This Little Light of Mine - Leading Yourself Through the Fire of Religious Trauma

Welcome to episode two of This Little Light Of Mine.  

My name is James Powell and I’m thrilled to have you join me on this personal journey of healing, discovery and possibility.  

(3:02) LISTENER ADVISORY: this episode may contain triggers for some. Topics in this episode include: sexual abuse, trauma, suicide, exorcism, addiction & conversion therapy 

For full show notes visit www.ThisLittleLightOfMine.CA  

Here's a rundown of S01E02:

I’ve been struggling to use my voice for decades. This has been an ongoing internal battle that, only recently, have I been able to face my fears and trust that I’m being led forward.

In the second part of my story I start to talk about deeply personal events from last year that nearly broke me and had me call out for surrender.

Thank you so much for listening to part of my personal story today.  If you’re willing I want to hear part of yours.

• Has God/Your Inner Knowing/Or A Higher Power ever whispered a message to you, urged you to create something or help someone?  
• What fears get in the way of you doing what you know you were created to do?
• If you could change your life by changing one belief you have about yourself (or that others have about you) what would that belief be?

I love hearing from you and would love to journey this path forward together.  

Reach out on IG @MyLightShinesBright or visit me at thislittlelightofmine.ca and check out our get involved section where you can find space to actually add your voice and share part of your story.

You are loved

James.

Welcome to the first episode of This Little Light of Mine.  My name is James Powell and I’m thrilled to have you join me on this personal journey of healing, discovery and possibility.  

For full show notes visit www.ThisLittleLightOfMine.CA  

Here's a rundown of S01E01:

(3:52) Chapter 1 – Starting the world’s first, fully affirming LGBTQ Baptist Church

In the first part of my personal story, learn all the many things that fell into place that gave me self-esteem, strength and vision to allow this almost unbelievable transformation that to happen.

(22:23) Chapter 2 – Somewhere over the rainbow: Interview with Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes

In the interview portion of today’s episode I’m joined with civil rights & LGBTQ icon Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes.  If you don’t know Brent, he had the honor to officiate the first legal same sex marriages in the WORLD. He shares what his dream is for the church, advice for parents raising children in non-affirming churches and what he’s building now to bring more love into the world… and how you can get involved.

• (22:32) Brent's Top 5 Career Highlights
• (22:45) #1 - Finding his people
• (25:22) #2 - First legal same-sex marriages in the world
• (27:54) #3 - State funeral for Jack Layton
• Jack Layton was Canada's Nancy Pelosi/Joe Biden combination
• NDP Party of Canada
• Olivia Chow
• (29:47) #4 - Order of Canada
• Governor General's Office
• Knighted in England
• Order of Canada Pin
• (32:41) #5 - Individual Impact
• (34:51) - Your sexuality is your gift from God
• (36:52) - First feeling of shame for being gay
• (39:40) - Finding my calling outside an adult bookstore
• The Advocate
• Troy Perry
• (40:50) - Praying away the gay
• (54:40) - Guidance to parents raising children in non-affirming churches
• (59:37) - Rainbow Faith & Freedom
• Get involved with Rainbow Faith & Freedom
• Donate to Rainbow Faith & Freedom
• Global Justice Institute
• (1:00:54) - Brent's Vlog
• (1:06:40) - Who inspires Brent
• (1:07:16) - Advice to the 8y/o Brent
• (1:07:35) - What's stopping churches from affirming
• (1:09:48) - Women in faith communities
• (1:10:13) - The church needs to apologize
• Charles Fensham - Misguided Love

(1:12:48) - Share your voice questions

1. What would your life look like if you had been born into a completely affirming world? eg – religious institutions were 100% affirming of LGBTQ people, no racism, discrimination, a world where everyone loved and respected each other.
2. Have you ever been told that you were unworthy, unwanted or unlovable? Who told you this and at what age? What impact did these messages have on your life?

We hope you enjoyed today's episode. If you did, please remember to share, rate and review.

We would also love to hear your thoughts, comments and opinions. Drop us a note [email protected]

You are loved.

James.

Special thanks to Lisa M. Grey and Sound Mind Production for the strategic and loving production guidance for my very first podcast episode.

Hi, My name is James Powell and I want to introduce you to a deeply personal look into the formative years of my life.

This Little Light of Mine is no longer just about healing—it’s about leading yourself through the fires of religious trauma and reclaiming your life, your voice, and your worth.

Join me, James Powell—leadership coach, speaker, and survivor of religious and cultural shame—as we explore the hard-won leadership lessons forged in the crucible of spiritual rejection and identity erasure.

Together, we’ll unpack how surviving deep wounds becomes the foundation for courageous self-leadership, radical self-acceptance, and living a life rooted in purpose and power.

Through raw personal stories and vulnerable conversations with other LGBTQ+ survivors, trauma healers, and seekers, we’ll uncover the path from surviving to sovereignty—where you no longer ask for permission to exist, belong, or lead.

If you’ve been told you’re too much, not enough, or that your very existence is wrong—this space is for you. Here, we turn pain into purpose, reclaim our agency, and lead ourselves home to the truth:

You are worthy. You are powerful. And you are already enough.

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a call to rise. To lead yourself first—so you can lead others with courage, authenticity, and love.

James.