Waking up with purpose can feel impossible when trauma, stress, and old memories still live in the body. In this episode, we explore how God designed the body, brain, and spirit to work together for healing and resilience. You’ll learn how the gut–brain connection influences mood, anxiety, and stress response, why nourishment and hydration matter spiritually and neurologically, and how small morning habits can help interrupt old trauma-driven thought patterns. This episode blends biblical truth, neuroscience, and practical tools to help you step into purpose—even on heavy days.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why purpose is not just spiritual but neurological and physical
• How trauma wires the nervous system—and how healing rewires it
• What the gut–brain connection is and why it matters for emotional health
• What GABA is and how it supports calm and emotional regulation
• How nutrition and hydration affect mood, anxiety, and resilience
• Why self-stewardship is an act of spiritual alignment
• Simple morning practices to interrupt stress cycles
• How supporting the body helps renew the mind

Scripture Anchors

• Romans 12:2
• Proverbs 4:23
• John 10:10
• Psalm 139:14

Resources Mentioned

✨ Free Gut Health Reset Guide for Women

🔗 Connect with Me:

>> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ for more support.

>> Take this FREE quiz: Reclaiming Your Life: A Biblical Wellness Quiz for Childhood Trauma Survivors

>> Take a deeper dive discovering your purpose: Ignite Your Purpose and learn how to think through God's Word in this self paced online course.

This time of year always brings up emotions and feelings that either hold you back or move you forward. Why not this be the year where you can truly dream?

In This Episode: ✓ Why the end of the year is the perfect time to dream with God ✓ How negative self-talk steals clarity ✓ The 5-step God-led goal-setting process you can start today ✓ Scriptures to anchor your mind ✓ How to prepare your heart for 2026

Scriptures Mentioned: • Proverbs 3:5–6 • Psalm 37:23–24 • Psalm 119:105 • Psalm 16:7–11

>>Grab your set of “My Identity In Christ Cards”

https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/identitycards

🔗 Connect with Me:

>> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ for more support.

>> Take a deeper dive discovering your purpose: Ignite Your Purpose and learn how to think through God's Word in this self paced online course.

>> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!

https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter

Music score: Kevin Manthei Music

In this pre-Thanksgiving episode, Leslie offers a heartfelt message to women who find the holidays emotionally challenging—especially survivors of childhood trauma. She shares her own journey of learning to show up differently during family gatherings, how surrendering her own expectations helped her find peace, and how Jesus brought restoration and freedom from painful memories.

You'll also learn a simple but powerful gratitude and grounding exercise you can use anytime to reset your attitude, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with God’s presence. Leslie closes with a prayer of peace, protection, and joy for your upcoming holiday gatherings.

In This Episode You’ll Hear:

• Why the holidays can be difficult for trauma survivors
• Leslie’s personal story of shifting from dread to joy during family gatherings
• A mindset shift that helps you stay centered in gratitude
• A calming breathing method to help regulate your emotions
• A grounding exercise that brings you back into peace and presence
• Encouragement for women walking into tender family dynamics
• A prayer covering your heart, your memories, and your holiday week

Who This Episode Is For: Women healing from childhood trauma • Christian women • Moms navigating emotional triggers • Anyone feeling overwhelmed heading into Thanksgiving • Anyone seeking hope, peace, and grounding during the holidays

Resources Mentioned:

• Breathing + gratitude grounding exercise
• Scripture-based encouragement
• Hope in the Fire podcast community

🔗 Connect with Me:

>> Visit https://lesliechermak.com/work-with-leslie/ for more support.

>> 5 Simple Steps to Becoming An Overcomer: https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/overcomer

>> Take this FREE quiz: Reclaiming Your Life: A Biblical Wellness Quiz for Childhood Trauma Survivors

>> Take a deeper dive discovering your purpose: Ignite Your Purpose and learn how to think through God's Word in this self paced online course.

>> I’ll meet you in your inbox on Fridays!

https://lesliechermak.myflodesk.com/newsletter

Music score: Kevin Manthei Music