Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse | Childhood Trauma, Shame, Trust Issues, Anger, Abandonment, Fear

When Isolation Feels Safe: Grace for the Heavy Days After Childhood Sexual Abuse
In this episode, I share a journal entry I wrote at 56 and what it means to look back on it at 59. Some days I feel confident, messy, happy, sad, and mad all at once. Other days I can’t name what I’m feeling at all. If you’re healing from childhood sexual abuse, you may know that feeling too.
We talk about the pull toward isolation, the heaviness that makes it hard to move forward, and how fear can quietly show up as procrastination, self-doubt, stress, and scrolling. I also share what I call the dopamine trough, and why giving yourself grace is not the same as giving up.
You are not behind, and you are not alone.
Scripture in this episode: Philippians 4:13
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Learn more about Break Through Fear Coaching
Connect with Leslie:
https://lesliechermak.com/
Faith-based coaching is not a substitute for therapy or licensed mental health care.

Have you ever wondered what your life would look like if fear no longer controlled your decisions?
What if you could say no without feeling guilty? What if you could stop worrying so much about what other people think? What if you could make decisions with confidence instead of second-guessing yourself? What if you could experience more peace in your relationships and feel free to be the woman God created you to be?
If you've experienced childhood sexual abuse, you may have spent years trying to move forward while still struggling with the effects of what happened to you.
Your past may have shaped some of the patterns you experience today, but it doesn't have to determine your future.
If you're ready to work on the fear, people-pleasing, self-doubt, or difficulty setting boundaries that may be holding you back, I'd love to connect with you.
Book a Break Through Fear Coaching call with Leslie  Take your next step toward greater peace, confidence, and freedom.
You don't have to figure everything out today. Let's start with what's weighing on you right now.
 
🔗 Connect with Me:
👉 Break Through Fear Coaching: https://links.ivorey.io/widget/bookings/breakthroughcoaching
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Are you constantly living in fight or flight mode?  Are you allowing fear to control you? You know the kind that yanks at your chest when the anxiety takes over your decisions?  When you start to feel uneasy about telling the truth about your past to you avoid it all together? The kind of fear that keeps you from new opportunities, starting new relationships or going deeper with your best girlfriend because you think her life is better than yours?
What if I told you you don’t have to live like that anymore? Because that IS the truth. In today's episode, Leslie is going to give you 6 promised results of Fearing the Lord that will help you overcome living with fear.
He promises goodness, riches, honor and satisfaction
He promises a right relationship with others
He promises a long life
He promises mercy
He promises strong confidence
He promises His constant attention
>>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards. 
TEAL-  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/teal
MAUVE:  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/mauve
These Scripture-based reflection cards will help you:
Renew your mind with God's truth
Replace shame with Biblical identity
Strengthen your faith each day
Remember who God says you are
Choose five cards each week and read them daily as you begin transforming the way you think about yourself.
>> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer
>> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ for more support.
>> Join my Insider List! https://insider.lesliechermak.com
>> Join the FREE Faithfully Restored Community: https://members.lesliechermak.com
>> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

Do you hold back from opportunities or relationships because of fear or anxiety? 
Are you afraid to let people in for fear they might know how you feel?
Do you isolate?
Do you feel trapped?
Are you longing for relationships with women who get you?
When you encounter fear, your amygdala, the brain’s primary fear center, becomes activated.  That’s when your flight or fight response kicks in.  You want to protect yourself.  You had to learn this as a child. The good new is you can retrain that response. 
Learn what Neuroscience says and 3 ways to help you foster growth with people and give you courage:
Think of a recent interaction that left you feeling seen or unseen. Write a short note to God-for what the moment taught you.
Ask yourself: Who in my life deserves more of my presence, and who do I get to set healthier boundaries with?
Write 5 reflections of the truth of who you are in Christ.
🔗 Connect with Me:
👉 Schedule a
>>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards. 
TEAL-  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/teal
MAUVE:  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/mauve
These Scripture-based reflection cards will help you:
Renew your mind with God's truth
Replace shame with Biblical identity
Strengthen your faith each day
Remember who God says you are
Choose five cards each week and read them daily as you begin transforming the way you think about yourself.
 
>> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer
>> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ for more support.
>> Join my Insider List! https://insider.lesliechermak.com
>> Join the FREE Faithfully Restored Community: https://members.lesliechermak.com
>> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

Have you ever believed “I’m not worthy of love,” “It was my fault,” or “I’ll never be whole” because of something that happened in your past?
Childhood trauma and abuse can leave deep wounds that affect our self-worth, relationships, confidence, and identity. But those painful thoughts don't have to define you.
In this episode, Leslie shares her personal journey from childhood sexual abuse, shame, self-loathing, and destructive choices to finding freedom and identity in Christ.
She shares 3 practical steps to replace the lies with God's truth:
Notice the Lie — Recognize the negative thoughts and ask, “Is this what God says about me?”
Name the Truth — Replace the lie with Scripture and God's promises about who you are.
Pray for Renewal — Invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and help you see yourself through God's eyes.
Remember: What happened to you does not determine your worth. Your identity is not found in your past—it is found in Christ.
Scriptures Mentioned
Psalm 34:18 • Romans 5:8 • Proverbs 3:5–6 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 • Romans 12:2 • Psalm 139:13 • 1 Peter 2:9 • Jeremiah 29:11
You Don't Have to Heal Alone
If you're a woman healing from childhood sexual abuse, trauma, shame, or rejection, you are invited to join Leslie's free community for encouragement, prayer, Scripture, and faith-based support.
Join the Faithfully Restored Community:members.lesliechermak.com
You are loved. You are chosen. You are not your past. You can walk in freedom.
 
Scripture from todays episode:
John 8:44, John 14:16, Psalm 34:18, Romans 5:8, Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:17,   
1 John 1:2, Romans 12:2
Affirming scripture:
YOU are unique. (Psalm 139:13)
YOU are strong. (Psalm 68:35)
YOU are beautiful. (Psalm 139:13)
YOU are successful. (2 Kings 18:5-7)
YOU are important. (1 Peter 2:9)
YOU are forgiven. (Psalm 103:12)
YOU are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
YOU are protected. (Psalm 121:3)
YOU were created for a purpose (Jeremiah29:11)
YOU are victorious. (1 John 5:3-5)
 
>>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards. 
TEAL-  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/teal
MAUVE:  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/mauve
These Scripture-based reflection cards will help you:
Renew your mind with God's truth
Replace shame with Biblical identity
Strengthen your faith each day
Remember who God says you are
Choose five cards each week and read them daily as you begin transforming the way you think about yourself.
 
>> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer
>> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ for more support.
>> Join my Insider List! https://insider.lesliechermak.com
>> Join the FREE Faithfully Restored Community: https://members.lesliechermak.com
>> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/
 
Music score: Kevin Manthei Music

Have you ever wondered, “Does my life even matter anymore?”
After experiencing childhood sexual abuse, it can be difficult to trust—to trust people, trust yourself, and sometimes even trust God.
When your boundaries were violated, your innocence was taken, and shame became part of your story, you may find yourself asking:
How can I trust God with my life when I don’t understand why He allowed these things to happen?
In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to begin discovering God’s will when your past has left you feeling stuck, unworthy, angry, afraid, or disconnected from your purpose.
I want you to hear this clearly:
What happened to you was never God’s will. But what happened to you does not have to be the end of your story.
God can bring healing, restoration, purpose, and redemption from even the most painful places in our lives.
In This Episode, We’ll Talk About:
Why trusting God can be difficult after childhood sexual abuse
The difference between what happened to you and God’s purpose for your life
How shame, fear, anger, distrust, and unworthiness can keep you feeling stuck
Why knowing God’s Word helps you understand His will
The importance of renewing your mind with biblical truth
How prayer and meditation on Scripture can help you surrender your life to God
Why finding a Bible-believing church and spiritual mentor can make a difference
How God has worked through my own story and transformed pain into purpose
Why your current season does not have to be your forever season
Four Ways to Begin Discovering God’s Will
1. Study Scripture.
God’s Word helps us replace the lies we have believed with His truth.
2. Pray and meditate on God’s Word.
You don't have to have a perfect quiet time every day. Start where you are and keep turning your heart toward God.
3. Find a Bible-believing church community.
You were never meant to walk through life completely alone.
4. Find a mentor.
Having someone who can encourage you, pray with you, and point you back to God’s truth can be incredibly valuable.
Scriptures Mentioned
Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding.
Joshua 1:9 — Be strong and courageous.
Psalm 139:14 — You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
John 8:32 — The truth sets you free.
Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind and learn what God's will is.
Matthew 16:25 — When we surrender our lives to Christ, we find true life.
You Are Not Your Past
If childhood sexual abuse has left you feeling like you don't belong, you're not worthy, or you don't have a purpose, I want you to know that those feelings don't get the final word.
God does.
And God's Word tells us that you are His creation, deeply loved, and made with purpose.
Healing doesn't always happen overnight.
Sometimes surrender happens one day at a time.
Sometimes one hour at a time.
And sometimes one minute at a time.
But you don't have to figure out your entire future today.
Take the next step with God.
If you're ready for encouragement, Scripture, prayer, and a place where you can feel seen and heard, I'd love to invite you into my free Faithfully Restored Community.
This is a safe, faith-centered community for women who are ready to heal, grow, and discover what God has for them.
Join here: https://members.lesliechermak.com
You don't have to walk this journey alone.
God is not finished with your story.
 
