The Journey to Heal Podcast

Everyone struggles at some point in knowing who they are and what their purpose in life is. This is a part of the human condition. For anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, it is easy to slip into a the identity of "abused", "broken", or "damaged goods." It's easy to listen to the lies we've been told about ourselves or the ones we've perceived because of the abuse we've experienced.  But, if we want to heal and move forward in faith we need to learn the truth of who we are, according to God's Word, and choose to begin to see ourselves as God see's us.In today's episode I'm picking up from my last episode to share some fundamental Biblical truths about who we are and Whose we are. My hope is that these truths will help to shift your persepective and encourage you to accept your true identity as a deeply loved, image-bearer, of God. Some of the Scriptures I share in this episode are found in:Genesis 1 and 2Psalm 139:13-16Romans 5:8Thank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Well it's been a minute since my last episode in February! We have been super busy at Journey to Heal Ministries with all the things: groups, mentoring, and our 5th Annual Hope Run event in April - and so much more. I'm delighted to hop back on here to pick up where I left off with some encouragement and wisdom for your healing journey.In this episode I'm talking about identity and where it stems from. This month I'm going to be sharing a series on our true identity - our God-given identity.  I'll be talking from some of what I share in my book, Journey to Heal: Seven Essential Steps of Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, as well.  For anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, you know how that form of trauma  can damage your sense of identity and worth. In this first episode of my identity series I share some very fundamental Biblical truths about how God made us, what He gave us to do, and how these truths should shift our focus from our trauma stories to our God-given identity and purpose.Thank you for tuning in today!If this was helpful to you be sure to subscribe to the podcast for future episodes, and if you really liked it drop me a comment or share it with others!Thank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

On the podcast today we're chatting with our friend Michelle Viscuse about healing, hope, and preventing sexual abuse. Michelle is a survivor, blogger, writer, and Bible teacher. She has a Masters in Biblical Counseling and a passion to inspire women to find courage, hope, and freedom from their past. Michelle says, "Jesus delivered me from a past filled with secrets and shame...and I want to help others experience the same freedom."In this episode, Michelle shares insight on what it was like for her to establish boundaries in her family in order to create a safe place where she could heal, and the conversations and strategies she and her husband have had to implement in their home in order to become trusted adults for their own children.Thank you for tuning in today! We hope this episode is a helpful resource for you.Some of the resources we discuss are:Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John TownsendDarkness to LightThe Mama Bear EffectJourney to Heal You can connect with Michelle on her website at https://www.journeypink.comOr via Instagram at @journeypink Thank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Are you a college student? Do you love someone who is? If so, this episode is for you!In this episode you'll hear from Madison Hartley, a senior at UNC Wilmington studying Psychology and Neuro Science. Madison recently joined our team at Journey to Heal Ministries as an intern for Summer and Fall. She share's her heart for helping young women like herself, who have experienced sexual assault during their college years. Sadly, like so many college age women, Madison was sexually assaulted by someone within her circle of trust. In this episode Madison shares part of her story as we talk about navigating friendships with the opposite sex, setting healthy personal boundaries, staying alert to red flags in relationships, and what her healing journey has looked like so far. I first met Madison two years ago when she joined one of our Journey to Heal Women's groups, and have had the privilege of watching her take brave steps in healing along the way. Wherever you are in your healing journey, I have no doubt this episode will inspire and encourage you. Thank you for listening today!________________________________________If you or someone you love experienced a situation like Madison, please know you are not alone and there is hope for healing. Visit our website to learn more about our free support groups, 1:1 mentoring services, or mentor training at https://www.journeytohealministries.orgThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

