6| From Trauma to Trust: Evangeline North on Faith, Motherhood, and Healing

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Amy Grace sits down with Evangeline North, a mom, writer, and survivor of childhood abuse and trauma. Evangeline shares her powerful journey of overcoming trauma, navigating motherhood with complex PTSD, and rebuilding trust in relationships and in God. She opens up about the struggles she faced growing up with an abusive father and a mother battling addiction, how becoming a mom brought unexpected challenges, and the healing that came through surrender, faith, and community. Evangeline also discusses her book, Calling Him Trusted, which is a Christian guide to healing trauma and rebuilding trust in God.About Evangeline NorthEvangeline is the mother of a strong, and sweet teenage daughter, and a lively and creative 10-year-old son. She has been married for 21 years to a man who continues to sharpen her. Evangeline is a writer, photographer, and outdoor enthusiast, whose comfort and anchor is Jesus. Evangeline is an overcomer and survivor who hopes that her life with Complex Trauma Disorder (Complex-PTSD) will be an example and inspiration for others who are navigating their lives and relationships while living with Complex-PTSD.Grab Evangeline’s book Calling Him Trusted on Amazon.Key Takeaways: Surrender Brings Strength: Evangeline shares how surrendering to God in moments of uncertainty has been a powerful tool in her parenting journey. Repair is Key in Parenting: She emphasizes the importance of apologizing to children after conflicts, teaching them the value of forgiveness and growth. Focus on Connection Over Perfection: Learning her daughter’s love language helped Evangeline connect on a deeper level, reminding moms that connection is more important than trying to “do it all.” Trauma Doesn't Define You: Diagnoses like complex PTSD can provide clarity, but healing requires ongoing work, patience, and grace for oneself. Your Story Can Heal Others: Evangeline’s journey shows that sharing your story, even the hard parts, can be a source of healing for others and yourself. "Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection and showing up as the mom your kids need." – Evangeline North "The moments I feel like a ‘supermom’ are when I surrender and let God guide me." – Evangeline North "The repair process is just as important as the rupture—it teaches our kids the power of forgiveness and change." – Amy Grace "Your trauma doesn’t define you. With the right support, healing and joy are possible." – Evangeline NorthKey Quotes "Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you don’t have all the answers and ask for help." – Amy GraceTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Evangeline's Journey 02:37 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact 07:44 Finding Faith Amidst Struggles 10:39 Motherhood: The Unraveling of Coping Mechanisms 13:14 Diagnosis and Understanding Complex PTSD 17:44 Navigating Motherhood Without a Reference Point 23:05 The Power of Surrender in Parenting 31:03 The Journey of Authentic Parenting 37:01 Healing Through Writing and Service 39:35 The Power of Repairing Relationships 43:26 Embracing Imperfection in Motherhood 46:15 The Impact of Generational Trauma 49:03 Finding Joy in the Everyday MomentsKeywords: Childhood Trauma, Complex PTSD, Motherhood, Parenting with Faith, Love Languages, Surrender, Repair in Parenting, Overcoming Generational Trauma, Healing Through Writing, Building Trust in God.