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

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

    39 | Mother Wounds and Childhood Trauma for Women

    Did you grow up feeling emotionally unseen, unsafe, or unloved? In this deeply personal and healing episode, we’re talking about the mother wound — the emotional pain many women carry from childhood when they did not feel nurtured, comforted, protected, or emotionally connected to their mother. This episode is especially powerful for women healing from childhood trauma and childhood sexual abuse, because emotional neglect often creates deep struggles with identity, worthiness, trust, and receiving love. We’ll discuss: What the mother wound really is How emotional neglect impacts women later in life Why this is a root wound, not just a memory How childhood trauma affects identity and relationships The connection between the mother wound and shame Biblical encouragement for healing Practical steps to begin healing emotionally, spiritually, and physically If you’ve ever struggled with: feeling unworthy of love people pleasing fear of rejection perfectionism emotional numbness difficulty trusting others questioning your identity as a woman …this episode is for you. Healing begins when we stop minimizing our pain and start bringing it into the light. Scriptures Mentioned Psalm 34:18 Psalm 27:10 Isaiah 66:13 Journal Prompts When did I first begin feeling emotionally unseen? What lies did I begin believing about myself as a little girl? What would I say to my younger self today? What truth does God say about me? If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who may need this message. You are not alone in your healing journey.   🔗 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 https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme/ for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/   Music score: Kevin Manthei Music

    17 min

  2. MAY 12

    38 | Overcome Fear, Loneliness, and Despair from Childhood Sexual Abuse.

    The woman who has experienced a broken heart in many ways is a victim in the wake of another persons intentional abuse. This can leave feelings of fear, loneliness, and despair.  Today Leslie shares a simple solution and gives you 3 steps to begin your healing journey or continue on from Childhood Sexual Abuse.  🔗 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 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/

    15 min

  3. APR 30

    37 | Is God Real Even When I Have Lost Trust From the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse?

    Is God real? This is a question that gets asked from every woman who has experienced childhood sexual abuse.   In this episode, Leslie touches a deep rooted subject. Shares her own experience of asking God for evidence that He hears her.   In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God."  It can be tough when you feel fear, have anger, a lack of trust and so much shame.   But God gives safety to those who trust Him. You can experience peace and joy when you find freedom in Jesus Christ.  Leslie declares God for her life and encourages you to do the same:  God I want to see you. God I want to hear you. God I want to know you. God I want to follow hard after you. Therefore, I'm declaring today, God, you are good. You are good to me and God. You are good at being God. So I'm safe enough to trade my will for thy will, because I'm so confident you will God. Now today give me someone to forgive. Show me someone to bless. Show me evidence all around me of your goodness and faithfulness.    🔗 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 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/

    21 min

  4. APR 22

    36 | Healing the Body After Childhood Sexual Trauma: Does Nutrition Matter?

    Can what you eat impact your healing journey after childhood sexual abuse? In this episode of Hope in the Fire, we explore the connection between nutrition, emotional health, and trauma recovery. While food doesn’t heal trauma, it can support your body, improve mental clarity, and strengthen your ability to heal. In This Episode: How trauma affects the body and nervous system The connection between gut health and emotional healing My personal story with food and emotional eating A simple, sustainable approach to nutrition Biblical perspective on caring for your body 3 practical steps to start your health journey today Resources Mentioned: The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin 🔗 Connect with Me: 👉 Email: hello@lesliechermak.com 👉 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 https://lesliechermak.com/workwithme  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter >> Visit Website: https://lesliechermak.com/

    18 min

  5. APR 17

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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