Safe to Hope

What does healthy intimacy look like in Christian marriage? And what happens when biblical language gets tangled with cultural stereotypes? In this powerful and hope-filled episode, we welcome Sheila Wray Gregoire—author, researcher, and founder of BareMarriage.com—to discuss her latest book The Marriage You Want . With wisdom grounded in Scripture and backed by extensive research, Sheila offers a...

In Episode 2 of our Summer Reading Series, Julia and Ann Maree welcome Elyse Fitzpatrick to talk about her latest book, Unloved: The Rejected Saints God Calls Beloved . Together they explore how God's mercy meets us in the middle of shame, rejection, and misunderstanding—and why the church desperately needs prophetic voices willing to tell the truth. With deep personal insight and decades of...

In this powerful Summer Reading Series conversation, Safe to Hope host Julia Fillnow and Help[H]er Executive Director Ann Maree Goudzwaard sit down with therapist, author, and advocate Tabitha Westbrook to explore the sacred journey of healing after trauma. Drawing from her book, Body & Soul, Healed & Whole , Tabitha speaks candidly about sexuality, consent, coercive control, embodiment, a...

With gentle clarity, Dr. Jim Wilder unpacks the logic of evil, the power of gratitude, and the vital role of community in healing. This conversation offers profound insight for anyone seeking to walk with others through unspeakable trauma—without losing sight of who God created us to be. SHOW NOTES: Episode 4 Self-Care Episode 6 Dr Heather Evans Armies of Enablers by Amos N. Guiora Dr Jim Wilder:...

In one of the most difficult episodes of the season, Carya shares how ritual abuse and satanic worship were not only part of her story—but were carried out under the cover of Christian institutions. With clarity and courage, she invites listeners to reckon with the reality that evil can flourish where it should be most opposed. Her story confronts us with questions about spiritual deception, traum...

With insight, compassion, and conviction, Dr Evans reminds us that change begins not with a rescue, but with relationship—and that listening is an act of justice. Show Notes: Understanding Complex Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth in Survivors of Sex Trafficking: Foregrounding Women’s Voices for Effective Care and Prevention (Routledge Research in Women’s Mental Health) by Heather Evans In Our Firs...

In this first part of her story, Carya offers a window into her childhood— the one outsiders saw, and the one they didn’t. Her narrative reveals how abuse and trafficking can be carefully concealed behind the mask of normalcy, community, and even “Christian” culture. As you hear her story, we urge you to listen slowly and carefully, not just with your ears, but with your heart. We begin here to ch...

How do you prepare your heart and mind to hear stories of deep suffering without becoming overwhelmed — or walking away untouched? In Self-Care with Julia and Ann Maree , we pause before beginning this season’s difficult story to talk about something equally important: how to listen well. Ann Maree is joined by licensed therapist and Help[H]er board member, Julia, to explore the weighty but necess...

Recently, a well-known Christian podcast released a new series exploring topics like trauma, mental illness, and abuse—many of the same themes we're addressing this year on Safe to Hope . Understandably, some of our listeners are engaging with both, and a few have already shared how conflicted or invalidated they felt. In response, we’ve released a special bonus episode. To gently offer a dif...

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible. Help[H]er website                          Give     Shop              ...

This week on Safe to Hope , we talk about the process of storytelling, self-care, and grief, and why survivors need time, patience, and space to make sense of what they’ve been through. Carya shares how putting words to her story changed how she saw it, but also how she wrestles with grief and the need for lament.  SHOW NOTES: Season 1 Significance of Story Season 6 Introduction (Episode 1) Season...

In this episode of Safe to Hope , we meet Carya, our storyteller for Season 6. Instead of starting at the beginning of her story, we begin with where she has landed—a place of deep wrestling, but also profound hope. Through the lens of Jesus is My Captain , Carya shares the mystery of suffering, the presence of Christ in unimaginable pain, and the reality that following Him is not always safe, but...

She thought she knew God. Then suffering came—relentless, overwhelming, and dark. In this episode of Safe to Hope , Dr. Ingrid Faro shares her journey of wrestling with evil, questioning God, and discovering a faith stronger than suffering. As we begin a season filled with hard yet necessary conversations, Dr. Faro helps us lay a foundation for understanding evil—because without that framework, we...

