When Love Turns Toxic - Finding God’s Freedom After Narcissistic Abuse

In this powerful episode of the ActsSocial Podcast, host Shawn Whitson welcomes Deana and Lizzie, the voices behind Surviving Toxic Relationships, to share their raw, faith-filled journeys of escaping destructive marriages and finding God’s peace.

Deana recounts her 27-year marriage to a man who appeared to be a devoted Christian but was secretly living a double life filled with betrayal, manipulation, and control. She reveals the subtle ways abuse can hide behind charm, spiritual language, and even church involvement—and how repeated cycles of false repentance kept her trapped for years.

With courage and vulnerability, she unpacks the tactics of narcissistic abuse—love bombing, gaslighting, “flying monkeys,” and “hoovering”—and the painful reality of seeing children used as tools in the cycle of control. Yet, her testimony is also one of divine intervention: the moments she cried out to God, the peace that came when He released her to leave, and the clarity that true repentance is proven in lasting change, not empty words.

If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile your faith with the decision to leave a toxic relationship—or wondered how to discern God’s will in the middle of heartbreak—this episode offers both practical wisdom and deep spiritual encouragement.

About Deana & Lizzie

Deana and Lizzie are co-hosts of the Surviving Toxic Relationships podcast, a platform dedicated to educating, equipping, and encouraging those navigating narcissistic abuse and toxic dynamics. Through real-life stories and biblical truth, they bring light to hidden abuse and hope to those ready to walk in freedom.

What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

• How narcissistic abuse hides behind a “Christian” façade

• The psychological and spiritual tactics abusers use to maintain control

• The role of wise counsel and why discernment is essential

• How faith can both inspire perseverance and, sadly, be weaponized to keep victims bound

• Practical signs it’s time to leave—and how to find peace in the decision

• Encouragement for survivors ready to rebuild their lives in Christ
  
  

Key Quotes:

“God doesn’t call us to endure abuse—He calls us to walk in truth and freedom.”

“Repentance is not an apology; it’s a change in fruit.”

“Peace isn’t found in fixing the abuser—it’s found in trusting the Lord.”

Connect with Deana & Lizzie:

🎧 Podcast: Surviving Toxic Relationships (available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube)
📱 ActsSocial: Join the conversation and connect with faith-driven survivors at actssocial.com

Join the ActsSocial Community:

Be part of a Christian network built on faith, not followers: actssocial.com

Help Spread the Word:

If this episode encouraged you, share it on your socials, tag us @ActsSocial, and help someone else find hope after abuse.

🗣️ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and explore more stories of faith, healing, and purpose on the ActsSocial Podcast.