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 10

Bearing Witness
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
In this compelling expert segment, attorney and advocate Rachael Denhollander offers deep insight into the role of theology in abuse prevention and response. She helps us understand why survivors struggle to be believed and what it takes to build churches that are safe, discerning, and equipped to care well.

SHOW NOTES: 

Informational Resources:

Season 6 Episode 9

Bearing Witness
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
In Story 3, Carya begins to tell how her abuse continued even after she left home. She exposes the hidden lives of men in ministry who used their power for evil while cloaked in Christian leadership. With courage and sorrow, she shares a part of her story she’s never spoken aloud—her children.

Episode 3

Summer Reading Series
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
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 compelling call to mutuality, emotional connection, and healthy sexuality within marriage. This conversation gently acknowledges that these insights may not apply to relationships marked by coercion or abuse. If that's your story, we hope this episode offers language to describe what’s not of God—and affirms your worth, safety, and dignity. Whether you’re rebuilding your marriage or simply curious about God's design for intimacy, this episode brings both practical insight and compassionate encouragement.

Episode 2

Summer Reading Series
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
With deep personal insight and decades of ministry experience, Elyse challenges us to reconsider how we view the mischaracterized women of Scripture and to embrace the truth that God calls us beloved, even when our stories have been distorted or dismissed.

Episode 1

Summer Reading Series
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
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, and the intersection of theology and trauma recovery. Together, they discuss how survivors can reconnect with their bodies, challenge internalized shame, and discern the difference between biblical teaching and spiritual manipulation. Tabitha’s clinical wisdom and personal vulnerability offer a compassionate, truth-filled roadmap for women navigating abuse, recovery, and intimacy.

Season 6 Episode 8

Bearing Witness
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
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
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
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
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
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
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
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
Audio Player
00:00
00:00
00:00
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.

Self-Care Resources:

Informational Resources: