Living in Spirit and Truth
Marina lived through early trauma as an illegitimate unwanted child, born as a girl, then sexually abused by her step-father up to the age of 9 when she was left as dead. She was baptized as a baby, so despite her suffering, she passed to Grammar School and through God’s provision was enabled to pass sufficient exams at 16, then at 18, to train as a teacher.
Her career was led by Providential care and as she asked questions, and sought answers through courses, she grew in wisdom and experience of enabling learning even with those deemed to have learning difficulties.
Most of her shifts of direction followed necessity, or invitations – such as the one that offered her a 3-year Student-ship to do a Ph.D. when she was married and had an adopted child!!!
She taught all ages and abilities in her years in education and finished her work as Acting Head of Department of In-Service Education of Teachers. She chose to step sideways into support of students but then had to recognize her mental exhaustion – and her own needs.
She had lived in denial of her human needs for years – especially since her husband’s betrayal. And now in despair, she heard her name when crying on the bed. And she was given early retirement.
So for 30 years after God called her back to the Church, she was led through ‘the dark night of the soul’, finding the mystery of the Inner World – and what it means to live in ‘Spirit and in Truth’. She learned the wonder of humility and the mystery of giving all her burdens to Christ…. Yet living for Him and by Him. Gradually her suffering of her early years in human terms became revealed and unraveled as she needed to embrace her faith and allow change in her heart and live for Love.
With a greater understanding of the effects of trauma and PTSD, healing in faith brought compassion and will to bless and serve others who bore heavy burdens of lovelessness and shame.
It has been my pleasure to have Marina join me, and I know, my listeners, that you will enjoy the episode.
About The Host
Marlene McConnell
Marlene McConnell is an author, podcast host, self-love teacher and trauma survivor. She believes that trauma recovery is accessible to everyone, and that it starts with the acknowledgement that something has happened to you combined with a willingness to heal. McConnell’s book and podcast was inspired by the realization that she touched many lives by sharing her story at a support group. Her message of hope not only resonated with the survivors, but also with the family members and friends who supported them at the group sessions. Marlene is also an attorney who holds B.Proc, LLB and LLM law degrees. She loves travel, Pilates, nature, learning new languages, and good food.