That Doesn’t Define me!

Addiction, trauma, and recovery are topics often whispered about in Christian circles, yet they affect countless believers silently suffering behind closed doors. In this powerful episode of Honest Christian Conversations, Denise G. Lee courageously shares her journey from childhood trauma and sexual addiction to finding freedom and purpose through authentic faith.

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WHAT'S DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE?

• Denise's story begins with unimaginable childhood trauma, including sexual abuse by her mother from birth until age 11. This horrific foundation normalized inappropriate sexual behavior and set the stage for what would later develop into a full-blown sex addiction. The most striking aspect of her testimony is how she maintained a religious façade during these struggles. Like many who battle private addictions, Denise found herself sitting in church pews, judging others for their sins while blind to her struggles – a poignant reminder of Jesus's teaching about removing the plank from our eye before addressing the speck in another's.
• What makes Denise's story so powerful is her refreshing honesty about recovery. She doesn't present herself as having "arrived" at some perfect destination. Instead, she describes recovery as "God's blessing for today" – a daily journey rather than a finished accomplishment. This perspective offers tremendous hope to those still struggling, as it removes the pressure of instant transformation and embraces the reality of healing as a process guided by God's timing and grace.

• The conversation delves into the psychology of addiction transference – how those breaking free from one addiction often substitute it with another, supposedly healthier obsession. Denise candidly shares how she replaced her sexual addiction with extreme exercise routines until God revealed this was just another form of unhealthy dependency. This insight is invaluable for anyone in recovery who must learn to distinguish between healthy disciplines and new manifestations of addictive behavior.
• Perhaps the most profound aspect of Denise's testimony is how she discovered her purpose through her pain. After finding sobriety through a 12-step program and deepening her relationship with God, she eventually became an entrepreneur focused on helping others heal. She now hosts The Introverted Entrepreneur Podcast, where she creates space for honest conversations about healing, authenticity, and faith – using her painful past to build bridges for others seeking freedom.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The conversation culminates with a powerful reflection on judgment versus grace within Christian communities. Denise recalls a moment when a woman confessed to multiple abortions, including one self-induced miscarriage. Instead of responding with condemnation, Denise recognized that genuine contrition needed compassionate witness, not judgment. This exemplifies Christ's approach to broken people – extending grace first, allowing transformation to follow naturally from that place of acceptance.

For anyone struggling with addiction, childhood trauma, or feelings of unworthiness within religious contexts, this conversation offers genuine hope. It reminds us that Christianity isn't about presenting a perfect image but embracing God's redemption process. Through Denise's story, we see that our darkest experiences can become God's tools to bring light to others walking similar paths.