Brave Haven Podcast

When someone shares their story of abuse or trauma, the response they receive can either bring healing or create a kind of secondary suffering.In this episode of Brave Haven, we unpack the most common hurtful, dismissive, and spiritually misapplied phrases survivors often hear, and explain why they land so painfully. From minimizing comments to victim-blaming and “spiritual clichés,” we respond in real time as honestly and biblically as we can.But we don’t stop there.We also walk through what actually helps: how to support someone in suffering with presence, truth, and compassion.If you’ve ever:Wondered why certain comments hit so deeplyStruggled with what to say to someone in painBeen told to “just forgive” or “move on”Or questioned how faith fits into healing from traumaThis episode is for you.❤️ Helpful Ways to Support a SurvivorBe present (you don’t need perfect words)Listen before speakingValidate their experience (“I believe you”)Offer prayer Provide specific, practical helpExercise discernment and patience🚩 Harmful Phrases Discussed"Are you sure that happened?"“It wasn’t that bad.”“At least…”“You should be over it by now.”“God meant for that to happen.”“You need to forgive and move on.”“Don’t air your family’s dirty laundry.”“They did the best they could.”“Blood is thicker than water.”📖 Scriptures ReferencedJob 2:13 – Presence before wordsRomans 12:15 – "Weep with those who weep"Galatians 6:2 – Carry One Another's BurdensPhilippians 4:8 – Redirecting anxious thoughtsRomans 3:23 – "For all have sinned"Matthew 10:37 – Allegiance to Christ Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan 📚 Resources MentionedHenderson Series:⁠Defining Trauma Biblically - John Henderson⁠⁠Experience and Expression of Trauma from Childhood⁠⁠Body Truly Matters and the Heart Truly Determines⁠⁠Ministry of the Word to Survivors of Childhood Trauma⁠⁠Handling the Past Biblically (Applied to Severe Childhood Abuse) - Steve ViarsJohn Delony: A Dave Ramsey personality specializing in mental health and crisis response.🔑 Some Key TakeawaysYour healing does not have a deadlineBiblical lament acknowledges real painForgiveness is a processBoundaries can be wise and godlyTelling the truth is not dishonoringSin belongs to the sinner, not the victimGod's Word speaks louder than human opinionAnd...YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to healAND you are NEVER ALONE 💛 -Kayla and June📢 Share & SupportIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs language for what they’ve experienced—or guidance on how to support others well.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Kayla and AJ move beyond recognizing trauma triggers and into what it actually looks like to live with them inside a healthy, growing marriage.What does it take to build trust when triggers are unpredictable? How do you communicate when you're not ready to talk? And how can both spouses take responsibility without falling into codependency?Together, they share practical tools, real-life examples, and the rhythms they've developed over a decade of marriage—navigating everything from early communication struggles to the ongoing challenges of writing, parenting, and healing in real time.This episode explores:How simple phrases like “not yet” created safety in hard momentsThe role of boundaries, pauses, and “unfinished conversations”Supporting a spouse without trying to fix themRecognizing triggers early and responding with wisdomAvoiding codependency while still loving sacrificiallyHow healing evolves over time (and doesn’t just “end”)Navigating new triggers in parenting and everyday lifeWhy your spouse can be your “home field advantage,” but not your SaviorWhether you're a survivor or someone who loves one, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical ways to move forward together.🎧 Listen to Part 1: “Where Did You Go?” - Recognizing Trauma Triggers in a Relationship—If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need encouragement in their own healing journey.YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to healAND you are NEVER ALONEKayla and AJ

Something kept happening in our conversations...and I didn’t have the words yet to explain why.In this episode of Brave Haven, we begin a two-part conversation about what trauma triggers can look like inside a relationship.Early in our relationship, there were moments that didn’t quite make sense. Emotional reactions that didn’t match the situation, silence where there should have been words, and questions neither of us knew how to answer yet.This episode focuses on recognizing the signs:What it looked like when I didn’t have wordsHow AJ noticed patternsThe difference between intentional behavior and trauma responsesWhy curiosity (not accusation) matters in early conversationsWe also share real, everyday moments: miscommunication, emotional shutdown, and even a simple cooking mistake. All of which revealed there was something underneath the surface.If you’ve ever wondered:“Why did I react that way?”“Why does my partner shut down or seem to disappear?”“How do you respond when something doesn’t make sense?”You’re not alone.Scripture Reference“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”— 1 Thessalonians 5:14YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to healAND you are NEVER ALONE-Kayla and AJ

In Part 2 of this Brave Haven conversation, we explore trauma triggers, explain dissociation, and talk about how survivors can respond to trauma responses with wisdom and hope rooted in Scripture.RESOURCES:The Christian’s Guide to Psychological Terms by Marshall and Mary AsherKayla's Book Recommendation: Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth GeorgeWe mentioned the “Henderson Trauma Series." Here are links to that series; in five sessions: ⁠⁠Defining Trauma Biblically - John Henderson⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Experience and Expression of Trauma from Childhood⁠⁠ Body Truly Matters and the Heart Truly Determines⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ministry of the Word to Survivors of Childhood Trauma⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Handling the Past Biblically (Applied to Severe Childhood Abuse) - Steve Viars⁠VERSES:Philippians 4:6–8 — “Do not be anxious… pray with thanksgiving… think on what is true and pure.”Matthew 6:25–34 — “Consider the lilies… do not worry.”Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not, for I am with you.” James 1:19–20 — “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”Ephesians 4:31–32 — “Put away wrath… be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving.”Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation.”Psalm 103:12 — “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions.”Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”Philippians 4:11–13 — “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”Hebrews 13:5–6 — “I will never leave you nor forsake you… the Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”John 15:13–15 — Jesus calls us His friends.1 John 4:18–19 — “Perfect love casts out fear… we love because He first loved us.”1 Corinthians 1:27Thank you for joining us!YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to healAND you are NEVER ALONELove,June and Kayla

In this episode of Brave Haven, we talk about some of our personal triggers and how they affect us. This isn’t about internet “offense,” but the deeper reactions that can surface when a place, smell, object, or person reminds us of past trauma.This is a two-part conversation.In Part 1, we share personal experiences.In Part 2, we continue the discussion and explore:How triggers can change over timeWhat dissociation looks likeWhat Scripture has to say about walking wisely in these momentsYOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to healAND you are NEVER ALONELove,Kayla and June

In every generation, people say the same thing: “The world has never been this bad.”But Scripture says something different: there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9).In this episode, we look at how cultures throughout history have normalized what God calls evil, why you cannot trust culture to define what is good, and why believers have always been called to live counterculturally. This truth brings unexpected peace to parents, survivors, and anyone trying to follow Christ in a confusing world.We also wrestle with a difficult and deeply personal question from an early reader:If God has a plan for our lives, did He mean for abuse to happen?Today is part history lesson, part theology, and part practical encouragement. The answer for believers is not fear of culture, but faithfulness to God’s Word.Scriptures:Genesis 6:5 (Noah)Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel)Genesis 12 (Sarai and Abram)Genesis 18 and 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah)Genesis 22 (Isaac, Abraham's faith that God would provide v8)Genesis 50:20 (What you meant for evil)Leviticus 18:3, 21, 27, 29 (Do not do as they do)Numbers 11:29 (Moses's wish)Deuteronomy 12:4, 8, 30-31 (Do not do as they do)Judges 17:6 (no king, everyone did as they saw fit), 18:1 (no king), 19:1 (no king), 21:25 (no king, everyone did as they saw fit)1 Kings 16-21 (Jezebel)Job 38-41 (God speaks)Proverbs 14:12 (There is a way that seems right, but leads to death)Jeremiah 17:9 (Heart is deceitful)Daniel 1-6 (Daniel in Babylon)John 17:17 (God's Word is Truth)Romans 8:28 (The good of those who love Him)Romans 9:20-21 (Clay to Potter, also in Isaiah 45:9, Jeremiah 18:6)Ephesians 6:4 (Bring them up, also in Proverbs 22:6)James 1:13-15 (God is not tempted by evil, nor does he tempt us with it, we are enticed to sin by our own evil desires)1 John 4:4 (Greater is the One in you)June's statement, "God hates evil acts against children, and human to human:Matt 18:6 says better a millstone around your neck and drowned than to cause a child to sin.The seven things God hates: Proverbs 6:16-19 (arrogance, lying, murder and violence against the innocent, malicious intent or evil schemes, feet swiftly running to evil, maligning character falsely, and causing strife in relationships).Kayla quoting, "They couldn't control Christ's birth or death."Christ's birth, God was sovereign and in control: Christ's line (Matt 1) was repeatedly threatened: Abram & Jacob both gave wives under false pretensesAbraham and Jacob's wives had them both sleep with concubines (Gen 16 & 30)Judah's sons and Tamar (Gen 38)Boaz had to say yes to Ruth (Ruth 3)Solomon's women from other nations (1 Kings 11)Couldn't kill Him when they wanted to: Matthew 2:1-23, Matthew 12:14-15, Luke 4:28-30, John 8:59, John 10:39, John 11:47-53Couldn't stop Him from dying in His sovereign timing: Jesus repeatedly foretold His death and resurrection, knew when it was His time (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; John 13:1-4) Jesus had the power to avoid death, instead gave His life willingly, in fulfillment of God's eternal plan (Matthew 26:53; John 10:17–18; Acts 2:23-24; 1 Peter 1:20).The Ecclesiastes section: *Kayla accidently said Ephesians at one point, but all EcclesiastesSolomon tries it all:2:1-11Solomon declares vanities:1:2, 2:2, 5:10Solomon's conclusion:12:13-14, with a small teaser in 2:24-25RESOURCES:Article by Jenna RossTimeline Greece: 800 BC–146 BCGreco-Roman influence: 500 BC–400 ADRome: 753 BC–476 ADVocabularyErastes (lover, older man)Eromenos (beloved/younger)Proaulia (pre-wedding rites)Coemptio (marriage by purchase)Usus (marriage by cohabitation)Manus (father’s hand to husband)Mythology MentionedZeus & Ganymede, Artemis, Aphrodite (Venus), Athena, Hera, AdonisArticle about the festival of Adonia:Recommended Resource on God's sovereignty: Chapter 9 of "Consider the Lilies" by Jonny ArdavanisYOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal,AND you are NEVER ALONE,June and Kayla

