The Battle for Identity and Forgiveness with Karen McCracken
In this episode of Old School, the host welcomes Karen McCracken, an inspirational speaker, author, and host of the Woman Inspired podcast. Karen shares insights from her book 'Woman Stand Firm' and her journey of overcoming anxiety, fear, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They discuss how her faith has shaped her identity beyond societal and personal labels. The conversation dives deep into the importance of forgiveness, not just of others but of oneself, as it can significantly impact one's life path. They also touch on personal stories of forgiveness, the struggle of maintaining identity through various challenges, and how Karen's passion for reaching out to women has guided her ministry and writing.
In this compelling episode of 'Old School,' Michele interviews Karen McCracken, author of 'Woman Stand Firm' and host of the 'Woman Inspired' podcast. Karen delves deep into her personal journey of dealing with identity, anxiety, and unforgiveness. She shares touching stories about overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder, going through a painful divorce, and managing her condition of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The conversation highlights the struggles women face with their identity in today’s culture, the importance of forgiveness, and how faith plays a crucial role in healing. Both Michele and Karen share impactful anecdotes and discuss the significance of telling one's story and learning from the experiences of others. They also emphasize the need for self-forgiveness and the detrimental effects of holding onto unforgiveness.
00:00 Introduction and Setup
01:02 Meet Karen McCracken
04:12 Karen's Journey to Identity
06:46 The Struggle with Identity Labels
13:50 Forgiveness and Healing
20:56 The Impact of Unforgiveness
29:10 Navigating Anger and Forgiveness
30:35 Letting Go of Retaliation
31:24 Emotional Awareness in Marriage
32:53 Children's Perception and Family Dynamics
34:15 Challenges of Raising a Special Needs Child
35:46 The Power of Forgiveness
36:32 Impact of Unforgiveness on Family
38:43 Consistency in Parenting
40:12 Forgiveness and Future Relationships
41:09 Stories of Extreme Forgiveness
43:51 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJourney to Healing and Forgiveness: An Interview with Karen McCracken
Connect with Karen:
Website: womaninspired.com
FB: Woman Inspired
Womaninspired.blogspot.com
