Generational Cycles Don't Have to Continue

Breaking Generational Cycles | What Nobody Tells You What does it take to stop surviving and start healing? In this episode of Room to Bloom, Julie Rebboah sits down with Michele Vrabel, author of Butterfly Stitches, to talk about healing from childhood trauma, overcoming shame, and discovering hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Michele shares how telling her story became part of her healing journey and encourages listeners to acknowledge their wounds without allowing them to define their future. Together, Julie and Michele discuss writing as a healing practice, breaking unhealthy family patterns, forgiveness, parenting differently, and trusting God through life's hardest questions. Whether you're walking through your own healing journey or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers compassionate encouragement rooted in grace, resilience, and hope. In This Episode Michele's journey from survivor to author and podcast host Why abuse is never a child's fault Writing your story as a safe step toward healing Releasing shame, guilt, and self-protection Breaking cycles of anger and family dysfunction Faith, forgiveness, and trusting God with difficult questions Why your past doesn't have to define your future Episode Chapters 00:00 — Meet Michele Vrabel and the mission behind Butterfly Stitches 01:05 — Sharing a survivor's story with care, faith, and purpose 02:19 — Helping others find hope instead of sympathy 03:44 — Why childhood abuse is never the child's fault 04:47 — Protective walls, self-blame, and the healing God offers 05:51 — Freedom from guilt and shame 06:23 — Living out a calling, even when it feels frightening 07:14 — The first step toward healing: acknowledging the wound 08:19 — Writing your story without self-editing 08:50 — The power of speaking and writing pain out loud 09:53 — Letting God in when self-protection has become a wall 10:27 — Looking back to recognize survival, hope, and healing 12:05 — Wrestling with the question: "Why did God allow this?" 13:49 — Forgiveness, human nature, and releasing judgment 14:28 — Understanding and breaking generational cycles 16:38 — Parenting differently: discipline without repeating abuse 17:41 — The lasting harm of anger and destructive words 18:11 — Prayer, self-awareness, and choosing a different response 19:19 — Moving from victimhood toward healing and purpose 21:09 — Your wounds deserve attention, but they do not define you 22:16 — An invitation to consider faith and healing through Jesus 23:18 — Michele's life verse: being quick to listen and slow to anger 24:32 — Where to find Michele, her book, podcast, and retreats Connect with Michele Visit www.michelevrabel.com to learn more about Butterfly Stitches, Michele's podcast, speaking ministry, and retreats. Connect with Julie Visit www.ChristianNervousSystemCoach.com to learn more about freedom from anxiety, peaceful sleep or restoration after childhood wounds, or to get your copy of Biblical Breathwork™ for Anxiety & Stress Relief Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of adverse childhood experiences. Listener discretion is advised. The conversation reflects the personal experiences and faith perspectives of the host and guest and is not intended to replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are navigating trauma, please seek support from a qualified professional.