The Pilgrimage With Shelby Bowen

How Cult Leaders Use Both Self-Love and “Dying to Self”

Many Christians feel caught swinging between two extremes: love yourself through manifestation and self-focus—or die to yourself until you disappear. Both promise freedom. Both often leave people anxious, insecure, or confused. In this episode, we talk about the Christian pendulum between self-love and self-erasure—and why neither reflects the heart of the Gospel. We explore how “biblical manifestation” mirrors prosperity theology, how extreme self-denial can become self-focused, and what Scripture actually offers instead: a faith anchored in God’s character, not control or shame. If obedience ever felt like fear, or faith left you distrusting yourself, this conversation is for you. There is a way to follow God without disappearing—and a way to grow without making yourself the center.

Trusting God When the World Feels Dark

Do you ever feel like your life is out of control? Maybe things aren’t going the way you thought they would, and you’re left wondering, “Where is God in all of this?” In today’s episode, I’m sharing a reminder we all need: God is in control. Even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, He is faithful, He has a plan, and He hasn’t forgotten you. Take a few minutes to pause, breathe, and let this truth sink in—you can trust Him with your story. 💬 I’d love to hear from you! How is God teaching you to trust Him right now? Share your thoughts with me. If this encouraged you, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a review—it helps more people find encouragement in Christ.

Separating your view of God from harmful HYPER-CHARISMATIC experiences

It’s very normal & common for people who have experienced trauma in a church setting or by a religious figure to have a hard time viewing God the same as before. So if you are struggling with that, it’s not your fault! & you aren’t alone. 💖FREE 15-minute Discovery Call: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/87477 💖Email me to work 1:1 shelbyb@bcmltd.us 💖More resources: https://paperbell.me/the-bowens #religioustrauma #spiritualabuse #christianwomen #theologymatters #gratitudechallenge #subconsciousthinkers

Ep. 23 This is how progress feels as a Christian...

Progress isn't the highlight reel of life you're seeing across social media. Progress is NOT landing the new job, meeting your spouse, having a baby, or moving somewhere new. Progress can feel extremely isolating, lonely, tense, and even...boring Let's talk about how progress can change your life and result in the byproducts of achievements in our romantic and career life. 💖Work with me 1:1 (Discovery Call): https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/87477 💖 Book my 8-week 1:1 Support: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/58224 💖FREE support group for healing from spiritual abuse: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/68005 💖More resources: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages?provider_id=34053

Ep. 22 How to discover your purpose as a Christian woman (it's not what you think!)

Finding your purpose in life can feel daunting...it sure sounds like it just reading that statement. In today's video I'm going to be sharing with you how to discover your purpose, take the pressure off, and break down how the church has overspiritualized finding "purpose and calling." After this you'll feel encouraged and ready to discover your God given talents. 💖Work with me 1:1 (Discovery Call): https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/pa... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFZtdGVUWXBhMDJUM3VzaVduT050aG55UklGZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttMUVWZzVMSXgxTEFLUVRoREJwVF9zaXRMWHhaQVVtaTNPMW5FSk13SGUwWGlsZ29WbjFVSXR5clpXeHVYeVNuNFFJQ2FqR2t5ZHBUTV82dlI3VkhMQzJ5VGFTQTIzM1BGakEycFFvRnVUbXh5dXhKMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.paperbell.com%2Fcheckout%2Fpackages%2F87477&v=Og3kV_fJNDo] 💖 Book my 8-week 1:1 Support: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/pa... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEZLejRTNlIxNVpsSjctYndQMHJuOE9iaWhVd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSWIxb0dUUVlTYTE0YU9IUGZuQ2RPTHVRYWgzRVd3dFJzZlRnOUFkeW1abWpTcEptMFh6MWVpdHd5M0lqZHJRbXBjZVZGQVluLS03MzZtOUtKcjFwNTZSYU1nZFFsSWVrZTJ2TlpQaTd2MEJzRnN0Yw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.paperbell.com%2Fcheckout%2Fpackages%2F58224&v=Og3kV_fJNDo] 💖FREE support group for healing from spiritual abuse: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/pa... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjJNRzg3bHdWS1BzNWwtUlQ4Vk9KZExqR1VWd3xBQ3Jtc0tsd09weXBNWVhQQUpYUTYtMzlZYkR3TjBPWmI4eElIZzhZYzZkeXhUaFoyLTE3dTJuM3BUX0kzMG1OeV8zX1ZzdkVEOHJRTlY3WVQ5M3NrSlI4MG9wUXBIUVZNZHpxbXppQ3JIRE1CX2drSHY4S0JJdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.paperbell.com%2Fcheckout%2Fpackages%2F68005&v=Og3kV_fJNDo] 💖More resources: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/pa... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2gxalNOZXNzcnFDdmZVcjUtN3FXWnlnSFdhQXxBQ3Jtc0tuSFczQ2pLLTE3NVkyVl9QZFAwRkVEd2kyS2Q0cTNHZlJyWUJEN2VNZTlqclpXU2hyTEwyYUJzRnk3T2lqbVgtMTI2S3dKZHdhZl9CS3RjUjl6d0paTTFMYlppakpmUG80bXpiWlE1Z0RNQzk0bEIyNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.paperbell.com%2Fcheckout%2Fpackages%3Fprovider_id%3D34053&v=Og3kV_fJNDo]