On the podcast with me today is my pastor and friend, Mike Ashcraft - senior pastor at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, NC. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the journey ahead, and in need of hope and a sense of purpose for the pain you've been through, this episode is for you! In this episode we're diving deep into his latest book, To Be Concluded: How to Prevent Your Past from Piling Up and Find Hope for Your Future . Tune in as Mike shares about the  heart behind his message and what inspired him to write it. You'll be encouraged our conversation, no matter where you are in your healing journey, because it is all about hope and moving forward in faith.One of my favorite quotes from his book is, "Hope is the thing that compels us to risk the unknown and endure the path, even when we cannot see the way forward."That is the essence of our journey of faith and healing, friend.Thank you for tuning in today!CrystalTo connect with Mike & his book:I encourage you to pick up a copy of To Be Concluded either on Amazon or at your favorite bookstore! I also encourage you to pop over to https://www.portcity.church to check out more of Mike's messages and devotions. You can also find him on Instagram at @mikeashcraft !Mike Ashcraft serves as the Senior Pastor at Port City Community Church which he helped start in 1999.  He married Julie, his high school sweetheart, in 1992. They grew up in Atlanta and relocated near the beach in southeastern North Carolina.  He enjoys family time with his two daughters and one son-in-law.  The beach is his happy place and surfing is the only hobby he needs. Thank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Do you have one of those crazy childhoods? The kind you shy away from sharing with friends because there are parts to it that are either just hard to explain, that are hurtful, or perhaps parts you’re not very proud of…Maybe certain parts are painful to remember?If so, then you've tuned into a  great episode today!Today I’m talking about seeds planted and early roots that can establish in our lives, and how they can impact us positively or negatively. I'm asking you to take a look your roots and where they've taken you, and  inviting you to lean into the healing work of being rooted and established in Jesus Christ.  Thank you for tuning in with me today!CrystalThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Welcome to the 12th Episode of the Journey to Heal Podcast! We took a brief break from recording, and we're thrilled to be back again to share hope and encouragement for your journey of faith and healing. In this new episode I have the privilege of chatting with a new friend about trauma, healing, and the healing power of helping others . Her name is Gahlia Brogneri and she is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Adonis Musati Project - a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the refugee community  in South Africa.Gahlia has worked in the education and NGO sectors for over 25 years, more specifically with refugees and asylum seekers for the last 10 years. She is passionate about developing sustainable and empowering programs for vulnerable people, and holds an Honors Degree in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education. Listen in as Gahlia shares about  her mission and heart for helping the survivors heal through support, community, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. To connect with Gahlia:Visit her website at https://www.adonismusatiproject.orgThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

How do you establish and maintain healthy relationships  when you've experienced past abuse?  What does it look like to trust again, when trust has been broken for you? Can you have a healthy marriage as a survivor, and how do you navigate that? What about intimacy with your spouse? Is it possible, really?Today I'm talking about the hope we have for establishing healthy relationships - in spite of experiencing past sexual abuse. Over the next several episodes I'll be sharing about ways I've learned to navigate this part of the journey, and talking with some of my friends and family members to hopefully provide you some helpful insight and wisdom for you or someone you love.Thank you for listening!Scripture references I share in this podcast are:The Gospel of JohnJohn 3:16Romans 5:8For more resources on healing from past abuse, visit us at https://www.journeytohealministries.org/resources Thank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

This episode wraps up our series on Caring Well for the Abused. Join me today as I chat with my dear friend, Maggie McLamb of New Pathways Counseling. Maggie shares from years of counseling experience, as well as her own personal experience as a survivor on her heart for the church become a safe place for survivors to find hope in Christ and ultimately heal. She is a delight, and my hope is that what she shares with our listeners will encourage and inspire action towards becoming a church that cares well for the abused.Thanks for listening today. We hope this episode has encouraged and inspired you. Whether you’re healing from sexual abuse or you love someone who is, we encourage you to reach out on our website at journeytohealministries.org where you’ll find additional resources and support. Until next time, remember this: you are not alone, you are deeply loved, and in Christ, there is hope for healing from hard things.Resources shared in this episode:http://www.churchcares.comWeToo by Mary DeMuth http://www.themammabeareffect.orghttp://www.d2l.orgThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

This week we're continuing our three part series  on  caring well for the abused, as the body of Christ. In today's episode I'm chatting with Chantelle Alvarez of Templo De La Cruz church in CA. Chantelle is wife, mother, survivor, and an assistant pastor at her church. She is also a Journey to Heal Ministries Mentor and group leader. Tune in as Chantelle shares about her experience as both a leader within her church community, and a survivor of sexual abuse.  God is using her to bring hope and healing to many in her own community. She shares her insight on launching and leading the Journey to Heal Women's study at her church, and how to navigate the challenging and healing conversations involved when the church chooses to address the needs of survivors and their families. Thanks for listening today. We hope this episode has encouraged and inspired you. Whether you’re healing from sexual abuse or you love someone who is, we encourage you to reach out on our website at journeytohealministries.org where you’ll find additional resources and support. Until next time, remember this: you are not alone, you are deeply loved, and in Christ, there is hope for healing from hard things.Resources shared in this episode:http://www.churchcares.comWeToo by Mary DeMuth http://www.themammabeareffect.orghttp://www.d2l.orgThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

