Tag: christianity

Unmasking the Chains: False Belief Systems in Religion

On By Naty MatosIn Thrive1 Comment

In a world where faith is often seen as a sanctuary, the reality of spiritual captivity within religious contexts can be a startling revelation. Tom Snow, author of “Set the Captives Free,” joins us to explore the origins and impacts of false belief systems that have infiltrated religious practices. This episode sheds light on the hidden chains that bind believers and offers a path to true spiritual freedom.

Tom Snow delves into the historical roots of false belief systems, tracing their emergence from well-intentioned interpretations to rigid constructs that often stray from original spiritual teachings. He highlights how these systems have been shaped by human desires for power and control, leading to a distortion of true faith.

False belief systems can create a spiritual Stockholm syndrome, where individuals unknowingly defend their own bondage. Tom discusses how these systems manipulate believers into accepting constraints that limit their spiritual growth and understanding. The conversation reveals the subtle ways in which these beliefs are perpetuated and the challenges faced by those seeking to break free.

The episode offers hope and guidance for those feeling trapped by false beliefs. Tom emphasizes the importance of personal exploration and a return to the core tenets of faith, encouraging listeners to question and seek truth beyond the confines of established doctrines. By embracing a more authentic spiritual journey, believers can find liberation and a deeper connection with their faith.

“Set the Captives Free” is not just a book title but a call to action for those seeking spiritual liberation. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and consider the possibility of a faith unburdened by false constructs. Join us in this transformative conversation and take the first step towards spiritual freedom.

Subscribe now to stay updated on future episodes and continue your journey towards a more authentic faith. Is the Church Keeping You Trapped Without You Knowing?

Why Juneteenth Still Matters in 2025!

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Imagine a world where history is a tapestry of untold stories, woven with the threads of courage, resilience, and truth. In the latest episode of Thrive by the Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda explore the significance of teaching real history. This journey not only honors the past but also shapes a more inclusive future.

“Juneteenth isn’t just about a moment in time. It’s about people known and unknown,” says Naty in the episode. The stories of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth are more than historical footnotes; they are powerful narratives that challenge us to see beyond the surface. By teaching real history, we ensure that these voices are heard, their struggles acknowledged, and their legacies preserved.

Healing Through Understanding: “Freedom came, but the trauma didn’t magically disappear,” Veda reminds us during the discussion. The scars of the past linger, and understanding history is a step towards healing. By acknowledging the pain and resilience of those who came before us, we create a space for empathy and growth. Teaching real history is not just about facts; it’s about fostering a deeper connection to our shared humanity.

“Teach your children about history. Real history,” urges Naty. In a world where misinformation can spread like wildfire, the responsibility to educate the next generation is more crucial than ever. By embracing the full spectrum of history, we empower young minds to think critically, challenge biases, and build a future rooted in equality and understanding.

As we reflect on the stories shared in this episode, let us commit to teaching real history with integrity and passion. By doing so, we honor the heroes who paved the way and inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice and unity.

Join us on this journey of discovery and empowerment. Subscribe to Thrive by the Rising Muse and be part of a community dedicated to truth, resilience, and hope. For this episode, click on the image below.

Impact of Absent Fathers on Our Perception of God

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts1 Comment

Our relationship with our earthly fathers can profoundly shape our understanding of God. For many, an absent father leaves a void that influences how they perceive divine love and authority. This blog explores the intricate connections between fatherhood and faith, offering insights into healing and transformation.

Understanding the Void

An absent father can create a distorted image of what a father should be—one of protection, provision, and unconditional love. This absence often leads to emotional and spiritual barriers, making it challenging for individuals to trust in God’s love and presence. As discussed in our podcast, these wounds can manifest in feelings of abandonment and mistrust.

Faith as a Healing Path

Faith offers a path to healing these deep-seated wounds. By understanding that God is a perfect father, unlike any earthly one, individuals can begin to rebuild their perception of divine love. Scriptures such as Psalm 68:5, which describe God as a father to the fatherless, provide comfort and a new perspective on God’s unwavering care.

Breaking Generational Patterns

A father’s absence can perpetuate generational patterns of mistrust and fear. However, breaking these cycles is possible through intentional healing and faith-building practices. Engaging in community support, counseling, and mentorship can help overcome the negative impacts of an absent father.

