Today we welcome my longtime friend, Nicki Pappas, for a deeply personal and vulnerable conversation. Nicki shares her story of growing up in the Southern Baptist church, navigating fundamentalist spaces, and ultimately deconstructing her faith. We also explore themes of spiritual abuse, self-love, embodiment, therapy, and the journey toward authenticity. Nicki opens up about her evolving beliefs, coming out as queer, and the importance of living a life rooted in love rather than fear. The episode is rich with reflections on family, community, boundaries, and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. Find out more about Nicki at https://www.nickipappas.com

Points of Interest:

• Nicki’s upbringing in a Southern Baptist church and transition into more fundamentalist spaces.
• The impact of church teachings on fear, anxiety, and self-worth.
• Experiences with spiritual abuse and leaving a toxic church environment.
• The role of therapy (especially Internal Family Systems) and embodiment practices in healing.
• The importance of curiosity, vulnerability, and authenticity in personal growth.
• Reflections on self-love, boundaries, and letting go of people-pleasing.
• Nicki’s journey of coming out as queer and exploring non-monogamy.
• The influence of key figures like Donna Powell and the power of love at the end of life.
• Insights on parenting, breaking generational cycles, and giving children tools for emotional health.
• The value of community, safe spaces, and finding peace with being misunderstood.
• Embracing joy, freedom, and living for the sake of love rather than out of fear or obligation.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

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