What does it take to stop surviving and start healing?

In this episode of Room to Bloom, Julie Rebboah sits down with Michele Vrabel, author of Butterfly Stitches, to talk about healing from childhood trauma, overcoming shame, and discovering hope through faith in Jesus Christ.

Michele shares how telling her story became part of her healing journey and encourages listeners to acknowledge their wounds without allowing them to define their future. Together, Julie and Michele discuss writing as a healing practice, breaking unhealthy family patterns, forgiveness, parenting differently, and trusting God through life's hardest questions.

Whether you're walking through your own healing journey or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers compassionate encouragement rooted in grace, resilience, and hope.

• Michele's journey from survivor to author and podcast host
• Why abuse is never a child's fault
• Writing your story as a safe step toward healing
• Releasing shame, guilt, and self-protection
• Breaking cycles of anger and family dysfunction
• Faith, forgiveness, and trusting God with difficult questions
• Why your past doesn't have to define your future

00:00 — Meet Michele Vrabel and the mission behind Butterfly Stitches

01:05 — Sharing a survivor's story with care, faith, and purpose

02:19 — Helping others find hope instead of sympathy

03:44 — Why childhood abuse is never the child's fault

04:47 — Protective walls, self-blame, and the healing God offers

05:51 — Freedom from guilt and shame

06:23 — Living out a calling, even when it feels frightening

07:14 — The first step toward healing: acknowledging the wound

08:19 — Writing your story without self-editing

08:50 — The power of speaking and writing pain out loud

09:53 — Letting God in when self-protection has become a wall

10:27 — Looking back to recognize survival, hope, and healing

12:05 — Wrestling with the question: "Why did God allow this?"

13:49 — Forgiveness, human nature, and releasing judgment

14:28 — Understanding and breaking generational cycles

16:38 — Parenting differently: discipline without repeating abuse

17:41 — The lasting harm of anger and destructive words

18:11 — Prayer, self-awareness, and choosing a different response

19:19 — Moving from victimhood toward healing and purpose

21:09 — Your wounds deserve attention, but they do not define you

22:16 — An invitation to consider faith and healing through Jesus

23:18 — Michele's life verse: being quick to listen and slow to anger

24:32 — Where to find Michele, her book, podcast, and retreats

Visit www.michelevrabel.com to learn more about Butterfly Stitches, Michele's podcast, speaking ministry, and retreats.

Connect with Julie

Visit www.ChristianNervousSystemCoach.com to learn more about freedom from anxiety, peaceful sleep or restoration after childhood wounds, or to get your copy of Biblical Breathwork™ for Anxiety & Stress Relief

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of adverse childhood experiences. Listener discretion is advised. The conversation reflects the personal experiences and faith perspectives of the host and guest and is not intended to replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are navigating trauma, please seek support from a qualified professional.

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