivor Wants Every Christian Parent to Know About Trauma, Forgiveness, and Healing in Jesus' Name

Welcome to this powerful episode of Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children with host Laine Lawson Craft. In today's conversation, we walk courageously alongside guest author Mary Demuth as she revisits her harrowing journey from childhood sexual abuse to breathtaking healing and unshakeable faith. With compassion and openness, Mary shares the keys every Christian parent needs to break cycles of pain, find hope, and guide families into God's redeeming embrace. Whether you're struggling with your own traumas or seeking biblical wisdom for your children, you'll find light and strategy here for even the darkest moments.

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Resources & Links Mentioned:

• MaryDeMuth.com – Explore Mary's website for her books, resources, and more.
• Love, Pray, Listen (book page) – Learn more about the book featured in this episode.
• Laine's website: lainelawsoncraft.com
• Book: "Warfare: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child" — First 10 days free on Laine's website

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About Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, podcaster, and author of over forty books, whose message of healing, faith, and hope has touched thousands worldwide. As a survivor of severe childhood abuse and neglect, Mary uses her story to encourage those wounded by trauma—helping them move toward redemption through Jesus. Through honest conversations, books, and resources, she equips parents and individuals to address deep wounds, walk the long journey of forgiveness, and find true wholeness in God's grace.

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Key Talking Points

• Mary's early experiences of abuse and family instability
• How trauma, secrecy, and shame shaped her self-worth and relationships
• The intersection of faith and healing: coming to Christ as a teenager
• The role of community, prayer, and support in her recovery
• Unique and varied journeys of healing—therapy, prayer, EMDR, brainspotting
• The layered, personal process of forgiveness versus misconceptions
• How parents' healing impacts their children and generational cycles
• Practical signs of child abuse and effective, compassionate response
• Anchoring Scriptures and biblical truths Mary clings to during darkness
• Ongoing journey of healing and encouragement for those still in pain

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Time Stamps

00:00 – Introduction by Laine Lawson Craft
01:12 – Mary DeMuth's story of abuse and resilience
03:18 – Family instability, homelessness, early abuse
07:35 – How secrecy and shame broke Mary's self-image
08:54 – Suicidal thoughts and the start of healing
09:46 – Faith as the turning point: meeting Jesus, finding community
11:16 – The role of therapy, support, and prayer in recovery
14:07 – EMDR, brainspotting & unique ways God heals
14:22 – The complexity and layers of forgiveness
16:52 – Challenges and freedom of sharing her testimony publicly
18:19 – Scriptural anchors for healing and hope
19:54 – How Mary's healing impacts her own parenting
22:07 – Warning signs of child abuse; how parents can respond
24:28 – What Mary would tell her younger self
25:47 – Ongoing healing and encouragement for survivors
27:00 – Where to connect with Mary DeMuth and further resources
27:33 – Final encouragements and conclusion

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Conclusion

Mary DeMuth's story illuminates the fierce power of faith and the lifelong, deliberate journey toward healing and forgiveness. If you've ever felt too broken or lost in trauma, know there is hope, redemption, and practical help available. Be encouraged—your story isn't over, and God's grace runs deeper still.