What can justice look like after abuse?In this second half of a longer conversation, Kayla and June reflect on their experiences navigating the criminal justice system after childhood sexual abuse.We will talk about post prison restrictions, restraining orders, and talk about God's justice.For further study:God’s justice in the Bible is His perfect, righteous standard applied with fairness, truth, and holiness. It rewards good, punishes evil, and restores what is broken. Unlike human justice, which can be biased or incomplete, God’s justice is rooted in His unchanging character.Here’s a breakdown of the verses discussed:God’s justice flows from His characterDeuteronomy 32:4 – "He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He."Psalm 89:14 – "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You."God’s justice is impartialActs 10:34 – "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.'"Romans 2:6, 11 – "God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done’... For God does not show favoritism."His justice has nothing to do with where we come from. It does not depend on status, race, wealth, or power.God’s justice defends the oppressedIsaiah 1:17 – "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."Psalm 103:6 – "The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."Justice in God’s eyes always includes caring for the vulnerable.God’s justice punishes evil and rewards righteousnessProverbs 21:15 – "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."Nahum 1:3 – "The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished."His justice is righteous accountability.God’s justice is fulfilled through ChristRomans 3:25–26 – "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement... to demonstrate His righteousness, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."On the cross, God’s justice and mercy met. Sin was punished, and sinners were offered forgiveness.Summary:God’s justice is the flawless application of His righteousness. It is always fair, never corrupt, defending the weak, punishing evil, rewarding good, and ultimately restoring creation through Christ. It is not only retributive (dealing with wrongs) but also restorative (making things right).Thank you for being here today.YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONELove,June and Kayla

What can justice look like after abuse?In this first half of a longer conversation, Kayla and June reflect on their experiences navigating the criminal justice system after childhood sexual abuse. From parole hearings and victim notification failures to prison conditions and inmate violence, this episode briefly examines how man’s justice operates.Information Shared:The Lord puts people in power (Romans 13)Those who have forgiven much love much (Luke 7)VINE - Victim Information & Notification Every DayWhat’s Coming in Part 2In the second half of this conversation, we’ll go deeper into restraining orders and protection orders, the rights and restrictions placed on abusers, and the difficult balance between victim safety and offender protections.Then we will touch on where peace, trust, and justice ultimately come from when human systems are insufficient.We look forward to continuing the conversation then,You are worth what it takes to healand you are never alone.June and Kayla