"When (sexual) abuse is acknowledged by the church it helps it become a subject that can be addressed and not just hidden away." - Lesley CrawfordIn Today's episode I'm chatting with my friend, Lesley Crawford, from Edinburgh Scotland. Lesley is a JTH Mentor, survivor, and elder in her church. She works for a Christian charity that helps children in her community. She has a big heart for helping other survivors find hope and healing in Christ, and leveraging her story to help her local church community care well for the abused.Tune in as we dive deep into her experience as a survivor and leader in her church, and what she hopes to help develop in the area of care ministry for other survivors within her community. Resources shared in this episode:http://www.churchcares.comWeToo by Mary DeMuth http://www.themammabeareffect.orghttp://www.d2l.orgThank you for tuning in today! You can find additional resources on our website at http://www.journeytohealministries.orgThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Does your local church address sexual abuse? Are there programs in place that provide care for survivors? Are measures being taken to safeguard children from predators? Are the words sexual abuse, trauma, or sexual sin woven into the fabric of topics or conversations taking place within your local church, and if not, why? Why should you care, and how does the affect you?These are just some of the questions I'm asking today, and will be discussing over the next several episodes with various survivors and church leaders across the country. Tune in to learn more!A part of our mission at JTHM is to educate and raise public awareness concerning the prevalence and impact of sexual abuse, and the hope for healing. Today's episode begins that conversation with several helpful resources to educate/equip the  local church, as well as parents/caregivers of children. Those resources are:http://www.churchcares.comWeToo by Mary DeMuth http://www.themammabeareffect.orghttp://www.d2l.orgThank you for tuning in today! You can find additional resources on our website at http://www.journeytohealministries.orgThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

In today's podcast episode I'm talking with my friend Emily Parker about #HOPERUN2021 and the why behind the race. We're also chatting it up about how to safeguard children and why we need to have those brave and hard conversations with our kids early on in their developmental years, about body safety, private parts, no means no, and so much more.  Emily candidly shares her heart as a survivor and as a mother of a child who has been sexually abused. She explains the reasons she is passionate about raising awareness and why she believes it's so important to begin teaching your children about body safety as early as possible.In today's podcast I share these resource links to help you educate yourself on this topic and help foster awareness in your community:http://www.themammabeareffect.orghttp://www.d2l.orghttp://www.runsignup.com/jthmhoperunhttp://www.journeytohealministries.orgThank you for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!CrystalThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Do you struggle with fear and doubt? Tune in today as I chat with my friend, Michelle Viscuse, as we talk about faith, hope, and healing from hard things.Michelle is a survivor, author and blogger. She is hosting our annual Hope Run event in her community in Durham, NC again this year in an effort to help raise awareness and support for survivors of sexual abuse!You can connect with Michelle on social media on Instagram/Facebook at @journeypinkHer blog and website is: http://www.journeypink.comThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

