Hope In The Fire | Childhood Sexual Abuse, Childhood Trauma Healing, Shame, Biblical Wellness

Leslie Chermak - Christian Podcaster, Certified Life Coach & Speaker
  • 4.9 (16)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

In Hope in the Fire, we explore the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life’s toughest challenges; childhood sexual trauma, fear, hopelessness and the lies that hold you back. Through raw stories, heartfelt conversations, and empowering insights, each episode brings you closer to people who have faced the fire and emerged stronger, filled with hope through the power of the Word of God. Tune in to find inspiration, courage, and the reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always a spark to hold onto.

  1. 1D AGO

    35 | How to Pray While Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse

    Prayer can feel confusing… even distant… especially when your story includes deep wounds like childhood sexual abuse. In today’s episode, we’re simplifying prayer and bringing it back to what it was always meant to be—a real, honest conversation with God. If you’ve ever struggled to trust God, open up to Him, or even know what to say, this episode will gently guide you through a simple, powerful framework: ACTS prayer—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. This is not about saying the “perfect” words. It’s about showing up authentically, right where you are. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why prayer can feel difficult after childhood sexual abuse How to talk to God when trust feels broken A simple 4-step prayer model (ACTS) anyone can follow How to be honest with God—even in pain, anger, or doubt What it means to trust a God you cannot see How prayer becomes a pathway to healing, not pressure The ACTS Prayer Model: Adoration – Acknowledge who God is, even when your feelings don’t match Confession – Release what’s been weighing on your heart without shame Thanksgiving – Find gratitude, even in small moments Supplication – Bring your needs, desires, and healing before God A Gentle Reminder: You don’t have to have it all together to come to God. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. You don’t have to use perfect words. God is not intimidated by your story—He meets you in it. Next Steps: If this episode spoke to you, I invite you to take one small step today— Spend just a few minutes talking to God using the ACTS model. And if you’re ready for deeper healing, I’d love to walk alongside you. 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Risen Coaching Session. Loved This Episode? If this encouraged you, please share it with another woman who may be walking a similar journey. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more women find healing and hope. >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

    26 min

  2. APR 10

    34 | Winning the Battle in Your Mind: Replacing Lies From Childhood Sexual Abuse

    What if the biggest battle you face every day… is happening in your mind? For women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, the lies can feel overwhelming: “I’m not worthy.” “I’m not loved.” “My life doesn’t matter.” In this deeply personal and truth-filled episode of Hope in the Fire, we’re talking about how to break free from those destructive thought patterns and replace them with what God says about you. Because healing doesn’t just happen in your circumstances—it starts in your thoughts. You’ll learn: Why your thoughts shape your identity and your future How trauma creates negative thought cycles The connection between your thoughts and your physical body What the Bible says about renewing your mind Practical steps to replace lies with truth starting today If you’ve ever struggled to believe that God truly loves you… this episode is for you. You are not your past. You are not the lies. You are who God says you are.   🔑 Key Scriptures: Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind Philippians 4:8 – Think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely   💛 Practical Steps to Renew Your Mind: Start reading the Bible (begin with the book of John) Catch and replace negative thoughts with truth Begin your day with gratitude and intentional thinking   ✨ Journal Prompt: What lies have I been believing about myself… and what does God say instead?   🎧 Next Step: If you’re ready to go deeper, I invite you to book a Rooted & Rising Coaching Session where we uncover the root of your thought patterns and begin renewing your mind through biblical truth.   🔗 Connect with Me: 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Risen Coaching Session. >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/   Music score: Kevin Manthei Music

    25 min

  3. APR 3

    33 | Rewriting Your Story from Childhood Sexual Trauma and Turning It Into Purpose

    What if your story isn’t over? Today we’re talking about what it looks like to move beyond healing… and begin rewriting your story with God. After unlocking childhood memories and learning how to process them safely, the next step is transformation—shifting the way you see your past, your identity, and your future. If you’ve ever felt defined by what you’ve been through, this episode will remind you of a deeper truth: You are not what happened to you. You are who God says you are.   What You’ll Learn What it really means to “rewrite your story” How childhood experiences shape core beliefs How to identify and replace limiting beliefs (lies) The connection between healing and purpose How God can redeem your story for something greater Reflection Exercise (From Episode) Write your story in two parts: Part 1: What happened to me Part 2: What God is showing me now Notice how your perspective begins to shift. If you’re ready to move from healing into purpose, I’d love to walk with you. Book a Rooted & Rising Coaching Session and take the next step in your journey. >> Download my free Checklist For Living In Your Purpose >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   Weekly Encouragement >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

