Strength of Scars with Avonley Lightstone | Created In The Image of God 229

Some stories feel almost too heavy to tell. Avonley Lightstone’s childhood was one of them: a house fire at age three, the loss of her mother, and years of abuse that followed after adoption. The pain did not come in a single moment, but in waves that seemed determined to erase any sense of safety, belonging, or worth. Yet even in those dark years, Avonley carried a fragile but persistent sense that God was with her—and that somehow, there was more to her story than what others had done.In this episode, Avonley shares how she moved from surviving to healing, and how that journey eventually became her book, Strength of Scars. She describes waking in the early morning hours, not as a trained writer, but as someone willing to let God lead the process—praying that the words on the page would be written “His way,” not hers, so they could truly help others. The result is a testimony that does not gloss over pain, but also refuses to let trauma have the final word.For anyone carrying old wounds, wondering if hope is still possible, this conversation offers both honesty and light. Avonley’s story is not about pretending the past didn’t happen. It’s about discovering that, with God, even the deepest scars can become a source of strength—for yourself and for those who read, listen, and recognize their own story in yours. Get full access to SOOPMedia on Substack at soopllc.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Created in the Image of God at wadefransson.substack.com/subscribe