“Rewriting the narrative surrounding sexual abuse and exploitation is critical in our Christian communities. Hidden abuse left unaddressed in churches and other Christian environments destroys individuals, families, and whole congregations. We each have a story to tell. It is time for professional mental health providers and leaders in the church to listen to the stories of the wounded so we can shine a light on these sexual issues that impact us all.”
– Trish Propson
Where Pain and Passion Collide
Compassionate, bold, and a little dangerous– I have been called a lot of things in my life. I hope people remember me best for being a devoted Christ follower who passionately helps people find hope and healing in their sexual brokenness.
God got a hold of me in 1986 and transformed me instantly from atheist to devoted Christ follower. As I began to sort through the rubble of my own sexually broken life, I experienced a renewed sense of longing to use my story to help others. I began sharing my life experience with people publicly in 1998. Terrified of public speaking and certain no one wanted to hear what I had to say, I listened to the still small voice that told me to grab the microphone and step into the ugliness of life with others.
“That is when the concept of Illuminate was born– A calling to use the pain of my own past sexual abuse and exploitation to shine light on this issue to help others find hope and healing in churches and other faith communities.” – Trish Propson
The journey from darkness into light, from despair to hope, and from pain and sorrow to forgiveness and healing is a lifelong process for sexual abuse victims. That has been my case as well. In each stage and phase of my life, I have healed a little more and it has made me realize unequivocally that most sexual abuse and exploitation victims, never truly erase the crimes done to them, but they can learn to manage the wounds and walk in the freedom that Christ offers. Sexual abuse and exploitation know no bounds. I have worked with women in every stage of life, who have survived inconceivable assaults on their personhood. And just like me, there comes a time when they are ready to face what has been done to them.
A holistic approach that ministers to sexual abuse and exploitation victims where they are — as they are — is foundational to what Illuminate is all about. Christian caregivers, mental health providers, helping professionals, and leaders in the church have a critical role in helping them navigate a biblical path towards healing. Illuminate can offer support to helping professionals.
My calling and passion are to help others find the hope and healing I have found in Christ. I do this through counseling, coaching, advocacy, crisis response, church partnerships and training for faith-based leaders and helping professionals who trust God as the great healer. Our suffering may never be completely gone, but we can trust God’s mercy and compassion to offer freedom from the bondage of sexual abuse and exploitation.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor 1: 3-4
Statement of Faith
I believe the Holy Bible is God inspired and holds final authority for Christ followers.
I believe in one true, living, and eternal God. God the Father is the creator and sustainer of all things. God loved the world he created. He sent His Son Jesus to die in the place of sinful man. Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. They will be forgiven of their sins and granted eternal life.
I believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth as a sinless human to save the world from sin. I believe He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He was crucified and buried. He resurrected and rose from the grave on the third day. Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father. I believe He will return to earth to establish the kingdom of God among men.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, who convicts the world of sin, judgment, and righteousness. The Spirit lives within Christians providing power to live a godly life.
I believe man was created in the image of God. Sin came into the world through Adam separating man from God resulting in Spiritual death. Man cannot come to God without being born again through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
I believe Christians are to be active, surrendered followers and Disciples of Christ. Disciples surrender their life to Jesus, trust Him for salvation, and receive His grace. They confess Him as Lord and Savior, practice living as He lived, and actively share His truth and love with others.
Speaking Bio
Trish has two adult sons, two adult daughters, a son-in-law and three grandchildren. Trish is an ordained Crisis response Chaplain and Certified Biblical Counselor. She holds graduate degrees in Biblical Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, Chaplaincy, and Christian Ministry Leadership. She earned a graduate level certificate in Christian Mental Health Coaching and earned her Doctorate in Strategic Church Leadership.
Trish has published three books, Raising Little Women of God: A Discipleship Journey for Mothers and Daughters(Two-book curriculum) and Connecting with Christ at Passover: A symbolic Seder Experience. She has also co-authored books for Bethany House, Baker Publishing, and Guideposts.
At her core, Trish is a teacher, and she enthusiastically shares that gift as a trainer, conference, retreat speaker, and discipleship mentor. She brings animated and inspiring teaching to topics that people long to hear and devotes many of her speaking programs to the area of life dear to her heart – illuminating the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation.
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“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
To discuss counseling or coaching for sexual abuse and exploitation survivors, a partnership to offer hope and healing to your church, how sexual abuse and exploitation are impacting your community, or to book a speaker connect with Trish at: trish@illuminatetheissue.org
