This week on the Finding God Podcast, we’re stepping into a tender and deeply important conversation: how to reconnect with God after experiencing religious trauma. If you’ve ever felt afraid of God, unsure how to pray, or disconnected from your faith because of harmful church experiences, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a gentle path forward.Religious trauma can distort your view of God, your sense of safety, and your ability to trust. But trauma does not have the final word. In this episode, Keana walks with you through what religious trauma is, how it affects your nervous system, and why your struggle to reconnect with God is a normal trauma response not a spiritual failure.Drawing from the work of leading trauma researchers like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Diane Langberg, Dr. Kristin Neff, and Dr. Stephen Porges, this episode blends psychology and faith in a way that honors both your story and God’s heart.✨ In This Episode, We Explore:1. What Religious Trauma Really IsHow spiritual abuse, fear‑based teachings, and shame‑driven environments impact your relationship with God.2. How Trauma Distorts Your View of GodWhy your nervous system may associate God with fear, disappointment, or pressure — and how to gently untangle that.3. What Reconnection Actually Looks LikeA slow, non‑linear, compassionate process rooted in safety, honesty, and God’s gentleness.4. Practical Ways to Reconnect With GodTrauma‑informed spiritual practices that don’t rely on rituals, pressure, or performance.5. Signs You’re Reconnecting (Even If It Feels Small)How to recognize subtle shifts that show your heart is healing.6. Reflection Questions for Your JourneyPrompts to help you explore your beliefs, fears, and hopes with God.💛 Why This Episode MattersIf you’ve ever wondered why reconnecting with God feels hard or if you’ve questioned whether God is disappointed in your healing pace this episode will bring relief, validation, and hope. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of God’s heart and a gentler way to rebuild trust with Him.🎧 Listen NowPress play and take this journey at your own pace. God is not rushing you — and neither are we.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose 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 New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this first Friday Q&A session, Keana answers listener questions about hearing God’s voice without pressure, performance, or spiritual rituals. Building on this week’s full episode, “How You Can Hear God’s Voice Without Rituals,” this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for anyone who has struggled to discern God’s voice especially after legalism, spiritual abuse, or fear‑based teaching.Keana also revisits last week’s episode on Recognizing Legalism in the Church, helping listeners understand how legalistic environments distort our ability to hear God clearly and confidently.🌿 Questions Answered in This EpisodeHow do I know if I’m hearing God or just my own thoughtsDo I need to pray a certain way for God to speak to meWhat if I grew up believing I had to earn God’s voiceWhy is it so hard to hear God when I’m anxious or overwhelmedCan God speak to me even if I’m not consistent with prayer or Bible readingWhat are practical ways to hear God without ritualsHow do I rebuild trust in God’s voice after spiritual abuseWhat if I don’t hear anything at allEach answer is gentle, grounded, and rooted in the truth that God speaks because you belong to Him not because you perform for Him.✨ Key TakeawaysGod’s voice aligns with His character: loving, gentle, patient, and clearFear, shame, urgency, and confusion are not God’s voiceYou don’t need rituals, formulas, or perfect prayers to hear GodAnxiety and overwhelm can make it harder to sense God, but they don’t separate you from HimHealing from spiritual abuse takes time, and God’s voice is never manipulative or controllingGod often speaks through peace, wisdom, timing, and everyday moments📝 Reflection QuestionsWhat beliefs about hearing God came from fear instead of truthWhat does God’s voice sound like to meWhat practices help me feel grounded and openWhat belief about hearing God am I ready to releaseWhere have I sensed God speaking in simple, ordinary ways🌼 Final EncouragementYou don’t have to earn God’s voice or follow rituals to be heard. God is already near, already speaking, and already welcoming you into a relationship. Healing your ability to hear Him is a journey  and you don’t have to walk it alone.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose 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 New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this episode, Keana explores a freeing and deeply healing truth: you can hear God’s voice without rituals, pressure, or spiritual performance. Many of us were taught that God only speaks when we pray a certain way, behave a certain way, or follow a specific formula. But God’s voice isn’t earned, it's received through relationship.This conversation builds on last week’s episode, Recognizing Legalism in the Church, and continues the journey of releasing fear‑based beliefs so you can reconnect with God’s heart in a gentle, authentic way.