What does it look like to invite God into the very places you’d rather avoid—your grief, your trauma, your flashbacks, your church wounds?

In this honest, tender conversation, Elisha sits down with Cassandra Armstrong—US Navy veteran, doctoral student, and author of Growth and Grief and The Grit of Grace—to talk about how God meets us in the middle of our mess, not just our Sunday best.

Together, they explore:

• How Cassandra learned to bring her trauma and military experiences into God’s presence
• What “growth” can realistically look like in the middle of deep grief
• The stigma around therapy in the church & why getting help does not mean you have weak faith
• How suffering can shape spiritual gifts, compassion, and calling
• What it means to hold both faith and flashbacks without shame
• Gentle ways to begin healing in your body, nervous system, and relationship with God

If you’ve ever felt like your pain is “too much,” or worried that needing help makes you “less spiritual,” this episode is a safe space to exhale. You are not a burden, and you are not alone.

About Cassandra Armstrong:
Cassandra is a US Navy veteran, doctoral student, and the author of Growth and Grief and The Grit of Grace. Her work centers on helping people make meaning of their suffering, walk with God through loss, and discover the unexpected gifts that can emerge from grief.

📚 Connect with Cassandra & Her Work:

• Books: Growth and Grief & The Grit of Grace
• Website
• Rooted Podcast

Resources from Elisha:
If this conversation is stirring something in you and you’re wanting gentle, guided support in your own healing journey, Elisha has also authored books for people navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression from a Christian, trauma-informed lens.

📖 Explore Elisha’s Books & Resources:

• Mental Health Handbook
• Mindfulness Biblical Affirmations of Forgiveness and Grace: An Adult Coloring Journey to Peace and Restoration
• Restoring You Christian Counseling

🔔 Stay Connected:

• Subscribe or follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes on trauma, the nervous system, and Christian faith
• Share this episode with a friend who’s grieving or healing from church hurt
• Leave a rating or review if this conversation helped you—it really does help others find a safe space, too

You are allowed to bring all of who you are—your grief, your growth, and your questions—into the presence of a God who isn’t afraid of any of it. 💛