26 | Why Your Brain Pulls You Off Track: Dopamine, Distraction, and Resilience

In today’s episode, Leslie explores: The difference between coping and true resilience Why resilience is not self-reliance How trauma, perfectionism, and dopamine keep women stuck Why interruptions often come right before growth How to return to rhythm after emotional, spiritual, or physical disruption In today’s episode of Hope in the Fire, Leslie opens her heart to share her personal adoption story and the profound spiritual truth of being adopted into the family of God through Jesus Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 1:4–5, Leslie explains how adoption isn’t just a legal process—it’s a divine act of love. For women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, questions of belonging, worth, and identity often run deep. Trauma can leave lasting wounds marked by shame, secrecy, fear, and broken trust. Through her own story—being adopted as an infant, experiencing abuse later in life, and ultimately finding healing through Christ—Leslie offers hope to women who feel disconnected or unloved. She shares how surrendering her life to Jesus became a turning point, allowing her to experience forgiveness, restoration, and true belonging. This episode gently reminds listeners that no matter what their past holds, God chose them in love and invites them into His family—where healing, grace, and community are possible. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What the Bible says about adoption and identity in Christ How childhood abuse can impact belonging and trust Why spiritual adoption matters for trauma survivors Three practical steps to begin your healing journey today How faith, community, and Scripture support long-term healing Resources & Next Steps: If you’re longing for clarity, healing, or support, Leslie would love to walk alongside you. 👉 Schedule a CLARITY COACHING CALL. >>Grab your set of “My Identity In Christ” reflection cards.https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards  🔗 Connect with Me: >> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/  for more support. >> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!   https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter >> Visit the Website: https://lesliechermak.com/