All suffering is loss, but God leaves nothing unused in His plans. We help women see His redemptive thread throughout their circumstances and then look for opportunities to join with God in His transforming work.

Season 6 Episode 8

Bearing Witness
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In Episode 8, neurotheologian Dr. Jim Wilder joins us to explore the spiritual, psychological, and relational dynamics of ritual abuse and recovery. With gentle clarity, he 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.

Season 6 Episode 7

Bearing Witness
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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, trauma, and the sacred call to protect the vulnerable. This episode bears witness to truth many would prefer to ignore.

Season 6 Episode 6

Bearing Witness
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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.

Season 6 Episode 5

Bearing Witness
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How do you prepare your heart and mind to hear stories of deep suffering without becoming overwhelmed — or walking away untouched? In this today’s episode of the Safe to Hope podcast, 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 necessary practice of bearing witness — not only to unimaginable trauma but also to the redemptive thread running through the darkness. Together, they discuss what it means to listen with wisdom, vigilance, and compassion. You’ll hear practical self-care strategies, spiritual insights, and thoughtful encouragement for anyone who wants to enter into another’s story without losing themselves in the process. Whether you’re a caregiver, pastor, counselor, advocate, or simply someone who desires to learn how to care well, this episode offers important guidance on how to hold hard stories — and hold yourself — with care.

Season 6 Episode 4

Bearing Witness
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How Do You Listen Well to Hard Stories? How do you prepare your heart and mind to hear stories of deep suffering without becoming overwhelmed — or walking away untouched? In this today’s episode of the Safe to Hope podcast, 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 necessary practice of bearing witness — not only to unimaginable trauma but also to the redemptive thread running through the darkness. Together, they discuss what it means to listen with wisdom, vigilance, and compassion. You’ll hear practical self-care strategies, spiritual insights, and thoughtful encouragement for anyone who wants to enter into another’s story without losing themselves in the process. Whether you’re a caregiver, pastor, counselor, advocate, or simply someone who desires to learn how to care well, this episode offers important guidance on how to hold hard stories — and hold yourself — with care.

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Season 6 Bonus 1

Bearing Witness
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Sometimes, stories unfold side by side—but not always in harmony. 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. Not to criticize, but to care. To gently offer a different perspective—one shaped by the lived experiences of survivors and informed by experts in trauma care and memory science. Whether or not you’ve heard the other podcast, this episode frames the heart of our season: why believing survivors matters, and how we hold sacred space for stories that are hard to tell.

Season 6 Episode 3

Bearing Witness
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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. Together, we explore why survivors often feel alone in their experiences and how we, as listeners, can create a safe place for healing—without rushing to fix, minimize, or explain away the pain. We also talk about Jesus in suffering—how He is strong yet gentle, never hurried, never harsh, and always present. If you’ve ever struggled to sit with hard truths, hold space for grief, or find hope after deep pain, this conversation is for you. Tune in and walk with us in the land of the living.

Season 6 Episode 2

Bearing Witness
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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 it is good. Her words are a testament to the severe mercy of God, who calls us not to escape suffering, but to walk with Him through it.

Season 6 Introduction (Episode 1)

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Season 6 Episode 1

Bearing Witness
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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 cannot fully grasp the hope that follows.

Dr. Ingrid Faro

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Season 5 Episode 6

Domestic Abuse Reconciled
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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 the victim’s response. They unpack the impact of trauma and urge churches to stand by victims, even when human support falls short. This conversation is a compelling reminder of God’s unwavering work, even in our brokenness.