Ep. 79- Rachelle's Story
/Co-hosts Becky and Tiffany are joined by Rachelle to share her journey with listeners. Rachelle shares that she has been married for almost 16 years, is a devoted mother of five, and works in the beauty industry with a unique focus on scalp health. Her passion for cosmetology began in fifth grade, and her deep care for others is evident in how she talks about her work. When she’s not busy being a mom or professional, she enjoys rekindling her love for romance novels, especially the works of her favorite author, which have become part of her healing journey.
Rachelle reflects on her faith as a cornerstone of her childhood, modeled daily by her faithful parents through scripture study, prayer, and family home evenings. Religion wasn’t just a practice—it was a lifestyle embedded into her daily routine. As she grew older, this strong foundation shaped her values and identity. Rachelle shares she felt spiritually grounded and intentional in her relationships, hoping for a future spouse who shared her faith.
She shares that the early years of her marriage included parenthood, emotional denial, and the resurfacing of her husband's addiction. Rachelle recounts moments of deep confusion, emotional suppression, and the toll that unaddressed betrayal took on her mental health—including a low point when she considered ending her life. Despite these hardships, she clung to her belief in God, even as the idea that “God has a plan” felt increasingly painful and implausible.
A turning point came when Rachelle began attending 12-step support meetings, encouraged by a family member who urged her to confront what was happening. Through these meetings and later a women’s healing retreat, she encountered validation, community, and spiritual reassurance. A vivid experience at the retreat—watching a cloud she identified as her trauma shrink and move away—became symbolic of her growing trust in God's healing process.
Rachelle began to see that her recovery and peace were not dependent on her husband’s choices but on her own ability to surrender, seek help, and reclaim her voice.
Rachelle then shares how restoration in Christ has changed the way she responds to stress and uncertainty. A more recent crisis—her husband losing his job—highlighted her growth. Instead of reverting to fear and control, she turned to God and her sponsor, asking for support rather than trying to micromanage.
Rachelle closes by acknowledging that she’s still working on people-pleasing and learning to be her authentic self, but she feels more grounded in the belief that God’s grace is sufficient for her journey.
Rachelle’s Recovery Resources:
12-Step Recovery Meetings – Especially helpful for partners of addicts for validation and support.
Heart of a Woman Retreat – A spiritually grounding experience where she felt God speak to her in a personal way.
Writing Surrender Letters to God – A regular practice that helps her release control and find clarity.
Having a Sponsor – Someone she can call when feeling triggered, to process her emotions in a healthy way.
Rachelle’s Song: “There was Jesus” The Band Cain coversong
