Pretty Psych

Soul Untethered: Reconnecting with God After Manipulation

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About the Guest:

Bonnie is a resilient survivor of severe spiritual abuse, with decades in evangelical circles, particularly within the Wilson family’s influential community. As a mother and grandmother, she now channels her experiences to support women facing similar struggles. Her journey from spiritual oppression to reclaiming her voice gives her deep insights, which she shares to inspire healing and empowerment.

 

 

 

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Pretty Psych, Megan Owen, a pastoral trauma counselor from Mountain City Christian Counseling, invites Bonnie to share her powerful story of overcoming spiritual abuse. They expose the hidden scars left by oppressive religious doctrines and explore the path to reclaiming self-worth. Bonnie recounts her experiences within her family and the Wilson community, shedding light on the long-lasting effects of manipulation and control.

 

As Megan draws connections between therapy and faith, the discussion delves into agency, identity, and genuine spirituality. Themes of liberation, healing, and understanding God’s true nature offer listeners solace and empowerment. The episode highlights the impact of spiritual abuse, the necessity of self-love, and the freedom found in God’s unconditional love.

 
Key Takeaways:
  • Spiritual abuse can significantly affect a person’s sense of self-worth and agency, often leaving those affected feeling trapped and disconnected.
  • Human relationships and recovery from emotional and spiritual abuse require acknowledgment, apologetic gestures, and personal growth.
  • Understanding God's true nature, separate from manipulative religious teachings, brings liberation and personal empowerment.
  • Healing involves reclaiming one's voice and allowing oneself to experience God's love and freedom beyond dogmatic constrictions.
  • Having a supportive partner and community can play a crucial role in the recovery and personal reinvention process.
    • Notable Quotes:
    1. "Spiritual abuse convinced me that my voice, my ideas, my opinions are not important and that anything I say will just be dismissed." – Bonnie
    2. "You did not sweat drops of blood like Jesus did, was what I was told. But I'd already died a death of a thousand cuts." – Bonnie
    3. "Even in the darkest times, I still reached for God because without Him, I would have had no tether at all." – Bonnie
    4. "Now I know that he, all that time, was reaching for me, too, with kindness and pure love." – Bonnie
    5. "The idea of just sitting beside Jesus and just being at rest, just being, and knowing you are loved unconditionally." – Megan Owen
      6. Resources:
      • Mountain City Christian Counseling: mountaincitychristiancounseling.com
      • Jim Wilson's "How to Be Free from Bitterness" - A book mentioned as part of Bonnie's experience with spiritual teachings.
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        Pretty PsychBy Mountain City Christian Counseling