🌿 In This Episode, We Explore:Why so many people believe rituals are required to hear GodHow legalism and church culture distort our understanding of God’s voiceWhat hearing God actually looks and feels likeThe difference between God’s voice and fear‑based thoughtsBarriers that make it hard to hear GodSimple, non‑ritualistic ways to create space for God to speakHow God meets you in ordinary, everyday moments✨ Healing Exercises MentionedRelease the Ritual List — Let go of the rules you were taught about hearing GodGentle Listening Prayer — Ask God one simple question and sit with what comesVoice Comparison Exercise — Notice the difference between fear and lovePeace Check — Pay attention to where peace shows up in your bodyScripture Reframing — Read verses through the lens of God’s character📝 Reflection Questions for the WeekWhat rituals did I believe I needed to hear GodWhat fears come up when I try to listen for His voiceWhen have I sensed God speaking in simple, ordinary waysWhat does God’s voice sound like to meWhat belief about hearing God am I ready to release🌼 Final EncouragementGod doesn’t speak to you because you perform. He speaks because you belong to Him. You don’t have to earn His voice or follow rituals to be heard. God is already near, already speaking, and already welcoming you into a relationship.Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of the Finding God Podcast. See you next week.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose 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 New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this gentle and deeply honest Q&A session, Keana responds to listener questions from the episode “Why God Isn’t Wanting to Punish You.” This conversation is for anyone who grew up afraid of God, anyone healing from spiritual abuse, and anyone who still feels like God is disappointed in them.Keana explores questions about fear‑based theology, misinterpreted scripture, shame, trauma responses, and rebuilding trust with God after painful experiences. This episode is a safe space to breathe, reflect, and rediscover a God who restores — not punishes.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy bad things happen if God isn’t punishing usHow to unlearn fear from childhood or church traumaThe difference between conviction and shameWhy we still feel afraid of God even when we “know better”How to rebuild trust with God after spiritual abuseWhat to do when scripture feels harsh or scaryHow to stop projecting your earthly father onto GodAnd more listener‑submitted questionsKey TakeawayGod is not waiting to punish you. He is waiting to restore you. Every question you carry is an invitation into deeper healing and deeper love.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose 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 💛 Free Skool Community: Restoring Faith After Abuse https://www.skool.com/restoring-faith-after-abuse-4824/about?ref=afeaf0bc4df2485d81b2e43d18415929 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

So many of us grew up believing that God is disappointed in us, angry with us, or waiting to punish us for our mistakes. In this episode, Keana gently unpacks where those beliefs come from — childhood conditioning, religious trauma, guilt, and misinterpreted scripture — and replaces them with the truth of God’s character: restorative, compassionate, and deeply loving.Through biblical examples, emotional insight, and trauma‑informed spiritual guidance, this episode helps you release fear‑based theology and step into a relationship with God rooted in safety, intimacy, and grace.💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy so many people subconsciously believe God wants to punish themHow childhood experiences shape our view of GodThe impact of fear‑based theology on your emotional and spiritual lifeScriptures that have been misused — and what they actually mean in contextBiblical stories that reveal God’s mercy, not wrathHow shame, guilt, and performance‑based faith distort your spiritual identityFive healing practices to reframe your view of GodWhy God’s heart is always restoration, not punishment📖 Key Scriptures MentionedPsalm 103:8 — God is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”Romans 6:23 — A verse about redemption, not condemnationHebrews 10:26 — A call to community, not a threat of abandonmentExodus 20:5 — God’s protective love, not human jealousy1 John 4:18 — Perfect love drives out fearHosea 14:4 — “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely.”Luke 15 — The prodigal sonJohn 8 — The woman caught in adulteryRomans 5:8 — God meets us in our mess💗 Healing Themes in This EpisodeGod is not punitive — He is restorativeFear distorts intimacy with GodShame is not from GodYou don’t have to earn love through spiritual performanceGod’s correction is always aimed at healing, never humiliationYou are pursued, not punished🧠 5 Practices to Reframe Your View of GodScripture reframingCompassionate journalingInner child prayerMeditative listeningDaily truth declarationsThese practices help you gently rewire your spiritual lens and reconnect with God through safety, not fear.🎶 Featured Song of the Week“Devotion” — Unique‑ly Chosen A beautiful reminder of God’s unwavering love and commitment to us.📝 Closing ReflectionYou are not being punished. You are being pursued by a God who loves you, forgives you, and wants you whole. His love is not a reward for perfection — it’s the foundation of your healing.Take a deep breath. You are safe. You are seen. You are loved.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose 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 💛 Free Skool Community: Restoring Faith After Abuse https://www.skool.com/restoring-faith-after-abuse-4824/about?ref=afeaf0bc4df2485d81b2e43d18415929 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In today’s Q&A session, Keana explores what legalism really is, how it shows up in church culture, and why it can be so damaging to your emotional and spiritual well‑being. If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn God’s love, be perfect, or follow endless rules to be accepted, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a path toward healing.This episode builds on last week’s message, “Religion Cannot Save You but God’s Love Can,” and continues the journey of rediscovering God’s heart beyond fear, pressure, and performance.