In this episode, Rob shares how childhood sexual abuse shaped his identity through shame, silence, and confusion — and how God has been restoring what was stolen. We talk about trauma bonds, why survivors often mislabel their experiences, and how healing begins when we separate what happened to us from who God created us to be.
If this conversation resonates with your story, Trees of Hope is here to walk with you. Learn more at treesofhope.org.
In this powerful episode, Laura shares how she overcame the trauma of childhood sexual abuse—not once, but twice—by those she trusted most. With raw honesty and unwavering faith, she opens up about the turning point in her healing journey: choosing forgiveness, not to excuse the abuse, but to reclaim her life. This conversation is a testimony to the courage it takes to confront the past, find your voice, and walk in freedom.
If you or someone you know needs healing, visit treesofhope.org for free support resources, healing groups, and prevention tools.
In this raw and redemptive episode, Nicole Dabrowski shares her journey from addiction, homelessness, and despair to healing, purpose, and faith. After hitting rock bottom, Nicole encountered Trees of Hope and the Shelter from the Storm study—a turning point that helped her confront the root causes of her pain and begin the path to restoration.
Nicole’s story is one of radical surrender, deep transformation, and unshakable hope. If you’ve ever questioned whether true healing is possible, this conversation will remind you that nothing is beyond redemption.
Ever catch yourself saying things you’d NEVER say to a friend? We’re diving deep into the battlefield of our minds. On this episode, Nicole and Deb get real about negative self-talk and how it impacts EVERYTHING.
Deb shares a powerful truth: “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Yeah, that’s a LIE! Words, especially the ones we whisper to ourselves, have incredible power.
From wrestling with conviction after a night out to battling the “accuser” in moments of weakness, they reveal how negative thoughts can consume us. But it’s not all doom and gloom! They share practical exercises, such as “shedding it off” and bringing thoughts into the light.
Ready to transform your inner dialogue? What’s one negative thought you’re ready to kick to the curb?
In this powerful episode of the Not Just a Hashtag podcast, we are thrilled to introduce Shannon Nelson, the Director of Calvary House for Women at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. Shannon's journey of redemption is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Growing up, Shannon faced immense challenges, including a painful history of sexual abuse. As a teenager, she sought comfort in unhealthy choices, leading to struggles with drug addiction and further sexual abuse. But today, Shannon stands as a testament to resilience and transformation! Through the unwavering faith in Jesus, deep support of loving friends, and the invaluable lessons of self-reflection and boundary setting, she has completely transformed her life.
Now, Shannon shines as a beacon of hope for women who have endured similar hardships. Her story is not just inspiring—it’s a call to believe in the power of change and the importance of community support.
We are so grateful to have her share her incredible journey with us. Don’t miss this uplifting conversation that could inspire you or someone you know to embrace hope and healing!
In this episode, Deb and her husband, Mike, share their inspiring story of transformation after Deb participated in the Trees of Hope Shelter program. Together, they courageously confronted the challenges of sexual abuse, exploring its effects on individuals and relationships. Through open conversations, they learned to address difficult emotions, strengthening their bond and understanding of their faith. This journey of vulnerability transformed their relationship, leading to resilience and a shared purpose. Deb's journey highlights the importance of compassion over mere problem-solving, understanding individual processing styles, and building trust through honesty and patience. They discuss addressing deep-rooted wounds and embracing emotional maturity. Join them as they explore the role of faith, self-compassion, and the power of community in the healing process. Let their story inspire you to trust in the process and find strength in vulnerability.
After a three-month hiatus, the "Not Just a Hashtag" team has returned!
Are you struggling with negative thoughts or feeling unworthy? You're not alone! Join us for this episode, where we dive into how to swap those harmful beliefs for uplifting biblical truths.
For many survivors, feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy can be really tough to handle. But here's the good news—your value is beyond measure! The Bible is filled with beautiful verses that can help you get to know God better and understand what He says about your life.
True healing begins when we challenge those false beliefs and embrace the fantastic transformation that Jesus can bring into our lives. Let's explore this journey together!
Embark on a courageous journey with Deb as she fearlessly shares her path from pain to healing, aiming to inspire others to confront their experiences of sexual abuse. By embracing vulnerability and resilience, she is determined to shatter the stigma surrounding abuse. Deb urges you to put your story into words and consider sharing it with a trusted friend or counselor or even reciting it to yourself in front of a mirror.
In this episode, Nicole and Deb discuss:
Deb's story is a source of hope, demonstrating that healing is achievable. Join us to feel empowered, supported, and part of a caring community. Let's embrace our journeys together.
In this powerful episode of the "Not Just a Hashtag" podcast, the team delves into the profound effects of trauma and sexual abuse on individuals, emphasizing the importance of healing through self-reflection, perseverance, and faith. They discuss the lasting impact of past traumas on behavior, the transformative power of reflection and evaluation, and the resilience needed to overcome setbacks and challenges. Discover how prioritizing God's plans, seeking spiritual growth, and finding freedom through Jesus can lead to a life of faith, trust, and renewal.
In this moving episode, Nicole and Deb have a candid discussion highlighting the stark contrast between superficial reliance on personal performance or external sources and a profound, biblical hope anchored in God’s unchanging nature. This impactful episode underscores God’s remarkable ability to bring about genuine transformation and rescue.
Are you in need of a podcast that bravely tackles the difficult topic of sexual abuse, shares empowering stories of healing, and offers valuable insights on safeguarding your children and loved ones from such trauma? Look no further - this podcast and episode are just for you!
Get ready for an exciting episode! The team is finally back after a brief hiatus in April 2024. Don't miss out on their latest episode!
