Faith Deconstruction: Am I Losing My Faith or Finding the Real God

In this powerful episode of the Finding God Podcast, host Keana W. Mitchell explores how fear-based theology belief systems rooted in shame, punishment, and conditional love can deeply impact your mental and emotional well-being. Building on last week’s episode, Relearning God’s Character, Keana unpacks the psychological toll of viewing God through a lens of fear and control, and offers a path toward healing through truth, grace, and spiritual safety.You’ll learn how fear-based theology can lead to anxiety, religious OCD (scrupulosity), depression, and even PTSD-like symptoms. Through biblical examples, psychological research, and trauma-informed insight, Keana contrasts fear-driven faith with the liberating power of love-based theology.This episode also includes therapeutic healing exercises rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and spiritual reflection to help you begin releasing fear and embracing the truth of God’s unconditional love.🧠 Topics Covered:What fear-based theology is and how it shows up in everyday lifeMental health disorders linked to fear-based religious beliefsBiblical examples of fear-based vs. faith-based theologyCBT-inspired healing exercises for spiritual and emotional restorationHow to reframe your view of God through love, not fear✨ Healing Exercises Included:Thought Reframing with ScriptureSafe Imagery PracticeAffirmation JournalingForgiveness Visualization🎵 Featured Song:“Have I Told You Lately” by Unique-ly Chosen A gentle, soul-soothing reminder of God’s love and presence. Listen now on the Finding God Podcast YouTube channel.📲 Connect with Keana:Instagram: findinggod2Website: keanawmitchell.comYouTube: Finding God Podcast - YouTubeLink to song on Sound Cloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/pfLl5mvMeOmiPKmESB💬 Call to Action:If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s healing from spiritual trauma. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, it helps others find this safe, nurturing space.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this deeply comforting episode, Keana explores one of the most common and painful spiritual questions: Why doesn’t God answer my prayers? Through Scripture, psychology, and powerful biblical examples, she explains how God’s silence is not abandonment, it's alignment, protection, preparation, and divine timing.Listeners will learn why God sometimes seems quiet, what His silence is not, how to stay connected to Him during waiting seasons, and practical ways to hear His voice even when life feels unclear.This week’s featured song is “At the Alter” by Unique‑ly Chosen a gentle reminder that God hears every prayer, whisper, and tear. All August releases are now available on Spotify and all streaming platforms.🌀 Last Week’s RecapEpisode: Spiritual but Not Religious:Why More People Are Searching for God Outside the ChurchWhy people are leaving institutions but not leaving GodHow Jesus met people outside religious spacesThe difference between religion and relationshipHow spiritual trauma impacts connection with GodWhy personal spiritual exploration is risingHow God meets us wherever we areThis week builds on that foundation by addressing what happens when God feels silent.💛 Why God Sometimes Seems SilentGod is working behind the scenesThe blessing isn’t ready yetYou’re being prepared to carry the blessingOther people or circumstances must shift firstGod is protecting you from premature answersSpiritual resistance may delay the response (Daniel 10)God is redirecting you toward something betterGod is strengthening your trustGod is answering in ways you don’t recognize yetBiblical examples: Joseph, Hannah, Daniel, Abraham, David, Moses, Elizabeth, the woman with the issue of blood.🚫 What God’s Silence Is NOTNot punishmentNot abandonmentNot disappointmentNot a sign your faith is weakNot God changing His mindNot rejectionNot proof your prayers don’t matter⏳ Understanding God’s TimingWaiting is alignment, not punishmentGod prepares blessings intentionallyGod protects you from premature breakthroughsGod positions you for what you prayed forIsaiah 60:22 — “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”💔 What to Do When You Feel DiscouragedPray honest prayersSurround yourself with faith‑filled peopleSpeak God’s promises aloudPractice gratitudeRevisit answered prayersCreate a “God is working” journalRest and resetAsk God for renewed strength🔊 Practical Ways to Hear God’s VoiceScripture meditationPrayer journalingStillness and silenceListening for peaceWatching patterns and repetitionWise counselCircumstantial alignmentAsking God directlyAudio Bible listeningPrayer walksBreath prayerAsking for confirmationAsking God to close wrong doors🎶 Featured Song of the Week“At the Alter” — Unique‑ly Chosen A gentle reminder that God hears your prayers, your whispers, and your tears. All August songs are now available on Spotify and all streaming platforms.🌿 Staying Connected to God During SilenceWorship even when you don’t feel itRead one Psalm a dayPray simple, sincere prayersPractice spiritual restStay consistentSpend time in natureKeep talking to God🙏 Final EncouragementGod’s silence is not His absence. God is working behind the scenes. God has not forgotten you. When the time is right he will make it happen.📌 Listener ChallengeSpend 10 minutes each morning in stillness this week. Ask God to speak. Listen for peace.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://keanawmitchell.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=0670913834704cb7📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Follow Unique-ly Chosen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5YLLhbf7bPMgzbLgnsXz1h?si=ws6Phdw6Q3mjyMqB6ulcdg Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this week’s episode of the Finding God Podcast, we’re diving into one of the biggest spiritual shifts happening right now: the rise of being spiritual but not religious. More people than ever are stepping away from traditional church structures not because they’re abandoning God, but because they’re seeking Him more authentically, more intimately, and more honestly outside of the environments that once shaped their faith.This episode explores the psychology, theology, and lived experiences behind this movement. We talk about church hurt, religious trauma, authenticity, emotional safety, and the desire for a personal relationship with God that isn’t filtered through pressure, performance, or tradition. You’ll learn why this shift is happening, what people are finding outside the church, and how God continues to meet His people wherever their hearts feel safe enough to open.We also revisit last week’s powerful episode on faith deconstruction Am I Losing My Faith or Finding the Real God?  and connect how deconstruction often leads people into a deeper, more personal search for God beyond religious institutions.And near the end of the episode, we introduce this week’s featured song: “Who You Are” by Unique‑ly Chosen, my spiritual persona and worship expression. This song is a reminder of God’s unwavering love and gentle presence, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.All August podcast songs will be available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms this Friday. Click the link in the show notes to follow Unique‑ly Chosen and carry God’s love with you throughout the week.What We Cover in This Episode✨ Recap of Last Week’s EpisodeWhat faith deconstruction really meansWhy questioning your beliefs doesn’t equal losing faithHow deconstruction often leads to discovering the real GodWhy people begin seeking God outside of traditional structures✨ The Rise of “Spiritual but Not Religious”What the term actually meansWhy people are leaving institutions but not leaving GodGenerational trends and cultural shiftsThe difference between rejecting religion and reclaiming relationship✨ Why People Are Leaving the ChurchChurch hurt and religious traumaHypocrisy and performance cultureLegalism and spiritual suffocationLack of inclusivity and emotional safetyDesire for a direct, personal connection with God✨ The Psychology Behind the MovementAuthenticity over performanceTrauma awareness and nervous system safetyAutonomy and agency in spiritual growthIntegrating mental health with faithWhy people feel closer to God outside traditional environments✨ The Theology of Finding God Outside the ChurchBiblical examples of God meeting people outside templesWhy God is not confined to buildings or ritualsClarifying your theology: God does NOT test people through sufferingUnderstanding God’s presence in everyday life✨ What People Are Finding Outside the ChurchPersonal prayerMeditation and stillnessScripture explorationNature‑based spiritualityTherapy + faith integrationSmall spiritual communitiesCreative worship✨ The Future of FaithHow faith is evolvingWhy this shift is healthy and necessaryWhat people truly want from spiritual spacesHow God is meeting people in new waysFeatured Song of the Week🎵 “Who You Are”  Unique‑ly ChosenThis week’s featured song is Who You Are, a worship reminder of God’s gentleness, presence, and unwavering love. If you’ve ever wondered whether God sees you or hears you, this song is for you.All August podcast songs will be available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms this Friday. Tap the link in the show notes to follow Unique‑ly Chosen and carry God’s love with you throughout the week.Reflection QuestionsUse these questions to deepen your spiritual journey:Where do I feel closest to God?What parts of church culture felt misaligned with my spirit?What spiritual practices help me feel grounded and connected?What do I need to heal to deepen my relationship with God?What does a personal relationship with God look like for me?Am I seeking God in ways that honor my heart and story?📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://keanawmitchell.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=0670913834704cb7📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Follow Unique-ly Chosen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5YLLhbf7bPMgzbLgnsXz1h?si=ws6Phdw6Q3mjyMqB6ulcdg Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this powerful and deeply healing episode, Keana explores the truth about faith deconstruction, what it is, where the term came from, why so many people are experiencing it, and how it can actually lead you closer to the Real God rather than away from Him.Drawing from psychology, theology, and lived spiritual experience, this episode helps listeners understand that questioning their beliefs is not rebellion, it's spiritual honesty. You’ll learn how deconstruction works, why it often begins after spiritual harm, and how to navigate it safely while protecting your emotional wellness.This episode is a safe space for anyone who has ever wondered: “Am I losing my faith… or am I finally finding God?”🌱 What We Cover in This Episode• Recap of Last Week’s EpisodeA compassionate review of last week’s topic: Does God love gay people? What the Bible really says about God’s love and acceptance. Keana revisits how Scripture has been misinterpreted, how Jesus modeled radical inclusion, and how harmful theology creates spiritual trauma  not spiritual truth.• What Faith Deconstruction Really IsA clear, grounded definition of deconstruction, including:The original meaning from philosopher Jacques DerridaHow the term entered Christian spacesWhy deconstruction is not “losing faith”Why questioning is a sign of spiritual maturityHow deconstruction helps you separate God from harmful theology• Am I Losing My Faith or Finding the Real God?Keana explores the emotional tension of questioning your beliefs and explains why deconstruction often leads to a deeper, more authentic experience of God. Featuring insights from:Dr. Brené Brown on vulnerabilityDr. Carl Jung on self‑awarenessDr. Kristin Neff on shame and compassion• Why Faith Deconstruction HappensA trauma‑informed breakdown of the triggers that lead people into deconstruction:Church hurtSpiritual abuseHarmful teachingsCognitive dissonanceEmotional exhaustionFear‑based theology Includes research from Dr. Andrew Newberg on spirituality and the brain.• How to Deconstruct Your Faith SafelyPractical, emotionally safe strategies for navigating deconstruction:Giving yourself permission to questionSeparating God from religious systemsFinding spiritually safe communityExploring Scripture with curiosityRebuilding slowly and gently Featuring insights from Dr. Lisa Miller on spiritual development.• What Faith Can Look Like After DeconstructionA hopeful look at reconstruction — the phase where your faith becomes more personal, grounded, and emotionally aligned. Includes wisdom from Dr. Carl Rogers on authenticity and spiritual connection.🎶 Featured Song of the WeekThis week’s featured song is “You Love Me” by Keana’s spiritual persona, Unique‑ly Chosen. A healing reminder that God’s love is unconditional, steady, and not shaped by fear‑based theology.✨ All songs featured on the Finding God Podcast  including “You Love Me” are available on Spotify. Click the link in the show notes to follow Unique‑ly Chosen and listen throughout the week for encouragement.🔮 Next Week’s Episode PreviewNext week, we’re diving deeper into this journey with:Spiritual But Not Religious: Why More People are Searching for God Outside of the Church💛 Connect With the Podcast• Follow the show for weekly spiritually safe conversations • Share this episode with someone who is questioning their faith • Tag @FindingGodPodcast to continue the conversation • Click the link in the show notes to follow Unique‑ly Chosen on Spotify✨ Affirmation of the Week“I am not losing God — I am finding Him.”📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://keanawmitchell.