    19 min

  4. MAR 25

    32 | What to Do When Childhood Sexual Trauma Memories Resurface

    *WARNING This episode may have triggering content. What do you do when painful childhood sexual trauma memories start to surface? In Part 2 of this series, we’re continuing the conversation on healing childhood trauma—this time focusing on how to process difficult memories safely and with God at the center. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, triggered, or unsure what to do when memories come back, this episode will give you practical, faith-based tools to walk through healing without retraumatizing yourself. You don’t have to rush your healing. And you don’t have to do it alone.   What You’ll Learn Why painful memories resurface during healing How to process trauma without becoming overwhelmed Simple grounding techniques to feel safe in your body How to invite God into painful memories When to seek support in your healing journey Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel.”   🔗 Connect with Me: 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Risen Coaching Session:https: https://LeslieChermaksCalendar.as.me/rootedandrising >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer:  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/overcomer >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

    23 min

  5. MAR 19

    31 | Unlocking Childhood Memories: Finding Joy After Childhood Trauma

    Have you ever felt disconnected when others share joyful childhood memories? Maybe you don’t remember much… or maybe the memories you do have feel too painful to revisit. In this episode of Hope in the Fire, we’re talking about how childhood trauma can impact your memories—and how healing isn’t just about processing pain, but also rediscovering joy. I share my personal journey of avoiding childhood memories, and how, over time, I began inviting God into my healing in a simple but powerful way: asking Him to reveal even one good memory. If you’ve ever believed there was “nothing good” in your past, this episode will gently challenge that belief and give you a faith-filled, practical step forward.   What You’ll Learn Why childhood trauma can block or distort memories The difference between avoiding pain and inviting healing How God gently restores memories in safe and meaningful ways A simple prayer to begin unlocking joyful memories How rediscovering even one positive memory can shift your healing journey   Key Takeaway Healing isn’t just about what you’ve lost—it’s also about what God wants to restore.   Journal Prompt (Mentioned in Episode) “God, would You gently reveal to me one memory from my childhood that carries even the smallest amount of joy, peace, or safety?”   If you’re ready to go deeper in your healing journey, I invite you to book a Rooted & Rising Coaching Session. Together, we’ll create a safe, faith-centered space for you to process your story and step into freedom.  >> Schedule Rooted & Rising Coaching Session: 👇🏻 https://lesliechermakscalendar.as.me/schedule/8d756f8d/?calendarIds=3434750 >> Download my FREE 5 Steps To Becoming An Overcomer: https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/overcomer >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/ >>Grab your set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards: https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards

    14 min

  6. MAR 4

    30 | From Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse to Thriving: How Coaching Transformed My Healing Journey

    What if the very thing you thought you didn’t need… became the breakthrough you were praying for? In today’s episode of Hope in the Fire, I share my personal journey of healing from childhood trauma — from working with a non-Christian counselor, to receiving pastoral counseling, to participating in women’s Bible studies… and ultimately discovering the transformational power of coaching. Each step mattered. Each season served a purpose. But coaching became the space where healing turned into forward movement. In this episode, I break down: The difference between counseling and coaching Why both are valuable How coaching helped me move from awareness to transformation What it looks like to have someone walk alongside you in your healing If you’ve done some healing work but still feel stuck, this episode is for you. I’m now offering one-on-one coaching for women healing from childhood trauma who are ready to move from surviving to thriving. 👉 Rooted & Rising Coaching  You don’t have to walk this alone.   >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter >> Visit the Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

