The Pilgrimage With Shelby Bowen

Many Christians feel caught swinging between two extremes: love yourself through manifestation and self-focus—or die to yourself until you disappear. Both promise freedom. Both often leave people anxious, insecure, or confused. In this episode, we talk about the Christian pendulum between self-love and self-erasure—and why neither reflects the heart of the Gospel. We explore how “biblical manifest...

Do you ever feel like your life is out of control? Maybe things aren’t going the way you thought they would, and you’re left wondering, “Where is God in all of this?” In today’s episode, I’m sharing a reminder we all need: God is in control. Even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, He is faithful, He has a plan, and He hasn’t forgotten you. Take a few minutes to pause, breathe, and let this...

It’s very normal & common for people who have experienced trauma in a church setting or by a religious figure to have a hard time viewing God the same as before. So if you are struggling with that, it’s not your fault! & you aren’t alone. 💖FREE 15-minute Discovery Call: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/87477 💖Email me to work 1:1 shelbyb@bcmltd.us 💖More resources: https://pap...

Progress isn't the highlight reel of life you're seeing across social media. Progress is NOT landing the new job, meeting your spouse, having a baby, or moving somewhere new. Progress can feel extremely isolating, lonely, tense, and even...boring Let's talk about how progress can change your life and result in the byproducts of achievements in our romantic and career life. 💖Work with me 1:1 (Disc...

Finding your purpose in life can feel daunting...it sure sounds like it just reading that statement. In today's video I'm going to be sharing with you how to discover your purpose, take the pressure off, and break down how the church has overspiritualized finding "purpose and calling." After this you'll feel encouraged and ready to discover your God given talents. 💖Work with me 1:1 (Discovery Cal...

Today we are breaking down historically who Jezebel was. We will be talking about how there is no term in the Bible called a Jezebel spirit nor is there any reference to an evil spirit being named after a human being. I'll share the common rebuttal points on this and how we can respond with scripture. 💖FREE support group for healing from spiritual abuse: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/package...

We all have disappointment! It's normal and it's unfortunately apart of life. For those of you who've been part of a high-control religion, you've probably been made to feel like you have to respond perfectly when disappointment comes. When we don't respond "perfectly" because we aren't perfect...we beat ourselves up. In today's video, I share with you how I'm currently processing disappointing ne...

People pleasing is a coping mechanism we adopt when we feel in danger. It's a way to protect ourselves from vulnerability. To it's core, people pleasing is deceptive because it's dishonest. Women and men in toxic religious environments often find themselves adopting this coping mechanism thinking they are doing what God has called them to do which is "love well." Loving well does not mean loving a...

Welcome back! In today's podcast, I sat down with   @suzette-themarriagewarrior-  again to talk about deconstruction/healing from purity culture and breaking off of shame! 💖If you're interested in the life coaching training program use CODE: SHELBYCO at checkout for 10% OFF: https://www.marriagewarriorinstitute.com/mwi/spiritual-lifecoaching 💖Email me to work 1:1 shelby@pilgrimageandco.com 💖Mor...

Welcome back to my channel! Today's video is a topic that has been all over my conversations lately. Why do we make excuses for not going after what's on our hearts? There are many reasons why we could be doing this and in today's video, we are going to work through how to step into the dreams and desires that God has put on your heart. We talk about: 💖 Putting ourselves out there into the world...

So much of how you see yourself now is based on beliefs you adopted about yourself in the past. If you believe you're a failure, you're going to look to confirm that in everything you do in life! What a miserable way for us to live. It's time to break off the shame... Break off the doubt... Or the unbelief in yourself or God... All of this will only hold you back from all the good things that are...

Hi there! Welcome back to The Bowen's podcast. Today my husband Branson and I sat down to talk with you about where we are at in our church journey. I'm sure it looks a lot different than yours but maybe you'll identify with a few of the things we talk about today.  There is no right or wrong to this!  church #deconstruction #exvangelical #faith #spiritualabuse

I see people slap this verse in my comment section on videos like a "gotcha moment." They almost snicker to themselves as to how they can badger people into attending a church building on a Sunday morning. I want to make this clear. The church is wonderful! I love God and His people. If you attend a church on a Sunday morning that is great! This isn't meant to discourage that practice it is merely...