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Follow Unique-ly Chosen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5YLLhbf7bPMgzbLgnsXz1h?si=ws6Phdw6Q3mjyMqB6ulcdg Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this powerful and trauma‑informed episode, host Keana W. Mitchell explores one of the most important questions in modern faith communities:Does God love LGBTQIA+ people?The answer is simple yes but the lived experiences of many LGBTQIA+ individuals tell a different story. This episode is not a debate, not a theological argument, and not a conversation about changing anyone’s identity. Instead, it’s a compassionate, research‑based, Christ‑centered look at how Christians have treated LGBTQIA+ people  and how God calls us to do better.Keana integrates psychological research, Christian scholarship, biblical truth, and trauma‑informed care to address religious trauma, the weaponization of scripture, and the emotional wounds caused by fear‑based theology. She also offers a path forward for churches seeking to repair harm and closes with a heartfelt prayer specifically for LGBTQIA+ listeners.If you’ve ever wondered whether God’s love includes you  or how Christians can reflect Christ more faithfully  this episode is for you.⭐ What We Cover in This Episode✔ A trauma‑informed clarificationWhy this episode is not about correcting LGBTQIA+ people, evangelizing them, or debating their identity.✔ Psychological research on LGBTQIA+ mental health & faithIncluding insights from:Dr. Caitlin Ryan (Family Acceptance Project)Dr. Mark Yarhouse (Christian psychologist specializing in LGBTQ+ identity)Dr. Lisa Diamond (sexual orientation researcher)Dr. Brené Brown, Dr. Kristin Neff, and Dr. John Gottman on shame, empathy, and connection✔ Religious trauma explainedHow spiritual teachings, church authority, and scripture have been used to harm LGBTQIA+ people  and why this contradicts the heart of Christ.✔ How scripture has been weaponizedReal examples of verses used to shame, exclude, silence, or reject LGBTQIA+ individuals  contrasted with how Jesus actually used scripture to heal and liberate.✔ What the Bible actually shows about God’s loveA look at God’s consistent pattern of moving toward the hurting, the outcast, and the misunderstood.✔ How Jesus modeled compassionWhy empathy, connection, and dignity are central to Christlike love.✔ How churches can repair harmTrauma‑informed steps faith communities can take to rebuild trust, restore dignity, and create true belonging.✔ A message directly to LGBTQIA+ listenersAffirmation, compassion, and validation for those who have been hurt by religion.✔ A closing prayer for LGBTQIA+ listenersA gentle, healing prayer asking God to comfort, protect, and restore those who have experienced rejection or spiritual harm.⭐ Key TakeawaysGod’s love is unconditional and it includes LGBTQIA+ people fully and completely.Scripture was never meant to be used as a weapon.Religious trauma is real, and the church must acknowledge and repair the harm it has caused.Psychological research confirms that acceptance saves lives, while rejection creates deep emotional wounds.Jesus modeled compassion, connection, and dignity  not judgment or exclusion.Love is the greatest command, the greatest witness, and the greatest reflection of God’s heart.⭐ Who This Episode Is ForLGBTQIA+ individuals seeking spiritual safetyChristians wanting to love people more like JesusPastors, leaders, and churches ready to repair harmAnyone navigating faith, identity, and belongingFamilies wanting to support LGBTQIA+ loved onesListeners healing from religious trauma⭐ Resources MentionedFamily Acceptance Project — Dr. Caitlin RyanSexual Identity & Faith Research — Dr. Mark YarhouseSexual Orientation Research — Dr. Lisa DiamondShame & Empathy — Dr. Brené BrownSelf‑Compassion — Dr. Kristin NeffRelationship Science — Dr. John Gottman⭐ Connect With KeanaInstagram: @keanamitchellTikTok: @keanamitchellYouTube: Worth Loving Podcast + Finding God PodcastWebsite: Paper Anthem Entertainment⭐ If This Episode Spoke to You…Please rate, review, and share the podcast. Your support helps this message reach people who need healing, hope, and a safe place to explore faith.If you want, I can also create:✨ A YouTube description ✨ A short version for RedCircle ✨ Instagram/TikTok/Facebook captions ✨ A thumbnail title ✨ A social media promo scriptJust tell me what you want next.Connect With Finding God PodcastIf today's episode encouraged you:⭐ Follow the podcast⭐ Leave a rating and review⭐ Share this episode with family and friends⭐ Join the conversation on social media⭐ Encourage someone who may need this message todayFinal EncouragementNo matter your story...No matter your questions...No matter your experiences with church or faith...You deserve kindness.You deserve dignity.You deserve compassion.And you deserve to know that you are loved by a God whose love is bigger than fear, shame, rejection, or hurt.Keep seeking. Keep healing. Keep finding God. ❤️📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://keanawmitchell.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email [email protected] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

