Lifted to Hope

Louise Sedgwick
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    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.

  2. Aug 11

    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.

  3. Aug 4

    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.

  4. Jul 28

    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.

  5. Jul 21

    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.

  6. Jul 14

    Symptoms of Shame

    This week, I begin a new podcast series called Symptoms of Shame with a solo teaching episode. Often, we don't recognize that our unhealthy behaviors, destructive thought patterns, or emotional struggles are rooted in wounds we have never fully addressed. We may dismiss them as personality traits or simply "the way we've always been." But many of these patterns are actually symptoms of shame. In this episode, I explore how identifying those symptoms and inviting God to heal the deeper hurts beneath them opens the door to lasting transformation. As I launch this new series, I also take a moment to reflect on a special milestone. This summer marks four years since the beginning of this podcast journey. I am deeply grateful for God's faithful presence every step of the way and for each of you who has listened, encouraged others, and prayed for this ministry. In the coming weeks, you'll hear powerful stories from guests whose lives have been transformed as God healed the shame beneath their struggles. My prayer is that these conversations will strengthen your faith and remind you that God is able to restore your soul.   Links Mentioned: Lifted from Shame  Lifted from Shame workbook Registration for Workbook Small Groups   Scripture mentioned: Psalm 25:20 Psalm 3:3 Isaiah 54:4   Book: "Getting Them Sober"     To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  7. Jul 7

    God Restores What was Lost with Marilyn Johnson, Part 2

    Marilyn Johnson returns this week to continue sharing the story of God's healing work in her life. Today she serves alongside her husband in church leadership in England and is the founder of At the Well Ministries, where she encourages others with the hope she has found in Christ. Out of her own journey of restoration, Marilyn wrote Divine Revelation: The Ten Ways God Heals, offering practical and biblical insight into the ways God restores hearts that have been wounded by sin, loss, and brokenness. In this episode, Marilyn shares some of the life-changing truths from her book, explaining how God uses prayer, His Word, healthy relationships in the body of Christ, wisdom, and other means of grace to bring lasting healing. Her message is one of hope, reminding us that God is faithful to restore those who trust Him and that healing is a journey He lovingly walks with us. I believe Marilyn's wisdom and testimony will encourage your heart and strengthen your confidence in God's ability to make all things new.   Connect with Marilyn:  https://www.marilynjauthor.com/ Her Book: Divine Restoration: The Ten Ways God Heals https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GVDQF5V4     To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.

  8. Jun 30

    Saying Yes to God's Invitation with Marilyn Johnson, Part 1

    My guest for this and next week's podcast episodes is author, speaker, and ministry founder Marilyn Johnson, who joins me from England to share her remarkable story of healing and faith. Marilyn's book, Divine Revelation: The Ten Ways God Heals, was born out of her own journey of restoration. In this first episode, she recounts the difficult experience of becoming pregnant at age eighteen by a man in his thirties who abandoned her. Alone, frightened, and facing judgment from her church, Marilyn found little support from those around her. Even her parents, struggling with their own limitations, did not know how to help her navigate the crisis. At one of the darkest moments of her life, Marilyn considered terminating her pregnancy. Yet it was there that God met her in a profound way. He challenged her to trust Him with both her unborn child and her future. Marilyn chose to say yes. That decision marked the beginning of a life-changing journey of intimacy with the God who loved her completely and without reservation. Her story is a beautiful testimony of grace, redemption, and the healing power of God's faithful presence.   Connect with Marilyn:  https://www.marilynjauthor.com/ Her Book: Divine Restoration: The Ten Ways God Heals https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GVDQF5V4     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
    211
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Lifted to Hope

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