Reclaiming Identity | Relationships, Authentic Living, Trauma Recovery, Knowing God

Kristen Zuray, Abbi DeWitt, Lydia Zuray
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly

Do you struggle to believe you are enough? Do shame, anxiety, people-pleasing, trauma, or painful relationships leave you questioning your worth, your voice, or even God's love for you? Welcome to Reclaiming Identity: Relationships, Authentic Living, Trauma Recovery, Knowing God—a Christian podcast helping you restore your identity through truth. We're Kristen Zuray, Abbi DeWitt, and Lydia Zuray, Christian life coaches and mentors from The Adi Project. We understand the impact of relational heartbreak, emotional and spiritual abuse, chronic illness, rejection, and the struggle to find confidence after pain. Here, we have honest, biblical, trauma-informed conversations about self-worth, identity in Christ, healthy relationships, authentic living, trauma recovery, and knowing God. Together, we explore how to recognize unhealthy patterns, set boundaries, heal from shame and fear, deepen your faith, and live from the truth of who God says you are. Your worth is not defined by your past, your performance, or another person's opinion of you. You are known by God, created with purpose, and invited into healing and freedom. Grab a cup of strong coffee and join us as we reclaim truth, restore relationships, and rediscover our God-given identity. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching: Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches: https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching? Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on Reclaiming Identity are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization, employer, or company. The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners should always seek the advice of a qualified professional regarding any specific concerns.

  1. 12h ago

    Servant Leadership: Why Jesus Washed the Disciples' Feet

    Why did Jesus wash the disciples' feet — and what does that teach us about servant leadership? In this episode of Reclaiming Identity, Lydia Zuray explores John 13 and shares why true biblical leadership begins with knowing who you belong to. Before Jesus served, He was secure in His identity, and that identity shaped His humility. Lydia reflects on her own experience washing the feet of student leaders and unpacks what this powerful moment in Scripture reveals about: servant leadership identity in Christ humility Christ-like service biblical leadership in church, family, and friendships This episode is a call to reject pride and embrace the example of Jesus: to humble ourselves before God and one another, and to lead through love, service, and obedience. If you've been shaped by unhealthy leadership, church hurt, or spiritual abuse, this conversation points back to the true heart of Jesus. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching:  Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches:  https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching?  Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook.  https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 #ServantLeadership #IdentityInChrist #BiblicalLeadership #JesusWashedFeet #John13 #ChristianHumility #ChristLikeLeadership #ChristianPodcast #ReclaimingIdentity #ChurchLeadership #FaithInAction #SpiritualHealing #ChurchHurtRecovery #SpiritualAbuseRecovery

    Servant Leadership: Why Jesus Washed the Disciples' Feet

  2. Oct 26

    Church Hurt: Spiritual Abuse Beyond the Pulpit

    Can church hurt and spiritual abuse come from the congregation, not just the leadership? In this episode of Reclaiming Identity, Kristen Zuray is joined by her husband Josh Zuray for a deeply personal conversation about spiritual abuse beyond the pulpit. After 17 years in ministry as a youth pastor, senior pastor, and church planter, Josh shares what it was like to face resistance, gossip, shame, control, unrealistic expectations, and betrayal from people within the church itself. This episode explores: how wolves in the church can damage the body of Christ the difference between healthy accountability and toxic church culture how gossip and lies can destroy trust and ministry why some churches shame people for leaving what happens when believers misuse authority, expectations, and judgment how grace, truth, and discernment help people heal from church hurt Kristen and Josh also talk about why abuse in church settings doesn't always come from behind the pulpit. Sometimes it comes from people sitting in the pews, resisting growth, spreading gossip, or creating unhealthy pressure that crushes leaders and families. If you've been harmed by spiritual abuse, toxic church culture, or deep church hurt, this episode offers honesty, validation, and hope for healing. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching:  Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches:  https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching?  Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook.  https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 #ChurchHurt #SpiritualAbuse #ToxicChurchCulture #ReligiousTrauma #HealingFromChurchHurt #WolvesInTheChurch #ChristianPodcast #IdentityInChrist #SpiritualHealing #ChurchLeadership #TraumaHealing #FaithHealing #BiblicalTruth #ReclaimingIdentity #TheAdiProject

