When the Truth Breaks Through
In this episode, Shielagh reflects on a powerful dream she had following a breakthrough therapy session. In the dream, her home began flooding as water poured through a failed patch in the roof - a vivid picture of what it feels like when truth can no longer be contained. The patch, she realized, symbolized the years of lies used to cover up her abuse.
She also recounts a tense visit to her abuser’s current church, where his pastor’s aggressive defensiveness and shocking admissions made her even more keenly aware just how unsafe churches can be for children and how difficult it remains for survivors to be seen as anything other than threats when they push for reform and accountability.
The episode ends with a redemptive turn: Shielagh’s decision to attend a concert at Hyde Park Baptist Church and the unexpected comfort she found when the Slaughters welcomed her without hesitation, and Tom Slaughter, in particular, stepped in as protector the way her own father failed to do in 2005.
This episode is about the difference between people who patch over the truth and those who hold the door open when it finally breaks through - as well as the healing that can come when someone simply shows up and stays.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.