Lifted to Hope

Louise Sedgwick
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Trying to make sense of God's design for our lives and our day-to-day experience in a sinful world can be confusing and lonely. Join me, Louise Sedgwick, an author, teacher, and survivor of childhood trauma each Tuesday as I share insights about my own healing journey as well as hearing stories from friends and experts that will inspire you. Here you will discover the hope you've been craving. If you're ready to experience true freedom from the past and finally connect with others and God, I've saved a seat for you.

  1. 4 days ago

    Experiencing God's Grace After Infidelity with Margaret Maxey Ellis, Part 2

    Margaret Maxey Ellis returns this week to continue sharing the story of how her marriage slowly healed after her infidelity. After confessing her affair to her husband, Margaret faced the long and difficult journey of rebuilding trust. With God's wisdom and grace, she learned how to walk alongside her husband as he processed the deep pain of betrayal. Margaret also discovered that she needed practical tools and support, but when she could not find the resources she needed, God began to reveal a new purpose for her story. Together, Margaret and her husband recognized an opportunity to help other women who have experienced infidelity in their marriages. That calling led Margaret to write her upcoming book, Chased by Grace. Her story is a beautiful testimony that God's grace is greater than our sin and that He can redeem even our deepest failures for His glory. Through her vulnerability, Margaret offers hope to women who are longing to find healing, restoration, and a new purpose beyond their past.   Connect with Margaret: Facebook Scripture Mentioned: Luke 15:1-7 I Corinthians 10:12 Song Mentioned: "Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury     Links mentioned: Lifted from Shame Workbook Small Groups   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  2. 1 Sept

    A Good Girl is Unfaithful with Margaret Maxey Ellis, Part 1

    Margaret Maxey Ellis spent the first few decades of her life trying to be the "good girl," believing that obedience, doing the right things, and checking all the right boxes would keep her safe and make her acceptable to God and others. But when challenges in her marriage created deep vulnerability, Margaret made a choice that brought her face to face with her own sin. She had an affair with a client at work, while continuing to maintain the appearance of having everything together. Beneath the surface, however, she was overwhelmed by shame and guilt. What makes Margaret's story so powerful is that God met her in the middle of her sin. Rather than discovering a God who turned away from her, she encountered His mercy, grace, and presence. Her story reminds us that our own goodness can never save us, but neither is our worst failure beyond the reach of God's grace. Margaret's vulnerable testimony offers hope for anyone who has carried deep shame and needs to discover the freedom that comes from being honest before God and receiving His mercy.   Connect with Margaret:  Facebook   Links Mentioned: Lifted from Shame Workbook Small Groups   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  3. 25 Aug

    Holding on to Faith, Hope, and Love Instead of Shame with MIchelle Thooft, Part 2

    Author and ministry leader Michelle Thooft returns this week to share more of her journey toward freedom from shame and self-hatred. After years of allowing painful thoughts and regrets to shape how she saw herself, Michelle realized that healing would require a change in mindset. She could no longer remain focused on the past, leaning into regret and grief. Instead, she began learning to practice the discipline described in 2 Corinthians 10:5, taking her thoughts captive and bringing them into alignment with the truth of Christ. In this episode, Michelle shares how choosing truth over the lies of shame transformed her life, health, and relationships. She learned that without intentionally focusing on what is true, her thoughts could easily spiral back into old patterns of self-condemnation. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing often involves a daily choice to believe what God says rather than what shame tells us. As Michelle embraced truth, healthy living began to take root where shame had once dwelled, offering hope to anyone longing for freedom from destructive thoughts.   Connect with Michelle:  https://www.michellethooft.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleThooftAuthor/ https://www.instagram.com/michellethooft/   Links Mentioned: Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD Registration for Lifted from Shame Workbook small groups: https://www.louisesedgwick.com/zoomsmallgroups  Questions about small groups: Louise@louisesedgwick.com   Scripture mentioned:  2 Corinthians 10:5   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  4. 18 Aug

    Self-Hatred Produced Physical Illness with Michelle Thooft, Part 1

    My guest, Michelle Thooft, shares a powerful story of discovering the hidden shame she had carried over past mistakes. From the outside, Michelle appeared capable, accomplished, and spiritually influential, but beneath the surface she was carrying messages of self-hatred that she had never fully recognized. Eventually, the emotional turmoil began to take a toll on her body, and significant illness forced her to slow down and face the painful beliefs she had been carrying about herself. Michelle's journey toward healing began through prayer and the willingness to bring those hidden messages into the light. In this episode, she shares how God began to meet her in those wounded places and reveal a different way of seeing herself. Her story is an encouraging reminder that shame can remain hidden beneath even a strong exterior, but God sees what is beneath the surface and lovingly invites us into truth, grace, and healing.   Connect with Michelle:  https://www.michellethooft.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MichelleThooftAuthor/ https://www.instagram.com/michellethooft/   Links Mentioned: https://www.louisesedgwick.com/zoomsmallgroups (for small group registration) Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  5. 11 Aug

