Join host Tanya Gioia on the Faith Over Addiction Podcast for a deeply moving conversation with author Avonley Lightstone, whose story of survival and faith will leave you forever changed.

At just three years old, Avonley tried to save her mother from a devastating house fire while her father lay unconscious from drinking. Though she survived with severe burns covering much of her body, her mother tragically died after three agonizing days in the hospital. What followed was abandonment by her father, placement in an orphanage, and eventual adoption into a family where emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse became her new reality.

But this isn't just a story of trauma—it's a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. Through years of struggle, including battles with suicidal thoughts and spiritual warfare, Avonley discovered true forgiveness, learned to hear God's voice clearly, and found her purpose in helping others heal.

In this raw and honest conversation, Avonley shares:

• The harrowing details of the house fire and her painful recovery process
• How abandonment and adoption led to years of abuse and identity struggles
• Her journey through different spiritual practices and the dangers she encountered
• The pivotal moment when God told her "You did all you could. Now give it to me."
• What true biblical forgiveness actually looks like
• How she broke free from victim mindset and suicidal ideation
• Her calling to help others find healing and give God a chance

This episode contains difficult subject matter but offers profound hope for anyone who has experienced trauma, abuse, family dysfunction, or spiritual confusion. Avonley's transparency about her darkest moments—and God's faithfulness through them all—provides a roadmap for finding beauty in brokenness and strength through scars.

Content Warning: This episode discusses house fire, severe burns, child abuse, suicidal ideation, and spiritual warfare. Listener discretion advised.

Resources & Links

Avonley Lightstone's Books:

• Strength of Scars: A Journey of Resilience (Book 1) - https://a.co/d/bOrDVfJ

Connect with Avonley:

• Website: https://www.avonleylightstone.com/

Get a free copy of Chapter 1 by signing up on her website

Free Gfit : Get this free list of Christian affirmations that spell out who you are in God – actual in God’s own words. Repeat these biblical affirmations and replace these truths with the lies currently in your head! - https://www.tanyagioia.com/affirmations

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Are you caught in the chaos of addiction, constantly cleaning up emotional, spiritual, and physical messes that aren't yours? Welcome to Faith Over Addiction, where faith meets real life. Hosted by Family Recovery Coach Tanya Gioia, this podcast is designed to offer Christian women hope, healing, and practical tools to navigate the challenges of loving someone with addiction.

Through biblical truths, heartfelt stories, and actionable guidance, you’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries, find peace in the mess, and reclaim your God-given identity. You don’t have to carry what was never meant to be yours. It’s time to shift from “this is happening to me” to “this is happening for me,” and let God transform the chaos into something that glorifies Him.

Every week, I’m here to encourage you, offer clarity, and remind you that as a daughter of the King, You Always Have Other Options (YAHOO). Together, we’ll embrace faith as the foundation, boundaries as the bridge to healing, and God’s truth as the ultimate guide to freedom, strength, and grace.

Blessings,

Tanya Gioia 🌸

🎵 Music Credit:

Track: Luz Solart

Artist: Luna Cantina

Album: Luz Solart

Released: 2024