In this New Year’s Address, we reflect on where Brave Haven has been in 2025 and share some of what’s ahead in 2026. Since launching in 2025, Brave Haven has hosted honest, prayerful conversations around childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, and related experiences to bring understanding, language, and comfort where silence often lives.As we look ahead to 2026, we’ll continue these conversations with care, including topics like justice, intimacy, triggers, and behind-the-scenes reflections as The Bravest Thing I’ve Ever Said releases.Our anchor verse:2 Corinthians 1:3–5 (paraphrased here) The God of all comfort comforts us so that we may comfort others.If Brave Haven has been helpful to you, you can support this work by giving us 5 stars or sharing an episode with someone who may benefit.If you’d like to connect with us, visit bravehavenpodcast.com and use the contact form—we’re grateful to hear your questions and how this is impacting you.We’ll return with a full episode on January 14.YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal, AND you are NEVER ALONE.Love,June and Kayla

This week we will discuss how Forgiveness Is Commanded and Reconciliation Is Conditional. Episode seven is a bonus-length conversation for you to enjoy as we head into Christmas. Our hope is to offer both biblical clarity and gentle grounding as we talk about forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, and peace in the context of deep harm.To see a list of the Bible Verses shared today, you can link to the post on our website here.Resources and Mentions:Finding Home book by Susan Macias (which was 29 years in the making) can be viewed and purchased on her website here.Tim Tebow Foundation, specifically the Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Exploitation of Children info found here. Clip from Shawn Ryan Interview with Tim Tebow - Tim Tebow Exposes the #1 Offender in Child Exploitation - here. John Delony Show can be seen here. Pastor Bryan Hughes Sermon on the Prodigal Son – The Heart of God Filled with Love John MacArthur’s Book The Prodigal Son can be viewed or purchased here.You ⁠was mentioned, it was used as an example today NOT as a recommendation. Thank you for being here today. YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal, AND you are NEVER ALONE.Love,Kayla and June

What happens when you start these familiar phrases with your child? How would they finish them?In this short sidebar episode, Kayla shares her kids’ innocent (and surprisingly sweet) guesses at the endings of the lines many of us grew up hearing:“I brought you into this world and…”“Wipe that smile off your face or…”“Stop crying or…”For generations, these phrases ended in threats. But our kids? They imagine something entirely different. And that contrast shows us just how much the story can change when we choose a different way.Let’s keep rewriting the script for the next generation.You are worth what it takes to heal.And you are never alone.—Kayla and June

Parenting is holy, humbling work. Today we’re taking an honest look at the ways we, as moms and dads, can unintentionally provoke or discourage the very children we love. Scripture warns us against this for a reason—because our words, our tone, and even the atmosphere of our homes form the world our kids grow up in.In this episode, we walk through many common ways parents can wound a child’s heart, which are organized into six categories.Our hope isn’t to shame anyone, but to offer a path toward healing and healthier connection. Trust us, we're still on this journey with you, learning and growing. I (Kayla) was genuinely convicted while editing this episode!Bible Verses Mentioned:Ephesians 6:4 - do not provoke your childrenColossians 3:21 - do not embitterProverbs 22:24 - do not make friends with a hot-tempered manHebrews 12:11 - discipline produces righteousness, peaceJames 5:12 - let your yes be yes and your no be no6 Categories of Provocation Discussed Today:Marriage and Home EnvironmentDiscipline and ConsistencyCommunication and RespectEmotional and Relational HarmBoundaries and FreedomRole Reversals and Broken TrustWe now have more detailed show notes available on our website's blog, including the full list we discussed today in these categories.Resources That Helped Shape Our Conversation:Desiring God - How Do I Not Provoke My Children?Apostolic Christian Counseling & Family Services - 25 Ways to Provoke AngerOur own stories and experiencesRecommended:Ginger Hubbard - Her books and podcast are all encouraging resources.How To Not Provoke Your Children - A sermon by Danny JohnsonThank you for being here today.YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal, AND you are NEVER ALONE.Love,Kayla and June

