Forgiveness and Healing: From Multiple Medications to None (with Kathy Afzali) S3E10

Can forgiveness really change your health? What if it meant going from multiple medications to none?In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter sits down with Kathy Afzali to share her forgiveness testimony. Kathy describes years of unresolved pain, chronic stress, and a season of physical sickness that left her barely functioning. She knew unforgiveness was part of what was making her sick, but she didn’t know how to forgive—and she didn’t want to.Then something happened that made the assignment unavoidable. Kathy made a list of more than fifty people she believed she needed to forgive. Within a week, she was asked to teach a forgiveness class to men in a recovery program. That moment began a long process. It didn’t happen overnight. It took about three years for Kathy to say she had fully forgiven everyone on her list.Over time, her health changed in measurable ways. She eventually came off three medications, including one prescribed for insomnia, and describes a steadier mental and physical wellbeing that she did not have before.This conversation also makes an important distinction: forgiveness is not being a doormat. It does not remove boundaries, eliminate consequences, or prevent the pursuit of appropriate justice. But it does change what bitterness, vengeance, and ongoing anger continue to do inside your body and in your relationship with God.If you want to forgive but don’t know how—or you’re tired of carrying anger that keeps resurfacing—this episode gives a clear, honest picture of what forgiveness can look like in real life.In this episode, you’ll explore:• How unforgiveness and chronic stress can show up physically, including sleep disruption and medication dependence• What it looked like to make a real forgiveness list and begin working through it• Why forgiveness often takes time and must be practiced repeatedly• How teaching forgiveness became part of Kathy’s healing processYou’ll also be guided through:• How unforgiveness and chronic stress can show up physically (including sleep and medication dependence)• Reasons why forgiveness is commanded by Jesus outside of moral command• The difference between forgiveness and being a doormat: boundaries, justice, and checking your motives• Why many Christians want to forgive but don’t know how—and what helped Kathy beginTimestamps00:00 Introducing Kathy Afzali02:25 Unforgiveness leading to unresolved pain, stress, and chronic illness07:07 Kathy's "list of enemies" 08:12 God's sense of humor 09:27 The class, the men’s stories, and the turning point11:13 Forgiveness as a three-year process and coming off medications20:20 Forgiveness in your walk with God30:46 Forgiveness is not being a doormat: boundaries, justice, and motives35:16 Where to find Kathy Resources Mentioned Book Mentioned by Kathy - Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall You Can Handle the Truth episode with Dr. Tanya Paynter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NITtT6Lh6ZMAbout the GuestKathy Afzali is a former Broadway performer and former Maryland state legislator who served until her retirement from politics in 2018. She now focuses on ministry through her podcast, You Can Handle the Truth, and currently serves on the board of directors of the Frederick Rescue Mission in Maryland. She is married, has two daughters, and is hoping to become a grandmother soon.Connect with Kathi Afzali:You Can Handle the Truth — https://www.youtube.com/@YCHT_Podcast Frederick Rescue Mission — https://therescuemission.org/ About the HostDr. Tanya Paynter is a naturopathic physician, migraine specialist, and Christian apologist. Through The Christian Clinician, she helps Christians understand how their relationship with God shapes stress physiology, emotional health, and whole-body healing—integrating clinical insight with biblical truth.She is the founder of the Christian Women’s Health Fellowship, where she helps women move from chronic stress and exhaustion toward greater stability, clarity, and energy through faith-informed care.A small, daily moment that makes her smile: the way her pre-teen son rolls over and gives her a hug when she wakes him up for school each morning.Where to Find Dr. Tanya PaynterWebsite: https://www.psalmmedical.comPodcast: https://www.psalmmedical.com/cc-podcastFollow The Christian Clinician on Social MediaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinicianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechristianclinicianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician