James Powell

This Little Light of Mine - LGBTQ, Christianity, religious trauma, mental health

James Powell + Andrew Pledger

  • Religious trauma is trauma

Religious trauma is trauma

Wednesday 2nd March 2022

Join Andrew Pledger as he shares his journey from religious trauma to healing through art and self-discovery in 'This Little Light of Mine'.
55 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Supportive

About this podcast

This Little Light of Mine - LGBTQ, Christianity, religious trauma, mental health
Author:
James Powell
Overview:
Categories:
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Religion & Spirituality
Healing Relationships
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
51 (View all)
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Art, Faith, and Healing: Andrew Pledger's Journey from Religious Trauma

Religious trauma is especially a silent suffering because of the fear of speaking up, fear of being shunned in the church, fear of what people will say.
Imagine being expelled from university for questioning your faith. That's the reality Andrew Pledger faced when he began to confront the religious trauma that had shaped his life. In this episode of 'This Little Light of Mine', Andrew opens up about his expulsion from Bob Jones University and how it became a turning point in his life. Through art and self-discovery, he began to understand the deep impact of religious trauma and started his journey towards healing.
Andrew's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment, he struggled with repressed emotions and a conflicted identity. Therapy and self-reflection helped him see the connections between his trauma and the experiences of many in the LGBTQ+ community within the church. He discusses the silent suffering many endure due to fear of speaking up and shares his own battles with dissociation, depression, and internalized homophobia.
But this episode isn't just about struggle—it's about hope. Andrew found a unique way to process his trauma through art, which gave him the courage to face his past and find a path forward. His journey is one of self-empowerment and community, as he discovered the support he needed to become his own hero. If you're interested in stories of resilience, the intersection of faith and identity, or the healing power of art, this episode is a must-listen.
Andrew's candid sharing offers valuable insights into prioritizing mental, emotional, and spiritual health, especially for those grappling with similar issues.