38 | Overcome Fear, Loneliness, and Despair from Childhood Sexual Abuse.

39 | Mother Wounds and Childhood Trauma for Women

Did you grow up feeling emotionally unseen, unsafe, or unloved? In this deeply personal and healing episode, we’re talking about the mother wound — the emotional pain many women carry from childhood when they did not feel nurtured, comforted, protected, or emotionally connected to their mother. This episode is especially powerful for women healing from childhood trauma and childhood sexual abuse, because emotional neglect often creates deep struggles with identity, worthiness, trust, and receiving love. We’ll discuss: * What the mother wound really is * How emotional neglect impacts women later in life * Why this is a root wound, not just a memory * How childhood trauma affects identity and relationships * The connection between the mother wound and shame * Biblical encouragement for healing * Practical steps to begin healing emotionally, spiritually, and physically If you’ve ever struggled with: * feeling unworthy of love * people pleasing * fear of rejection * perfectionism * emotional numbness * difficulty trusting others * questioning your identity as a woman …this episode is for you. Healing begins when we stop minimizing our pain and start bringing it into the light. Scriptures Mentioned * Psalm 34:18 * Psalm 27:10 * Isaiah 66:13 Journal Prompts * When did I first begin feeling emotionally unseen? * What lies did I begin believing about myself as a little girl? * What would I say to my younger self today? * What truth does God say about me? If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who may need this message. You are not alone in your healing journey.   🔗 Connect with Me: 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Risen Coaching Session [https://lesliechermakscalendar.as.me/rootedandrising]. >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards]  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve [https://app.flodesk.com/checkout/faba8211-8951-4c2c-a30f-2aa68a96abab/checkout] >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/overcomer] >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ [https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/] for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter] >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/ [https://lesliechermak.com/]   Music score: Kevin Manthei Music [https://kevinmantheimusic.com/]

38 | Overcome Fear, Loneliness, and Despair from Childhood Sexual Abuse.

The woman who has experienced a broken heart in many ways is a victim in the wake of another persons intentional abuse. This can leave feelings of fear, loneliness, and despair.  Today Leslie shares a simple solution and gives you 3 steps to begin your healing journey or continue on from Childhood Sexual Abuse.  🔗 Connect with Me: 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Risen Coaching Session [https://lesliechermakscalendar.as.me/rootedandrising]. >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards]  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve [https://app.flodesk.com/checkout/faba8211-8951-4c2c-a30f-2aa68a96abab/checkout] >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/overcomer] >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ [https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/]  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter] >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/ [https://lesliechermak.com/]

37 | Is God Real Even When I Have Lost Trust From the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse?

Is God real? This is a question that gets asked from every woman who has experienced childhood sexual abuse.   In this episode, Leslie touches a deep rooted subject. Shares her own experience of asking God for evidence that He hears her.   In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God."  It can be tough when you feel fear, have anger, a lack of trust and so much shame.   But God gives safety to those who trust Him. You can experience peace and joy when you find freedom in Jesus Christ.  Leslie declares God for her life and encourages you to do the same:  God I want to see you. God I want to hear you. God I want to know you. God I want to follow hard after you. Therefore, I'm declaring today, God, you are good. You are good to me and God. You are good at being God. So I'm safe enough to trade my will for thy will, because I'm so confident you will God. Now today give me someone to forgive. Show me someone to bless. Show me evidence all around me of your goodness and faithfulness.    🔗 Connect with Me: 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Risen Coaching Session [https://lesliechermakscalendar.as.me/rootedandrising]. >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards]  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve [https://app.flodesk.com/checkout/faba8211-8951-4c2c-a30f-2aa68a96abab/checkout] >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/overcomer] >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ [https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/]  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter] >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/ [https://lesliechermak.com/]

36 | Healing the Body After Childhood Sexual Trauma: Does Nutrition Matter?

Can what you eat impact your healing journey after childhood sexual abuse? In this episode of Hope in the Fire, we explore the connection between nutrition, emotional health, and trauma recovery. While food doesn’t heal trauma, it can support your body, improve mental clarity, and strengthen your ability to heal. In This Episode: * How trauma affects the body and nervous system * The connection between gut health and emotional healing * My personal story with food and emotional eating * A simple, sustainable approach to nutrition * Biblical perspective on caring for your body * 3 practical steps to start your health journey today Resources Mentioned: * The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin 🔗 Connect with Me: 👉 Email: hello@lesliechermak.com [hello@lesliechermak.com] 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Risen Coaching Session [https://lesliechermakscalendar.as.me/rootedandrising]. >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards]  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve [https://app.flodesk.com/checkout/faba8211-8951-4c2c-a30f-2aa68a96abab/checkout] >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/overcomer] >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme [https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/]  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter] >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/ [https://lesliechermak.com/]

35 | How to Pray While Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse

Prayer can feel confusing… even distant… especially when your story includes deep wounds like childhood sexual abuse. In today’s episode, we’re simplifying prayer and bringing it back to what it was always meant to be—a real, honest conversation with God. If you’ve ever struggled to trust God, open up to Him, or even know what to say, this episode will gently guide you through a simple, powerful framework: ACTS prayer—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. This is not about saying the “perfect” words. It’s about showing up authentically, right where you are. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why prayer can feel difficult after childhood sexual abuse * How to talk to God when trust feels broken * A simple 4-step prayer model (ACTS) anyone can follow * How to be honest with God—even in pain, anger, or doubt * What it means to trust a God you cannot see * How prayer becomes a pathway to healing, not pressure The ACTS Prayer Model: Adoration – Acknowledge who God is, even when your feelings don’t match Confession – Release what’s been weighing on your heart without shame Thanksgiving – Find gratitude, even in small moments Supplication – Bring your needs, desires, and healing before God A Gentle Reminder: You don’t have to have it all together to come to God. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. You don’t have to use perfect words. God is not intimidated by your story—He meets you in it. Next Steps: If this episode spoke to you, I invite you to take one small step today— Spend just a few minutes talking to God using the ACTS model. And if you’re ready for deeper healing, I’d love to walk alongside you. 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Risen Coaching Session [https://lesliechermakscalendar.as.me/rootedandrising]. Loved This Episode? If this encouraged you, please share it with another woman who may be walking a similar journey. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more women find healing and hope. >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards]  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve [https://app.flodesk.com/checkout/faba8211-8951-4c2c-a30f-2aa68a96abab/checkout] >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/overcomer] >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ [https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/]  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter [https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter] >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/ [https://lesliechermak.com/]