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>> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ for more support.
>> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

Have you ever wondered why you can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone in what you’re carrying?
Maybe you’ve spent years trying to move forward from childhood sexual abuse or childhood trauma. You’ve prayed, worked on yourself, sought help, and tried to put the past behind you.
But sometimes the shame, self-doubt, relationship struggles, people-pleasing, or feelings of rejection still surface.
And you may find yourself wondering:
“Why am I still struggling with this?”
The truth is, healing doesn't mean pretending the past didn't happen. And you don't have to walk through your healing journey alone.
In this episode, Leslie talks about the importance of safe, faith-centered community for women healing from childhood sexual abuse and childhood trauma.
She shares why she created the Faithfully Restored Community and what she hopes women will experience there: connection, encouragement, prayer, biblical truth, reflection, and a safe place to grow.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why healing can feel lonely, even when you're surrounded by people
How childhood trauma can affect relationships, identity, confidence, and emotions later in life
The difference between strength and isolation
Why being seen and understood can matter on the healing journey
How faith can become part of your healing process
What it means to be rooted in Christ while healing from the past
Why your childhood sexual abuse does not have to define your future
How God can bring restoration, purpose, and hope from your story
What you can expect from the Faithfully Restored Community
A reminder for you
You don't have to have your whole story figured out before taking your next step.
You don't have to be completely healed.
You can simply come as you are.
God is not finished with you.
There is still hope. There is still purpose. And there is still a future.
Your next step
If you're ready to connect with other women on a faith-centered healing journey, I invite you to join the Faithfully Restored Community: https://members.lesliechermak.com
Come and learn. Come and listen. Come and pray. Come and take the next step.
You don't have to heal alone.
 
>> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/
>>   Personal Coaching with Leslie
👉🏻  JOIN Faithfully Restored Community for Women: https://members.lesliechermak.com

Why am I still struggling when what happened was so long ago?
If you have ever asked yourself this question, you are not alone.
Maybe you've tried to move on. Maybe you've prayed, gone to counseling, read the books, or told yourself that you should be over what happened by now. But deep down, you still struggle with shame, self-worth, trusting others, difficult relationships, anger, or patterns you can't seem to break.
In this episode, I share part of my personal story as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and talk about something I wish I had understood earlier in my healing journey:
Coming to faith and beginning a relationship with Jesus was life-changing—but there were still wounds from my past that needed healing.
Healing can happen in stages.
Sometimes we don't realize how much our childhood experiences are still affecting us until something triggers an old memory, emotion, or pattern. And when that happens, we may wonder, “Why am I still struggling?”
In this episode, we're talking about one of the first steps toward healing: acknowledgment.
Acknowledgment doesn't mean living in the past or allowing your trauma to define you. It means giving yourself permission to honestly recognize what happened, how it affected you, and where you may still need healing.
You will learn:
Why childhood sexual abuse and trauma can still affect your life years later
Why feeling stuck doesn't mean you're failing
How shame can keep us from facing what happened
Why healing is often a journey that happens in stages
How acknowledging your story can become the first step toward freedom
Why you don't have to carry your pain alone
Friend, what happened to you was not your fault.
You are not weak because you still struggle.
And you are not stuck forever.
God is not afraid of your story. He sees you, He loves you, and He can meet you in the places that still hurt.
This Week's Reflection
Take some quiet time and ask yourself:
“God, what areas of my life have I been avoiding because of my past?”
You don't have to have all the answers today. Simply be willing to take one honest step forward.
Join My Insider List
If this episode encouraged you, I would love to invite you to join my Insider List. You'll receive encouragement, podcast updates, and resources to support you on your healing journey. You'll also be the first to know when the doors open to my upcoming free community for women seeking healing, hope, and connection.
Join the Insider List: https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter
And if you found hope in today's episode, please follow the podcast and share this episode with another woman who may need to hear:
You are not alone, and healing is possible.
Scriptures Mentioned
John 8:32Psalm 34:18
 
>>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards. 
TEAL-  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/teal
MAUVE:  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/mauve
These Scripture-based reflection cards will help you:
Renew your mind with God's truth
Replace shame with Biblical identity
Strengthen your faith each day
Remember who God says you are
Choose five cards each week and read them daily as you begin transforming the way you think about yourself.
 
>> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer
>> More support: https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ 
>> Join my Insider List! https://insider.lesliechermak.com
>> Join the FREE Faithfully Restored Community: https://members.lesliechermak.com
>> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/
 

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Why do I keep doing this?”
Maybe you keep falling into the same relationship patterns. Maybe you struggle with anger, people-pleasing, shutting down, negative self-talk, fear of rejection, or difficulty trusting others.
You know you want to change. You've prayed about it. Maybe you've been to therapy, read the books, listened to podcasts, and tried to use willpower to break the cycle.
And yet…you still find yourself repeating the same patterns.
What if you're not broken?
In this episode, we're talking about why childhood trauma can create patterns that follow us into adulthood—and why recognizing those patterns is not a reason to shame yourself. It's an opportunity to begin healing.
I'll share part of my own story and what I've learned about recognizing the difference between who I am and what I learned to do to survive.
You'll discover:
Why some unhealthy patterns may have started as survival responses
Why recognizing a pattern doesn't mean you're failing
How trauma can influence the way we think, respond, and relate to others
Why healing requires more than willpower
How renewing your mind can help create new patterns
Why healing happens in stages rather than all at once
How to begin responding differently when an old pattern shows up
Why your past does not have to determine your future
How God can lead you toward greater peace, joy, freedom, confidence, and energy
 
Scripture
Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
 
>>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards. 
TEAL-  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/teal
MAUVE:  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/mauve
These Scripture-based reflection cards will help you:
Renew your mind with God's truth
Replace shame with Biblical identity
Strengthen your faith each day
Remember who God says you are
Choose five cards each week and read them daily as you begin transforming the way you think about yourself.
 
>> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer
>> More support: https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ 
>> Join my Insider List! https://insider.lesliechermak.com
>> Join the FREE Faithfully Restored Community: https://members.lesliechermak.com
>> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/
 

Why do we still struggle with shame even after we've accepted God's forgiveness?
For many women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, shame feels like a constant companion. It whispers lies that you're damaged, unworthy, and beyond repair. But those lies were never spoken by God.
In today's episode, Leslie shares part of her own healing journey and explores what Scripture says about shame, identity, and the transforming power of forgiveness. You'll discover why healing happens in stages, why forgiveness is about your freedom—not excusing what happened—and how Jesus carried both your sin and your shame on the cross.
If you've ever wondered whether true freedom is possible, this conversation will remind you that your past does not define your future. In Christ, healing, hope, and restoration are possible.
In This Episode You'll Learn
Why shame is one of the deepest wounds after childhood sexual abuse.
How shame first appeared in Scripture and why we still hide today.
The difference between guilt and shame.
Why your identity is found in Christ—not in what happened to you.
What biblical forgiveness really means (and what it doesn't).
Three practical steps to begin releasing shame and moving toward freedom.
Scriptures Mentioned
Psalm 34:4-5
Genesis 3:10
John 8:32
Hebrews 12:2
Psalm 139:14
Romans 8:1
2 Corinthians 5:17
Journal Prompts
Lord, where has shame been shaping how I see myself instead of Your truth?
Is there someone I need to begin surrendering into Your hands through forgiveness? What is keeping me from taking that first step?
What truth from Your Word do You want me to believe about yourself today?
Encouragement
Healing isn't a destination you reach overnight. It is a journey of continually turning your eyes back to Jesus. As you walk with Him, shame loses its grip, forgiveness becomes possible, and your identity is rooted in the One who calls you redeemed.
Remember:
Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:5)
 
🔗 Connect with Me:
>>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards. 
TEAL-  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/teal
MAUVE:  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/mauve
These Scripture-based reflection cards will help you:
Renew your mind with God's truth
Replace shame with Biblical identity
Strengthen your faith each day
Remember who God says you are
Choose five cards each week and read them daily as you begin transforming the way you think about yourself.
 
>> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer
>> More support: https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ 
>> Join my Insider List! https://insider.lesliechermak.com
>> Join the FREE Faithfully Restored Community: https://members.lesliechermak.com
>> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/