In this episode, Nicole and Deb discuss the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle after experiencing sexual abuse. The good news is that you don't have to face these difficulties alone. The episode provides practical advice and tips on how to take control of your physical and mental well-being. By making simple changes such as starting a gratitude journal, eliminating negative self-talk and unhealthy relationships, and confronting your fears, you can improve your quality of life and continue to thrive. Don't let your past abuse hold you back - take back control of your life today!
To catch Deb on her Detour podcast, don't forget to check out this link: https://l.ead.me/bdXB5u
Join Nicole and Deb on the latest episode of "Not Just a Hashtag" as they delve into the complexities of dealing with sexual abuse, self-respect, and the importance of setting clear boundaries based on biblical principles of self-love and behavioral change. In this thought-provoking conversation, they share their personal experiences with anger and frustration, and emphasize the significance of accountability for one's actions. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining boundaries within familial relationships, the role of family dysfunction, and the freedom that comes with boundary-setting and emotional intelligence.
Listen in as they reflect on their inner conflicts regarding feelings of competition and inadequacy resulting from family dynamics, the dangers of placing someone on a pedestal in relationships, and the power of humility.
If you're looking to improve your relationships and gain a deeper understanding of biblical boundaries, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
To learn more about Deb Marsalisi and to read more of her articles, please visit her webiste at https://debmarsalisi.com/2023/10/is-self-love-biblical/
Join us for an important episode where our team addresses the sensitive topic of sexual abuse. We explore the need for survivors to prioritize biblical self-care over the self-care that the world promotes. Our experts offer practical tips on maintaining discipline in your daily routine, grounding your identity in Christ, practicing gratitude, and trusting God during difficult times. We believe biblical self-care is an effective tool to help you grow in integrity and personal growth when done right. This episode is the first of a three-part series that promises to be insightful and informative. Don't miss out!
The podcast “Not Just a Hashtag” by Trees of Hope explores the multifaceted issue of sexual abuse, intertwining personal narratives with education on the subject. It features discussions on the prevalence of sexual abuse, recognizing its signs, and methods for prevention. The host shares the story behind the creation of Trees of Hope and details their “Shelter from the Storm” curriculum designed to facilitate healing while safeguarding personal information. The ministry was founded as a response to the founder’s own experience with sexual abuse, aiming to aid others in their recovery process.
The podcast draws on Christian faith, particularly the role of Jesus in comforting, freeing, and proclaiming hope to those suffering, and likens this to the impact of his sacrifice. The transformative power of God is emphasized as a means to turn the pain of sexual abuse into beauty and joy. The narrative underscores the importance of being grounded in faith, drawing an analogy between survivors’ resilience and the strength of trees, and introduces a 40-day devotional called “Reclaim Your Wholeness,” which is rooted in the speaker’s healing journey through faith.
The conversation further addresses the need for a compassionate father figure and God’s careful and gradual healing approach, using the story of the prodigal son and the art of Kintsugi as metaphors for divine mercy and redemption. It reflects on breaking generational cycles, the importance of faith, and confronting false beliefs with truth. The challenges of life, including parenthood, are discussed, emphasizing the necessity of addressing and accepting past trauma rather than diminishing it.
Acknowledging past hurts and seeking professional help are highlighted as critical steps in the healing process, along with building a support network and cultivating a strong relationship with Jesus for profound healing.
As the team, Nicole Escobar and Kristen Torres, continue their candid conversation about the impact of sexual abuse on a person's life, they share how minimization plays a significant role in the healing process. Nicole shares her personal story of minimization and encourages listeners to take an honest and courageous look at their story and allow the truth of their abuse to guide them to a deeper level of healing!
This episode serves as a refresher of what sexual abuse is and what effect it can have on a person's life. While each episode offers a safe and welcoming space for survivors seeking the courage to share their stories, some of the content may be triggering. Therefore, the information provided through our podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment that can be provided by your own physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, therapist, counselor, mental health practitioner, licensed dietitian or nutritionist, member of the clergy, or any other licensed or registered health care professional.
In this episode, the Trees of Hope team revisits its mission and the purpose of the podcast. They engage in a candid conversation about the impact of sexual abuse on a person's life. For both new listeners and long-time followers, this episode serves as a refresher on the organization's identity and offers a safe and welcoming space for survivors seeking the courage to share their stories. If you're looking for support, the "Not Just a Hashtag" podcast is the perfect place for you!
In this episode, the team examines why many survivors struggle with self-talk and limiting beliefs about what they can or can't do, how they will heal, and if they will heal. So this episode gives some tips on prioritizing yourself and encouraging yourself when no one else will. If you struggle with insecurities, doubts, or disbelief that healing is possible, this episode is for you!
In this second episode of a two-part series, the team discusses the state of our children and youth. Like never before in our lifetime, the topics of childhood sexual abuse, grooming, and the sexualization of our children have been headlining the news and social media posts over the past year. Much of the discussion concerns children being exposed to content in the public school system with an overt sexual agenda that doesn’t protect their innocent hearts and minds. So in this episode, the team looks at the other red flags to look out for that groomers and predators use to sexualize or exploit children.
This episode is for parents and anyone who works with children or wants to be more informed on protecting children from predators and groomers!
In this first episode of a two-part series, the team discusses the state of our children and youth. Like never before in our lifetime, the topics of childhood sexual abuse, grooming, and the sexualization of our children have been headlining the news and social media posts over the past year. Much of the discussion concerns children being exposed to content in the public school system with an overt sexual agenda that doesn’t protect their innocent hearts and minds. So in this episode, the team focuses on spotting an individual who is a sexual predator or a groomer. This episode is for parents and anyone who works with children or wants to be more informed on protecting children from predators and groomers!