Have you ever followed God somewhere… and halfway there started wondering how much longer this was going to take?

You obeyed.  You're moving.

But you're still not where you thought you'd be.

And somewhere along the way, the questions start:

Did I hear God wrong?  Why is this taking so long?

Shouldn't I be there by now?

In this episode of Breaking the Trauma Cycle, we're talking about the uncomfortable space between leaving and arriving—when you've taken the step of faith, but the outcome you expected still hasn't happened.

Norma shares the story of a God-given dream she's carried for thirty years.

And maybe that changes the way we look at some of our longer roads too.

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SCRIPTURE

Exodus 13:17–22

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JOURNAL PROMPT

Where have I been interpreting “not yet” as “God said no”?

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FAITH-ROOTED STEP

Read Exodus 13:17–22 this week.

Choose one area where you're frustrated because the journey is taking longer than expected. Instead of asking God to show you the entire route, pray:

“God, help me recognize where You are leading me today, and give me the faith to take the next step.”

Then be faithful with what's already in front of you.

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FREE RESOURCE:

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive free weekly downloads.

Download this week's Scenic Route Check-In: When God's Timing Doesn't Look Like Yours.

This simple reflection will help you identify what you're trying to rush, uncover what you're afraid the delay means, separate fear from what you know about God, and focus on the next faithful step.

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BOOK UPDATE

🎉 It's official!

Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break is now available on Amazon!  Order your copy today.

Thank you to everyone who prayed, encouraged, purchased a copy, and celebrated this launch with me.

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 Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

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Loved This Episode?   If this episode encouraged you, please: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Your support helps more women discover the healing, hope, and abundant life found in Christ.

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Remember:

This week, remember: stop kicking the back of the seat and asking every five minutes...Dad... are we there yet?” Sometimes He just needs to take the scenic route!

Until next week...

This is Breaking the Trauma Cycle—where God turns pain into purpose and your story into hope.

What if the decision you're making today was actually made years ago?

You may call it being careful. Protecting your peace. Using wisdom. Maybe even discernment.

But sometimes the danger is gone—and an old wound is still sitting at the decision-making table.

In this episode of Breaking the Trauma Cycle, Norma explores how trauma can quietly teach us what to expect, who to trust, which risks to avoid, and how small we're willing to become.

Using her own healing journey and the story of the twelve spies in Numbers 13–14, Norma unpacks the difference between acknowledging what happened in the past and allowing it to determine what happens next.

Because wisdom remembers what happened.

A wound assumes it will happen again.

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Scripture:

Numbers 13–14 — The Twelve Spies

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Journal Prompt:

What decision am I currently making based more on what happened before than on what is true today?

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Faith-Rooted Step:

Choose one decision you've been hesitant about.

Divide a page into two columns:

What happened before

Don't dismiss your history. Acknowledge it. Then prayerfully ask: “God, what is true about this situation today—and what would I choose if fear didn't get the final vote?”

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Book Update

It’s official! Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break releases September 19th!

Twenty-five devotionals. One message: Trauma does not get the final word.

Stay connected on social media for launch details, including an opportunity to get a personally signed copy.

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💌 Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Loved This Episode?

If this episode encouraged you, please:

⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Your support helps more women discover the healing, hope, and abundant life found in Christ.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

Don't let an old wound make a new decision. And when your past has something to say? Let your past teach you, not lead you.

What if you're grieving something that never had a funeral?

And what if trying to get back what trauma took is keeping you from seeing what God is offering you now?

Grief isn't always connected to losing a person.

Sometimes we grieve the childhood we didn't get to have. The innocence that was taken. The relationships that should have been different. The opportunities we missed. Or simply the years we spent surviving when we wish we had been living.

In Episode 53 of Breaking the Trauma Cycle, we're talking about the hidden grief of trauma—the losses we carry but don't always know we're allowed to mourn.

Through Mary at the tomb in John 20, we'll see something beautiful: Jesus didn't shame Mary for her tears or rush her through her grief. He gave her space to acknowledge what she believed she had lost.

Healing doesn't require you to pretend the loss didn't matter. But it also doesn't require you to spend the rest of your life trying to recreate what was taken.

Scripture:

John 20:11–18 — Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb

Journal Prompt:

What am I still grieving that I've never given myself permission to name—and how might trying to reclaim it be affecting the way I'm living today?

Faith-Rooted Step:

Then open your hands and pray:

“God, I wish this had been different. But thank You for what is still possible.”

Book Update

We’re getting closer!  Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break releases September 19th!

The Kindle edition is now available for pre-order, and I’m getting ready to celebrate launch day with an opportunity to purchase a copy and have it signed in person!

Only 11 days to go!

Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

Loved This Episode?

If this episode encouraged you, please:

⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Your support helps more women discover the healing, hope, and abundant life found in Christ.

Remember:

Let go of what's holding you, so your hands are free to receive what God is offering you.

Until next week...

This is Breaking the Trauma Cycle—where God turns pain into purpose and your story into hope.

What if someone knew the parts of you you've worked the hardest to hide?

Would you still believe you were worthy of love if they saw the whole story?

Shame has a way of convincing us that hiding is safer than being known. So we keep people at a distance, carefully decide which parts of ourselves they get to see, and sometimes hide behind two little words: “I'm fine.”

But what happens when we encounter a God who already knows everything—and stays?

In John 4, Jesus meets the woman at the well. He knows her story before she tells Him, yet being fully known doesn't lead to rejection. It leads to an encounter that changes her.

In this episode of Breaking the Trauma Cycle, we're talking about the courage it takes to step out from behind shame and allow ourselves to be seen—scars and all.

We'll explore what happens when we stop allowing shame to decide how close people can get, how God's grace changes what we believe about being known, and why confidence isn't something that appears overnight. It's built one courageous step at a time.

Scripture:

John 4:1–30 — The Woman at the Well

Jesus knew her story and still invited her into relationship. Being fully known didn't lead to rejection; it led to restoration.

Journal Prompt:

What part of yourself or your story are you still afraid to let others see—and what are you afraid would happen if you were fully known?

Faith-Rooted Step:

Remind yourself: God already knows me completely, and He has not walked away.

Then take one small step out of hiding this week by allowing one safe person to see something real.

Book Update

It’s official! Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break releases September 19th!

The countdown is on, and I can’t wait to finally put this book into your hands. Stay close—more launch details are coming soon!

Save the date: September 19th.

💌 Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

Loved This Episode?

If this episode encouraged you, please:

⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Your support helps more women discover the healing, hope, and abundant life found in Christ.

Remember:

You don't have to become scarless before you allow yourself to be seen.

You can be fully known, fully loved—scars and all.

Until next week...

This is Breaking the Trauma Cycle—where God turns pain into purpose and your story into hope.

Are you working too hard to be loved?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped giving, doing, fixing, or putting everyone else first? Would they still love you? Would they stay?

Sometimes the things we call love are actually attempts to earn acceptance.

In this episode of Breaking the Trauma Cycle, Norma explores what happens when love becomes something we believe we have to perform for—and how easily that belief can cause us to ignore our own needs, compromise our boundaries, and question our worth.

Through the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11–24, we see a son returning home prepared to negotiate his way back into his father's house—only to discover that his father wasn't waiting for a performance. He was waiting to welcome his son home.

We'll also look at Romans 8:35 and the security that comes from knowing that while other people may not always love us well, their inability to do so does not determine our value.

God's love isn't something you have to work harder to keep.

You don't work FOR love. You live FROM love.

Scripture:

Luke 15:11–24: the story of the Prodigal Son

Romans 8:35: nothing can separate us from the Love of God

John 3:16 — The ultimate demonstration of God's love

Journal Prompt:

Faith-Rooted Step:

Then remind yourself:

“I am already loved. I don't have to perform for my place.”

Book Update

Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break officially releases September 19th!

