EP 42: Overcoming Spiritual Abuse and the Church’s Stigma Around Divorce with Kristina Ravenhill

Spiritual abuse and the church’s stigma around divorce have silenced and shamed countless women, often leaving them trapped in cycles of pain and self-doubt. But it’s time to reclaim the narrative. Overcoming spiritual abuse means breaking free from manipulation cloaked in faith and recognizing your worth beyond judgmental doctrines. Divorce is not a failure; it’s an act of courage when choosing yourself and your well-being over harmful dynamics. 

 

In this episode of the That's Where I'm At Podcast, Laura Richards welcomes Kristina Ravenhill. Kristina or Tina as her Father nicknamed her, grew up in the South Pacific. The middle child of three sisters, she grew up as an MK (missionary kid) and a PK (preacher's kid). Eventually, the family moved back to the United States where she went to Bible School in Dallas, Texas, and ultimately met her husband. Together they served in ministry and also owned a successful international sales business. Twenty-two years and 4 children later, Tina filed for divorce after years of narcissism and abuse throughout the marriage. Now free, she spends her extra time helping others come out of spiritual abuse and wants the stigma of divorce from abuse to be changed in the church mindset. Her joy is spending time with her kids and exploring the world. 

 

Kristina shares her powerful journey of overcoming spiritual abuse and navigating the church’s stigma around divorce. Kristina candidly recounts the red flags she ignored, the manipulation she endured, and the spiritual abuse she experienced from her ex-husband. She discusses the struggle of leaving an oppressive marriage, the profound impact of trauma bonds, and the societal pressures women face when seeking freedom. Kristina also offers hope and practical steps for healing, including how she reconnected with her dreams, found forgiveness, and rediscovered God’s unconditional love. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-worth, and spiritual liberation.

 

Timestamps

[03:14] Signs Kristina saw before she was done

[06:10] Spiritual abuse Kristina experienced from her ex-husband

[10:06] Did Kristina have support when she decided to leave?

[15:03] God loves you more than divorce

[18:14] Narcissists have the inability to change

[24:27] Things Kristina did to heal after divorce

[30:53] How Kristina got rid of her oppression and started to dream again

[33:50] The thought that things will be great when you leave

[41:07] Waking up to the reality

[43:24] Kristina’s trauma bond experience

[48:44] How Kristina dealt with forgiving his ex-husband

[51:55] Kristina’s final remarks

 

Notable Quotes

• “We always have the thing about God hates divorce.”
• “It’s not about how long can a marriage last.”
• “Dream is to have your life back.”
• “Some of these things, they may not sound like they are terrible until it’s all the times.”

RESOURCES:

MARRIED TO A “NICE” GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE

PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marriedtoaniceguy/

FOLLOW THE PODCAST: http://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com

BOOKS & JOURNALS: https://www.amazon.com/author/laurarichards

RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALING: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/resources

FOLLOW KRISTINA: https://www.instagram.com/k.ravenhill/

Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

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