    Church Hurt: Spiritual Abuse Beyond the Pulpit

  3. Oct 19

    Religious Trauma & Spiritual Abuse: Kimalee's Healing Story

    What happens when a traumatic religious experience leaves you questioning your identity, your memories, and even your view of Jesus? In this episode of Reclaiming Identity, Kristen is joined by Kimalee Finelli, author of Under Authority, for a conversation about religious trauma, spiritual abuse, church hurt, and healing. Kimalee shares her story, how her identity was affected after leaving a harmful religious environment, and what helped her separate abusive spiritual leadership from the real Jesus without walking away from faith. In this episode, we discuss: surviving religious trauma the long-term effects of spiritual abuse how healing from church hurt begins how truth restores identity in Christ why Kimalee wrote Under Authority encouragement for those still living through traumatic religion If you've ever needed language for what happened to you in church or in a spiritually abusive setting, this episode offers validation, hope, and a path toward healing. #ReligiousTrauma #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchHurt #TraumaHealing #IdentityInChrist #SpiritualHealing #ChurchHurtRecovery #SpiritualAbuseRecovery #FaithAfterTrauma #ChristianPodcast #HealingJourney #ReligiousTraumaRecovery #KimaleeFinelli #UnderAuthority #ReclaimingIdentity

    Religious Trauma & Spiritual Abuse: Kimalee's Healing Story

  4. Oct 12

    Praying for Healing: What If You're Still Suffering?

    Have you ever prayed for healing and wondered why you are still suffering? In this episode of Reclaiming Identity, Abbi DeWitt talks about praying for healing, what to do when healing hasn't come yet, and how to stay grounded in the truth of God's character while you wait. Through Scripture, Abbi reminds listeners that every good gift comes from God, that God reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha, and that ongoing suffering does not mean God is the one harming you. This episode explores: whether pain comes from God what Paul's thorn in the flesh teaches us whether it is okay to keep praying for healing how grace meets us in suffering what faith looks like while we wait If you are in a season of pain, confusion, trauma healing, church hurt recovery, or spiritual exhaustion, this episode offers biblical encouragement and hope. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching:  Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches:  https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching?  Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook.  https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 #PrayingForHealing #SpiritualHealing #HealingPrayer #FaithInSuffering #WaitingOnGod #IdentityInChrist #TraumaHealing #ChurchHurtRecovery #SpiritualAbuseRecovery #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTruth #GodOurHealer #JehovahRapha #EmotionalHealing #ReclaimingIdentity

    Praying for Healing: What If You're Still Suffering?

  5. Oct 5

    What Is Church? Body of Christ or a Branded Kingdom?

    What is the church supposed to be? In this solo episode of Reclaiming Identity, Kristen wrestles with a question that has been growing in her heart for over a year: Has the modern church lost its identity? Drawing from personal experience in church culture, ministry, and painful encounters with unhealthy leadership, Kristen explores how church hurt, spiritual abuse, branding, territorialism, and personality-driven ministry can distort God's design for His people. This episode contrasts man-made church kingdoms with the biblical vision of one Church, one Body, one Head, and one mission. You'll hear reflection on: the difference between the Church as Christ's Body and the church as a brand how pride, abuse of authority, and platform-building damage the witness of the Church what Scripture says about unity in the Body of Christ why local congregations matter, but are never meant to become isolated kingdoms practical questions to help you discern whether a church is furthering a mission or operating like a franchise If you've ever felt discouraged by church culture but still love the Bride of Christ, this episode will give language to that tension and point you back to God's original vision. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching:  Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches:  https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching?  Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook.  https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 #ChurchHurt #SpiritualAbuse #BodyOfChrist #BiblicalChurch #ChurchUnity #IdentityInChrist #ChristianPodcast #ReclaimingIdentity #HealthyChurch #ChurchLeadership #FaithDeconstruction #SpiritualHealing #TraumaHealing #WesternChurch #KingdomOfGod

    What Is Church? Body of Christ or a Branded Kingdom?

  6. Sep 28

    Spiritual Abuse in Church Leadership: Is it "Spiritual Authority" or a control issue?

    What happens when a spiritual leader crosses the boundary of the authority God gave them? In this episode of Reclaiming Identity, Abigail DeWitt explores spiritual abuse in church leadership and how control, pride, and unhealthy authority can damage both people and the growth of God's church. Drawing from 1 Peter 2, Romans 12, 1 Peter 5, and Acts 6, Abigail unpacks God's design for healthy church leadership. True spiritual leaders are called to shepherd, serve, protect, and care for God's people—not build brands, demand control, or create mini kingdoms. This episode covers: how spiritual abuse can show up in leadership why control and pride distort church growth the difference between biblical care and abusive authority what the early church teaches about shared gifts and Spirit-led leadership why healing from church hurt begins with understanding God's true design If you've struggled with trusting spiritual authority or are sorting through pain from unhealthy church leadership, this episode offers biblical clarity, hope, and direction. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching:  Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches:  https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching?  Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook.  https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchHurt #HealthyChurchLeadership #SpiritualAuthority #BiblicalLeadership #ServantLeadership #ChurchGrowth #BodyOfChrist #IdentityInChrist #SpiritualHealing #ChristianPodcast #TraumaHealing #ReclaimingIdentity #ChurchLeadership #TheAdiProject

    Spiritual Abuse in Church Leadership: Is it "Spiritual Authority" or a control issue?