This feels especially meaningful today because writing this book reminded me that God never asked me to prove my worth through my work. He simply asked me to trust Him with what He placed in my hands. September 19th, friend. We’re counting down, and I can’t wait for you to hold this book too.

💌 Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

Loved This Episode?

If this episode encouraged you, please:

⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Your support helps more women discover the healing, hope, and abundant life found in Christ.

Remember:

God is not checking to see if you folded the laundry before He loves you.

Until next week...

This is Breaking the Trauma Cycle—where God turns pain into purpose and your story into hope.

What if you're not waiting on God to reveal your calling... you're hiding from what He's already shown you?

And what if God isn't waiting for you to become more healed, confident, or qualified before He can use you?

In this episode of Breaking the Trauma Cycle, we're looking at what Gideon's hiding place can teach us about our own. Because sometimes we convince ourselves we're waiting until we're ready when fear is really keeping us from taking the next step.

God isn't asking you to become a perfect version of yourself before you can walk in obedience.

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Scripture:

Judges 6:11–16

Gideon focused on his weakness and everything he believed disqualified him. God's answer wasn't a list of Gideon's qualifications.

It was His presence:   “I will be with you.” — Judges 6:16

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Journal Prompt:

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Faith-Rooted Step:

Ask God what one thing He's calling you to do, then do it without waiting to feel more ready.

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Book Update

Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break is moving closer to launch day!

The ARC copies are officially in the hands of my early readers, which means this little book that lived in my heart, my prayers, and on my computer for so long is now being read by actual people. And yes, that still feels a little surreal.

Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break officially releases next month.

If you're interested in being part of the launch team, watch my social media and newsletter for upcoming details.

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💌 Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Loved This Episode?

If this episode encouraged you, please:

⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Your support helps more women discover the healing, hope, and abundant life found in Christ.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

You don't have to be finished for God to begin.

Until next week...

This is Breaking the Trauma Cycle—where God turns pain into purpose and your story into hope.

Have you ever wondered if you've missed God's purpose for your life?

What if the very experiences you've questioned are the same ones God is using to prepare you for it?

In this week's episode, we're stepping behind the scenes into God's kitchen to discover how the Master Baker uses every season of our lives to create something far greater than we can see. Through the truth of Romans 12:2 and the promise of Romans 8:28, you'll learn why purpose isn't usually revealed in one dramatic moment but through a life transformed by Christ.

If you've ever felt stuck, wondered whether your past disqualified you, or questioned if God still has a plan for your life, this conversation will encourage you to see your story from a different perspective.

Scripture:

Romans 12:2 and Romans 8:28

Journal Prompt:

Faith-Rooted Step:

 Book Update

Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break is moving closer to launch day!

I'm currently looking for a small group of ARC (Advance Reader Copy) readers who would be willing to read the book before release and leave an honest review. If you're interested in being part of the launch team, watch my social media and newsletter for upcoming details.

💌 Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

Loved This Episode?

If this episode encouraged you, please:

⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Your support helps more women discover the healing, hope, and abundant life found in Christ.

Remember:

Don't judge God's recipe by one ingredient. The Master Baker already knows what He's creating.

Until next week...

This is Breaking the Trauma Cycle—where God turns pain into purpose and your story into hope.

Have you become so good at surviving that you've forgotten what it feels like to truly live?

What if the abundant life Jesus promised isn't just something to hope for someday, but an invitation for today?

For many of us, survival mode became a way of life. We learned to push through, stay busy, keep our guard up, and call it strength. But while survival may have carried us through difficult seasons, it was never meant to become our identity.

In this episode, we're exploring what it means to move beyond simply getting through each day and begin embracing the abundant life Jesus offers. Together, we'll talk about why surrender is the first step toward freedom, how learning to trust God transforms fear into peace, and why purpose is discovered one faithful step at a time—not all at once.

If you've ever wondered who you are outside of your trauma, struggled to feel safe when life is calm, or questioned what comes after healing, this conversation is for you. My prayer is that you'll leave encouraged to stop holding your breath and start walking with Jesus into the life He has been inviting you to all along.