Moving Forward with Hope

Healing from the impact of an absent father is a journey that requires patience and self-reflection. By embracing faith and understanding God’s unconditional love, individuals can find peace and purpose beyond their past experiences. This journey not only transforms personal faith but also sets a new standard for future generations.

The absence of a father can leave lasting scars, but healing is possible. By finding faith and understanding the true nature of divine love, individuals can overcome these wounds and live a life filled with hope and joy. Remember, your story doesn’t end with pain—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.

Subscribe Now: Join us on this journey of healing and faith. Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories and insights. Click on the image below to view our Father’s Day Episode. We hope you had a great one!

Finding Hope and Healing: Navigating the Journey from Sexual Trauma

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Healing from sexual trauma is a deeply personal journey that requires courage, support, and understanding. In our recent conversation on Thrive by The Rising Muse, with Tabitha Westbrook, a licensed trauma therapist and author, we explored the pathways to restoration and hope. Her insights offer a beacon of light for those seeking healing.

Understanding the Urgency:
Tabitha emphasizes the critical need to address sexuality after trauma. “People are realizing and reckoning with the harm they’ve experienced,” she notes, highlighting the importance of movements like Me Too in creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories.

The Role of Faith and Community:
Faith and community play pivotal roles in the healing process. Tabitha shares, “God is also a God of how and practicality,” underscoring the importance of practical steps and community support in the journey towards healing.


Building Healthy Relationships:
A key aspect of healing is learning to build healthy relationships. Tabitha advises, “Prioritize friendship first, and good things will come from that.” Understanding and respecting boundaries are essential in fostering connections that support healing.

Healing from sexual trauma is not a linear path, but with faith, community, and a commitment to personal growth, it is possible to find hope and restoration. As Tabitha reminds us, “The same God that brought me out, He can bring you out.”
Tabitha Westbrook, LMFT-S, LCMHC-QS, LPC-S, is a licensed therapist who helps people who have messy, funky pasts (and sometimes messy, funky presents) live amazing, empowered lives today. In addition to being a licensed counselor and supervisor, Tabitha is an EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider. 

She’s the Founder & CEO of The Journey and The Process, a private practice with offices in North Carolina and Texas, specializing in complex trauma, with a focus on domestic abuse and coercive control. Tabitha’s a nationally known expert and speaker on domestic abuse & coercive control, providing training to churches, therapists, and agencies. She also helps train domestic abuse advocates through Called to Peace Ministries’ faith-based advocacy training, as well as co-facilitates the G5 Men’s Batterer Intervention Group. Tabitha is the author of the forthcoming book Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive Control.


Join us on this journey of healing and hope. Subscribe to Thrive by The Rising Muse for more insightful conversations and support.

Finding Hope After Rock Bottom

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if your darkest moment could become the beginning of your greatest transformation?

In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with the incredible Meredith White, a Kentucky Certified Peer Support Specialist, recovery advocate, and founder of Simply Sober. Meredith’s journey takes us through the depths of childhood trauma, addiction, prison, and profound heartbreak — but it’s not the tragedy that defines her. It’s her relentless resilience, her hope, and her commitment to helping others find their light.

From surviving life on the streets to creating a community that champions non-judgmental recovery, Meredith’s story is raw, real, and breathtakingly honest. You’ll hear about the pivotal moments that led to her sobriety, how she built her life back one small victory at a time, and why her mantra “Every Little Bit Helps” can change the way you look at healing forever.

This conversation will move you, challenge you, and leave you believing that no matter how far you’ve fallen, hope is always within reach. 💚✨

To connect with Meredith

TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

🎧 Listen now and be reminded: You are never alone, and it’s never too late to reclaim your life.

Finding Joy in the Everyday: A Faithful Perspective

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Big achievements get all the attention. Graduations, promotions, weddings — they’re celebrated loudly. But the quiet truth is that real happiness often lives in the small, almost forgettable moments. A good cup of coffee. A random text from a friend. The way sunlight spills across the kitchen floor in the morning.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

We spend so much time chasing major milestones that we miss the everyday wins. We rush through breakfast thinking about the next deadline. We zone out during conversations because our minds are already five steps ahead. Meanwhile, life is happening in the background, quietly offering small joys to anyone paying attention.

