Peeling Back the Pain: How God Heals Trauma, Restores Identity, and Redeems Your Story at Any Age

In this deeply moving conversation, Wendy Melrose sits down with Linda Lynne Porter—author, educator, AI consultant, and PhD candidate—to explore what it truly means to be healed over time, not just in moments.Linda courageously shares her testimony of surviving years of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her father, the devastating impact of not being believed, and how that trauma shaped her relationships, self-worth, and life choices for decades. Despite excelling academically, her internal world was fractured, and she describes simply “existing” rather than truly living.A major heart attack in 2011 became a turning point. In that quiet, vulnerable season, Linda heard the Lord speak clearly: “Now it’s time for you to live.” What followed was a journey of obedience—earning multiple degrees, returning to her childhood dream of becoming a doctor through a PhD in psychology, and finally writing the story she once could not put on paper without tears.Linda explains how God healed her to the point where she could write Peeling Back the Peach—her raw, redemptive memoir—without crying, a sign that deep restoration had taken place. She also shares how her testimony has impacted women in prison, conference audiences, and readers who finally felt believed because someone else spoke first.The episode also explores faith-centered perspectives on healing from trauma without shame, protecting future generations through truth and boundaries, writing as a pathway to freedom, and why your story matters even if it took decades to tell.Linda closes the episode by speaking directly to listeners who were silenced, dismissed, or told “I don’t believe you,” offering herself as a safe, believing voice—and lifting a powerful prayer for healing, restoration, and freedom.This is not just an interview. It is an invitation to step out of survival and into wholeness.📞 How to Connect with Linda Lynne PorterLinda has intentionally made herself accessible to those who need support:Phone: 615-878-8742Email: [email protected] & LinkedIn: Linda L. Porter If you’re carrying a story or testimony and sense a quiet stirring to do something more with it, but you’re unsure what that next step should be, I’ve created a resource to help you discern that.The Story Discernment Guide is a reflective guide designed to help you pause, pray, and gain clarity around the story you’re stewarding — before you write, publish, or share it publicly.You can explore the Story Discernment Guide at storycalling.info.Your story is not an accident.You are healed.You are whole.You are called — and stewarding your story well matters.