In the powerful conclusion to our series on reconciled relationships, Ann Maree invites counselor Greg Wilson and biblical counselor Darby Strickland to discuss the difficult path of healing from domestic abuse. Greg and Darby offer deep insights into recognizing God’s presence amid suffering, stressing the need for patience and the priority of addressing an abuser’s behavior before focusing on th...

Imagine walking through the storm of domestic abuse, where hope feels distant, and healing seems impossible. In the gripping final episode of Season Five of the Safe to Hope podcast, Ann Maree sits down with Charles and Renee, a couple who once faced the darkest of days. But through God’s unwavering faithfulness, they found a path to reconciliation and healing. Renee opens up about the comfort she...

Join us for a powerful conversation with Chris Moles, pastor and biblical counselor, who shares his deep insight into the sinister nature of domestic abuse and how it can be confronted and redeemed. In this episode, Chris reflects on the complexities of coercive control, repentance, and the responsibility of power within relationships. He unpacks the distinct patterns of abuse, the weight of unrep...

Ann Maree introduces us to Charles, a husband who found his way back to his wife after a journey marked by abuse and redemption.  With raw honesty, Charles talks about the abusive behaviors he once displayed, including his struggles with pornography and moments of deep despair that led him to threaten suicide. Through taking responsibility for his actions and seeking forgiveness, Charles witnessed...

A powerful conversation with Tabitha Westbrook, a licensed therapist and trauma specialist, as she sheds light on the challenging journey of reconciliation in abusive marriages—where it happens only 2-10% of the time. With compassion and insight, Tabitha discusses the essential role of humility and healthy shame in the healing process. She underscores the importance of a collaborative approach, in...

We invite you into a journey of healing and hope that speaks to the heart of every woman facing the pain of domestic abuse. This episode introduces Charles and Renee, a couple whose story is as rare as it is powerful—a story of reconciliation after abuse. Ann Maree delves deep into the nuances of Renee's story, highlighting the importance of discerning true repentance and recognizing the prof...

Have you ever wondered how someone’s personal journey through trauma can lead to a powerful message of hope? Meet Kimrey Dillon, our newest team member and the author of Remember my Affliction , a devotional crafted especially for abuse survivors. In a heartfelt conversation with Ann Maree, Kimrey opens up about her experiences of betrayal and suffering, revealing how they inspired her to create t...

In this episode, Ann Maree, Patrick, and Julia explore the principle of "do no harm" across the fields of medicine, counseling, and advocacy. Patrick delves into the intricacies of medical decision-making, discussing the balance between paternalism, technical approaches, and the importance of shared decision-making with patients. Julia highlights how shared decision-making is crucial in...

In this episode, Ann Maree sits down with Julia Fillnow, a licensed counselor with expertise in trauma, abuse, and addiction, and her husband, Patrick Fillnow, a physician and church elder. Together, they explore the vital intersection of faith and mental health, advocating for a collaborative approach between biblical and clinical counseling. Julia delves into the significance of understanding hu...

Part 2 of PCA GA, "So What?" Join the conversation with Lynna Sutherland (Advocacy from the Presbyterian Pew) and Donna Westcott (The Psycho-Theologian) as we further discuss the happenings, nuances, and responses to last week’s PCA General Assembly. We will also explore the questions, hopes, and wisdom as we move forward. An insider’s look into the 'business' of GA. SHOW NOTES...

What does the PCA General Assembly mean to us as women? Are we safe in the denomination? Tune in for this special Safe to Hope podcast featuring Lynna Sutherland (Advocacy from the Presbyterian Pew) and Donna Westcott. Hear how they heard and experienced the denomination’s “business” last week and what this may mean for women. Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of He...

This episode showcases Darby Strickland, author and biblical counselor, and Jill Butler, biblical counselor and instructor who has her own adoption story. As these two expert contributors speak from a counselor’s perspective, they describe trauma experienced by the children in the foster and adoption systems and how the church can come alongside to offer support. And Jill tells about the trauma sh...