New Addiction Recovery Class Available to the Online Community

Author and host of Every Body Matters, Kimberly Davidson, announced today a new Christian online radio series, Bondage Breakers, to help people recover from addiction. The first live show debuts on Tuesday, April 1st at 10:00 am PST on BlogTalkRadio.com, the world's largest and most influential social radio network.

“It is critical that people experiencing addiction, whether it’s addiction to alcohol, or sugar, or social media, or work, receive the proper resources and support—and get well God’s way. Many people think all an addict needs is willpower, but nothing could be further from the truth,” said pastoral counselor Kimberly Davidson, author of the Bondage Breakers series. “The goal of this online radio program is to help those impacted by substance and/or behavioral addiction recover God’s plan for their lives, ultimately leading to lasting transformation. Anyone who suffers from addiction and low self-esteem needs unconditional love, acceptance, the power of truth, and forgiveness,” she added.

Bondage Breakers is a 16-week class that incorporates Scripture and biblical counseling action steps to help people break free from addictions and emotional bondage. Participants will learn how to cope with adversity, as well as gaining insight into unidentified destructive patterns of behaviors so they may change. A Facebook page, Bondage Breakers, has been created to support each participant, and give God praise for every small victory.

After receiving her master's degree in specialized ministry, her board certification in biblical counseling, and being set free from the bondage of a deadly eating disorder and addiction to alcohol, Davidson knows how to speak to her audience about the importance of living a healthier, addiction-free life. To hear each podcast, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/everybodymatters which can be enjoyed at the listener's convenience. Listeners are encouraged to participate by calling into the live show on Tuesday mornings. The call-in number is: (347) 237-5095. Bondage Breakers is not intended to replace medical or psychological care.

About Kimberly Davidson: Kimberly Davidson is the founder of Olive Branch Outreach, an organization dedicated to bringing hope and restoration to those struggling with low self-worth, abuse, and food addiction. She is the host of Every Body Matters on BlogTalkRadio. Kimberly earned her master’s degree in Specialized Ministry from Western Seminary and bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of Iowa. Kimberly is a board certified biblical counselor and the author of six books.

The Love She Desires and Desperately Needs

As little girls we want to know, “Am I beautiful?” “Am I worthy of being loved?” Sadly, the culture has a way of implying, “There’s nothing about you which is lovable or attractive.” We arrive into the world longing to be loved, to belong, to feel valuable, and have a purpose. We cannot not have our deep needs met. We will always find ‘something’ to fill the void if our five essential needs are not met. Join pastoral counselor Kimberly to find out how you break the power of unmet needs in your life!

This message in its entirety is now available for downloading via the Every Body Matters online radio show on BlogTalkRadio. May the message be a blessing to you!

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Let It Go and Heal! [Part 2]

Life is a lot like bumper cars. You know when you get into your car you’ll get bumped, but you don’t know how hard. The harder we get bumped by someone, the tendency is too bump back as hard as we can. What do you do when someone bumps you so hard that their actions are unforgiveable? Why do we find it so hard to forgive? One reason we resist is we don't really understand what forgiveness is… and what it is not. Understanding forgiveness doesn’t make it easier to forgive, but it does make it more meaningful, perhaps even tolerable.

Researchers have found a powerful connection between forgiving others and our own well-being. What is forgiveness? Researchers who study forgiveness and its effects on our well-being and happiness are very specific about how they define forgiveness. Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky calls forgiveness “a shift in thinking” toward someone who has wronged you, “such that your desire to harm that person has decreased and your desire to do him good (or to benefit your relationship) has increased.” Forgiveness, at a minimum, is a decision to let go of the desire for revenge and ill-will toward the person who wronged you. It may also include feelings of goodwill toward the other person. Forgiveness is also a natural resolution of the grief process, which is the necessary acknowledgment of pain and loss.

Last week we concluded that forgiveness is not an option for the believer. We are to forgive others as we have been forgiven. For most of us (all of us if we will admit it), that’s a whole lot of forgiveness. Understanding forgiveness doesn’t make it easier to forgive, but it does make it more meaningful…perhaps even tolerable…but I believe understanding the process could make us more likely to offer the forgiveness we are commanded to give.

Last week I also talked about two concepts or types of forgiveness: decisional and emotional. Dr. Neil Anderson sums them both up in this statement: “Don’t wait to forgive until you feel like forgiving. You will never get here. Feelings take time to heal after the choice to forgive is made.”

Why Do We Find It So Hard to Forgive?

One reason we resist forgiving is that we don't really understand what forgiveness is or how it works. We think we do, but we don't. Most of us assume that if we forgive our offenders, they are let off the hook — scot-free — and get to go about their merry ways while we unfairly suffer from their actions. We also may think that we have to be friendly with them again, or go back to the old relationship. While God commands us to forgive others, he never told us to keep trusting those who violated our trust or even to like being around those who hurt us. The first step to understanding forgiveness is learning what it is and isn't. The next step is giving yourself permission to forgive and forget, letting go of the bitterness while remembering very clearly your rights to healthy boundaries.

Researchers are very clear about what forgiveness is not. We need to mentally separate the act of forgiveness and the act of reuniting. They are not the same. Forgiving the person is about changing us…not the offender.

Join pastoral counselor Kimberly in rest of this must-hear episode, and come to terms with the process of forgiveness. To hear what forgiveness is not: download it via theEvery Body Matters online radio show on BlogTalkRadio. May the message be a blessing to you!

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Are Your Emotions Killing You?

Did you know that there are lots of women addicted to ‘personal pain’? A negative feeling, such as anger, guilt, worry, grief, fear, or depression, can become so entrenched and habitual that a person cannot live without it. Mental health experts say changing habitual patterns of pain can be as damaging and as difficult as giving up an addictive substance. Yet, each person has a choice: we can deny we’re attached to emotional pain. Or, we can become attached to what provides an anchor for healing and the soul—God.

This message in its entirety is now available for downloading via the Every Body Matters online radio show on BlogTalkRadio. May the message be a blessing to you!

LINK: CLICK

Let It Go and Find Healing!

Life is a lot like bumper cars. You know that when you get into your car you’ll get bumped, but you don’t know how hard. The harder we get bumped by someone, the tendency is too bump back as hard as we can. There are perceived benefits to holding onto our anger. It makes us feel powerful and in control. However, we do great damage to ourselves when we hang onto an unforgiving spirit. Forgiveness is a powerful tool which can transform our entire being—from the beast to the beauty! Forgiveness doesn’t mean agreeing with or condoning what has happened. Forgiveness means letting go and knowing that regardless of how challenging or difficult the experience may seem, God has ordained it in order for you to heal, grow, and learn.

This message is now available for downloading via theEvery Body Matters online radio show on BlogTalkRadio. May the message be a blessing to you!

LINK: CLICK

Wonder Women: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be

Society’s Myth: I must be painstakingly perfect in order to consider myself valuable. I must be a super-woman, therefore, I will forever work on improving myself. Perfection is attainable. Get ready for a paradigm shift: You need not change yourself as much as you need to begin to understand how God has wired you. Tune in to hear what pastoral counselor and ex-perfectionist Kimberly Davidson has to say about ‘twisted perfection.’

This message is now available for downloading via theEvery Body Matters online radio show on BlogTalkRadio. May the message be a blessing to you!

LINK: CLICK

Real Love That's Guaranteed to Last

Falling in love is easy… staying in love is often the challenge. What makes love last? Kimberly knows. She admits she wasted decades looking for society’s version of “perfect” love which only left her unfulfilled and consequently, an addict. Then she learned the truth and found real godly love. Tune in to hear what pastoral counselor and ex-love addict Kimberly Davidson has to say about finding genuine happiness and fulfilling relationships.

This message is now available for downloading via the Every Body Matters online radio show on BlogTalkRadio. May the message be a blessing to you!

LINK: CLICK