    Moving Past Shame and Regret with Jason Castleberry, Part 2

    When we come to know Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit begins a transforming work in us. The change is complete, but learning to believe and live in the truth of who we are in Christ can take time. My guest, Jason Castleberry, experienced this transformation firsthand. After military service left him carrying deep shame, PTSD, depression, and regret, Jason could have remained trapped in isolation and despair. Instead, God pursued him, rescued him, and began bringing him back to life. In this second episode, Jason shares the dramatic difference Jesus has made in his life. The heaviness and despair that once defined his days gave way to hope, joy, purpose, and freedom. His own healing awakened a desire to tell others what Jesus can do when life feels impossibly dark, eventually leading him into pastoral ministry. Jason's story is a powerful picture of Colossians 1:13 and a reminder that God can rescue us from darkness and bring us into the freedom and hope found in Christ. Connect with Jason:  https://www.facebook.com/jason.castleberry.2025/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castleberry-96b80394/ https://x.com/Pbcpastor24 To connect with Jason through his church: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505 https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  6. 4 Aug

    Regret and PTSD After Military Service with Jason Castleberry, Part 1

    My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is Jason Castleberry, whose life was forever changed by the realities of war. Before becoming a pastor, Jason served in the military as a UAV (drone) operator, witnessing the devastation of conflict from a perspective that left deep emotional scars. After returning home from deployment, he struggled to function in everyday life and was diagnosed with PTSD and depression. When his hopes of continuing his military career came to an unexpected end, he was overwhelmed by shame, regret, and the painful question of how to move forward. In this episode, Jason courageously shares the impact of trauma on his mind, heart, and identity. The horrors of war left him feeling broken and uncertain about his future, but God had not abandoned him. As Jason came to know Jesus more deeply, he began a journey of healing, restoration, and renewed purpose. His story offers hope to anyone carrying the invisible wounds of trauma, reminding us that no pain is beyond the reach of God's grace and redeeming love.   Connect with Jason:  https://www.facebook.com/jason.castleberry.2025/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castleberry-96b80394/ https://x.com/Pbcpastor24 To connect with Jason through his church: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505 https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  7. 28 Jul

    Surrendering to God Brings Freedom from Comparison, Krystal O'Neal Part 2

    Krystal O'Neal returns this week to continue sharing her journey of finding freedom in Christ after years of wrestling with unmet expectations. As a single woman, she learned that true peace was not found in changing her circumstances but in surrendering them to God. Through His personal care, unfailing love, and perfect sovereignty, Krystal gradually came to believe that her relationship status did not define her identity or determine her worth. God gently replaced comparison and self-condemnation with confidence in His goodness and His plans for her life. In this episode, Krystal shares how surrender transformed her perspective and gave her the freedom to embrace the life God had given her. Her story is filled with wisdom and encouragement for anyone who has struggled with waiting, disappointment, or wondering whether God's plans are truly good. Whether you are single, married, or in another season of life, Krystal's testimony is a beautiful reminder that lasting hope is found in trusting Christ and resting in His faithful love. Connect with Krystal:  https://linktr.ee/FearfullyMadeFaithfullySingle  https://www.facebook.com/krystalwoneal/ https://www.instagram.com/krystaloneal/   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  8. 21 Jul

    Comparison Grows Shame with Krystal O'Neal, Part 1

    My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author and podcaster Krystal O'Neal. Raised in a loving, healthy Christian home by parents who faithfully pointed her to Jesus, Krystal expected her life would naturally follow a familiar path. She assumed she would one day marry and become a mother, just as many around her had. But when those hopes remained unfulfilled, unexpected questions surfaced. Was something wrong with her? Had she somehow failed? In this episode, Krystal shares with honesty and vulnerability about the shame, loneliness, and confusion she experienced as a single woman in the Christian community. As Krystal wrestled with unmet expectations, God gently invited her to anchor her identity in His love rather than in her relationship status. Learning to trust His timing and purposes became a journey of surrender, freedom, and deeper intimacy with Christ. Her story offers hope to anyone whose life has not unfolded as they imagined, reminding us that our worth is not defined by the roles we hold but by the God who calls us His own.   Connect with Krystal:  https://linktr.ee/FearfullyMadeFaithfullySingle  https://www.facebook.com/krystalwoneal/ https://www.instagram.com/krystaloneal/   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

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About

Trying to make sense of God's design for our lives and our day-to-day experience in a sinful world can be confusing and lonely. Join me, Louise Sedgwick, an author, teacher, and survivor of childhood trauma each Tuesday as I share insights about my own healing journey as well as hearing stories from friends and experts that will inspire you. Here you will discover the hope you've been craving. If you're ready to experience true freedom from the past and finally connect with others and God, I've saved a seat for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Louise Sedgwick
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    214
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Lifted to Hope

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