Noticing these moments takes intention. It’s about slowing down, even briefly. It’s pausing to appreciate the rhythm of rain against the window or the smell of fresh laundry. It’s hearing your favorite song at the grocery store and actually letting yourself smile.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10)

Gratitude is part of it, sure, but it’s more than that. It’s a mindset shift: choosing to see your daily life as enough, rather than a waiting room for something “better” to happen.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Start small. Put your phone down when you’re eating. Watch how your dog greets you like you’re the best part of its day. Laugh at a bad joke. Feel the weight of a cozy blanket. These moments won’t make headlines, but they build a quiet, lasting happiness that’s hard to shake.

Joy isn’t hidden in some grand future. It’s scattered all over your ordinary day, waiting to be noticed.

The Power of Prayer—A Path to Mental Peace

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Have you ever found yourself at the edge of your strength, unsure of the next step, but managed to whisper a single prayer that somehow changed everything?

In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we dive deep into the transformative connection between prayer and mental health. With our usual blend of honesty, humor, and heartfelt wisdom, we explore why prayer is more than just a spiritual tradition—it’s a lifeline. A powerful tool for healing. A sacred space where burdens are laid down and peace is picked up.

You’ll hear personal stories that will touch your soul, moments of laughter that remind us we’re human, and reflections that might just feel like home. From teething toddlers to teary breakthroughs, this episode is raw, real, and restorative.

If you’ve ever questioned your prayers, struggled with silence, or simply longed to feel heard, this one’s for you.

🎧 Come take a seat at the table. Let’s talk. Let’s laugh. Let’s heal. Together.

👉 Tap the link, press play, and meet us in the conversation. We promise you’ll walk away feeling seen, supported, and spiritually full.

SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE: The Journey to Inner Freedom

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if the thing holding you back wasn’t the trauma itself—but what you’ve been taught to believe about yourself because of it?

In our latest Thrive by The Rising Muse episode, we sit down with coach, author, and trauma survivor Danielle Bernock, whose story and method might just shift how you see healing… and yourself.

Danielle shares the heart and soul behind her S.E.L.F. method—SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE—and how it helps people step out of inner chaos and into ownership of their lives. We talk about spiritual trauma, childhood emotional neglect, identity, self-worth, boundaries, and the power of choosing you.

This episode is honest, layered, and deeply personal—for us and probably for you, too.

🎧 Whether you’re just starting your healing journey or deep in the work, this conversation will meet you where you are. With compassion. With clarity. With hope.

Spoiler: There’s even a taco named Gary. (Yes, really.)

Don’t miss this one. Tap in. Share it. Save it. Heal with us.

Danielle Bernock—a trauma survivor, coach, speaker, and the founder of 4F Media.
Danielle has helped countless people reclaim their worth, heal deep wounds, and walk in emotional and spiritual freedom. She’s also the author of books like Emerging With Wings, Because You Matter, and Love’s Manifesto. Her coaching method is called S.E.L.F.—SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE. It’s a four-part process that helps people come out of “inner chaos” and into clarity, healing, and ownership of their lives. To schedule a Discovery session with Danielle, click here. For her website, click here.

“That lady on the internet who loves you.”

🎙️ Available now on all major platforms.

🎉 One Year In: The Episode You Didn’t Know You Needed 🎙️

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

We did it. One year. A full trip around the sun, filled with raw conversations, unexpected laughs, tough lessons, and everything in between. This episode is not just a celebration—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really taken to get here.

No filters. No fluff. Just the truth. We’re talking mistakes, mindset shifts, growth spurts, and real talk about what it means to stay committed when the hype wears off.

Whether you’ve been riding with us since day one or just jumping in, this episode brings it all full circle.

🔊 Hit play and hear the unfiltered reality of building something that matters.

🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

Faith, Family & Thought-Provoking Conversations

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

In this powerful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we dive into two intriguing incidents that have sparked deep conversations in the faith community. With thought-provoking insights, Naty and Veda break down some recent incidents regarding Paula White and Marvin Sapp, challenging perspectives and asking the tough questions many are thinking but few are saying.

How do faith, culture, and controversy intersect? What lessons can we take away from these moments? And most importantly, where do we go from here? If you’ve ever questioned the narratives shaping modern spirituality, this episode is for you.

Join us for a candid and unfiltered discussion that will leave you reflecting long after the episode ends.

🎧 Hit play and be part of the conversation now!

#MentalHealth #ThrivePodcast #CriticalThinking #ChristianCulture #DeepConversations