Forgiveness Is Not a Feeling - It's a Choice You Repeat

A teenage pregnancy, childhood abuse, and years of shame could have defined Donna Tashjian's life. Instead, she turns those wounds into wisdom and reveals how forgiveness, identity, and hearing God clearly can completely change what comes next.Donna joins Richard Haynes to share the raw story behind her transformation from scared, traumatized teenager to international speaker, author, coach, and ordained minister. This conversation goes far beyond inspiration - it's a practical and deeply personal look at what it takes to heal, rebuild self-worth, and live with purpose after life has taken so much from you.You'll discover: Why Donna calls painful experiences "gifts wrapped in sandpaper" How to separate God's voice from fear, shame, and your own inner criticism Why forgiveness is not a feeling, but a choice of your will The "onion" process of healing, and why old wounds can resurface in layers How one nonprofit job loss became the turning point that launched Vibrant Living International Donna also shares the simple but powerful practices that carried her through impossible seasons, including staying in the Word, finding the right support, and learning to stop arguing with the identity God speaks over her life. If you've ever felt stuck in your past, unsure of your calling, or tired of carrying what happened to you, this episode offers both hope and a roadmap.Perfect for anyone who wants to heal from trauma, grow spiritually, or learn how to hear God with more clarity and confidence. Donna's story is proof that your hardest chapters do not get the final word. Richard Haynes hosts The Fill Up podcast and leads the conversation with thoughtful, pastoral questions that draw out Donna's story and the practical wisdom beneath it. Donna Tashjian is an international speaker, author, coach, and ordained minister known for helping people move from pain and shame into identity, healing, and purpose through faith-based coaching.