April is sexual assault awareness month. It is also child abuse awareness month. At JTHM we’re taking this opportunity to shine a light on these epidemics and provide hope for healing. Did you know that based on reported cases, every 73 seconds someone in America is sexually assaulted and every 9 minutes that someone is a child? What is more, if nothing changes 1 in 10 children will be sexually assaulted before they turn 18. It is estimated there are well over 42 million adult survivors in America today. In this episode I’m chatting with my friend Sarah Embers from Kansas. She is a wife, mother of three and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, who is learning how to thrive in Christ. Sarah recently completed our JTH online study and it has been a joy to get to know her and watch as God heals her heart through community and support, as she continues in her journey to heal. Tune in today as we talk about brave steps in healing and how to come alongside and support someone who has experienced sexual abuse. Links and resources mentioned in this episode are:Http://www.d2l.orghttp://www.themamabeareffect.comHttp://www.end1in10.orghttp://www.journeytohealministries.orgTake the challenge to support survivors of sexual in your community by walking or running with us locally or virtually this month in our 3rd Annual 5k/1.5 mile Hope Run taking place from now to our local race date of 4/25/21, at 5pm EST! Register via the link below...http://www.runsignup.com/jthmhoperunThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Do you know God loves you, or do you know  his love for you?Is it something you are aware of in your head, or have you received it in your heart?Today’s episode dives deeper into God's love for us and how accepting and receiving His love in your heart will transform your life. If we're honest, love isn't always easy - giving it or receiving it. But this is especially true when we've experienced hurt, rejection, neglect or abuse of any kind. While we are not defined by those experiences, they do shape how we give and receive love - especially God's love.If you're tuning in today and struggling with feeling loved by God, or others, I want you to know you are not alone. I've been there. In fact, from my experience this theme of not "feeling loved" seems to be a common thread among many. But we have hope, and his name is Jesus. And it is through believing in and receiving God's love for us through Christ, acknowledging his role and provision in our daily lives, and walking in relationship with him that we ultimately learn how to live in His love. Thank you for tuning in to today's episode! Be sure to click subscribe to tune in to next week. I have a special guest joining me next week, and we'll be talking about how to support survivors of sexual abuse and foster awareness in your community during the month of April - Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month. Key passages shared in this episode are:John 3:16; 15:13, Romans 5:8, and Ephesians 5:2Links and resources mentioned in this episode are:http://www.themamabeareffect.comhttp://www.journeytohealministries.org/end1in10Take the challenge to support survivors of sexual in your community by walking or running with us locally or virtually this month in our 3rd Annual 5k/1.5 mile Hope Run taking place from now to our local race date of 4/25/21, at 5pm EST! Register via the link below...http://www.runsignup.com/jthmhoperunThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Do you treat others better than you treat yourself? Do you cringe at the idea of self care, as if taking care of yourself is a selfish thing to do?It’s often said that hurting people hurt people, and more often than not it's the one who is hurt that hurts themselves the most. I don’t know who first came up with that, but it’s true. Maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of someone’s hurt…or perhaps you’ve let your pain dictate how you treat yourself or others.Tune in to today's episode as I share about the key to learning to love yourself,  and how that will help you love others well.Friend, taking steps towards healing is one of the most loving things we can do for ourselves…and ultimately for others. Thank you for tuning in today! Next week is very special, because it’s Holy Week! I’ll be diving deeper into God’s love for us and how accepting and embracing that love will heal and transform your life.  Until then, know this…you are deeply loved by God, and there is no amount of hurt His love can’t heal. CrystalResource links mentioned in today's episode:A national database of professional counseling services by state - http://www.phsycologytoday.comOur free 1-1 mentoring and support groups for survivors of sexual abuse - http://www.journeytohealministries.orgRecommended books for healing from abuse of all kinds:The Wounded Heart - a book by Dr. Dan Allendar, covering PTSD recoveryOn the Threshold of Hope by Dr. Diane Landerburg, covering abuse recoveryStumbling Toward Wholeness by Andrew Bauman, covering CSA/SA recovery for menJourney to Heal by Crystal Sutherland (yours truly), covering CSA/SA recovery for womenThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Are you a survivor of sexual abuse, or love someone who is? Tune in to this introductory episode of The Journey to Heal Podcast to hear from Journey to Heal Ministries founder, Crystal Sutherland, as she shares about the history and mission of Journey to Heal Ministries, her own healing journey from childhood sexual abuse, and the hope we all have in Christ - not only to survive painful circumstances we may experience in life, but to thrive in the life we were created to live.Journey to Heal Ministries is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Wilmington, NC, helping survivors heal from past sexual trauma by leading them to hope in Jesus Christ through providing support, education, and life-giving community. We serve both locally and globally, through our trauma informed and Christ-Centered resources, peer to peer mentoring, support groups, and events in order to foster awareness and empower survivors in their journey of faith and healing.You can learn more about Journey to Heal Ministries at:www.journeytohealministries.orgTo get a copy of Crystal's book, Journey to Heal, go to:Journey to Heal on Amazon.comIf you'd like to participate in the upcoming 3rd Annual 5k/1Mile Hope Run taking place April 1st-25th, locally or virtually, visit:http://www.runsignup.com/jthmhoperunThank you for tuning in! Don't miss and episode. Be sure to subscribe to The Journey to Heal Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or iHeart Radio today! If  today's episode has been helpful to you in any way, drop us a quick review. We'd love to hear from you!Thank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Are you a survivor struggling in your marriage? Especially in the area of physical intimacy?Tune in today for Part 2 of a conversation with our host, Crystal Sutherland, and her husband Wes as they share very openly about their story as a married couple navigating marriage and intimacy in the journey of healing from  childhood sexual abuse. This episode is the  second part of a two part conversation that Wes and Crystal share to help offer some insight and hope for married couples who have experienced similar trauma in childhood or adulthood.Thank you for tuning in today! We hope this episode is helpful to you.Resources shared in this episode are:When the Woman You Love was Abused: A Husband's Guide to Helping Her Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation by Dawn Scott JonesWhen the Man You Love was Abused: A Woman's Guide to Helping Him Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation by Cecil MurphyAdditional resources can be found on our website at https://www.journeytohealministries.orgThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!

Are you a survivor struggling in your marriage? Especially in the area of physical intimacy?Tune in today for a conversation with our host and CSA survivor, Crystal Sutherland, and her husband Wes as they talk about their story as a married couple navigating the unknown of how to do life together in light of unhealed wounds of childhood sexual abuse. This episode is the first part of a two part conversation that Wes and Crystal share to help offer some insight and hope for married couples navigating the healing journey together. Thank you for tuning in today! We hope this episode is helpful to you.Resources shared in this episode are:When the Woman You Love was Abused: A Husband's Guide to Helping Her Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation by Dawn Scott JonesWhen the Man You Love was Abused: A Woman's Guide to Helping Him Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation by Cecil MurphyAdditional resources can be found on our website at https://www.journeytohealministries.orgThank you for tuning in today! I hope you were encouraged in your journey of faith and healing.We invite you to stay connected with us on our social media pages or via our monthly newsletter:FB/IG: @journeytohealministries.org www.journeytohealministries.orgBe sure to hit "subscribe" to this podcast so you don't miss the next episode!