Dysregulated Faith

Episode 7 – Frenzy: Doing More to Feel Safe

The frenzy response is overactivity in overdrive—overworking, overcommitting, and over-preparing to try to keep danger or disapproval at bay. In Luke 10, Martha is “worried and upset about many things,” missing the peace available at Jesus’ feet. We’ll discuss how this pattern keeps us from true rest and how God calls us out of frantic striving into grounded presence. You’ll hear: * The nervous system dynamics behind over-busyness * How frenzy can mask fear and insecurity * Practices for slowing down and anchoring yourself in God’s love Connect with Sandra: Email: sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com [ sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com] Website: DysregulatedFaith.com [https://www.dysregulatedfaith.com] Instagram: @dysregulatedfaith Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged you, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Your words help others find a faith space where bodies, brains, and beliefs can breathe.

Episode 6 – Flop: When Your Body Shuts Down

The flop response is the body’s way of conserving energy when stress feels overwhelming—collapsing, withdrawing, or going numb to survive. Early in Esther’s story, she hides her identity and avoids taking action, even when called to courage. We’ll look at how her hesitance mirrors our own moments of shutdown and how God meets us in stillness, giving us the strength to act when the time is right. You’ll hear: * How flop is a protective, not lazy, response * Why shutdown often follows long-term fear or pressure * How God can use even hesitant steps for His purposes Connect with Sandra: Email: sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com [ sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com] Website: DysregulatedFaith.com [https://www.dysregulatedfaith.com] Instagram: @dysregulatedfaith Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged you, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Your words help others find a faith space where bodies, brains, and beliefs can breathe.

Episode 5 – Fawn: Pleasing to Keep the Peace

The fawn response is a survival strategy that seeks safety by appeasing others—staying agreeable, meeting expectations, and avoiding conflict at all costs. In the parable of the prodigal son, the older brother does everything “right” but is quietly resentful, longing for recognition. We’ll explore how this reflects a nervous system wired for harmony over honesty, and how God invites us into connection that’s rooted in truth, not performance. You’ll hear: * Signs of the fawn response and why it’s often mistaken for virtue * How the older brother’s resentment reveals the hidden cost of appeasement * Steps toward authentic relationship with God and others without losing yourself Connect with Sandra: Email: sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com [ sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com] Website: DysregulatedFaith.com [https://www.dysregulatedfaith.com] Instagram: @dysregulatedfaith Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged you, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Your words help others find a faith space where bodies, brains, and beliefs can breathe.

Episode 4 – Freeze: When Fear Stops You in Your Tracks

In Dysregulated Faith, we explore what it’s like to love Jesus while living with a nervous system that’s often in survival mode. I’m Sandra Littlejohn—parenting coach, writer, neurodivergent mom—and in this series, we’re reframing the six core stress responses as remarkable survival strategies, not spiritual failures. Today’s focus is Freeze: that paralyzing stillness when neither fight nor flight feels possible. Through the story of Gideon in Judges 6, we’ll see how God meets frozen hearts with patience, peace, and presence. You’ll hear: * Why freeze is a nervous system’s way of keeping us safe when action feels impossible * How Gideon’s hesitance reveals both fear and God’s unhurried compassion * The way God calls us “mighty” even when we’re hiding, doubting, or unsure * Why healing can start with trembling, imperfect steps If you’ve ever gone blank in a hard moment, stalled on a decision, or felt ashamed for “not moving fast enough,” this episode offers a reminder: God isn’t frustrated with your freeze—He waits, He speaks peace, and He calls you forward at your own pace. Connect with Sandra: Email: sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com [ sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com] Website: DysregulatedFaith.com [https://www.dysregulatedfaith.com] Instagram: @dysregulatedfaith Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged you, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Your words help others find a faith space where bodies, brains, and beliefs can breathe.

Episode 3 – Flee: When Running Feels Like the Only Option

In Dysregulated Faith, we’re talking about what it means to follow Jesus while living with a nervous system that’s often on high alert. I’m Sandra Littlejohn—parenting coach, writer, neurodivergent mom—and in this series, we’re unpacking the six core stress responses as survival strategies, not spiritual shortcomings. Today’s focus is Flee: the instinct to escape danger, avoid confrontation, or get out before things get worse. We’ll look at the ways “fleeing” can show up in our lives—sometimes in obvious ways, sometimes in subtle patterns—and what Scripture reveals about people who ran when the pressure rose. You’ll hear: * Why fleeing isn’t always cowardice, but often a nervous system’s best attempt to keep us safe * How fear and avoidance can show up in faith communities * How Jesus meets us with gentleness, even when we’re ready to bolt If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation, changed paths to escape pressure, or felt shame for “quitting” too soon, this episode offers understanding and a path toward regulated, purposeful presence. Connect with Sandra: Email: sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com [ sandra@dysregulatedfaith.com] Website: DysregulatedFaith.com [https://www.dysregulatedfaith.com] Instagram: @dysregulatedfaith Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged you, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Your words help others find a faith space where bodies, brains, and beliefs can breathe.