Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Episode Summary:
With one in five mobile searches being for pornography, it may be more prevalent than you think. Jody Allen shares her story, her pain, her wounds, and her sacred scars that resulted from her husband’s addiction to pornography. Tune in as Jody offers hope and strategies for overcoming the deep wounds caused by porn addiction.
 
Quotables from the episode:
Pornography can create emotional, relational, and spiritual wounds. I felt betrayed because I was living with someone who’s behavior was inconsistent with who he was. I lived a constant cycle of regret, apology, relapse, and feeling unimportant which created emotional wounds. Nothing can prepare a person for the breakup of the family. When God didn’t answer my prayers the way I wanted him to answer, that brought about spiritual wounds. Because when the God of the universe, the one who hates divorce, doesn’t answer your prayers in a way that is consistent with his will and pro-marriage, it leads to disappointment. One in five mobile searches is actually for pornography. My husband’s pornography addiction caused me so much shame. We answered all the “what if” questions, and came to the conclusion that we would ultimately be okay if we trusted God. Guilt, shame, and condemnation does not come from our Heavenly Father but from the Father of Lies. Shame made me believe that people were judging me and left me feeling like I wasn’t good enough. The wound is the open painful place that is festering and hurts so bad. But once we have a scar, it doesn’t hurt as much. It’s the place where healing has taken place. It doesn’t mean we forget the pain of the wound, it just means that it doesn’t have the same hold on us. As part of my role as a women’s ministry leader, I didn’t feel I could expect other women to share their story if I wasn’t willing to share my own story. Those hard years were preparation for my future ministry. The enemy wants to isolate us from others to shut us up. Satan is an equal opportunist. He is so sly and wants us to believe in any area of sin that “just once” doesn’t matter. We don’t have to squeak by. We don’t have to get to the other side of our pain and just survive. We can thrive. We can get to the other side of our pain and heartache and flourish. Pain doesn’t have to win. Pornography doesn’t have to win. Divorce doesn’t have to win. Let us take the best things from our time of pain and suffering…maybe it’s a fresh perspective, new skills, or a fresh start. If we know Jesus, we have the potential to get to the other side of our heartache and be whole and even be happy on the other side of it.  
Scripture References:
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.”
Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Exodus 12:36 “The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!”
 
Recommended Resources: 
Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How

Episode Summary: 
In this episode, I chat with Jill Savage of “No More Perfect Marriages.” She shared her story of infidelity in her marriage, and how God has since healed her marriage so that she and her husband, Mark, now have a beautiful sacred scar and are able to minister to other married couples in despair.
 
Quotables from the episode:
The normal trials of life is the stuff that ultimately leaves us with sacred scars. Painful trials are part of our normal experience this side of heaven. Our marriage experienced a slow-fade while we both had huge responsibilities outside the home. The downward spiral started with an emotional affair and then resulted in a physical affair. The enemy took a direct hit to our greatest area of ministry. I began a one year process of standing for my marriage. “Standing for Your Marriage” is when one spouse believes and contends for the marriage while the other spouse checks out. The most painful thing I have ever experienced was my husband’s betrayal. I had a ministry based on authenticity and I determined to be open and honest about my pain. I didn’t cause my husband’s infidelity, but I did contribute to the dysfunction in my marriage. It’s important that we build a supportive community outside of times of tragedy because when we’re in a crisis, we don’t have the energy to do that. We can use our hard times as fertilizer for growth! As I began to change, my husband started seeing that as his own personal seeds of growth. God can turn our pain into his purposes. God forgives us the first time we ask—when are we going to forgive ourselves? Nothing is impossible with God. The God of the universe wants to do his best work in the cracks of your life. It takes two to build a marriage, but it takes one to divorce. It takes two to restore a marriage, but it takes One to restore a life.  
Recommended Resources: 
How to Rebuild Trust After Cheating Rebuilding Trust: The Only Time Words Don’t Matter in Marriage My Heart is Broken: Your Next Steps for When Your Spouse is Unfaithful by Jill Savage and Joss Cambridge Your Next Steps: What to Do When Your Spouse is Unfaithful by Jill Savage  No More Perfect Marriages: Experience the Freedom of Being Real Together by Mark and Jill Savage FREE Rebuilding Trust Guide  Rebuilding Trust Course The Wait Is Not Wasted Course Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win  
Social Media Links for Guest and Host:
Connect with Jill Savage:
Website / Facebook / Instagram /

Episode Summary
Join me with Dr. Mel Tavares as we discuss how painful trials can not only challenge us but also lead to profound spiritual healing and growth. Dr. Mel shares her personal journey of overcoming a series of devastating setbacks, including a severe injury and job loss, by employing three key strategies. Learn how these strategies help turn what the enemy intended for harm into beautiful marks of victory and testimony forming sacred scars.

