Love lets evil do whatever it wants, pretends nothing's happened, and calls a prison a palace. Right? This is the kind of "biblical" message Christian counselors often tout. And it's killing women and children, whether all at once or piece by precious piece. 

If you've been hurt by "love," especially when you were desperate for help and safety, you've got an advocate in Cindy Burrell.

Strap in because this episode is loaded with truth bombs:

• Why abusers have the automatic advantage in most Christian counseling
• A big, red flag at a counselor's office (when you see it, RUN)
• Why "Can he change?" is the WRONG question, and, frankly, irrelevant when it comes to abusers
• Two things that will bring out the truth, GUARANTEED (Hint: One is a simple, two-letter word)
• Why the sanctity of marriage is not built on the absence of divorce

Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here

Related Resources: 

• Reformulating the Christian Marriage Counseling Model Where Abuse Is Involved by Cindy Burrell
• An Extraordinary Ordinary Life: A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness by Cindy Burrell
• If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.com
• I'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage, which has an assessment to help you figure out if your relationship is abusive or not. All you have to do is hop on my mailing list at https://flyingfreesisterhood.com/free-download
• You can also find out about our online education and support program for women of faith at https://joinflyingfree.com
• And finally, if you are a divorced Christian woman who wants to take back her life and get healthy, lose weight, have amazing relationships, get things done, build a business or career, and even find a good man (if you want one) - check out Flying Higher at https://joinflyinghigher.com

Cindy is a survivor of a 20-year marriage to a verbal and emotional abuser, the mother of four adult children, and now married to Douglas Burrell. In 2009, she and her husband founded Hurtbylove.com, a web-based outreach ministry for women in abusive relationships. She is the author of approximately 100 articles on  the abuse dynamic as well as several books. Her newest book, Reformulating the Christian Marriage Counseling Model Where Abuse Is Involved, was written to educate victims so they can pick wise, helpful counseling that will lead them toward true healing and freedom. Cindy also offers personal coaching for victims of abuse.