Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

How to Move from Surviving to Truly Living Again, Even After the Deepest Hurts

September 17, 2026
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How Disappointment Affects Your Mental Health, and How to Move Forward
September 10, 2026
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Episode Summary:

Trauma can shatter our sense of safety, identity, and trust—especially when it comes at the hands of someone who vowed to love us. In today’s episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, I’m joined by a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist whose story of surviving attempted murder is both heartbreaking and incredibly inspiring. Through her faith and her training, she has transformed her pain into purpose, helping others heal from grief, loss, and trauma. Today she shares how God meets us in our darkest moments and how we can reclaim our lives after the deepest wounds. This story is not about a villain and a victim. Instead, it is about a woman who, despite being victimized, chose healing and emerged victorious. Today we’re going to be talking about how to move from surviving to truly living again, even after the deepest hurts.

Quotables from the episode:

  • I will not be a victim. I was victimized. And on that day, I was a victim. But from that point on, I became I had been victimized, but I was not going to be a victim.
  • I said, “I want you to know I will forgive you.“ I kept declaring these things over myself without even realizing it. Now, I did not forgive him that day, although I prayed for him that night when he was in jail. I had to work through that, but I knew that I will be forgiving. I will be joyful. I knew this is not going to be the end of my story because the devil will not have the last word.
  • Let me maybe clarify too, because even though I declared all that over me, that doesn't mean I wasn't falling apart at times. You know, healing is not linear. I was weeping. I'd have good days and I'd had bad days. So, I don't want to give the impression that I just said, okay, life will be great.
  • When people say, “where's God when bad things happen?” You know, sometimes we say it as an accusation, like God wasn't there. I love to say, ask the Lord where he was because he was there.
  • I didn't know if I was going to live or die. But in that moment, I knew I would not have died alone. That it was Psalm 23 come alive that said, “yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you're with me.” So many people think, “well, we shouldn't walk through any valleys.” But the Bible says we're going to walk through the shadow of the valley, the shadow of death. The promise is he's not going to leave us.
  • The hardest person to forgive was myself.
  • I had to go back and rewrite those beliefs because I hadn't failed. I told myself and the enemy told me I had.
  • I've come to learn that you can heal without forgiveness, but you can't be whole.
  • I love to tell people that God is in the restoration business. There is no story that is too far gone. There is nothing he cannot redeem because that's what God's specialty is, is bringing beauty from ashes.
  • Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it can't happen. Hold on to God, who is the author of hope. He's not going to let you down.

Recommended Resources:

    Social Media Links for Host:

    For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

    Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple

    Guest:

    Kimberly Haar, LPC, LMFT, is a survivor of domestic violence, a licensed professional counselor, and a license marriage and family therapist with nearly two decades of experience helping others find healing and wholeness in life. Her therapy practice is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she continues to inspire hope and strength in those facing life’s challenges.

    Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson

    Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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    Meet Your Host
    Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge! She is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, international speaker, and award-winning author dedicated to offering hope, healing, and practical tools for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As the host of the top-rated podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective, she combines her professional expertise with biblical truth to empower listeners to overcome anxiety, depression, and life’s challenges through faith.

    A trusted voice in Christian mental health, Dr. Bengtson is the bestselling author of Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression and Breaking Anxiety's Grip. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she has helped countless individuals find lasting freedom from fear, stress, and discouragement.

    Dr. Bengtson is a frequent media guest on platforms such as Focus on the Family, Life Today, and Moody Radio. Her writing and resources have been featured on outlets including Crosswalk, iBelieve, and Salem Media, equipping believers to embrace God's promises in every season.

    Connect with Dr. Bengtson at DrMichelleBengtson.com, where she shares faith-based encouragement, expert insights, and free resources for cultivating a hope-filled life.
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