Quotables from the Episode
"I spent the fall trying to rehab it... and they said, there's no fixing this and you have to have a total knee replacement."  "I forgot everything I teach other people... and then coming out on the other side, I began to see the good." "The Lord already knows and it helps others when we are transparent about our struggles."  "God's ways are higher and his ways are better than ours, and I was able to see that as time went on, but not in the beginning." "You went from a place of striving to get it all done to just looking and saying, what can I do today? And that's two different mindsets."  "I put earbuds in and played worship music... it kept my mind filled with the positive, and as I listened, I began to rise up." 
Scripture References
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Romans 8:28 - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Matthew 6:25-33 - Discusses not worrying about life's material needs, emphasizing trust in God's provision.  
Recommended Resources: 
Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win  
Social Media Links for Guest and Host:
Connect with Dr. Mel Tavares:
Website / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest
 
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Guest:
Dr. Mel has a unique 35-year concurrent background in church ministry, writing, publishing, counseling, and education. She holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling. She is an award-winning author who has written four books penned under her name, is a contributing writer to several books including the (August 2021) DaySpring release “Sweet Tea for the Grieving Soul”, contributes to several onli

Episode Summary:
We discuss the principle that we all endure experiences in our lives that produce wounds, but when God heals those wounds, sacred scars result. Join me with Jessica Van Roekel as we share how to transform the wounds of rejection into sacred scars. We dissect the deep emotional and spiritual impacts of rejection, reveal how these healed wounds can be converted into powerful testimonies, and demonstrate how sharing these stories empowers and uplifts others. Learn to overcome fears, recognize the importance of scripture in healing, and discover God's transformative role in turning past pains into triumphs. This episode is a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with past hurts and seeking God’s help on their path to recovery.
 
Quotables from the Episode:
They triumphed over him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony Personal histories don't need to define the present or determine the future A scar is a healed wound We have to feel it to heal it God set me free, and then I prayed a dangerous prayer, 'Lord, teach me how to walk in this freedom.' Rejection doesn't have to stop their life. It doesn't have to train wreck their life. But how about this? How about if we go through it so that we have a story of God's faithfulness on the other side of it.  
Scripture References:
Revelation 12:11 – “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;” Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  
Recommended Resources: 
Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win  
Social Media Links for Guest and Host:
Connect with Jessica Van Roekel:
Website / Instagram / Facebook
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Guest:
Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting wi

Episode Summary
Join me for healing pain and the power of Sacred Scars. Discover how personal hardships and emotional wounds can lead to spiritual and emotional growth. Gain insights on accepting your scars, finding purpose in pain, and realizing that your past struggles are not wasted. Hear inspiring stories that demonstrate resilience and hope, along with practical advice on how to view your scars through a lens of thanksgiving and healing. 

Quotables from the Episode
Trusting God's promise that your past is not wasted. No matter what wound you've experienced, God can and will create a beautiful sacred scar from it if you offer it up to Him. Once he gave me some healing and once he showed me purpose in the pain, it changed my perspective. If we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him. There is healing for your pain and God can take your wounds and create beautiful healing. God shapes your scars and shapes you in the process.
Scripture References
Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Recommended Resources: 
Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win  
Social Media Links for Host:
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
 
Host:
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, a national and international media resource on mental health, and the bestselling, award-winning author of Hope Prevails, the Hope Prevails Bible Study, Today Is Going to Be a Good Day, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, and The Hem of His Garment. Her latest book, Sacred Scars, releases on 6-25-2024. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective. A board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in private practice for more than twenty years, Dr. Bengtson blogs regularly and offers a wide variety of resources on her website, DrMichelleB.com.
 
Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: 
In moments of pain and suffering, we often find the deepest appreciation for acts of love and care from those around us. It is during our pain when we are most in need and perhaps most receptive to when others serve like Jesus. But when the tables are turned, we may struggle to know what to do for others. Join me with Michele Howe as we explore how to embrace service through pain and grace, learning how to serve like Jesus.
 
Quotables from the episode:
Just as we are blessed, encouraged, and discipled by others, we likewise grow in grace and maturity when we use our gifts to serve others. The whole principle of serving like Jesus means being on the receiving end of others God-given gifts and talents, while we serve others using our own. God is faithful. He never calls us to a task without equipping us with everything we need to complete it. Serving like Jesus requires intentionality, counting others higher than ourselves, and giving without reservation or expectation. When we are on the receiving end of service as fellow believers obeying Jesus by using the gifts and talents given them by God, we are deeply impacted and can grow in wisdom, Bible knowledge, understanding, and application. When we obey the Lord's command to serve others through his grace and strength, we in turn build up and strengthen our fellow believers so that the entire body of Christ can come to maturity. We are called to serve--everyone of us, every day. There are no exceptions to this high calling. We are saved by grace and in dwelled by the Holy Spirit, who teaches us, comforts us, chastises us, and compels us to serve. Serving like Jesus means offering kindness and mercy to those who don't deserve it. Before speaking the truth in love, bathe the conversation in prayer in order to help ensure that you approach the conversation with humility, grace, and compassion.   
Scripture References:
Philippians 2:3-8 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Galatians 5:13-14 “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”   
Recommended Resources: 
Serving as Jesus Served: Practical Ways to Love Others by Michele Howe Grace & Gratitude for Everyday Life by Michele Howe Empty Nest: What’s Next? Parenting Adult Children Without Losing Your Mind by Michele Howe Finding Freedom and Joy in Self-Forgetfulness by Michele Howe Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxi