Summary + Guest Bio
Marriage can be an incredible gift. Many of us would say that it is one of the greatest treasures of our lives, but the hard truth is, that’s not the case for everyone. On episode 20 of the She is Kindred Podcast, Britt tackles a tough topic with Amanda Spencer: domestic violence and marital abuse. Amanda, a survivor of abuse, courageously shares her story and the freedom she’s gained since leaving. This episode will force you to slow down and see the woman behind the story, the woman who felt voiceless and isolated for too long. We encourage you to listen with compassion and a willingness to press into the truth of these tough topics because women like Amanda deserve to have their story told.
Amanda Spencer is a mom, RN, American history buff, and domestic abuse survivor. After leaving her abusive marriage in February of 2020, she has been rebuilding her life financially and rekindling her passions for writing, creating, and making life more beautiful. She and her boys enjoy spending time outside as much as possible, reading through the Harry Potter series together, and Friday Night Pizza and Movie Nights. She has a passion for sharing her story of domestic violence with the goal of helping other victims recognize they are not alone, and inspiring them to find their own path to freedom.
Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse
In this episode, Britt talks with Amanda Spencer about:
- Amanda’s personal survival story of abuse
- How a lack of education, specifically within religious circles, can allow abuse to occur and grow
- Pursuing healing after abuse
- What to do if you think you may be in an abusive relationship
- How to support someone who is in/or coming out of an abusive relationship
Quotable
“I am so sorry that people have responded to you in that way; that people in the church have responded to you in that way. Because that is not what Jesus would have done. (He) would have come right alongside you and defended you and advocated for you and protected you…But the American Evangelical Church is failing women who are walking through situations similar to yours.” – Britt Smith
“Survivors have been through so much isolation that asking for help is really, really hard. And reconnecting with people is also really hard because you don’t know how they’re going to react.” – Amanda Spencer
“Sometimes you need someone to take the initiative for you. You have been strong for so long, you need someone to say ‘It’s okay to be vulnerable in a way that doesn’t harm you. It’s okay to let your vulnerability lead to help.’” -Britt Smith
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
We Can Do Hard Things Podcast with Glennon Doyle
Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233
“Why Does He Do That” by Lundy Bancroft
The Smart Girl’s Guide to Self-Care (Facebook Page dedicated to Narcissistic Abuse Support)
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Talk to you next week!
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