We wrap up the season with a bonus episode: The end narrative, final notes, and the rest of the 23rd psalm.

How appropriate this final episode publishes three days after my 52nd birthday, on the 23rd of 2023? God has a crazy sense of humor.

What's next for me? Stay tuned. Look for anxiety toolkit workshops, an anxiety strategy workbook and new discussion guide for SSSN on Amazon, and a BRAND NEW BOOK I'm writing with co-author Randy Petersen called "Stories Not Shared On Sundays" that we cannot wait to share with you soon.

Get all the updates when you sign up at www.leighmackenzie.com or follow on IG: @xoxo_leighmackenzie FB: XOXOLeigh Mackenzie

The final gripping chapter in "She Seems So Normal" as the Holy Spirit helps me finally - truly - forgive, confront, and heal. You can't make this stuff up, Friends.

Get the full story and all the resources:

Buy The Book On Amazon-- Buy two and donate copies to your local ministry leader, veteran, trauma warrior, shelter, jail ministry, or school!

Click HERE for a vast array of other incredible support resources on the website.

Can we release others from their part in our suffering and pain? Is it possible to forgive the unforgivable? Is there absolution for abusers in heaven above - are s3xual predators saved from hell? With Jesus, the answer is yes.

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“I do not think that all who choose wrong roads perish; but their rescue consists in being put back on the right road. A sum can be put right: but only by going back til you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on. Evil can be undone, but it cannot 'develop' into good. Time does not heal it. The spell must be unwound, bit by bit, 'with backward mutters of dissevering power' --or else not.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

#TRAUMASURVIVOR #CSLEWISQUOTES #SHESEEMSSONORMAL #FORGIVENESS #CHRISTIANFORGIVENESS #CHRISTFORGIVES #CHRISTIANSFORGIVE

What does biblical healing look like between a husband and wife when one has trauma? How can God move a Christian marriage forward, heal deep rifts, and destroy lies from past distorted beliefs and storylines? There's hope for anyone questioning if their marriage can bounce back post-s3xual trauma therapy.

Only a few more episodes until the end of Season 1 of "She Seems So Normal" and I'm thrilled to present these last few in the book to you. Have you gotten your copy of She Seems So Normal: Shatter The Plastic Princess, Embrace Authentic Faith yet?

#traumatherapy #christianmarriages #hopeformarriages #christianmarriagestories #hopefilledstories #traumasurvivors #healingandhope #sheseemssonormal

A little girl abandoned in a dark cave, afraid she's all alone until she encounters a shining man with kind, gentle eyes with scarred feet and wrists. Can she trust him?

**TW: While this is a creative fiction story, it may be triggering for anyone who has endured CSA, considered su!d!dal ideation, or felt isolated in the extreme.

In this episode, I also speak about the very public su!c!des of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade in 2018.

Article on Anthony Bourdain by the New Yorker Magazine.

Article on Kate Spade by the New York Times.

RESOURCES: 

National U. S. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline--Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Learn more DIAL 988

"I just know (praying earnestly) really DOES work... I didn't care that I didn't know (all the details); I just needed it to work so that's what I prayed for. I don't understand, but God does, and so that's what faith is."

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What's the difference between praying and EARNEST praying? Ask Christopher Mackenzie. I'm bringing my sweetie on the podcast after the narrative and you're in for a treat! (You won't get THIS in the book. Aren't you excited?)

SHARE this episode... we all could use a little more "Christopher Wisdom" in the world about how to love and pray for one another...

#prayinghusband #christianmarriage #30yearsmarried #ChristianCouples #Christiantestimony #ChristianPodcast #healingpodcast

***WARNING: Though there is nothing explicit or overly descriptive, this episode contains material about su!cide ideation and depression.***

As someone who's struggled with mental health and trauma, I often wondered if I was disqualified not just from Christian service, but from being Christian...

(Did I mention we're tackling hard questions here?) 

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I wonder if mental illness struggles are the "new leprosy" inside the Bride of Christ. No one wants to talk about or touch it, and if you say you’re getting counseling, people appear nervous or seemingly avoid you each time you enter the room.

-->>The National Su!cide Prevention Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255. It is available to anyone in su!cidal crisis or emotional distress.<<---

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as their family members and friends, with qualified Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text messaging service. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder.

#traumawarrior #traumainformed #ptsdwarrior #traumarecovery #traumasurvivor #survivor #ptsd #ptsdisadailybattle #ptsdawareness #ptsdsurvivor #csasurvivor #recoveryjourney #traumahealing #csahealing #selfcare #christianwriter #faithstory #mentalhealthandchurch 

I am honored to share an interview with my son, Julian Mackenzie. (Follow his crazy antics on IG at jouglas_t!)

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This one hurts. It hurts because it's raw and real.

Really. 

I could've deleted this episode or changed my mind about leaving it unedited so you'd think better of me, but that wouldn't be authentic or real. You need to see how the after-effects of initial sin trickle down to poison the generations of our loved ones in different ways. You need to see my mistakes and how I've hurt my beloved family, particularly my 20-year-old son who I love and adore. 

You also need to see how amazing Julian is, how forgiving and kind and sweet our ManCub turned out after surviving my parenting! :) (lots more stories about him at www.leighmackenzie.com.

You can also read a special post I wrote about us HERE.

Go check out Deuteronomy 5:8-10 about God's view of curses and blessings...

#adultification #raisingchristiankids #traumaparenting #hopeandafuture #jesuslovesyou

TW: Dysfunctional food and eating issues are covered in this episode along with body dysmorphia and how it tied to my childhood grooming.

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Gah. Still struggle with this. That's why it's so HARD to release this one. 

There are some things that might always be broken in my brain. Can we ever heal from trauma? Anything's possible with Jesus, but I believe we just get better as we follow Him.

 If you love these episodes, I’m fueled by coffee! You're welcome to buy me a cup HERE!

If you struggle with eating disorders or body dysmorphia, get support and help:

National Eating Disorders Hotline 

(None of the recommendations or suggestions I give are meant to substitute for professional therapy or medical help, they are simply options for people to consider.)

#healingpodcast #eatingdisorders #CSAsurvivor #biblicaltraumahealing #sheseemssonormal 

Yeesh. Feet. 

Who knew they were such a massive trigger for me? 

It all goes back to childhood memories and flashbacks I could never resolve until now. Friends, I am so thankful to know the truth, to find understanding, and to gain power over my past through the wisdom, knowledge, and love of the Holy Spirit and others. 

LOTS OF COPING STRATEGIES IN THIS EPISODE! It's like "Where's Waldo?" Can you identify and list them all?

Be on the lookout for a BONUS episode... and grab your own copy of She Seems So Normal.

#traumatriggers #traumacopingmechanisms #sheseemssonormal #traumasurvivor #traumawarrior