Escaping Religious Trauma: Dying to Self & Overcoming Addiction - Jessica L. Morris

What happens when yourearliest concept of God is shaped by an abusive, alcoholic minister father, andhow do you break free from the trap of victimhood to experience authenticspiritual surrender? Jessica L. Morris is an author, poet, spiritual director, and discipleof Jesus Christ. Growing up in the parsonage of a Methodist minister who was adynamic public preacher by day but an abusive alcoholic behind closed doors,Jessica developed a deep distrust of God, conflating Him with her human father.Fleeing organized religion, she fell into a self-destructive spiral of dualaddictions, food disorders, and toxic relationships, culminating in a harrowingsix-year bottom. At age 29, she finally surrendered to recovery, beginning thegrueling work of excavating past childhood trauma alongside wise mentors andtherapists. Years later, she completed seminary, discovering that true freedomrequires dying to the ego on a daily basis. In this episode of FailCraft, Jessica joins Ezekiel to unpack thereligious trauma that drove her into addiction, why E.G.O. stands for"Easing God Out," the painful transition from victim to responsibleadult, and what it truly means to become Higher Powered. In this episode of FailCraft,you will discover:·        TheHypocrisy Wound: Growing up in a homedivided between pulpit charisma and alcoholic abuse [02:21 / 03:57]. ·        The"God-Sized Hole":Why medicating emotional trauma with substances and relationships always fails[03:57 / 06:25]. ·        TheReality of Forgiveness:Making amends while honoring boundaries with an abusive parent [06:44 / 08:58]. ·        TheE.G.O. Trap: How "Easing GodOut" keeps us chasing an illusion of control [09:16 / 11:48]. ·        Victimto Volunteer: Why adults must takeradical ownership of their happiness and boundaries [12:13 / 15:04]. ·        TheJourney to Seminary: Healing theology,overcoming biblical fear, and uncovering metaphorical truth [15:26 / 18:30]. ·        ThePersonal Second Coming:Experiencing Christ through compassionate mentors and recovery cohorts [18:30 /21:10]. Connect With Jessica L. Morris:·        OfficialWebsite: Explore articles,poetry, and spiritual direction services at jessicalmorris.com. ·        Book: Higher Powered(available through major book retailers). ·        Getin Touch: Reach out directlythrough the contact page on her website for personal or group spiritualdirection. Support the Show:·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with anyone healing from childhood religioustrauma or seeking deeper recovery from addiction! Want to Be a Guest onFailCraft?·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters:00:00 Introduction:Jessica L. Morris & The Illusion of Religious Control 02:21 Preaching vs.Reality: Surviving an Alcoholic Minister Father 03:57 The God-SizedHole: Numbing Trauma with Addiction & Self-Deception 06:44 The Long Road toForgiveness: Processing Family Dysfunction 09:16 E.G.O. (EasingGod Out): False Control and the Fear of Surrender 12:13 From Victim toVolunteer: Taking Full Ownership of Your Life 15:26 Finding Truth atSeminary: Deconstructing Fear and Eschatology 18:30 Becoming HigherPowered: Healing Through Community & Grace 21:27 Connect with JessicaL. Morris & JessicaLMorris.com