In this sidebar conversation, we dig into what the Bible really means when it commands us to honor our parents. Honor isn’t blind obedience, cultural manners, or enabling sinful behavior. It begins with honoring God first—valuing Him above family expectations, traditions, or demands.We also discuss how “leave and cleave” matters for married adults, prayer transforms bitterness, and honoring sometimes requires firm boundaries or even distance when sin is unrepentant.Whether your relationship with your parents is encouraging, complicated, or painful, this episode reminds you of one core truth: your worth isn’t defined by your family’s approval—you belong to God’s family first.Quoted this article on gotquestions.org/We quoted lots of scripture, a handy document can be found here for those who would like to dig deeper.Thank you for being here today.You are worth what it takes to heal, and you are never alone.Love,Kayla and JuneBraveHavenPodcast.com

In this episode of Brave Haven, we take a look at the long arc of generational stories. Previously we told you about where we came from and what we carry. Today we will speak more on what we are choosing to hand forward. Through honest reflections about our own mothers, biblical examples from Abraham to Timothy, and the imagery of walking through fire, we explore what it means to break cycles that have shaped families for generations.This conversation is about courage. The courage to face the flames, to name what was broken, and to choose a different inheritance for the children who follow us. All while trusting that God meets us in the places that feel unfixable. He is ultimately the One who is able to redeem stories that beganlong before we were born.He stepped into the ultimate generational devastation, broke the curse, and writes a new story with ordinary people willing to take a stand and say, “Not in my house.” Scriptures ReferencedJesus Redefining FamilyMatthew 12:48–50 (KJV)Generational Accountability & ResponsibilityEzekiel 18Exodus 20:5–6 (NASB)Patriarchs Patterns Passing DownAbraham: Genesis 12:10–20; 20:1–18Isaac: Genesis 26:6–11Jacob & Esau: Genesis 27Favoritism in the Family: Genesis 37:3–4Joseph Sold: Genesis 37:12-36Joseph Forgives: Genesis 45“What you meant for evil…” Genesis 50:20Eli & His Sons 1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25; 3:131 Samuel 4:18Kings & Generational Sin 1 Kings 15:25–262 Kings 21 & 22 Moab, Ruth, and Redemption Deuteronomy 23:3–6Ruth 1:16–17Matthew 1:52 Timothy 1:5Authority is Established by GodRomans 13:1–4Nathan Confronts David 2 Samuel 12:1-7Not Peace, but a SwordMatthew 10:34–39Christ Breaking Our Curse Hebrews 4:15Galatians 3:13Isaiah 53:5–6You are worth what it takes to heal.You are never alone.Love,Kayla and June

Information shared today is from here. You are worth what it takes to heal,and you are never alone!-Kayla and June

In this episode of Brave Haven, we explore the signs of abuse and how to recognize them—whether in children, teens, or adults. We discuss emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, and share practical questions to help identify concerning patterns of behavior in relationships. You can access the sex offender registry here.If you’re experiencing abuse and need immediate support, you can find help here.We also referenced the pamphlet Help! Someone I Love Has Been Abused by Jim Newheiser, a trusted Christian counselor and author who has guided countless families through understanding and responding to abuse and trauma.An overview of our discussion/quiz questions can be found here (PDF resource).Resources Used to Adapt the Quizzes: Safe Kids Thrive Darkness to Light RAINNStop It Now!You are worth what it takes to heal,and you are never alone.Love,Kayla and JuneBraveHavenPodcast.com

