Tag: trauma

Biblical Stories Through a Psychological and Trauma-Informed Lens

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

An Invitation to Deeper Understanding

Have you ever read a Bible story and wondered, What does this have to do with my anxiety? How does it relate to my waiting season? Or what about my trauma?

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from scripture, this episode is for you. It’s also for you if you feel overwhelmed by rigid interpretations that don’t leave space for your emotional reality.

In this conversation, we explore biblical narratives through a psychological lens. We also use a trauma-informed approach. We uncover something powerful: these stories are deeply human. They are filled with emotions such as fear, delay, shame, and longing. Experiences of betrayal and identity struggles are also present. In the middle of it all, there is a divine presence.

We revisit the journeys of:

  • David — anointed but overlooked, called but hidden
  • Joseph — betrayed, imprisoned, yet formed in the waiting
  • Hannah — grieving, longing, and praying through shame
  • Samaritan woman at the well — hiding in plain sight, yet met with compassion instead of condemnation

Through a trauma-informed perspective, we discuss:

  • How biblical delays may shape identity, not signal failure
  • Why avoidance and shame are survival strategies — not spiritual weakness
  • How honest prayer becomes a pathway to healing
  • What attachment, safety, and divine presence really mean for your mental health

This episode isn’t about rewriting scripture.
It’s about reading it with compassion.

It’s about recognizing that God meets people in caves, prisons, wells, and waiting seasons. God does not meet them only in miracles and mountaintops.

If your faith feels complicated…
If your story feels unfinished…
If you’re longing for a deeper, emotionally honest relationship with God…

🎧 Tune in to hear how psychology and scripture can coexist. Discover how viewing biblical stories through a trauma-informed lens might transform the way you see your pain. This perspective can also alter your process and your faith.

The Unseen Strength of Martin and Coretta King: A Journey of Resilience

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

In the heart of the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King stood as pillars of strength and resilience. Their journey was not just about public speeches and marches. It was a deeply personal struggle. They faced constant threats and endured the emotional toll of leadership. Coretta, often seen as a supportive figure, was in fact a stabilizing force, managing fear and maintaining composure midst chaos.

The psychological impact of their roles was profound. Living under the threat of violence, their home became a place of hypervigilance, where every sound carried meaning. Yet, their love and commitment to their mission never wavered. They taught us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to continue despite it.

Their story is a testament to the power of partnership and the enduring human spirit. It reminds us that change is not made by those who are unbroken, but by those who continue anyway.

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Watch our full episode by clicking here

Holistic Healing and Faith: A Journey Toward Wholeness

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

In today’s fast-paced world, our minds, bodies, and spirits are often treated as separate parts of who we are. But what if true healing comes from seeing ourselves as whole beings? This is where holistic healing and faith integration meet—creating a path that brings balance, peace, and restoration.

On this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with Melissa Armstrong, a former nurse turned holistic health coach, to explore how faith and wellness complement each other. Melissa opens up about her personal journey from traditional nursing into holistic health, sharing the ways trauma, emotional wounds, and nutrition all impact our well-being.

Together, they dive deep into the role of faith as a bridge that connects the inner world with the divine—allowing healing to flow naturally. Through practices like meditation, mindful living, and spiritual grounding, Melissa reminds us that healing isn’t just about fixing symptoms, but about restoring joy, balance, and connection.

✨ Key Takeaways from this Episode:

  • Trauma affects both the mind and the body—and healing requires tending to both.
  • Faith provides purpose, strength, and hope throughout the wellness journey.
  • Holistic practices like meditation, nutrition, and mindful living create harmony when integrated with spiritual beliefs.
  • Healing is a journey, not a destination, and every person is worthy of wholeness.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith and wellness can work together, this conversation will inspire and encourage you. Whether you’re seeking healing from trauma, looking for balance in your daily life, or simply curious about holistic health, this episode will leave you with powerful insights and practical steps forward.

To connect with Melissa, www.holistichealthbymelissa.com

🎧 Listen now and discover how faith and holistic healing can transform the way you see wellness and wholeness.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Thrive by The Rising Muse for more stories and conversations that inspire growth, healing, and resilience.

How Heartbreak Can Help You Shine Bright!

On By Naty MatosIn Thrive2 Comments

In a world where pain often feels insurmountable, the story of Shawna Foster offers a beacon of hope. Her journey from heartbreak to healing is a testament to the power of resilience and faith. As she shares, “What if the very fire that meant to destroy you became the light that guides you home?”

Shawna’s story is one of raw pain transformed into radical healing. She opens up about the heartbreaking experience of losing two children to parental alienation, a grief that reshapes the soul. Yet, through vulnerability, she finds strength. “Our stories are different,” she says, “and that’s fine. God knows the truth, and I’m just going to rest in that.”

Despite the challenges, Shawna emphasizes the importance of finding joy. A trip with her family became a turning point, allowing her to embrace the present and find happiness. “Just be happy with where you’re at and who’s here,” her son reminds her, highlighting the importance of gratitude.

Throughout her journey, Shawna’s faith remains a cornerstone. She speaks of the importance of prayer and trusting in a higher power. “The pain and suffering isn’t what He wants for us,” she shares. “He wants us to find grace and joy and peace and rest in Him.”

Shawna Foster is an inspiring author, speaker, and advocate for healing and transformation. Her powerful journey from trauma to hope is captured in her book, Faith in the Flames, where she shares her experiences of overcoming personal challenges, including the loss of her children to parental alienation. Shawna’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of vulnerability. Through her work, she encourages others to embrace their own healing journeys and find joy amid adversity. She also writes for Christianity.com. She also hosts a podcast titled Faith in the Flames Podcast.

Shawna’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even in the darkest times. By embracing vulnerability, finding joy, and leaning on faith, we can transform trauma into a journey of healing and hope. As Shawna beautifully puts it, “Healing isn’t about erasing the pain; it’s about rising through it.”

Subscribe now to follow more inspiring stories and insights on healing and transformation, and click below to listen to the full episode.