Brenda J. and Karen W. are excited to present another episode of Real People, Real Voices, a series of mini podcasts focused on healing.

In this series, we interview abuse survivors who are ready and willing to share their stories in hopes of bringing healing to themselves and to our listeners.

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa. Vanessa is a survivor of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and financial abuse—experiences that ultimately led to divorce. She also endured deep relational trauma after discovering her former husband had multiple children with other women.

Without giving too much of her story away, Vanessa has been out of her abusive relationship for 20 years, and her ex-husband is in prison.

Vanessa is an incredible survivor whose story brings hope and healing. We are truly honored and grateful that she chose to share her journey with us.

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen B welcome Gini Larsen back to the show for an honest and compassionate conversation around one of the most difficult topics for abuse and trauma survivors—forgiveness. Gini holds a meaningful place in both Brenda and Karen's lives, arranging the Mending the Soul group where Brenda and Karen first met.

Gini Larsen is a certified Christian counselor with over 25 years of counseling experience. She holds a master's degree from Arizona State University's College of Social Work and has extensive trauma-focused training, integrating professional clinical insight with Christian therapy and pastoral counseling.

Brenda and Karen vulnerably share how hard forgiveness can be for survivors, especially when abusers remain unrepentant and emotions like anger and grief feel overwhelming. Gini offers a healthy, Christ-centered approach to forgiveness—one that does not minimize harm, but points to God for healing. She explains how forgiveness is ultimately about glorifying God and allowing Him to restore and heal the survivor's heart. They also talk about what forgiveness is NOT in this episode. This is a heartfelt and hope-filled conversation you won't want to miss.

www.biblicalhopecounseling.org

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen B welcome Gini Larsen back to the show for an honest and compassionate conversation around one of the most difficult topics for abuse and trauma survivors—forgiveness. Gini holds a meaningful place in both Brenda and Karen's lives, arranging the Mending the Soul group where Brenda and Karen first met.

Gini Larsen is a certified Christian counselor with over 25 years of counseling experience. She holds a master's degree from Arizona State University's College of Social Work and has extensive trauma-focused training, integrating professional clinical insight with Christian therapy and pastoral counseling.

Brenda and Karen vulnerably share how hard forgiveness can be for survivors, especially when abusers remain unrepentant and emotions like anger and grief feel overwhelming. Gini offers a healthy, Christ-centered approach to forgiveness—one that does not minimize harm, but points to God for healing. She explains how forgiveness is ultimately about glorifying God and allowing Him to restore and heal the survivor's heart. This is a heartfelt and hope-filled conversation you won't want to miss.

www.biblicalhopecounseling.org

https://hangingontohope.org