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

Hope In The Fire celebrates the 10th episode! Today I thought I would share my raw story. It's full of hope, forgiveness and redemption. I hope you are blessed. Listen to the end for 4 simple steps to start your healing journey.

Leslie

*Scripture mentioned in the episode:

Psalm 139:13-14, Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Joshua 1:5, Mark 10:29-30, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians chapters 1-3, Psalm 107:20,

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

>> Visit website LeslieChermak.com

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

Book a coaching call with Leslie.

Music score: Kevin Manthei Music

Ever wonder if you can have a life worth living after experiencing childhood trauma?

On today's episode I am talking with my friend Stephanie Weber on how her past doesn't define her. In part 2 of 2, she gives you insight on forgiveness, living past the pain, and living with joy.

I hope this episode blesses you!

Leslie

Stephanie Weber:

email: pinkrevolutionmk@gmail.com

Website: https://www.marykay.com/skweber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniekyweber/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieyoungweber

--------

>> 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

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

https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter

Music score: Kevin Manthei Music

Ever wonder if you can have a life worth living after experiencing childhood trauma?

On today's episode I am talking with my friend Stephanie Weber on how her past doesn't define her. In part 1 of 2, she gives you insight on what she struggles with, how she handles healing and where God fits in her life.

I hope this episode blesses you!

Leslie

Stephanie Weber:

email: pinkrevolutionmk@gmail.com

Website: https://www.marykay.com/skweber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniekyweber/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieyoungweber

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

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

🎧 In this episode, we explore how living a lifestyle of total health can be a powerful part of healing from trauma and walking in your God-given purpose. Leslie shares personal stories, biblical wisdom, and 7 simple steps to help you nurture your body—God’s temple.

📖 Scriptures Referenced:

• Proverbs 3:8
• Daniel 1:11–14
• Exodus 15:26

🔗 Mentioned in this Episode:

• Free Guide: Checklist for Living in Your Purpose 👉 LeslieChermak.myFlodesk.com/checklist
• How to get more fruits and veggies in your diet with Juice Plus+: 👉://lesliechermak.juiceplus.com/us/en-us
• Grass Fed and Grass Finished Beef, Wild fish etc.: 👉://www.goodranchers.com/

>> 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

Music score: Kevin Manthei Music

Are you stuck replaying the past? Do feelings of shame, fear, or emotional numbness keep you from stepping into the future God has for you? In this episode, we confront the prison of self-condemnation and explore how your past does not define you.

You’ll discover:

• Why emotional responses are not the enemy—but how you respond to them matters
• How to recognize self-condemnation and surrender it at the feet of Jesus
• The importance of renewing your mind and allowing God to rewrite your story
• What Scripture says about your identity, worth, and purpose

You are uniquely designed by God, and He has never stopped being faithful. Today is the day you trade the lies for truth and walk in freedom.

📖 Scripture References

• Psalm 139:23–24
• Philippians 4:8
• Hebrews 10:23
• Lamentations 3:22–23
• 2 Timothy 2:13
• John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

✅ Resources Mentioned

• ✨ Identity in Christ Reflection Cards – Ground yourself in biblical truth and rewrite the lies you’ve believed. https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards

• 💬 Book a 1-on-1 Coaching Call – Ready to go deeper in your healing journey? Let’s walk together. https://LeslieChermaksCalendar.as.me/coaching

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

Music score: Kevin Manthei Music