Held and Healed with Heather Elizabeth

Four weeks ago, Hurricane Helene devastated our neighboring states with a ferocity that was unprecedented. We may never fully know the impact of this disaster that destroyed lives, pets, livelihoods, homes, vehicles, and ecosystems. I will not forget the ones who are suffering. The areas that can be rebuilt will take time and resources. Let’s find ways to HELP, for the long haul. Check out Project...

Four weeks ago, Hurricane Helene devastated our neighboring states with a ferocity that was unprecedented. We may never fully know the impact of this disaster that destroyed lives, pets, livelihoods, homes, vehicles, and ecosystems. I will not forget the ones who are suffering. The areas that can be rebuilt will take time and resources. Honor Project Movement will continue to do what we can to sup...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and the onset of Hurricane Milton, there is unimaginable devastation and overwhelming need. In this episode, I share many ways that we can help. We can pray, give, network, and serve in a variety of ways. If we all DO SOMETHING, it will add up to a lot. Sorry, not sorry, I do cry several times. These are truly trying times. Purchase the Rest, Regulate, and Res...

There are so many things I wish I knew as a child, teen, young wife, and young mama. My online event this fall is a collaboration with Sarah McDugal https://www.wildernesstowild.com. Megan Owen https://www.mountaincitychristiancounseling.com. and Lauren Smallcomb https://flourishtherapy.co. We will be addressing the younger parts of ourselves, sharing snippets of our stories, and offering you prac...

In my 100th episode, I share dozens of my favorite healing resources. I hope that you find several that bless and encourage you. Purchase the Rest, Regulate, and Reset Retreat videos at: https://heatherelizabeth.org/page/2023-held-healed-online-retreat. Learn more about the Held & Healed Haven: https://heatherelizabeth.org/members/vaults/2065 Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook at Held...

Sometimes grief comes in waves. Sometimes it comes as a wall of water—a tsunami—and forces us to the ground. Gasping, we barely come up for air before the next wave hits. In this episode, I share an update of my current experiences and offer some of my favorite grief resources. Purchase the Rest, Regulate, and Reset Retreat videos at: https://heatherelizabeth.org/page/2023-held-healed-online-retre...

From my heart to yours on Resurrection Sunday…

Eight and a half years ago, my life came to screeching halt. I contracted a dangerous and mysterious virus that “woke up” many other viruses and diseases that were dormant in my body. Since that time, I have fought with all my might to heal. In this episode, I share some of the things I wish others understood about chronic illness. https://themighty.com/topic/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/cell-phone-ba...

Many survivors of spiritual abuse may never feel safe attending traditional church again. I invite you to extend curiosity and compassion, not condemnation. Learn more about the Nervous System Rest, Regulate, and Reset Retreat videos at: https://heatherelizabeth.org/page/2023-held-healed-online-retreat. Learn more about the Held & Healed Haven: https://heatherelizabeth.org/members/vaults/2065 Ladi...

A new year is here and my ONE WORD for 2024 is GENTLE. I’m learning to offer myself gentleness, kindness, and compassion. If I would not say something to a good, safe, and trusted friend, I should not say it to myself. I invite you to join me on this journey. Learn more about the Nervous System Rest, Regulate, and Reset Retreat videos at: https://heatherelizabeth.org/page/2023-held-healed-online-r...

In Episode 6, Jimmy Hinton shared some of his story. In this episode, we unpack what forgiveness is and what it is not. Too often, the burden of forgiveness is placed on the shoulders of victims while abusers are not held to account. We hope that this conversation brings hope and healing to many. Find Jimmy Hinton Author on Facebook, or at his website: https://jimmyhinton.org/. Learn more about th...

Tom Pryde (Psalm 82 Initiative) and I discuss the true signs of a repentant abuser. I share this resource with survivors every week and it was meaningful to talk through the seven signs with Tom. From Psalm 82: A Letter on Showing Repentance https://psalm82initiative.wordpress.com/2019/07/06/a-letter-on-showing-repentance. Learn more about the Nervous System Rest, Regulate, and Reset Retreat video...

Regardless of the label, Parental Alienation/DV by Proxy/Child and Mother Sabotage is hell on earth. It only takes one abusive patner to destroy a relationship. The abuser often uses DARVO and turns their children against the victim parent. In this episode, I share this reality so that helpers can understand what survivors are going through. I will update these notes when I find additional resourc...