It’s so important that we understand the meaning behind commonly misused verses like “Do not touch God’s anointed.” For a long time, I grappled with the confusion and doubt around this verse. Should I share my story? Would I be cursed for speaking out against “God’s anointed” people? It’s a dilemma many find themselves in today. It’s unclear whether leaders exploiting these verses genuinely believ...

👉💖OPEN ENROLLMENT for the spring semester of the women 's-only group coaching experience 'Spirit, Soul & Body Alignment' is now OPEN. There are a limited number of slots available. Apply now before they are full: https://forms.gle/oDvA5izmiN111fU4A It's normal to feel triggered when you open up your Bible and read the verses that were twisted in a tactic of mind control. Narcissistic church...

Your peace is sacred and learning to protect that peace means not allowing other people's thoughts and opinions to rule your emotions. Understanding these concepts helps us to grow professionally, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. 🕊️ Book a coaching call consultation Email: shelbyb@bcmltd.us LINK: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/bookings/new?package_id=63539 #christianlifecoach #spiri...

Time and time again we see these charismatic leaders use their position and authority to abuse those under their power. It's nothing other than wicked. But, as the body of Christ, why do we continue to give these people a platform? For this to stop I think we have to look within ourselves to find the answer... MARRIAGE WARRIOR INSTITUTE: https://www.marriagewarriorinstitute.com/ CODE: SHELBYCO for...

Welcome back! After speaking with many of you who have gone to a church that triggers old family wounds, I sat down with Suzette to talk about how to heal these core wounds. We talk about: 👉 Understanding triggers and what to do when the come. 👉 What is true disclosure and repentance. 👉 When it's time to leave your church and report spiritual abuse. 👉 Red and green flags to look out for in chu...

I sat down with psychologist and trained therapist Suzette the Marriage Warrior to talk about how churches use emotional and spiritual manipulation to force giving. We break down: 👉 Malachi 3 👉 What does God call us to do regarding giving? 👉 The abuse of the tithe in today's modern church 👉 Detrimental effects from the Prosperity gospel 💗 First Interview with Suzette: https://youtu.be/_Sh-lyq...

I've been talking with countless people who have been feeling this way. You might feel disillusioned with the church system for many different reasons. If you are in that place, know that you aren't alone. Not feeling like you belong with a church is an isolating experience. While I know it is SO important to have a community of fellow believers to do life with, I also know that it doesn't have to...

During and after any abuse it is normal to feel disconnected from yourself and the world around you. While healing and reconnecting with yourself and God is not a one-size-fits-all journey, here are some tools that I have utilized that may help you in your healing journey. 1. Get out of the spiritually abusive environment. 2. Acknowledge how you feel don’t suppress your emotions. 3. Give yourself...

In the church, you often can feel like you have "flawed faith" if you're struggling with depression, anxiety, and constant negative thoughts. That belief only perpetuates the cycle of all three of those things. Then you might hear "Just trust God," or "Just put your faith in God," like you aren't doing that already... It can be hard to connect with God when you're in that place. I get it, I've bee...

No matter where you are at on your journey of healing from spiritual abuse this conversation with @suzette-themarriagewarrior- will encourage you that God has never left your side. Often we equate the character traits of a narcissistic pastor with the character traits of God, assuming they are the same. Let this be a reminder that the words Jesus uses to describe himself are "gentle" and "lowly in...

Sometimes we hide behind the Bible and wait to hear God's voice instead of realizing we are the ones holding ourselves back because we are afraid. Are you waiting and waiting to hear from God? Or are you just afraid you won't be able to do what's in your heart? There is so much opportunity in the world and I see way too many Christians sit on the sidelines hiding behind the Bible because they don'...

Suppressing emotions can leave you with all KINDS of symptoms... Maybe you're feeling tired all the time. Maybe you have more inflammation in your body. Maybe you are constantly ruminating on those events. Today we are breaking down the symptoms and how to start properly processing suppressed emotions around church hurt. Let's identify our primary & secondary emotions so we can heal and thrive...