  7. Sep 21

    Church Shunning: Why it's not Biblical

    What is shunning, and is it ever biblical? In this episode of Reclaiming Identity, Kristen Zuray shares why church shunning is not the same as biblical discipline. While Scripture does address correction and separation in certain cases, true discipline is meant for restoration, healing, and protection. Shunning is something very different. Kristen explores how shunning in church often functions as spiritual abuse—cutting people off, isolating them from community, punishing them for asking questions, and pressuring others to choose loyalty to a leader over healthy relationships. In this episode, she discusses: the definition of shunning why shunning is unbiblical how shunning differs from biblical discipline the emotional and spiritual effects of being shunned how shunning distorts a person's identity and view of God warning signs of toxic church culture when it may be time to leave an unhealthy church If you've experienced church hurt, religious trauma, or spiritual abuse recovery, this conversation offers language, clarity, and validation for what you may have lived through. Shunning is not rooted in love, forgiveness, or restoration. It is rooted in rejection, control, and punishment. And it has no place among the people of God. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching:  Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches:  https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching?  Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook.  https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 #ChurchShunning #ChurchHurt #SpiritualAbuse #ReligiousTrauma #ToxicChurchCulture #HealingFromChurchHurt #SpiritualAbuseRecovery #ChristianPodcast #TraumaHealing #IdentityInChrist #BiblicalTruth #ChurchLeadership #EmotionalHealing #FaithHealing #ReclaimingIdentity

    Church Shunning: Why it's not Biblical

  8. Sep 14

    Spiritual Abuse Recovery: 4 Marks of Healthy Leaders

    How do you tell the difference between a healthy spiritual leader and a harmful one? In this episode of Reclaiming Identity, Kristen Zuray shares 4 biblical markers of authentic, Christ-like leadership for those recovering from spiritual abuse, church hurt, and religious trauma. If you've been wounded by abusive leadership, it can be hard to know who is safe to trust. Kristen points listeners back to Jesus as the model of true spiritual leadership and explores four essential characteristics: humility wisdom and discernment protection of God's people love Through Scripture and practical insight, this episode contrasts true shepherds with false shepherds and reminds listeners that abusive leaders do not reflect the heart of Christ. If you are healing from spiritual abuse and trying to reclaim a truthful view of God, this episode offers clarity, hope, and biblical grounding. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching:  Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches:  https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching?  Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook.  https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchHurt #ReligiousTrauma #SpiritualAbuseRecovery #ChristianPodcast #IdentityInChrist #TraumaHealing #BiblicalLeadership #HealthyLeadership #ChristLikeLeadership #FalseShepherds #FaithHealing #ChurchHealing #ReclaimingIdentity #ChristianHealing

    Spiritual Abuse Recovery: 4 Marks of Healthy Leaders
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About

Do you struggle to believe you are enough? Do shame, anxiety, people-pleasing, trauma, or painful relationships leave you questioning your worth, your voice, or even God's love for you? Welcome to Reclaiming Identity: Relationships, Authentic Living, Trauma Recovery, Knowing God—a Christian podcast helping you restore your identity through truth. We're Kristen Zuray, Abbi DeWitt, and Lydia Zuray, Christian life coaches and mentors from The Adi Project. We understand the impact of relational heartbreak, emotional and spiritual abuse, chronic illness, rejection, and the struggle to find confidence after pain. Here, we have honest, biblical, trauma-informed conversations about self-worth, identity in Christ, healthy relationships, authentic living, trauma recovery, and knowing God. Together, we explore how to recognize unhealthy patterns, set boundaries, heal from shame and fear, deepen your faith, and live from the truth of who God says you are. Your worth is not defined by your past, your performance, or another person's opinion of you. You are known by God, created with purpose, and invited into healing and freedom. Grab a cup of strong coffee and join us as we reclaim truth, restore relationships, and rediscover our God-given identity. Want to work together? Here's how we can help you reclaim your God-given identity and purpose! * Snag a free gift and find out more at https://www.adiproject.org * Coaching: Has the past silenced who you are? Do you want to get unstuck? Sign up for private coaching sessions with one of Adi Project's coaches: https://www.adiproject.org/christian-coaching * Courses: Do you wonder where God was in your trauma? Want to go deeper in your faith but aren't ready to commit to coaching? Purchase the 9 week Called By Name video course, book, and workbook. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Resources: Do you want to learn more about identity but don't want to read another self-help book? Are you drawn to fantasy fiction? We have you covered with the Redemption of Adi trilogy. https://www.adiproject.org/adi-books-and-merch * Community: You don't have to walk this journey alone. Join our Identity Building Facebook community and connect with others who are discovering their true identity and purpose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437640954240014 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on Reclaiming Identity are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization, employer, or company. The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners should always seek the advice of a qualified professional regarding any specific concerns.

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