Scripture: John 10:10

Journal Prompt:

Faith-Rooted Step:

Book Update

Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break is moving closer to launch day!

I'm currently looking for a small group of ARC (Advance Reader Copy) readers who would be willing to read the book before release and leave an honest review. If you're interested in being part of the launch team, watch my social media and newsletter for upcoming details.

💌 Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

Loved This Episode?

If this episode encouraged you, please:

⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Your support helps more women discover the healing, hope, and abundant life found in Christ.

Remember:

you don't have to spend the rest of your life holding your breath. In Christ, you are free to breathe deeply, walk boldly, and live fully.

Until next week...

This is Breaking the Trauma Cycle—where God turns pain into purpose and your story into hope.

Have you ever set a boundary and immediately wondered if you were being selfish?

What if the guilt you feel when you choose healing isn't proof that you're doing something wrong, but evidence that God is leading you into something new?

Healing is a beautiful gift from God, but that doesn't mean it's always comfortable. Sometimes becoming the person God created us to be means letting go of old patterns, unhealthy expectations, and the version of ourselves that existed just to keep everyone else happy.

In this episode of *Breaking The Trauma Cycle*, we talk about the guilt that can come with healing and why following God forward may require us to leave behind what once felt familiar.

Through the story of Abram in Genesis 12, we are reminded that God often calls us away from what is comfortable before He reveals what He has prepared.

Together, we'll reflect on what it means to:

* Recognize when guilt is leading instead of God

* Understand that boundaries can be an act of obedience

* Trust God when healing changes the relationships around us

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4

Journal Prompt:

Are there any boundaries you've been afraid to set because you're worried about how others will respond? Ask God to reveal whether your guilt comes from His conviction or from the fear of disappointing others.

Faith-Rooted Step:

This week, practice one healthy boundary without apologizing for it. Ask God to help you love others without abandoning the healing He is doing in you.

Book Update

Whispers From Heaven: Where God Heals What Trauma Tried to Break is moving closer to launch day!

I'm currently looking for a small group of ARC (Advance Reader Copy) readers who would be willing to read the book before release and leave an honest review. If you're interested in being part of the launch team, watch my social media and newsletter for upcoming details.

💌 Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

Loved This Episode?

If this episode encouraged you, please:

⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend

Remember:

Healing isn't about leaving people behind.  It's about following God forward.

Until next week...

This is Breaking the Trauma Cycle—where God turns pain into purpose and your story into hope.

Have you ever found yourself expecting something bad to happen before anything has even gone wrong?

What if the fear you’re feeling isn’t a sign that something terrible is coming, but a reminder that your eyes may need to be refocused on what God is already doing?

In this episode of Breaking The Trauma Cycle, Norma shares a powerful story from 2 Kings 6 as a reminder that God’s presence is greater than the circumstances surrounding you. When fear narrows your vision, faith helps you recognize that you are never facing your battles alone.

Friend, your mind may have learned to prepare for disaster, but God can teach your heart to recognize His faithfulness.

Journal Prompt:

What situation in my life have I been viewing through the lens of fear instead of faith? What might change if I asked God to help me see it from His perspective?

Faith Rooted Step:

Pray Elisha’s prayer each morning this week: “Lord, open my eyes so I may see.” Write down one way you notice God’s presence, provision, or faithfulness each day.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Hey lovies, I’d love to keep walking this healing journey with you beyond the podcast. Come hang out with me here:

👉 Facebook   to be a part of my book-writing journey and for updates & motivation

Resources

📖 Join the Whispers From Heaven ARC Reader Team

I'm currently inviting a small group of Advance Reader Copy (ARC) readers to read Whispers From Heaven before its official release and provide an honest review. If you've been encouraged by this podcast and would love to be part of this exciting season, I'd love to hear from you! Reach out through social media or subscribe to my newsletter using the links below.

🎧 If today's episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder that trauma never rewrote God's design for their life.

Until next week...

Remember:

"You may be surrounded by problems, but your problems are surrounded by God."