How to Tell if You are Being Spiritually Abused

This week on Finding God, we’re dismantling the fear-based belief that God is watching and waiting to punish us. If you’ve ever carried the weight of shame, guilt, or spiritual anxiety, this episode is for you. Keana W. Mitchell offers a trauma-informed, biblically grounded conversation about the true nature of God’s love one rooted in grace, not retribution.We’ll explore how distorted theology can shape our emotional lives, and how healing begins when we embrace the truth: God is not against you. He’s for you. Always.💡 In This Episode:Why fear-based theology keeps us spiritually stuckHow trauma can distort our view of God’s characterScriptural truths that reveal God’s grace and gentlenessA guided reflection on spiritual safety and emotional healingAffirmations to help you walk in freedom and divine love📥 Free ResourceDownload this week’s free PDF: Healing Exercises – Releasing Fear, Embracing Grace This companion guide includes journaling prompts, affirmations, and a prayer meditation to help you process the episode and deepen your healing journey. 👉 Link to PDF: Why God isn't wanting to punish you🎶 This Week’s Featured Song:“Devotion” by Unique-ly Chosen This week’s episode is paired with a powerful new track from the Finding God Podcast music collective, Unique-ly Chosen. Watch the official music video now https://youtu.be/5-I8EfhMCE8Let the music minister to your spirit as you reflect on God’s grace and your worth.🔔 Subscribe & ShareIf this episode speaks to your heart, share it with someone who needs a reminder that they are not beyond grace. Subscribe for weekly episodes that center healing, faith, and emotional clarity.Click the link below to subscribe to the Finding God Podcast on Spotify!!!https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

🎧 Episode SummaryIn this powerful and reflective episode, Keana explores the heart behind our spiritual devotion: Are we serving God out of love or out of fear?She unpacks how our childhood experiences, religious conditioning, and emotional wounds can shape the way we relate to God. Through trauma-informed insight and biblical reflection, Keana invites listeners to examine their motivations and begin a journey toward freedom, intimacy, and authentic worship.🔍 What You’ll Learn:How fear-based obedience can mask spiritual insecurityThe difference between reverence and religious anxietyHow childhood trauma and parental dynamics shape your view of GodWhy love not fear is the foundation of true relationship with GodHow to begin shifting from performance to presence🧘‍♀️ Reflective Questions:When you think about serving God, do you feel peace—or pressure?What messages did you receive about God growing up?Do you believe God delights in you—or merely tolerates you?📝 This Week’s Challenge:Take 10 minutes each day to sit in silence and ask:“God, how do You see me?” Write down what you hear, feel, or sense. Let love rewrite the narrative.📣 Resources🎧 Listen to past episodes of the Finding God Podcast for more healing-centered reflections: https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=a5c11d5d7fbf42f1📄 Download this week’s PDF devotional guide with journaling prompts and scriptures: 📖 Devotional Guide for Are You Serving God out of Fear or Love (7).pdf💬 Join the conversation on Instagram @KeanaWMitchell and share your reflections using #FindingGodPodcast: (8) Instagram.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

Spiritual abuse is often subtle, masked by scripture, tradition, or authority—but its impact is deeply personal and profoundly damaging. In this episode, Keana W. Mitchell gently unpacks what spiritual abuse looks like, how to recognize its signs, and why naming it is the first step toward healing.Whether you’ve felt silenced in your faith community, manipulated by religious leaders, or shamed in the name of God, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope. Keana shares real-life examples, biblical insight, and trauma-informed guidance to help you discern truth from control—and begin reclaiming your spiritual voice.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What spiritual abuse is and what it isn’tCommon signs and patterns to watch forWhy healing begins with naming the harmSteps to rebuild trust in your faith and yourselfWho It’s For:Survivors of religious traumaListeners questioning their faith experienceAnyone seeking a safe, loving relationship with God·       Join Me on social media!!!!·       Facebook:·       Finding God | Facebook·       Facebook Group:·       Finding God | Facebook·       Instagram:·       Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videos·       Listen to Finding God on Spotify:·       https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this week’s episode of Finding God, Keana W. Mitchell explores one of the most foundational questions in faith: Are you practicing religion or living in relationship with God? With honesty and spiritual insight, Keana unpacks the difference between following a set of rules and cultivating a personal, transformative connection with the Creator.Listeners will learn:What defines religion: structure, tradition, and external behaviorsWhat defines relationship: intimacy, trust, and spiritual dialogueWhy religion can feel easier but often leaves us spiritually dryWhy relationship is harder but essential to knowing God’s heartHow understanding God’s character requires more than ritual it requires presenceKeana also shares personal reflections and practical ways to assess where you stand in your spiritual walk. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing all the right things” but still feel disconnected from God, this episode will speak directly to your soul.🎶 Song of the Week: “Heart Beats for You” by Uniquely ChosenThis week’s featured song is Heart Beats for You by Uniquely Chosen a tender, worship-infused track that captures the longing and intimacy of a true relationship with God. With heartfelt lyrics and a stirring melody, it reminds us that God’s love isn’t distant or conditional it’s personal, present, and pulsing with grace.🔍 Reflection PromptKeana invites listeners to reflect on these questions:Do I feel pressure to perform for God or freedom to be honest with Him?Am I following rituals or pursuing connection?What does my heart say when I’m alone with God?🔜 Next Week’s Episode PreviewNext week, Keana will be addressing a topic that’s often hidden but deeply impactful: How You Can Tell If You’ve Been Spiritually Abused. She’ll unpack the signs, share personal insights, and offer guidance for healing and reclaiming your spiritual voice. If you’ve ever felt manipulated, silenced, or shamed in the name of faith this episode is for you.Be sure to subscribe, share, and join us for a conversation that could bring clarity, freedom, and restoration.Join Me on social media!!!!Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this episode of the Finding God podcast my guest Elizabeth Bristol talks about how she was able to find God during a time when she was running away from God. Join Me on social media!!!!Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2If you would like to either be a guest on Finding God or submit music to the podcast, please send an email to [email protected] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

📝 Episode SummaryIn this powerful episode, Keana opens up about the deeply personal and often painful process of deconstructing faith and how it can become the doorway to finding God more intimately than ever before.If you’ve ever questioned the teachings you grew up with, felt disillusioned by church culture, or wondered whether God is still with you during spiritual confusion, this episode is for you. Keana shares her own journey of deconstruction during the pandemic, how she began to peel back layers of fear-based theology, and what she discovered about God’s love, grace, and presence in the process.This isn’t about walking away from faith it’s about walking toward a God who is bigger than religion, kinder than shame, and closer than you think.💡 What You’ll LearnWhat deconstruction really means (and what it doesn’t)Why questioning your beliefs can be a sacred act of trustHow to hold space for grief, doubt, and healingPractical ways to reconnect with God outside of traditional structuresEncouragement for those who feel spiritually lost or alone🧠 Heart Work Prompt“What beliefs about God were rooted in fear, shame, or control? What would it look like to release those and rebuild your faith on love?”Listeners are invited to journal, pray, or reflect on how their view of God has changed and how they can begin to rebuild with grace.📲 Connect with KeanaInstagram: @findinggod2Website: keanawmitchell.comEmail: [email protected]🔔 Subscribe & ShareIf this episode spoke to your heart, share it with someone who’s on their own journey of faith and healing. Subscribe to Finding God for weekly encouragement, honest conversations, and spiritual renewal.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

🌿 Episode OverviewIn this heartfelt episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana W. Mitchell explores a topic that many believers struggle with, but few feel safe enough to talk about—church hurt. Whether it stems from judgment, exclusion, leadership failures, or spiritual manipulation, church hurt can leave deep emotional and spiritual wounds.Keana shares her own insights and experiences, offering a compassionate and faith-centered approach to healing. She discusses how to process pain without losing your faith, how to rebuild trust in spiritual communities, and how to reconnect with God beyond the walls of a church.💬 What You’ll LearnWhat church hurt is and how it manifests emotionally and spirituallyWhy it’s okay to acknowledge your pain and take space to healHow to separate God’s love from human failuresSteps to rebuild your relationship with God after spiritual traumaEncouragement for those who feel disillusioned or disconnected from their faith community🛠️ Resources & ReflectionScripture Focus: Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”Reflection Questions:What specific experiences have shaped your view of church and faith?How can you begin to redefine your spiritual journey in a way that feels safe and authentic?Action Step: Journal your feelings about church hurt and write a letter to God expressing your hopes for healing.🙏 Final ThoughtsHealing from church hurt is not only possible—it’s sacred. God sees your pain, and He’s not afraid of your questions or your doubts. This episode is a gentle invitation to begin again, with grace, honesty, and hope.🔗 Listen & SubscribeTune in on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who needs encouragement today. To find out more about Finding God go to  Emory Rose (keanawmitchell.com)Join Me on social media!!!!Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2If you would like to either be a guest on Finding God or submit music to the podcast, please send an email to [email protected] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this episode of the Finding God podcast my guest Chandrika talks about how she was able to find God while not wanting to die a Christian.  To find out more about Finding God go to  Emory Rose (keanawmitchell.com)Join Me on social media!!!!Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2If you would like to either be a guest on Finding God or submit music to the podcast, please send an email to [email protected] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this episode of the Finding God podcast, my guest Magan Martin talks about how she was able to find God at camp and how this encounter with God has helped her grow in her relationship with God. To find out more about Finding God go to https://keanawmitchell.comJoin Me on social media!!!!Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2If you would like to either be a guest on Finding God or submit music to the podcast, please send an email to [email protected] this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this episode of the Finding God podcast my guest Elizabeth talks about how she was able to find God while actively running away from God.  To find out more about Finding God go to  Emory Rose (keanawmitchell.com)Join Me on social media!!!!Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2If you would like to either be a guest on Finding God or submit music to the podcast, please send an email to [email protected] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations