In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, I sit down with Michelle Vrabel, author of Butterfly Stitches: The Metamorphosis of HEALING. Michelle shares her powerful testimony of overcoming trauma, breaking free from generational cycles of abuse, and finding healing through God’s presence.

We dive deep into how trauma can shape our lives, the courage it takes to face the pain, and how God’s love begins the healing process. Whether you've experienced childhood wounds, broken relationships, or personal struggles, this episode will encourage you to step into your healing journey.

If you're ready to break free from past pain, embrace forgiveness, and walk confidently in God’s grace, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• [01:04] - Overcoming Trauma Through God’s Healing: Michelle shares how her healing process began as a child and how God’s presence can start the journey toward wholeness.
• [04:54] - Recognizing Trauma Isn’t Your Fault: Understanding how to let go of shame and embrace the truth that healing is possible, no matter when the pain occurs.
• [09:08] - The Power of Writing Your Story: How journaling and speaking your truth can unlock healing and help process deep wounds.
• [15:43] - Breaking Generational Cycles of Pain and Abuse: Practical steps to stop cycles of trauma and build a different future for your family.
• [23:13] - How to Embrace Forgiveness and Self-Compassion: Michelle discusses the importance of forgiving yourself and moving forward in freedom.
• [29:11] - Speaking Up and Acknowledging the Pain: Why acknowledging the ‘elephants in the room’ is essential to true healing.
• [34:42] - Finding Strength in God to Heal and Break Free: Why healing from generational trauma isn’t possible without God’s guidance and strength.

Resources Mentioned:

• Butterfly Stitches by Michelle Vrabel

Call to Action: If you’re ready to reclaim your time and realign your priorities, download my free guide Take Your Time Back here: https://melissabatt.com/take-your-time-back-guide.

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com
• Instagram: @melissabattofficial
• Book a Free Breakthrough Blueprint Session: Get your Breakthrough

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In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, I continue my conversation with Natalie Runion, founder of Raised to Stay and author of Raised to Stay and The House That Jesus Built. This is part two of our discussion and we talk a lot about the orphan spirit, a term that might feel unfamiliar but touches on deep wounds of rejection, insecurity, and the longing to be seen.

Natalie and I explore how the orphan spirit can manifest in different ways—from striving for approval to shrinking back in fear of rejection—and how it holds us back from living fully in our God-given purpose. This episode isn't just about identifying the problem but equipping you with scriptural truths and practical steps to break free from the lies that say you're not enough.

If you've ever felt unseen, battled imposter syndrome, or struggled with feelings of worthlessness, this conversation will meet you where you are. Let this be your sign to lean into healing, trust God to rewrite your narrative, and step into your identity as His beloved daughter.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00] - Introduction to the Orphan Spirit: Why It Matters and How It Shows Up

• [02:26] - How God Reveals Wounds That Hold Us Back

• [04:41] - Key Scriptures to Break the Stronghold of Rejection

• [06:38] - Walking in Confidence: Knowing You Are Chosen by God

• [10:01] - The Power of Speaking Truth Over Yourself with Scripture

• [15:34] - How the Orphan Spirit Creates Competition and Comparison

• [18:50] - Serving from a Place of Wholeness, Not Approval

• [23:29] - Practical Ways to Minister in Your Own Community (Your 'Jerusalem')

• [26:29] - Building a Healthy Church Starts with You: How to Lead by Example

Scriptures Mentioned:

• Ephesians 1:4-8

• Luke 10:18-19

• John 14:15-21

• Galatians 3:26-4:7

Resources Mentioned:

• Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion

• The House That Jesus Built by Natalie Runion

• Follow Natalie on Instagram: @raisedtostay

Call to Action: Are you ready to step into healing and confidence? Download my free guide Take Your Time Back to reclaim your priorities and walk in purpose: https://melissabatt.com/take-your-time-back-guide.

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Instagram: @melissabattofficial

• Book a Free Breakthrough Blueprint Session: Get Your Breakthrough

Subscribe & Share: If this episode encouraged you, don't keep it to yourself! Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message of hope and healing.

In this powerful episode of Priorities on Purpose, I sit down with Natalie Runion from Raised to Stay to dive deep into the realities of church hurt, healing, and staying connected to God through challenging seasons. Natalie shares her journey of growing up in the church, witnessing her parents' pain, and how God called her back to ministry with a profound message to 'stay' when walking away felt easier.

If you've ever felt disillusioned by the church or felt unseen, this episode will encourage you to lean into God's calling without fear. We unpack topics like recognizing healthy vs. unhealthy church environments, stepping into service even when you're not 'officially' on staff, and trusting God's timing for your role in the body of Christ.

Natalie's authenticity and vulnerability shine through as she speaks about the beauty of obedience, why the church still matters, and how God uses our willingness to show up, even when we feel unqualified. Whether you're wrestling with church culture or questioning your place, this episode will speak to your heart.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:02] - Welcome & Introduction to Natalie Runion

• [01:13] - How God Connected Our Messages: Obedience and Alignment

• [04:18] - Natalie's Early Ministry Journey and the Call to 'Stay'

• [06:42] - Church Hurt and Wrestling with Imperfect People

• [10:01] - How to Discern a Healthy vs. Unhealthy Church

• [12:39] - The Difference Between Being Critical and Being a Fruit Inspector

• [16:12] - Navigating Leadership That Plays Church Instead of Being the Church

• [22:14] - The Purpose of Membership and What Really Matters

• [25:09] - Why Churches Focus More on Programs Than Jesus

• [28:37] - Embracing the Misfits: Why the Church Needs Diverse Testimonies

• [33:30] - Serving and Being Jesus' Hands and Feet, Even When You're Not on Staff

Resources Mentioned:

• Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion

• The House that Jesus Built by Natalie Runion

• Follow Natalie on Instagram: @raisedtostay

Call to Action: Are you ready to reclaim your time and priorities in faith? Download my free guide Take Your Time Back here: https://melissabatt.com/take-your-time-back-guide.

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Instagram: @melissabattofficial

• Book a Free Breakthrough Blueprint Session: Get Your Breakthrough

Subscribe & Share: If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Let's walk this journey of faith and healing together!