What You’ll Hear in This Episode✨ Recap of Last Week’s EpisodeA brief reflection on When Praying Feels Hard, exploring how to pray when you’re angry, hurt, or numb and how God meets you in emotional honesty.✨ How Mental Health Impacts Your Life and FaithKeana explains how anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional overwhelm affect your mind, body, relationships, and spiritual connection. You’ll learn why mental health struggles can make God feel distant even when He’s close.✨ Insights From Psychologists on Faith & Mental HealthThis episode includes research‑based insights from experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Lisa Miller, and Dr. Kristin Neff, showing how trauma affects the brain, how spirituality strengthens resilience, and why compassion is essential for healing.✨ Myths About Mental Health in the ChurchKeana addresses harmful beliefs such as “If you had more faith, you wouldn’t feel this way” or “Prayer alone should fix everything,” and replaces them with biblical truth and emotional clarity.✨ Why Getting Help Is BiblicalYou’ll hear why therapy, counseling, and mental health support are not signs of weak faith — they are acts of wisdom and stewardship. Scriptures like Proverbs 11:14, Psalm 34:18, and Matthew 11:28 remind us that God uses both prayer and practical support to bring healing.✨ Biblical Examples of Emotional StruggleFrom Elijah’s depression to David’s anxiety, Hannah’s grief, Job’s anguish, and Jesus’ sorrow in Gethsemane, this episode shows how God met His people in their emotional pain — and how He meets you today.✨ How God Supports You in Your Mental Health JourneyKeana shares how God brings peace, strength, and comfort through His presence, His Word, community, therapy, rest, and spiritual practices that ground your mind and spirit.Episode TakeawayYou can love God and still struggle with your mental health. You can trust God and still need therapy. You can be a believer and still feel anxious, overwhelmed, or numb. None of these things separate you from God’s love. He is near, He is compassionate, and He walks with you through every emotional valley.Connect with KeanaIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may be struggling silently.Send in your questions for next week’s episode, and stay connected for more faith‑centered conversations on healing, mental health, and spiritual growth.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://keanawmitchell.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen 🤝 Join the Faith After Abuse Community If you’re healing from religious trauma or spiritual abuse, you’re invited to join the Faith After Abuse free Skool community, a safe, supportive space to rediscover God’s love without fear or pressure. https://www.skool.com/finding-faith-after-abuse-2572New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this revisited episode of the Finding God Podcast, we’re having an honest, compassionate conversation about something many believers struggle with but rarely feel safe talking about — how to discuss church hurt with family members who may not understand, may minimize your experience, or may still be connected to the very spaces that wounded you.Whether you’ve experienced spiritual abuse, manipulation, fear‑based teaching, or emotional harm in religious spaces, navigating these conversations can feel overwhelming. This episode gives you language, clarity, and emotional safety as you learn how to honor your story without losing yourself.💛 In This Episode, We Explore:Why talking about church hurt with family can feel so triggeringHow to set emotional and spiritual boundaries before the conversationWhat to do when family members dismiss, minimize, or spiritualize your painHow to communicate your experience without defending or over‑explainingWhy your healing doesn’t require anyone’s approval or agreementHow to stay grounded in God’s love when conversations get difficultWhat Scripture reveals about God’s heart toward the wounded and unheard✨ Key TakeawaysYour story is valid, even if others don’t understand itYou are not obligated to return to harmful spaces to “prove” your faithGod never asks you to stay silent about painYou can love your family while still protecting your emotional and spiritual healthHealing often requires new boundaries, new language, and new levels of honesty💬 Episode Quote“God is not threatened by your truth. He meets you in it.”🎧 Listen If You’re Struggling With:Feeling misunderstood by familyBeing pressured to “just get over it”Explaining why you left a churchNavigating spiritual conversations after traumaRebuilding your relationship with God outside of harmful environments✨ Connect With the Finding God CommunityIf you’re healing from church hurt, spiritual abuse, or confusion about faith, you’re not alone. Join our community for gentle conversations, weekly encouragement, and resources to help you rebuild your relationship with God in a safe, grounded way.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://keanawmitchell.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen 🤝 Join the Faith After Abuse Community If you’re healing from religious trauma or spiritual abuse, you’re invited to join the Faith After Abuse free Skool community, a safe, supportive space to rediscover God’s love without fear or pressure. https://www.skool.com/finding-faith-after-abuse-2572New Music Coming Soon!!!  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this powerful episode of the Finding God Podcast, host Keana W. Mitchell explores the emotional and spiritual impact of toxic church culture and how setting boundaries can be a sacred act of healing. Building on last week’s episode about fear-based theology and its effects on mental health, Keana dives into how exclusion, racism, spiritual abuse, and prosperity gospel distort the image of God and damage our relationship with the Divine.Through Scripture, psychological insight, and trauma-informed reflection, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools for reclaiming your spiritual autonomy. Whether you’ve experienced religious trauma or are simply seeking a more authentic connection with God, this episode affirms that you are worthy of love, safety, and spiritual clarity.📖 Topics Covered:What church culture is and how it becomes toxicThe emotional and psychological toll of exclusion, racism, and spiritual abuseHow toxic theology distorts our view of GodWhat Scripture says about the true purpose of the churchThe importance of knowing God for yourselfHow to set boundaries that protect your peace and reflect your values🧠 Key Scriptures:Acts 2:42–47 – The early church as a place of unity and generosityGalatians 3:28 – Spiritual equality in ChristMicah 6:8 – God’s call to justice, mercy, and humilityJeremiah 29:13 – Seeking God with your whole heartJohn 15:5 – Abiding in God as the source of lifeJohn 4:23 – Worshiping in spirit and truth🛡️ Healing Takeaways:Boundaries are sacred and spiritually necessaryYou are allowed to walk away from harmful church environmentsGod is not confined to a building God is with you in your healingYou can seek and find God for yourself, outside of toxic systems🎶 Featured Song:“The Answer” by Uniquely Chosen A soul-stirring anthem for anyone searching for clarity, healing, and truth. This song reminds us that God is the answer and that stepping away from toxic church culture can be the first step toward spiritual restoration.💬 Call to Action:If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s healing from religious trauma or questioning their spiritual path. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help others find this safe and sacred space.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://keanawmitchell.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen 🤝 Join the Faith After Abuse Community If you’re healing from religious trauma or spiritual abuse, you’re invited to join the Faith After Abuse free Skool community, a safe, supportive space to rediscover God’s love without fear or pressure. https://www.skool.com/finding-faith-after-abuse-2572New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

FINDING GOD PODCAST — SHOW NOTESEpisode: When Prayer Feels Hard — How to Pray When You’re Hurt, Angry, or NumbEpisode SummaryIn this deeply honest episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana speaks to the believer who wants to pray but feels stuck — the one who is hurting, angry, numb, or spiritually exhausted. Prayer can feel impossible in seasons of pain, but Scripture shows us that God meets us gently in those moments. This episode explores why prayer becomes difficult, how trauma and emotional overwhelm affect our ability to connect with God, and how to approach prayer with honesty instead of pressure.✨ Recap of Last Week’s EpisodeKeana revisits last week’s conversation, What God’s Voice Sounds Like When You’re Healing, reminding listeners that God’s voice is gentle, patient, and compassionate. Healing helps us separate God’s voice from fear, shame, or past wounds — a foundation that prepares us for today’s discussion on praying through pain.✨ What We Cover in This Episode1. Why Prayer Feels Hard in Painful SeasonsHow emotional overwhelm and survival mode affect prayerWhy numbness is a protective response, not spiritual failureHow anger toward God creates shame and avoidanceInsights from psychologists like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Diane Langberg, and Dr. Julie Gottman2. Biblical Examples of People Who Struggled to PrayDavid’s honest laments (Psalms 13, 22, 42)Hannah’s wordless prayer in bitterness of soulElijah’s exhaustion and despair in 1 Kings 19Job’s raw questions and emotional honestyJesus’ agony in Gethsemane3. What to Do When You Can’t PrayPraying honestly instead of perfectlyUsing breath, silence, and stillness as prayerBorrowing prayers from Scripture, worship, or written prayersPraying small, simple, one‑sentence prayersAllowing God to come to you instead of striving4. Bible Verses for Hard SeasonsPsalm 34:18Romans 8:26Psalm 13Psalm 42:5Matthew 11:281 Peter 5:75. Practical Ways to Reconnect With GodCreating a safe prayer spaceUsing grounding techniques before prayerJournaling your prayersPraying through music or ScriptureGiving yourself permission to slow down✨ Key TakeawayGod is not disappointed in your struggle. Prayer is not a performance — it’s presence. God meets you in your numbness, your silence, your anger, and your tears. You are not failing spiritually. You are healing, and God is near.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://emoryrose.bandzoogle.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen 🤝 Join the Faith After Abuse Community If you’re healing from religious trauma or spiritual abuse, you’re invited to join the Faith After Abuse free Skool community, a safe, supportive space to rediscover God’s love without fear or pressure. https://www.skool.com/finding-faith-after-abuse-2572New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this week’s episode, Keana explores a question many believers wrestle with but rarely say out loud: What does God’s voice actually sound like when you’re healing?When you’ve walked through trauma, heartbreak, or long seasons of survival mode, your ability to hear God can feel distorted. Not because God has changed — but because your nervous system, your trust, and your internal world are shifting.This episode gently unpacks how healing transforms the way you perceive God’s voice, how to distinguish His voice from fear or shame, and how to recognize the tender, patient, protective tone God uses with His wounded children.If you’re in a season of rebuilding your faith, reconnecting with God, or learning to trust His voice again, this episode will meet you right where you are.🔄 Recap From Last Week’s EpisodeLast week, we talked about rebuilding your relationship with God after trauma. Keana explored:How trauma affects your spiritual perceptionWhy God can feel distant or unsafe after painful experiencesInsights from trauma experts like Dr. Diane Langberg and Dr. Bessel van der KolkBiblical examples of people who reconnected with God after deep painThe truth that God meets you where you are, not where you think you “should” beThis foundation sets the stage for today’s conversation about hearing God’s voice in a healing season.🧠 Why Healing Changes How You Hear GodKeana explains how trauma impacts the nervous system and why healing opens space for you to hear God with more clarity, gentleness, and safety. Healing quiets fear, softens shame, and helps you separate God’s voice from the voices of your past.❌ What God’s Voice Does Not Sound LikeDuring healing, God’s voice does not sound like:CondemnationPressurePanicShameHarshnessThese tones often come from trauma, fear, or old religious messages — not from God.💜 What God’s Voice Does Sound Like When You’re HealingGod’s voice in a healing season is:GentlePatientAffirmingClarifyingProtectiveConsistentIt sounds like rest, reassurance, and unconditional love.👂 How to Discern God’s Voice While HealingKeana shares practical tools to help listeners recognize God’s voice, including:Checking the fruitChecking the toneChecking alignment with ScripturePaying attention to the body’s responseNoticing patterns of peace vs. fear📖 Biblical Examples of God Speaking to the WoundedThis episode highlights stories of Hagar, Elijah, David, the woman at the well, and Thomas — showing how God speaks gently and personally to those who are hurting.🌱 Practical Ways to Hear God More ClearlyListeners learn trauma‑informed spiritual practices such as breath prayer, grounding, journaling, and focusing on Scriptures that reveal God’s gentleness.💬 Final EncouragementGod’s voice has never stopped speaking. Healing simply helps you hear Him more clearly. You are not too broken, too slow, or too wounded for God to speak to you. His voice is steady, loving, and patient — and He walks with you at your pace.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website https://emoryrose.bandzoogle.com📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations