Trauma, Childhood Pain & Trying Softer with Aundi Kolber

Why do I still feel stuck… even though I love Jesus?In this honest, compassionate, and eye-opening conversation, Willow sits down with trauma therapist and author Aundi Kolber to explore the connection between faith, emotional health, and the nervous system—and why so many women feel disconnected from the healing they long for.Aundi shares vulnerably from her own story of childhood trauma—how she learned to survive by “white knuckling” life, staying hyper-aware, and becoming the “good” and successful girl on the outside… while internally feeling anxious, disconnected, and afraid.What she didn’t realize at the time is something so many women experience:just because something feels normal doesn’t mean it’s healthy.Together, Willow and Aundi unpack the moment when survival strategies stop helping and start hurting—and why healing often begins by simply noticing the mismatch.They also gently challenge one of the most common beliefs in Christian culture:that if you have faith, you should already be healed.But the truth is—healing isn’t instant, and it’s not something we earn by trying harder.In fact, trying harder might be the very thing keeping you stuck.Instead, Aundi introduces a new invitation: to try softer.Not as a way of giving up…but as a way of becoming present.Present to your story.Present to your body.Present to the God who is already with you.This conversation will help you understand why your pain may still be showing up, how trauma lives in your body, and what it looks like to invite Jesus into your healing in a real, practical way.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “trying harder” can actually block your healingHow trauma impacts your body, faith, and relationshipsWhat it means to “try softer” in everyday lifeWhy naming your story is a powerful step toward freedomHow to stop spiritually bypassing pain and start processing itWhat it looks like to invite God into your healing in real timeFinal EncouragementYou don’t have to rush your healing.You don’t have to prove your faith.And you don’t have to pretend you’re okay.God isn’t waiting for a finished version of you.He meets you right here—in the middle of your story.And maybe today…He’s inviting you to try softer.Connect with AundiWebsite: aundikolber.comInstagram: @aundikolberSubstack: substack.com/@aundikolberBooks: Try Softer, Strong Like WaterCollide BookFollow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!Mentioned in this episode:Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You HurtNational Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.