🦋Flying Free w/ Natalie Hoffman

Narcissistic Abuse in Christian Relationships [Episode 322] Ever been told you’re too sensitive? That you just need to forgive more? Or that if you were a better Christian wife, everything would magically get better? Yeah. Me too. And Dr. Ramani Durvasula’s book It’s Not You is here to throw a holy wrench into that narrative. In this week’s episode of the Flying Free Podcast, I’m unpacking the powerful truths in this book and showing you exactly how it validates the lived reality of women in emotionally and spiritually abusive relationships.

Narcissistic Abuse in Christian Relationships [Episode 322]

Ever been told you’re too sensitive? That you just need to forgive more? Or that if you were a better Christian wife, everything would magically get better? Yeah. Me too. And Dr. Ramani Durvasula’s book It’s Not You is here to throw a…

Help! My Kids Are Acting Like Their Dad! [Episode 319] In this episode we’ll talk about a struggle that many Christian women face after leaving an emotionally abusive marriage—parenting children who sometimes exhibit the same unhealthy behaviors as their fathers. Through real-life examples and compassionate insights, I explore why this happens, how mothers can reframe their perspectives, and practical steps they can take to strengthen their relationship with their children while continuing their healing journey.

Help! My Kids Are Acting Like Their Dad! [Episode 319]

In this episode we’ll talk about a struggle that many Christian women face after leaving an emotionally abusive marriage—parenting children who sometimes exhibit the same unhealthy behaviors as their fathers. Through real-life examples and…

What Do We Do About Wicked People? [Episode 318] In today’s episode, I explore the difficult and often shocking realization that wickedness exists in the world—and sometimes within our closest relationships. Responding to a listener's inquiry and using insights from Adam Young’s “The Place We Find Ourselves” podcast, we’ll unpack the biblical definition of wickedness and discuss how it operates. I’ll also share personal experiences and strategies for recognizing and dealing with destructive individuals.

What Do We Do About Wicked People? [Episode 318]

In today’s episode, I explore the difficult and often shocking realization that wickedness exists in the world—and sometimes within our closest relationships. Responding to a listener's inquiry and using insights from Adam Young’s “The Place We Find…

How Creativity Can Help You Heal from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone who wants to reclaim their life after emotional or spiritual abuse. In The Creative Act, Rick Rubin reminds us that creativity isn’t about talent; it’s about being open, trusting yourself, and engaging with life on your own terms. If you’ve spent years being told who you should be, creativity is the antidote to that shrinking. Let’s explore how creativity can help you heal, rediscover your true self, and step into freedom.

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone ready to heal, grow, and reclaim their life.

For years, you were told who to be, what to believe, and how small to make yourself. But what if healing is less about “getting it right” and more about creating something new?

Saw this picture here while scrolling: Jesus made in the image of his current followers. I wonder what would be possible if his followers were less like this and more like the actual Christ? Offended? Until that inner transformation actually happens, this is all we’ve got to offer.

YouTube video by Gretchen Baskerville Will A Marriage Intensive Fix My Marriage? | The Life-Saving Divorce

For those who want to see the video @nataliehoffman.bsky.social and I did about the marriage intensive survey and the top 12 takeaways, here's the link.
youtu.be/RR4LXRswKTg

When Coercively Controlling Fathers Sabotage Mothers' Relationships With Their Children [305] Podcast Episode · Flying Free · 12/10/2024 · 52m

In this interview, Dr. Katz introduces the term “child and mother sabotage” (CAMS) to replace the often co-opted term “parental alienation,” highlighting its roots in coercive control and its frequent targeting of mothers.

YouTube video by Gretchen Baskerville Will A Marriage Intensive Fix My Marriage? | The Life-Saving Divorce

Will a Marriage Intensive Fix My Marriage? 🧵

Last year, I did a survey of past attendees of #Christian marriage intensives and/or multi-day retreats. 330 people responded.

@nataliehoffman.bsky.social and I talk about 12 key insights. 1/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR4L...

What a Car Accident Taught Me About Pain [304] Podcast Episode · Flying Free · 12/03/2024 · 34m

Sometimes out of the blue, life crashes into you, and it hurts. We feel that pain, and then we ask “who do I want to be in this situation?” That question opens up a new world if we are willing to go there.

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

The Real Story of the US Economy: How the Last 40 Years Gave Us the Next Four Podcast Episode · The Money with Katie Show · 12/04/2024 · 1h 14m

One of my favorite podcasts. This episode is particularly good.

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

Befriending Our Anxiety [303] Podcast Episode · Flying Free · 11/26/2024 · 48m

In today’s episode, I interview Natalie Deering, an IFS therapist. Together, we explore practical and spiritual approaches to anxiety, offering tools to transform anxiety from an adversary into an ally. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

Think about this: verbal and emotional abuse rarely result in law enforcement reports or medical records—essentially, no tangible evidence. Before no-fault divorce gained traction in 1970, many judges denied divorces without such proof and sent you back to your abuser. You may want to get out now.

Christian women holding back on getting out of your abusive marriages, now is a good time to move ahead. Come take my Preparing for Divorce class and get education and support. joinflyingfree.com

For those who don’t know me, that was tongue-in-cheek. Look closely. 😉

It’s no coincidence that Jesus’s primary metaphors for ministry were not soldiers, hunters, or builders,

But shepherds, farmers, and fisherman.

The humility. The unpredictability. The chaos. The waiting. None of it means we failed.

This is just what faithfulness looks like.

Pros and Cons of Texas Covenant Marriage Legislation (89(R) HB 732). Sample Letter | Life-Saving Divorce Sample letter to write to your Texas lawmaker about the proposed bill on covenant marriage. Emphasizes some serious problems with the bill.

As Christians, we care about the sanctity of marriage, wanting couples to enter the covenant soberly. But I have concerns about the Texas covenant marriage bill. While it allows divorce for adultery & violence, it's not clear about verbal and emotional abuse. lifesavingdivorce.com/texascovenan...

First time in Las Vegas. Tom and I walked into our room and the curtain dramatically opened all by itself to reveal our lovely view….😑

*If* you were to go back to a church or meeting of Christians, what are you looking for - what are your primary considerations?

#church

#Jesus

#Christianity

#deconstruction

#reconstruction

Friendship and respectful space to explore, study, and discuss the Bible from various perspectives and through different lenses.

“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” – Ralph Ellison

Women of faith who have been stifled and gaslit in certain religious communities can lose their sense of identity. They are told this is what God wants of them.

It’s a murderous lie.

My Little Me grabbed this visual and ran with it so this is how I’ll forever see everyone here and I like it 🤭

One thing that US politics has made abundantly clear is that a woman running for POTUS is held to impossible standards while a man can win twice with having no standards.

I was a good Christian homeschooling bread-baking mother-of-nine, excommunicated 7 years ago from Bethlehem Baptist (John Piper’s church) for divorcing my abuser of 25 years. It inoculated my kids against abusive misogynist theology, and for that I’m thankful. #excommunicationperks

They didn't mention that OK is the worst state in the US for domestic violence against women. So, which state is truly more pro-life?

FOLLOW THESE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS advocates who specialize in helping women in the faith community, especially Christians, Evangelicals, Reformed, SDA, etc. Click below, then the About button to see their accounts.
bsky.app/profile/did:...

Yes, watch the film (it’s on YouTube) and you’ll see this is their playbook. And you’ll see the damage done, and that they don’t care.

Good morning.

Word of the Day is as beautiful as it is underused. ‘Confelicity’ is finding joy in the happiness and success of others.

Yes! Focusing on your own relationship with the child serves both you and your child far more than parenting from a reaction response to the abuser’s crap. Connection, empathy, offering the child safe space to be who they are along with honor and autonomy. Game changers.