Stop Bypassing, Start Beholding: Spiritual Integrity in Hard Times

In this deeply needed episode of Faithfully Healed, we dismantle the damaging myth that spiritual maturity means emotional suppression. If you’ve ever been told “God won’t give you more than you can handle” while drowning in pain, this conversation is for you.

Latisha Sternod, licensed trauma therapist and Catholic Christian coach, breaks down the concept of spiritual bypassing—when religious language is used to dismiss or avoid real emotional suffering. Through Scripture, saintly wisdom, and real-life stories, we explore what it looks like to honor your feelings without abandoning your faith.

God doesn’t bypass your pain. He meets you in it.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What spiritual bypassing is—and how it shows up in Christian culture
• Why dismissing emotions causes harm, not holiness
• The witness of St. John of the Cross and The Dark Night of the Soul
• The difference between religious platitudes and spiritual presence
• A powerful story of healing from emotional dismissal in childhood
• How to sit with pain, not smother it—with Scripture, presence, and prayer
• Romans 12:15 and the call to weep with those who weep
• The importance of integrating somatic practices with prayer
• Why emotional honesty is a spiritual discipline

Anchor Quote: “Let’s stop bypassing. Let’s start beholding. Your whole life belongs in the presence of God.”

Reflection: What if being spiritual doesn’t mean pretending to be okay—but being honest about the hurt, and letting God meet you there?

Resources & Mentions:

Scripture References:

• Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.”

Saints Referenced:

• St. John of the Cross (The Dark Night of the Soul)
• St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Free Resource: 3-Day Faith & Nervous System Reset Book: The Wonderful Counselor http://thewonderfulcounselor.org/ Program: The Wonderful Counselor Pathway

Connect with Me: Let’s stay connected beyond the podcast. You can find more tools, encouragement, and faith-centered resources here: 🌿 Website: http://thewonderfulcounselor.org/ 📖 Instagram: @the_wonderful_counselor 🕊 Facebook: The Wonderful Counselor

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