Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:  In this episode, I chatted with Shonda Whitworth, who shared about her wounds, her pain, and now her sacred scars after walking through a most devastating experience when her son was incarcerated. What the enemy tried to use to quiet and shut Shonda down, God has now used to bring her into a greater aspect of her calling.  Quotables from the episode: When they said “Your son has...

Episode Summary:  Sometimes life seems to bring one heartache after another until we can feel beaten down by all we’ve been through. My guest today, Cherie Denna, shares from her wounds and pain, and the sacred scars she has gained through infertility, divorce, and ultimately a child custody case for the care of her miracle child. Quotables from the episode: None of our past experiences is wasted....

Episode Summary:  We’re in the midst of the Sacred Scars Stories Series, during which I’m talking to real people who have experienced real pain, real wounds, and come out on the other side of healing with beautiful sacred scars to show for it. This week, I’m talking with author, trauma-informed life coach, Janell Rardon, seeking her perspective as a mental health professional regarding what preven...

Episode Summary:  As part of our “Sacred Scar Story Series,” my guest, Lisa Saruga, shares part of her story about being a victim of a violent crime on a college campus, and how God is now using her painful wounds to create a sacred scar that helps and encourages others. Latest statistics indicate that about 20% of Americans have experienced attempted or completed rape. That is over 430,000 Americ...

Episode Summary:  In this week’s episode, I speak with Gina Kelly who was a sixth grader when she was hit by a truck which caused significant physical and emotional injury and wounds. She shares what she endured, as well as how she has seen God use that for good, and how she has witnessed God’s faithfulness to her through it all.   Quotables from the episode: There was definitely a defining moment...

Episode Summary:  No parent expects to live longer than their children. The death of a child brings such unimaginable grief that is almost impossible for others to relate to if they haven’t walked that road. On this episode, I had a conversation with Alycia Morales about the pain, the wounds, and now the sacred scars she bears after her son, Caleb, died a few years ago. She shares the hope that sh...

Episode Summary:  In this episode, I wanted to share with you what brought me to the place where I knew this book was needed, where I knew God was calling me to share my own sacred scars, why I’ve written the book Sacred Scars for you, and what I hope you’ll get out of it.  Quotables from the episode: Sometimes our wounds come at the hands or wounds of others; sometimes we behave in a way that cau...

Episode Summary: With one in five mobile searches being for pornography, it may be more prevalent than you think. Jody Allen shares her story, her pain, her wounds, and her sacred scars that resulted from her husband’s addiction to pornography. Tune in as Jody offers hope and strategies for overcoming the deep wounds caused by porn addiction.   Quotables from the episode: Pornography can create em...

Episode Summary:  In this episode, I chat with Jill Savage of “No More Perfect Marriages.” She shared her story of infidelity in her marriage, and how God has since healed her marriage so that she and her husband, Mark, now have a beautiful sacred scar and are able to minister to other married couples in despair.   Quotables from the episode: The normal trials of life is the stuff that ultimately...

Episode Summary Join me with Dr. Mel Tavares as we discuss how painful trials can not only challenge us but also lead to profound spiritual healing and growth. Dr. Mel shares her personal journey of overcoming a series of devastating setbacks, including a severe injury and job loss, by employing three key strategies. Learn how these strategies help turn what the enemy intended for harm into beauti...

Episode Summary: We discuss the principle that we all endure experiences in our lives that produce wounds, but when God heals those wounds, sacred scars result. Join me with Jessica Van Roekel as we share how to transform the wounds of rejection into sacred scars. We dissect the deep emotional and spiritual impacts of rejection, reveal how these healed wounds can be converted into powerful testimo...

Episode Summary Join me for healing pain and the power of Sacred Scars. Discover how personal hardships and emotional wounds can lead to spiritual and emotional growth. Gain insights on accepting your scars, finding purpose in pain, and realizing that your past struggles are not wasted. Hear inspiring stories that demonstrate resilience and hope, along with practical advice on how to view your sca...

