overcoming abuse – Naty Matos

In this episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we bring you an unforgettable story of resilience, faith, and the power of forgiveness. Shelly Edwards Jorgensen, author of Beautiful Ashes, joins us to share her harrowing yet inspiring journey. Imagine enduring the unimaginable—losing your mother to a violent crime, living through abuse, and facing overwhelming medical challenges. Shelly has survived these trials and found peace and healing in the most miraculous ways.

Through her conversation with hosts Naty and Veda, Shelly opens up about her path to healing and the pivotal moments that tested her faith. What kept her going? How did she learn to forgive in the face of such betrayal and loss? And, most importantly, what lessons does she want to share with others walking through their own darkness?

This episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above even the deepest of ashes. Tune in to hear how Shelly’s faith, courage, and the support of loved ones carried her through—and how her story can inspire you to overcome whatever life may throw your way.

Shelly attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she was the first female to graduate with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering. After graduation, she moved back to her home state of Michigan and landed her dream job as a manufacturing engineer to start off her 20+ year career for Ford Motor Company. A few years into her engineering career, she decided to go back to school to get her MBA.

Shelly has spent over 30 years serving within her church congregation and community. She has always enjoyed serving others.

Shelly enjoys wood working and has amassed a workshop of her dreams. She also enjoys being outside in the fresh air, trail riding in her ATV and enjoying the Great Lakes boating & jet skiing.

Shelly is happily married to her husband Glenn. She is a step-mother, grandmother, and adored aunt!

If you want to know more about Shelly’s story, you can visit my website http://www.beautifulashesmemoir.com, Facebook Instagram, Twitter (X) and YouTube

Don’t miss this gripping conversation—it might just change the way you see your own struggles. Listen now on Thrive by The Rising Muse!

In part two of our Thrive by The Rising Muse series on domestic violence, faith, and healing, we delve even deeper into the complexities of escaping abusive relationships. Joined again by trauma therapist Tabitha Westbrook, we uncover essential strategies for survival, including how to create a safety plan, the importance of finding your voice, and the power of faith in healing.

How Can You Prepare for the Unexpected?

Tabitha shares crucial tips on how to create a personalized safety plan—from where to safely store vital documents to the simple items that could make a world of difference in a crisis (like clean underwear and a toothbrush). But more than that, she emphasizes the importance of protecting yourself emotionally and spiritually during the process of leaving an abusive relationship.

Faith as a Guide Through Darkness

As we explore the role of faith, we discuss how churches can be a source of support, but also where they sometimes fall short. Tabitha doesn’t shy away from the difficult conversations, like reconciling faith with the harsh realities of abuse and understanding God’s true intentions when it comes to divorce and protection for the vulnerable.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen

Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or just someone looking to learn, this episode is filled with actionable insights and heartfelt wisdom. From personal stories to professional advice, Tabitha’s passion for helping those affected by domestic violence shines through, offering hope and practical steps for anyone who may be in a dangerous situation.

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 is 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, and she 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.

Listen to part two of this compelling conversation on domestic violence, faith, and recovery now. Don’t forget to subscribe for more important discussions like this one, and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Help is available—you are not alone.