22. Praying My Baby Would Be a Martyr: Part 1 (Makenzie's Story)

Part 1 of 2We’re bringing it close to home this week with someone you’ve heard me mention before — my ex–sister-in-law, Kenzie. We first met as teenagers in youth group, navigating the pressures of purity pledges, religious guilt, and the rollercoaster of charismatic Christianity. While we shared plenty of fun moments during those years, we were also shaped by environments that demanded conformity and obedience.Kenzie went on to join the International House of Prayer (IHOP), a high-control religious group where the spiritual abuse ran deep. While newly pregnant, she was forced to stay awake in prayer through the night, and when she expressed doubts, men laid hands on her belly and prayed her child would become a martyr. That moment marked one of many in which her humanity and dignity were disregarded in the name of faith.Her story didn’t end there. Kenzie eventually left IHOP, got divorced, and began the long process of deconstruction. Today, she identifies as queer, continues to navigate hard conversations with friends and family, and is writing a new chapter in her healing journey. She and I now co-host The Overshare Hour, where our shared history adds both depth and laughter to every conversation. This episode explores purity culture, spiritual abuse, queerness, and what it means to reclaim joy and belonging after religious disillusionment.—Kenzie’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/itsmakenziejene/Kenzie’s Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmakenziejenePatreon:⁠https://www.patreon.com/Healedish⁠Follow for more:  Jubilee’s TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jubileedawns⁠ Jubilee’s IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jubileedawns⁠ Healed-ish TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@healedishpodcast⁠ Healed-ish IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/healedishpodcast⁠ Apply To Share Your Story: ⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/23f8SPBX1VntsqUU8⁠