In this powerful episode of the Faith Over Addiction podcast, host Tanya Gioia sits down with Kathleen Johnson—author, speaker, and Spirit-led teacher known as "Scripture Girl"—to explore what true surrender really means. If you've ever felt trapped by control, fear, or addictive patterns, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Kathleen shares her own journey through an unwanted divorce, white-knuckled control, and the revelation that changed everything: we're not meant to live disconnected from the Vine. She unpacks how living by the Spirit isn't about erasing yourself—it's about being redeemed, sanctified, and filled with God's life and power.

From understanding how we block the Holy Spirit to practical steps for "sinking down" in surrender, Kathleen offers hope-filled, Spirit-led wisdom for anyone struggling with fear, addiction, or the exhausting cycle of self-reliance. You'll learn about meditation, fasting, renewing your mind, and what it means to be "heal to heal"—taking your own redemption story and using it to help others.

This episode is for anyone ready to stop white-knuckling life and start living in the flow of living water.

Key Points

• Control stems from fear and self-reliance instead of trusting God.
• After the fall, humanity shifted from communion with God to self-dependence.
• True surrender means transformation by the Holy Spirit, not loss of self.
• The Holy Spirit brings life, but we block Him by focusing on the flesh.
• Our thoughts shape our lives—we must train them toward God’s truth.
• Stay connected to God like a branch on His vine; even small steps in His Word renew your mind.
• Biblical meditation means focusing on what is good, true, and noble instead of worrying.
• Addictions and distractions are bullies—feed the Spirit through fasting and discipline.
• When fear or control rises, surrender it—the “cobra technique”—and let the Holy Spirit lead.
• God’s goal is to redeem and cleanse us so we can live in His peace and share healing with others.

Resources & Links

Kathleen Johnson's Websites:

• https://kathleenjohnsonministries.com - Hub for all of Kathleen's ministry resources
• https://scripturegirl.com - Scripture memory resources and information about her books

Books by Kathleen Johnson:

• Heal to Heal - https://a.co/d/i97Q4rU

Free Gfit : Get this free list of Christian affirmations that spell out who you are in God – actual in God’s own words. Repeat these biblical affirmations and replace these truths with the lies currently in your head! - https://www.tanyagioia.com/affirmations

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Are you caught in the chaos of addiction, constantly cleaning up emotional, spiritual, and physical messes that aren't yours? Welcome to Faith Over Addiction, where faith meets real life. Hosted by Family Recovery Coach Tanya Gioia, this podcast is designed to offer Christian women hope, healing, and practical tools to navigate the challenges of loving someone with addiction.

Through biblical truths, heartfelt stories, and actionable guidance, you’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries, find peace in the mess, and reclaim your God-given identity. You don’t have to carry what was never meant to be yours. It’s time to shift from “this is happening to me” to “this is happening for me,” and let God transform the chaos into something that glorifies Him.

Every week, I’m here to encourage you, offer clarity, and remind you that as a daughter of the King, You Always Have Other Options (YAHOO). Together, we’ll embrace faith as the foundation, boundaries as the bridge to healing, and God’s truth as the ultimate guide to freedom, strength, and grace.

Blessings,

Tanya Gioia 🌸

🎵 Music Credit:

Track: Luz Solart

Artist: Luna Cantina

Album: Luz Solart

Released: 2024