Did you know that lonliness, isolation, fear, and trauma can weaken your immune system? In this episode, I share some ways to boost your immune system after trauma. Purchase the Rest, Regulate, and Reset videos at: https://heatherelizabeth.org/page/2023-held-healed-online-retreat. Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook at Held & Healed: Christian Women Rebuilding After Abuse https://www.fa...

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and I invite you to DO SOMETHING to support DV survivors. Become informed. Support her in tangible ways. Give without strings attached. Purchase the Rest, Regulate, and Reset videos at: https://heatherelizabeth.org/page/2023-held-healed-online-retreat. Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook at Held & Healed: Christian Women Rebuilding Aft...

In this episode I share some more thoughts on how to determine if a helper is safe, including a post from Tom Pryde of Psalm 82 Initiative. Be safe, dear ones! Purchase the Rest, Regulate, and Reset videos at: https://heatherelizabeth.org/page/2023-held-healed-online-retreat. Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook at Held & Healed: Christian Women Rebuilding After Abuse https://www.faceboo...

In this episode, I share some concerns I have about those who call themselves pastors, leaders, counselors, therapists, coaches, advocates, etc. I share practical ways to vet these helpers and determine if they are truly trauma-informed. I refer to Wilderness to Wild’s article, Trauma-Inforned: Are Your Helpers Actually Helpful https://www.wildernesstowild.com/community/public/posts/332570-trauma-...

In this episode, I share dozens of resources to help you on your healing journey. If you are a survivor and/or someone who wants to know better and do better, this list is a great place to begin. I share some of my favorite books, podcasts, and social media accounts that address domestic violence, spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, and/or trauma. Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook at Held...

This episode comes straight from my heart to the hearts of stay-at-home mamas. I share a bit of my story and some things I wish I had known 25 years ago. I celebrate ALL good, loving, and safe mamas and want to offer SAHMs some things no one offered me. Check out the 2023 Held & Healed Retreat (Rest, Regulate, & Reset) here: https://heatherelizabeth.org/page/2023-held-healed-online-retreat. Ladies...

Glimmers are the opposite of triggers and they can be cues of safety, beauty, healing, joy, and peace. In this episode I share about my journey of glimmer hunting, and invite you to join me. Intentionally seeking out gratitudes and goodness glimmers has been very regulating and healing for me. For more info about the 2023 Held & Healed (Online) Retreat (Rest, Regulate & Reset): https://heathereliz...

I have experienced religious institutional abuse and trauma as a child, as a teen, and as an adult. My hope and prayer is that we can learn from past mistakes and know better and do better to keep our kids safe. Blog post: https://heatherelizabeth.org/blog/35558/is-your-vbs-kids-camp-safe-?. Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook at Held & Healed: Christian Women Rebuilding After Abuse htt...

Father’s Day is another special occasion that can be very painful for survivors. Instead of saying “Happy Father’s Day,” I pray for a Gentle Father’s Day for you and yours. Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook at Held & Healed: Christian Women Rebuilding After Abuse https://www.facebook.com/groups/616663178999357/. Or, find me at https://heatherelizabeth.org/. Donate here to support Hono...

Abuse is so much more than broken bones and bruises. Sarah McDugal created a resource that outlines 18 forms of abuse. In this episode and the previous one, I share examples of each form. For the full list, go to https://www.wildernesstowild.com/. Ladies, you are invited to join us for the third annual (online) Held & Healed Retreat. Our theme is Rest, Regulate & Reset and Sarah McDugal is our gue...

Abuse is so much more than broken bones and bruises. Sarah McDugal created a resource that outlines 18 forms of abuse. In this episode and the next one, I will share examples of each form. For the full list, go to https://www.wildernesstowild.com/. Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook at Held & Healed: Christian Women Rebuilding After Abuse https://www.facebook.com/groups/616663178999357...

If you are battling chronic illness, you have limited amounts of energy to complete daily tasks. The Spoon Theory helps to explain how to plan your days so that you don’t run out of energy (“spoons”) and take from tomorrow’s reserve. This concept, along with the cell phone battery analogy, will help you and your loved ones understand your limitations. Ladies, you are invited to join us on Facebook...