Healing from Childhood Trauma: Melissa Olsen on Overcoming Abuse, and The Power of Bringing into the Light What Has Been Hidden in the Dark

In this powerful episode of The Collide Podcast, we are honored to sit down with Melissa Olsen, author of the memoir Broken Girl Fly. Melissa’s story is both heart-wrenching and hope-filled, as she fearlessly shares her journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse. With a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and faith, Melissa opens up about the courage it took to confront her past and step into the light with her story. Growing up in a world overshadowed by trauma, Melissa remained silent about her experiences for years. In this episode, she explains why she ultimately felt called to share her story, the challenges she faced in bringing it to the surface, and the reactions from those around her. We explore the consequences of hiding pain, the power of vulnerability, and how Jesus has met her in her darkest moments, guiding her toward healing. Together, we discuss: The struggle of deciding to bring her painful past into the open What happens when we keep secrets hidden and the healing power of exposing them to the light How Melissa has experienced the presence of Jesus on her healing journey The transformative impact of sharing her story on others facing similar struggles Practical and compassionate advice for those still carrying the weight of traumatic experiences Melissa’s honesty offers a beacon of hope for those wrestling with past hurts, reminding us that while the road to healing is not easy, it is possible. Her journey encourages us to believe that there is light on the other side of darkness and that Jesus walks alongside us, even in our hardest battles. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that brings the difficult subject of childhood trauma into the light, showing how vulnerability can open the door to healing and freedom. Tune in, listen, and be reminded that you are not alone in your story. Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Us to Impact Lives! Visit our website for more information about giving. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!