Stories of HOPE &
Nuggets of Truth
Healing After Betrayal: Embracing Christ and the Gift of Boundaries
Betrayal is one of the deepest wounds a person can carry. Scripture does not soften this reality. David laments in Psalm 55:12–14: “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me… But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend.” Even Jesus was betrayed by someone who walked with Him daily (Matthew 26:14–16; John 13:21–27). He knows this pain intimately. And God speaks directly into
Meet Dana
In a beautiful answer to prayer, Dana Kemp has joined Sanctuary in Trauma as Executive Director, coming alongside the existing leadership of Cathy and Jane to help strengthen the ministry and expand its reach to women impacted by trauma. Dana first began partnering with SiT more than five years ago during her time as Director at Lifespring Ministry, a Christian ministry in Aurora, Illinois that provides transitional housing for women
Breaking Point: A Caregiver’s Story of Exhaustion, Faith, and Unexpected Mercy
"This testimony was written by a friend of our ministry, Dan Philgreen. His precious wife, Esther, joined our SiT sessions periodically as her chronic illness would allow. She faithfully prayed for women learning lessons from the Lord in the midst of pain. Dan has graciously shared his wrestling and the hope he found in the midst of caregiving. This couple has experienced the unthinkable journey, and sweet Esther is now
In the Valley: God’s Heart For Those Facing Suicidal Ideation
Trigger warning: This post discusses suicidal ideation (SI). Please read only if you think this could be helpful for your well-being. No matter your beliefs - whether you are a Christ-follower or not - the subject of suicidal ideation is deeply personal and often hard to talk about. Because it is often misunderstood, it is rarely addressed openly. If you are walking through this right now, I can relate to
Every Time It Hurts: Learning to Trust God in Every Moment of Pain
I had been praying for this baby for almost a year. I had only known I was pregnant for a week. Then, on a Saturday night, I started experiencing extreme abdominal pain. I assumed it was a stomach bug. But by Sunday night, the pain was worse, and deep down, I knew something was seriously wrong. I called my doctor and was told to go to the ER immediately. That
The Gift of Grief: How Sorrow Makes Space for Empathy
In the first few months after the accident, I was still in shock. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that she was really gone. Denial acted like a buffer, keeping me from having to feel the full weight of it. It was too much, so I just kept moving, trying not to think too hard. Honestly, it was a little easier at first because I didn’t see her
Forgetful Hearts, Faithful God: Setting Up Stones in the Midst of Trauma
I often judge the Israelites in the Old Testament, especially when they wander in the wilderness after being freed from Egypt. Didn’t God just provide for them a chapter ago, and now they’re complaining again? Why? How could they forget so easily? But then I’m reminded of that verse about judging others before examining yourself—something about the log in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3-5) Turns out that I’m not just