This week on Anchored by the Sword, I’m joined by Jody Allen, author of the book, Hidden Heartache. Jody bravely shares her story of walking through her husband’s pornography addiction, a painful separation, and ultimately divorce — and how God met her in the middle of her deepest heartbreak.

We talk about:

• Growing up in the church but having to discover real freedom for herself
• How she faced the devastating reality of pornography in her marriage
• The long, painful road of counseling, treatment, separation, and divorce
• Where she saw God’s presence in the middle of her darkest days
• Why she wrote Hidden Heartache to help women find freedom from shame and silence
• Encouragement for women who feel stuck, isolated, or afraid to share their story

Jody reminds us that God can redeem even the stories we never wanted to live, and that wholeness is possible no matter how broken your heart has been.

Bio:

Jody is a North Carolina girl who enjoys board games, peanut butter, Sunday naps, and a good mystery. She’s the mom of young adult twins and a geriatric black lab named Lucy. Whether writing or speaking, Jody considers it a privilege to use her words to speak into the lives of others. She serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry at her church, where she offers hope and a little dose of humor to women in her church and community.

Jody released her first book, Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography, in 2024. In her decade of ministry, she has taught workshops, led small groups, spoken at women’s events, and walked alongside women in crisis. Jody’s goal is to point people to Jesus in a relatable and authentic way.

Jody enjoys Sunday afternoon naps, a good laugh, mint chocolate chip ice cream and home cooked meals that someone else cooks. Most days you can find her procrastinating or still trying to master the skill of parking her car straight.

Anchor Verses:

Jeremiah 29:11

Proverbs 3:5

Romans 8:1

Connect with Jody:

Website: jodyallenwrites.com

Order Hidden Heartache on Amazon here.

First four chapters of Hidden Heartache.

Facebook: Jody Allen Writes

Instagram: Jody Allen Writes

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

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