In this special bonus-length episode, June takes a brave step by sharing her story with us. It’s not an easy thing to bring painful memories into the light, but she does it with courage, grace, and deep joy—joy she says could only have come through Christ’s redemption in her life.The Lord used John MacArthur's sermons to grow June's faith, as well as the community at Grace Community Church.Throughout her story, June shares that a “Trauma Series” supported her along the way, here are links to that series, in five sessions:1. Defining Trauma Biblically - John Henderson2. Experience and Expression of Trauma from Childhood3. Body Truly Matters and the Heart Truly Determines4. Ministry of the Word to Survivors of Childhood Trauma5. Handling the Past Biblically (Applied to Severe Childhood Abuse) - Steve ViarsSome information on the men who speak in these sessions:John Henderson:John Henderson serves as the Associate Pastor of Counseling and Family Ministry at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, AR. Growing up in a missionary family, John heard the proclamation of the gospel at a young age and, by God’s grace, came to trust in Jesus Christ. While working on an undergraduate degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and graduate degrees from the University of North Texas in Counseling Psychology, the Lord brought John to renewed trust and growth. Prior to his current position at UBC, he served as Associate Pastor at Del Ray Baptist Church in Virginia and counseling pastor at Denton Bible Church for 14 years. During those years he ministered to families, led yearly biblical counseling training for the congregation, and helped supervise counselors in a local counseling center. He also serves as an associate professor of counseling at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. John and his wife Ruth were married in 2000 and have been blessed with five children.Steve Viars:Steve Viars is the Senior Pastor of Faith Church (Lafayette, IN); ACBC Fellow and board member; Biblical Counseling Coalition board member; Vision Of Hope board member; instructor and counselor at Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries; married with three children; B.S., Bible, Baptist Bible College (Clarks Summit, PA); M.Div., Grace Theological Seminary; D.Min., Biblical Counseling, Westminster Theological Seminary.June also said she has been encouraged by:Psalm 139Psalm 32When discussing miscarriages, June mentioned she was on her fourth, she has now had five. She shared that the sermon titled, “The Kingdom Belongs to Such As These” has been a huge encouragement. During that discussion we were both referring to the “If only I was never born,” sentiment:Ecclesiastes 4:3 NASB states, “But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.” (NIV uses the phrase “never been born.”) and Job 3:11 (NIV), Job laments, "Why did I not perish at birth? Why did I not die as I came from the womb?" and Job 10:19 (NIV) “If only I had never come into being, or had been carried straight from the womb to the grave!”Ecclesiastes was likely the one we were referring to, but Job in his suffering had a very similar sentiment. (As does the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 15:10, but that wasn’t what we were attempting to mention)We close by asking June one final question: What do you look for in a counselor?Her answer is simple but profound—healing begins where we are heard and loved well with the love of Christ.We hope you find that here.You are worth what it takes to heal.And you are never alone.

Content Note:This episode includes a story about surviving childhood sexual abuse. While specific acts are mentioned briefly, they are not described in graphic detail. Please take care of yourself and feel free to pause, skip, or stop listening at any point if you need to.Joined by June and her husband AJ, Kayla describes the abuse she endured for over a decade and the process of bringing the abuse to light and navigating the legal system. She reflects on trauma, healing, and the hope Christ brings to even the darkest seasons.We briefly mentioned our pastor used to do Q&As. Grace Bible Church still does Q&A sessions via their podcast called Grace Talk.If you need immediate support:📞 National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)Or visit rainn.org for 24/7 chat and resources.

From statistics to stories: how data, language, and history reveal the realities of abuse.Kayla and June unpack the scope of childhood sexual abuse through national statistics—and explore how ideas like “gaslighting” and “Stockholm syndrome” have shaped our cultural understanding of trauma.Sources from Today’s Discussion📊 StatisticsWe referenced data from two trusted organizations providing national insight into child abuse and assault:National Children’s Alliance — National Statistics on Child Abuse: https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/RAINN — Statistics on Children and Teens: https://rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens🕰 Historical & Cultural DiscussionOur conversation explored the origins of two phrases that are repeated often: Stockholm Syndrome and Gaslighting.“Is Stockholm Syndrome a Myth?” — Article about Kristin Enmark, the 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, and the origin of the term Stockholm Syndrome: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-23/is-stockholm-syndrome-a-myth/102738084Gaslight (1944) — The classic film that inspired the modern term gaslighting: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036855/📚 Recommended Children’s Books“It is hard to deceive a child who has already been taught the truth.”Early, open conversations about safety, consent, and body awareness are powerful. Prevention education at these early ages can make all the difference.All of the books below are written for ages 4–7, but they can open meaningful discussions with older children as well.I Said No! by Zack and Kimberly KingSome Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen SandersLaura’s Secret by Laura CoelWho Has What? All About Girls’ Bodies and Boys’ Bodies by Robie H. Harris🧩 Other ResourcesNational Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org for confidential, 24/7 support.National Child Abuse Hotline (Childhelp): Call or text 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelphotline.org for help or resources.You are worth what it takes to heal, and you are never alone.❤

Welcome to Brave Haven—a space created by survivors, for survivors, and for anyone ready to face hard truths about abuse and healing. In this introductory episode, Kayla and June share the heart behind the podcast, the meaning of bravery and haven, and how faith and truth-telling have shaped their journeys. You’ll also hear what to expect this season—real stories, honest conversations, and reminders that you are worth what it takes to heal, and you are never alone.