Bethany Thomson is a woman who has found purpose in her life, even after discovering a hidden secret that was stuck deep in her memories.

On today's episode, Bethany takes us on a healing journey of hope. Through biblical restoration, she shares her wisdom and insight on how our identity after childhood trauma doesn't have to be identified from what we walk through, but what we are walking toward. "You can't heal what you can't name. You are not broken, you are becoming."

I hope this episode blesses you!

Leslie

Connect with Bethany:

Podcast: Nourishing Her Midlife Rest: Body & Soul

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ingrainedliving

Website: https://ingrainedliving.com

Email: bethany@ingrainedliving.com

Freebie Landing Page (for women seeking soul-deep clarity and care):https://ingrainedliving.com/insight/

CONNECT WITH LESLIE:

>> Take this FREE quiz: Reclaiming Your Life: A Biblical Wellness Quiz for Childhood Trauma Survivors

>>Grab your set of “My Identity In Christ Cards”

https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards

>> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ for more support.

>> Take a deeper dive discovering your purpose: Ignite Your Purpose and learn how to think through God's Word in this self paced online course.

>> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!

https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter

Music score: Kevin Manthei Music

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Hope in the Fire, we’re tackling a topic many women silently struggle with: sex in marriage after experiencing sexual abuse.

Whether you’ve faced childhood abuse, trauma in adulthood, or carry shame from a promiscuous past, know this — you are not alone, and you are not beyond healing.

Join me as I share my own story of restoration, how trauma affected my view of intimacy, and what God’s Word says about the beauty and purpose of sexual intimacy within marriage. We’ll explore the spiritual implications of sex, how past wounds can show up in marriage, and most importantly, how God can redeem every part of your story — even the marriage bed.

📝 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why sex outside of marriage creates spiritual and emotional baggage
• How childhood and adult trauma can distort God’s design for intimacy
• Biblical truths that restore hope and bring clarity
• What 1 Corinthians 7:5 and Hebrews 13:4 teach us about intimacy and protection in marriage
• Two journaling prompts to help you reflect, heal, and reconnect with God’s heart for intimacy

✍️ Journal Prompts:

1. Ask God to reveal any hidden feelings you may have about sex and intimacy. Write down what you long for in your future or current marriage.
2. Write a letter to your younger self — the version of you that was wounded. Speak truth, grace, and hope over her story.

📞 Ready for 1:1 support?

If this episode stirred something in your heart and you’re ready to begin your healing journey, I’d love to walk with you.

➡️ Email me today to schedule a coaching call. leslie@lesliechermak.com

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Scripture referenced: 1 Corinthians 7:5, Hebrews 13:4, Genesis 2:24

  >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ for more support.

  >> Take this FREE quiz: Reclaiming Your Life: A Biblical Wellness Quiz for Childhood Trauma Survivors

  >> Take a deeper dive discovering your purpose: Ignite Your Purpose and learn how to think through God's Word in this self paced online course.

  >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!

  https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter

💬 Share this episode with a friend who needs to know:

Your past doesn’t define your future. God restores — even this.

This week, I wrestled with the very struggles I’ve been teaching about—negative self-talk, procrastination, toxic distractions, and emotional overwhelm. Honestly? I didn’t even want to record this episode. But I knew that someone out there—maybe you—needed to hear this.

In today’s raw and real conversation, I’m sharing what it looked like to walk through spiritual resistance, how a beautiful anniversary trip with my husband stirred up some unexpected memories, and why I chose to show up anyway—despite the mess.

You’ll hear:

• Why rest and rhythm in marriage matter so deeply
• How God can bring old memories to the surface for healing
• What to do when lies from the past start to take over your thoughts
• Three simple tools to help reset your mindset and reconnect with your purpose
• A powerful reminder from Luke 11:9 and Matthew 7:7

Whether you’re in a season of joy, pain, or both—this episode is your reminder that God sees you, hears you, and has not forgotten your purpose.

Blessings, Leslie

💡 Resources Mentioned:

✨ Identity in Christ Reflection Cards

60 beautifully designed cards to help you renew your mind with truth. Carry them with you, place them around your home, and use them daily to realign with God’s promises.

👉 Identity In Christ Reflection Cards

🔗 Connect with Me:

>> Contact / Prayer Requests: leslie@lesliechermak.com

>>Visit://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ for more support.

>> Take this FREE quiz: Reclaiming Your Life: A Biblical Wellness Quiz for Childhood Trauma Survivors

>> Take a deeper dive discovering your purpose: Ignite Your Purpose and learn how to think through God's Word in this self paced online course.

>> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!

https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter

Music score: Kevin Manthei Music