When Pastor Lisa Reeves called her mother-in-law after 20 years of silence, she didn't expect the phone to drop on the other end, followed by uncontrollable weeping. This raw moment marked the beginning of a healing journey that would transform both women forever—leading not just to reconciliation, but to spiritual rebirth.

In this powerful conversation with Coach Tara, Pastor Lisa reveals how unforgiveness had become quicksand in her life, pulling her deeper into bitterness with every attempt to justify her pain. "A wounded heart filters reality," she explains, describing how unhealed trauma distorts our perception, convincing us we're safer alone or unlovable. The freedom that comes through forgiveness isn't just emotional—it's physical, relational, and spiritual restoration.

Most profound is the revelation that forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation. "We're good, I love you, I forgave you, but access is just limited," Pastor Lisa shares, giving listeners permission to establish healthy boundaries while still releasing the poison of resentment. This distinction liberates those who have believed forgiveness requires returning to harmful relationships.

The conversation tackles the challenging truth that many find it easier to forgive others than themselves. The daily practice of self-forgiveness becomes a spiritual discipline, requiring intentional choices to "check your armor" and guard your heart against the lies that wound has told you about yourself.

Whether you're carrying decades of pain or struggling with fresh hurts, this episode offers practical wisdom for breaking free from unforgiveness without minimizing your experience. It's an invitation to holy rebellion—choosing healing over the destructive cycles that have held you captive for too long.

Ready to experience the freedom that comes when you forgive? Listen now and take the first step toward divine alignment in your relationships, beginning with yourself.

In this episode, I’m joined by Pastor Lisa Reeves of New Wine Restoration Ministries for a raw, Spirit-infused conversation on what forgiveness really looks like. We’re not sugarcoating it. We’re digging into the emotional, behavioral, and spiritual roots of why betrayal wounds us so deeply — and how God designed our minds to heal.

You’ll hear us tackle questions like:

• How do you know you’ve actually forgiven, not just stuffed it down?
• Why does forgiveness sometimes feel impossible — and what’s blocking it?
• What does it look like to truly forgive yourself?

Whether you’re battling old betrayal, struggling to release someone who hurt you, or stuck in guilt over your own mistakes, this conversation is for you.

👂 Listen in and let God do the heart work.

And if you’re ready to see exactly where your story is stuck and what God wants to heal next, take my free Story Validation Assessment at HerAuthenticVoice.com.

Until next time — remember to live, love, and BE authentic. 💛

God's love and redemptive power can transform even the most broken lives, turning past shame into purposeful testimony. We explore the journey of surrender, healing from toxic relationships, and using our stories to help others find freedom.

• Coach Tara introduces her new podcast focused on helping women break free from shame and step into bold faith
• Sharing her testimony of being called by God while still living a life involving drugs and escorting
• The challenge of forgiving yourself even after experiencing God's forgiveness
• How to move through feelings of shame and guilt without making a permanent home there
• Joy shares her experience of losing her makeup studio and learning to surrender to God's redirection
• Breaking free from people-pleasing and making idols of our problems instead of seeking God
• Learning that "acceptance allows you to surrender better" in difficult seasons
• Healing from toxic relationship patterns by valuing self-love above acceptance from others
• The importance of having praying friends who can speak truth and provide Biblical counsel
• How sharing your testimony provides a blueprint for someone else's breakthrough

If you've been touched by this episode, we invite you to follow Her Authentic Voice on social media and share with someone who needs to hear this message of hope and redemption.