    29 min

  7. FEB 24

    29 | From Shame to Freedom: Overcoming Childhood Trauma Through Truth

    From Shame to Freedom: Overcoming Childhood Trauma Through Truth Have you ever walked into a room and suddenly felt small? Felt inadequate without knowing why? Avoided hard conversations because something inside you whispered, “You’re not enough”? That whisper has a name. Shame. In today’s episode of Hope in the Fire, we are talking about toxic shame rooted in childhood trauma — how it forms, how it keeps you stuck, and how telling the truth becomes the first step toward freedom. If you experienced sexual abuse, emotional neglect, bullying, or any form of childhood trauma, you may be carrying shame that was never yours to hold. What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between guilt and toxic shame How childhood trauma permanently encodes shame responses Why secrecy and isolation strengthen shame Why telling one safe person is the beginning of healing 3 practical journaling steps to start breaking shame cycles Right now, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 4 boys experience sexual abuse in childhood. If that statistic includes you, please hear this: What happened to you was not your fault. You are not broken. And freedom is possible. You do not have to carry this alone anymore.   ✍️ Healing Reflection Exercise If you’re ready to begin, grab a notebook and: Write down what shame makes you believe about yourself. Notice how your body responds when you reflect on it. Name one safe person you could share your story with someday. Awareness is powerful. Truth sets you free. And vulnerability breaks isolation.   🤍 Ready for Support? If you are feeling a tug to finally release the secret, I offer private, confidential Rooted & Rising Coaching Sessions designed specifically for women healing from childhood trauma through biblical wellness. You are loved. You are safe. And you are not alone.   🔗 Connect with Me: 👉 Schedule a Rooted & Rising Coaching Session. >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter >> Visit the Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

    14 min

  8. FEB 20

    28 | Peace That Guards: Christian Stress Management for Women

    Welcome back to Hope in the Fire, the podcast for Christian women healing from trauma and rebuilding their lives through spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and nutritional wellness. In today’s episode, we’re talking about Christian stress management for women and how to experience true peace when life feels overwhelming. If last week we discussed courage overcoming fear, this week we’re addressing something just as powerful — stress. Because if fear tries to freeze you… Stress tries to control you. From overthinking small decisions (like worrying for weeks about whether your daughter’s ears are even) to navigating major life choices about parenting, business, or mental health — stress can quietly take over your body and mind. But peace is possible.   In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why stress often stems from perceived unmet needs How the nervous system responds to uncertainty The connection between trauma and control Why overthinking and perfectionism increase anxiety How to calm your body during stress The difference between self-reliance and surrender Practical faith-based tools for managing stress How identity in Christ stabilizes emotional overwhelm   Christian Stress & Anxiety: What’s Really Happening? When you feel overwhelmed, your brain interprets uncertainty as a threat. Your nervous system activates, your heart rate increases, and your thoughts accelerate. For many women — especially those who experienced childhood trauma — control becomes a coping strategy. But control does not create lasting peace. Trust does. True peace doesn’t come from managing every detail. It comes from surrendering what was never yours to carry.   Who This Episode Is For: This episode is for the woman who: Feels overwhelmed by daily responsibilities Struggles with anxiety or low-level depression Tends to overthink or micromanage Carries the pressure to “hold everything together” Desires faith-based tools for emotional regulation Wants Christian coaching for stress and clarity   Rooted & Risen Coaching If you’re realizing stress and control are patterns in your life — not just temporary feelings — you don’t have to navigate it alone. In my Rooted & Risen coaching sessions, we: Identify stress triggers and trauma responses Uncover limiting beliefs Reconnect you to your identity in Christ Create actionable steps for lasting peace Help you move from pressure to purpose You were not created to live in constant overwhelm. You were created to live rooted in truth and risen in freedom. 👉 Book your Rooted & Rising session here >>Grab a set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.  Identity In Christ Cards-Teal  Identity In Christ Cards-Mauve >> Download my free 5 Steps to Becoming An Overcomer >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter >> Visit the Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

    18 min
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4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

In Hope in the Fire, we explore the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life’s toughest challenges; childhood sexual trauma, fear, hopelessness and the lies that hold you back. Through raw stories, heartfelt conversations, and empowering insights, each episode brings you closer to people who have faced the fire and emerged stronger, filled with hope through the power of the Word of God. Tune in to find inspiration, courage, and the reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always a spark to hold onto.

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