Episode Summary:  In moments of pain and suffering, we often find the deepest appreciation for acts of love and care from those around us. It is during our pain when we are most in need and perhaps most receptive to when others serve like Jesus. But when the tables are turned, we may struggle to know what to do for others. Join me with Michele Howe as we explore how to embrace service through pain...

Episode Summary:  The numbers don’t lie. 2.8 million adolescents between 12-17 had at least one major depressive episode. This is changing and it’s not all related to the pandemic. There is increase in drug use, sexual activity, addiction to phones, gaming, and social media. Today’s kids function more emotionally than they do logically. This is the reason that the information we give them, the dec...

Episode Summary: Join me for finding hope in God’s promises in the midst of depression. Did you know God places spiritual limits on the influences of depression and the enemy? We’ll discuss how these boundaries can empower you to find hope and worth through your faith, even when facing the darkest moments of despair. Drawing from my personal experiences and biblical stories, such as that of Job, I...

Episode Summary: Nobody is immune to depression. Even a seasoned neuropsychologist treating patients with a wide range of medical health issues can fall prey to depression. Join me as we shatter myths and offer powerful insights to help defeat depression by addressing the spiritual roots of disease. #replay Quotables from the Episode: If you were at a restaurant having dinner with some folks, if y...

Episode Summary: We all want to help. When we hear someone whose been given a devastating diagnosis, we want to try to help make things better. Or, at least make things less bad. But, sometimes, inadvertently, we can say and do things that cause more harm than good. Through my history with cancer and my husband's history with cancer, we've learned a few things. So in this replay of a conversation...

Episode Summary: In a world bent on touting certain diets and restrictive eating, our guest, Amy Connell, desires we learn about our core strength. After releasing her book Your Worthy Body, written for women over 40, she had moms approach her saying “I need something like this for my daughters!”  Her hope is to be a conduit between mom and daughter to help them both foster a healthy relationship...

Episode Summary: Some pro-life advocates mistakenly assume that once a pregnant woman has chosen life for her baby, the battle has been won. However, the truth is that for mothers living in poverty, especially generational poverty, the battle has only begun. These women lack resources, support, finances, and hope. While pregnancy centers succeed in leading women to choose life and providing aid th...

Episode Summary:  Join me with Melissa Heiland as we talk about an important but sensitive topic: what is sexual abuse, and how we can offer hope for sexual abuse survivors.  In the US, 10% of all children experience some form of sexual abuse before they turn 18. These numbers are likely low since sexual abuse is underreported. The victims are most likely to be female (75%), but these numbers are...

Episode Summary: Dr. Michelle Bengtson joins David Robison of LifeToday to explore the challenging journey of maintaining faith during periods of waiting for healing. Drawing from her personal struggles and professional insights as a neuropsychologist, Dr. Bengtson shares about the emotional, physical, and spiritual pain that tests our faith. Through her new book, "The Hem of His Garment," she off...

Episode Summary:  All moms worry, right? Motherhood tempts many moms to worry, especially about the wellbeing of their children. Are they breathing? How can I keep them healthy? What if they don’t make friends at school? But for moms who experience anxiety, worry quickly elevates into debilitating overwhelm, fear, and doubt. This can make normal tasks of motherhood overwhelming and joy-less. Court...

Episode Summary:  Relationship conflict can be difficult. Can good come from broken relationships? How do deal with mutual friends after a breakup? How do we get over the pain of friendships that end? And how does Jesus teach us to be a good friend? Join me with Jessica Van Roekel for Lessons You Can Learn from Broken Friendships. Quotables from the episode: It could be safe to say we become God’s...

Episode Summary:   The contributors to a friendship breakup are varied and as individual as the parties involved. A spectrum of relationship commitments falls under the umbrella of friendship. Friendships can range from acquaintances, colleagues, familial, casual, close, or intimate. The type of friendship prior to a breakup affects the depth of the wound. Many questions exist around friendship br...

Episode Summary:   What do you do when your friend walks away from your relationship without explanation or chance for reconciliation? Guilt and shame keep Christian women from talking about it. It’s embarrassing, confusing, and often heartbreaking. In this episode, Jessica Van Roekel and I talk about a common event, that few in Christian circles discuss openly.  Misunderstandings happen and disag...