This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome my friend Alexandra Hoover, author of the brand-new book You Can Let Go: Make Peace with Your Past, Break Free from Offense, and Move Forward with God, released in October.

Alex and I dive deep into her powerful story — from a childhood marked by trauma and instability to an encounter with Jesus at age 18 that completely changed the trajectory of her life. Today, she is a wife, mom of three, author, teacher, and a woman passionate about helping others walk in healing, identity, and freedom.

Her book cuts to the heart of something every single one of us wrestles with: offense, the ways it shapes us, hides in us, and tries to lead our lives until we finally let God address the roots.

This conversation is rich, honest, layered, and so needed — especially for women who are tired of carrying wounds they never asked for and stories they didn’t choose.

🌟 Episode Highlights:

• “Offense became a friend before I knew it.”
Alex shares how early pain, betrayal, and instability taught her to pick up offense long before she even knew the word for it.

• Offense is more than a feeling — it's a lens.She explains how offense can quietly become a copilot, shaping how we see ourselves, others, and even God.

• Healing is different from equipping.You Can Let Go isn’t just about what hurt us in the past — it’s about learning to walk equipped for the hurt that will come in the future.

• Offense leads to deeper struggles.Rejection, insecurity, jealousy, anger, and a critical spirit are often fruit of the deeper root of offense.

• The first step: admit the hurt.Alex talks about how naming the pain with God is the doorway to freedom.

• Boundaries vs. walls.
She breaks down how walls keep everyone out (even the good), but boundaries protect what is good and keep us operating in wisdom and freedom.

• Letting go even when closure never comes.
Alex shares the reality that she hasn’t gotten the fairy-tale closure with her parents — but she has gotten it with God.

• Practical signs we are picking offense back up.
Replay loops, insecurity, shifting into judgment, or needing to “position ourselves” are all red flags.

• Identity and letting go, go hand-in-hand.
The more secure we are in Christ, the less power others’ reactions, assumptions, or misunderstandings have over us.

❤️ Final Encouragement

“Jesus is still writing your story. Even in the confusing, disorienting places, He’s piecing things together in ways you can’t yet see. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is too hard for Him to redeem.”

Bio:

Alexandra Hoover is an accomplished and best-selling author, ministry leader, sought-after national speaker, and Bible teacher whose diverse roles showcase her unique blend of gifts and experiences. With a passion for inspiring others through her writing and teaching, she brings a profound depth of insight and compassion to her work. Alexandra's commitment to faith and her dynamic leadership make her a guiding light for those seeking spiritual growth and understanding.

She’s enrolled in Northern Seminary, pursuing her Master of Arts in Women and Theology. She’s a passionate teacher & preacher whose words spur people on to hope, healing, and mission. 

She has the privilege of serving on staff at her local Church in Charleston, SC, and spends her days loving on her family and stewarding the gifts placed before her.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 38

Matthew 17, 18

Connect with Alexandra

Website: https://www.alexandravhoover.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexandravhoover

FB: https://www.facebook.com/alexvhoover/

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