🌿 What We Cover in This EpisodeWhat legalism actually meansHow legalism shows up in church environmentsWhy legalism creates fear, shame, and spiritual exhaustionHow to separate God’s character from harmful religious expectationsPractical steps to begin breaking free from legalismFive healing exercises to support emotional and spiritual restorationReflection questions to guide your week✨ Five Healing Exercises Mentioned“God Is Love” Reframing — Replace fear‑based beliefs with grace‑based truthInner Child Prayer — Speak compassionately to the younger you who tried to be perfectScripture Detox — Revisit misused verses through a lens of loveNervous System Reset — Use breathwork when spiritual triggers ariseIdentity Journal — Write who God says you are: loved, chosen, forgiven, seen💛 Reflection Questions for the WeekWhat beliefs about God were shaped by fear instead of loveWhere have I confused religious performance with spiritual connectionWhat parts of my faith feel heavy or shame‑basedWhat does spiritual freedom look like for me nowWhat is one legalistic belief I’m ready to release🌼 Final EncouragementLegalism may have shaped your view of God, but it does not define who He is  or who you are. God is not the author of fear. He is the source of freedom. You don’t have to earn His love; you simply receive it.Thank you for joining this week’s Q&A. See you next time and remember, you are worth loving.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this powerful and healing episode, Keana explores what legalism looks like in the church, how it distorts our view of God, and how to break free from fear‑based faith. If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn God’s love, perform perfectly, or follow endless rules to be accepted, this conversation will help you breathe again.Keana gently unpacks the emotional and spiritual impact of legalism, explains why so many believers struggle with shame and anxiety around God, and offers a path back to a relationship rooted in love, grace, and freedom. This episode builds on last week’s message “Religion Cannot Save You, But God’s Love Can” and continues the journey of rediscovering God’s heart beyond religious pressure.You’ll also receive five healing exercises to help you unlearn harmful beliefs, reconnect with God’s love, and rebuild your identity on truth instead of performance.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat legalism actually is and what it is notHow legalism shows up in church culture and teachingThe emotional and spiritual wounds legalism createsWhy legalism replaces relationship with rulesHow to separate God’s character from harmful religious expectationsPractical steps to break free from fear‑based faithFive healing exercises to help you reconnect with God’s loveFive Healing Exercises Included“God Is Love” Reframing PracticeInner Child Compassion PrayerScripture Detox ExerciseNervous System Reset for Spiritual TriggersIdentity Rebuilding Journal PromptsReflection QuestionsWhat beliefs about God were shaped by fear instead of loveWhere have I confused religious performance with spiritual connectionWhat parts of my faith feel heavy, pressured, or shame‑basedWhat does spiritual freedom look like for me nowWhat is one legalistic belief I’m ready to releaseFinal EncouragementLegalism may have shaped your view of God, but it does not define who God is. God is not the author of fear. He is the source of freedom. You don’t have to earn His love. You just have to receive it.📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose 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 💛 Free Skool Community: Restoring Faith After Abuse https://www.skool.com/restoring-faith-after-abuse-4824/about?ref=afeaf0bc4df2485d81b2e43d18415929 📧 Email [email protected] 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen New Music Coming Soon!!! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

💛 Episode Summary In this powerful and deeply healing episode of the Finding God Podcast, we explore one of the most misunderstood truths in Christianity: religion cannot save you but God’s love absolutely can. Many of us grew up believing that God’s acceptance was tied to our performance, our behavior, or our ability to follow religious rules. But Scripture, psychology, and the life of Jesus all reveal a different story. Today, we break down the difference between religion and relationship, and we look at why God’s unconditional love is the only thing that truly transforms, heals, and saves.  🔄 Last Week’s Episode Recap Last week, we talked about why God’s love is not performance‑based. We explored how: God loved us before we changed His love is not tied to our behavior Fear and shame are not tools God uses Jesus consistently loved people into transformation This week builds directly on that foundation.  ✨ What We Explore in This Episode 💔 Why People Confuse Religion With God’s Love We unpack the reasons so many believers mix up rules with relationship, including: Childhood conditioning Fear‑based church cultures The desire for structure and predictability Misrepresentation of God by religious systems The human tendency to earn approval You’ll learn why this confusion is common and how to break free from it.  💛 The Difference Between Religion and God’s Love We take a deep dive into the contrast between: Religion: rules, pressure, performance, fear God’s Love: relationship, grace, identity, transformation You’ll hear how religion focuses on the outside, but God’s love transforms from the inside out.  ⛓️ Why Religion Can’t Save You We explore why religion falls short: It modifies behavior but doesn’t heal the heart It creates fear instead of freedom It produces shame instead of restoration It cannot heal trauma or change identity Scripture clearly teaches that salvation is a gift, not a reward  💖 Why God’s Love Can Save You (Side‑by‑Side Comparison) This section breaks down the truth: Religion says “earn it” / God says “I came to you first” Religion says “try harder” / God says “rest in Me” Religion says “your mistakes define you” /God says “My grace covers you” Religion says “change first” /God says “you are changed because you are loved” This comparison brings clarity and freedom.  📖 Biblical Examples We look at people in Scripture who relied on religion and those who discovered God’s love: People who trusted religion: The Pharisees Saul before becoming Paul The Rich Young Ruler People transformed by God’s love: The Woman at the Well The Prodigal Son The Thief on the Cross These stories reveal that religion never saved anyone but God’s love always did.  🧠 Psychology + Faith: Why Love Heals We connect Scripture with modern psychology, referencing leading experts like: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk Dr. Gabor Maté Dr. Sue Johnson Dr. Kristin Neff Their research confirms what the Bible has always taught:  Love, not fear, is what heals the human heart.  🧘🏽‍♀️ Healing Exercises You’ll learn practical ways to shift from religious pressure to God’s love: Daily love reminders Rewriting harmful beliefs Stillness practices Scripture meditation Releasing the “spiritual scorecard” These tools help retrain your heart to trust God’s love.  🤝 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.  💬 Final Thoughts Religion can give you structure, but it cannot save you.  Only God’s love can heal, restore, and transform your life. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of the Finding God Podcast.  Share this episode with someone who needs to hear the truth about God’s love.  📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose 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 💛 Free Skool Community: Restoring Faith After Abuse https://www.skool.com/restoring-faith-after-abuse-4824/about?ref=afeaf0bc4df2485d81b2e43d18415929 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 GodJoin 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 deeply healing and eye‑opening episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana explores one of the most damaging yet common beliefs in Christianity: the idea that God’s love must be earned. Many believers carry silent pressure to “perform” spiritually to pray enough, serve enough, behave well enough, or be perfect enough to feel worthy of God’s love. But this belief doesn’t come from God. It comes from people, trauma, culture, and distorted teachings that confuse performance with worthiness. In this episode, Keana breaks down: Why so many Christians feel like they must earn God’s love How family systems, church culture, and trauma shape this belief The psychological impact of conditional love The spiritual damage caused by performance‑based religion Biblical examples of people who struggled with performance and those who rested in God’s unconditional love How to recognize when you’re performing for God instead of connecting with Him Five healing practices to help you break free from spiritual striving This episode is a gentle invitation to breathe, rest, and remember that God’s love is not fragile, conditional, or dependent on your performance. You are loved because God is love not because you are perfect.  🌱 Recap of Last Week’s Episode Last week, we talked about what to do when family is the source of religious trauma  a powerful and emotional conversation that resonated with so many listeners. We explored how spiritual abuse within families distorts our view of God, creates fear‑based faith, and leads to lifelong struggles with shame, anxiety, and performance‑based spirituality. If you missed that episode, you can listen to the full conversation by clicking the link in the show notes.  💔 In This Episode, We Explore: Why We Believe God’s Love Is Performance‑Based How childhood experiences shape our view of God The role of trauma, fear, and conditional love Insights from leading psychologists like Dr. Diane Langberg, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, and Carl Rogers How Performance‑Based Faith Harms Us Spiritual anxiety and fear of disappointing God Shame, perfectionism, and burnout Emotional and physical consequences How striving disconnects us from God Biblical Examples People who struggled with performance: Saul The Pharisees The older brother in the Prodigal Son story People who rested in God’s love: David Mary of Bethany The Prodigal Son Abraham How to Tell If You’re Trying to Earn God’s Love Signs of spiritual striving Emotional indicators The difference between performing for God vs. resting in God Five Healing Exercises The “Beloved” Breath Prayer Rewrite the Script The Grace Journal Scripture Reframing Rest as Worship  💜 Key Scriptures Mentioned Romans 8 Psalm 103 Isaiah 43 Ephesians 2 Luke 10 (Mary & Martha) Luke 15 (Prodigal Son)  🎧 Listen to Last Week’s Episode What to Do When Family Is the Source of Religious Trauma  👉 Link in the show notes  🌱 Join the Free Restoring Faith After Abuse Community If you’re healing from spiritual trauma, religious abuse, or distorted views of God, you’re invited to join Keana’s free Skool community: Restoring Faith After Abuse — a safe, supportive space for rebuilding your faith in a healthy, life‑giving way. Join here:  https://www.skool.com/restoring-faith-after-abuse-4824/about?ref=afeaf0bc4df2485d81b2e43d18415929  📬 Connect with Keana W. Mitchell Website: https://keanawmitchell.com  Facebook Page: Finding God  Facebook Group: Finding God Community  Instagram: @findinggod2  Listen on RedCircle: https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b  Email: [email protected]  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations