Faith Was Never Meant to Keep You Silent with Detra Denise

EPISODE 8: Leaving Abuse, Rebuilding Life — with Detra

In this episode, I sat down with my friend Detra to talk about her journey out of an abusive marriage after decades as a pastor’s wife in a conservative church culture. We got real about the pressures faith communities can put on women to stay silent, small, and “obedient,” even when it’s breaking them.

Detra shared how she finally found the courage to leave, literally jumping out of a car one night, and the road that followed, including time in a homeless shelter in New York. She opened up about the unexpected places she’s found support, joy, and new life, and how she’s learned to spot the old patterns that try to creep back in.

We talked about:

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  How faith and church culture can pressure women to stay in unsafe marriages

  
  


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  Why leaving doesn’t mean you’re free from old patterns

  
  


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  Rebuilding life after losing reputation and community

  
  


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  Trusting your intuition and owning your story

  
  

This conversation is for anyone who’s ever been told they’re crazy for trusting their gut. You’re not. Your voice matters, your worth isn’t up for debate, and you can keep your power in the process.

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