Welcome to The Pilgrimage with Shelby Bowen. This is a space where I share real conversations about faith, healing, and living with purpose. As a Christian life coach, storyteller, and creative, I’ve walked through seasons of doubt, shame, and brokenness—and I’ve seen how God meets us right there with hope and freedom. Each episode, I’ll talk openly about the struggles and victories of walking with God in a complicated world, offering encouragement, biblical truth, and practical wisdom. My heart is to help you break free from negative thought patterns, step into confidence, and discover the life God created you to live. If you’re looking for honesty, encouragement, and a reminder that you’re not alone, you’re in the right place.
How Cult Leaders Use Both Self-Love and “Dying to Self”
Many Christians feel caught swinging between two extremes:
love yourself through manifestation and self-focus—or die to yourself until you disappear. Both promise freedom.
Both often leave people anxious, insecure, or confused. In this episode, we talk about the Christian pendulum between self-love and self-erasure—and why neither reflects the heart of the Gospel. We explore how “biblical manifestation” mirrors prosperity theology, how extreme self-denial can become self-focused, and what Scripture actually offers instead: a faith anchored in God’s character, not control or shame.
If obedience ever felt like fear, or faith left you distrusting yourself, this conversation is for you. There is a way to follow God without disappearing—and a way to grow without making yourself the center.
12 Sept 2025
Trusting God When the World Feels Dark
Do you ever feel like your life is out of control? Maybe things aren’t going the way you thought they would, and you’re left wondering, “Where is God in all of this?”
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a reminder we all need: God is in control. Even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, He is faithful, He has a plan, and He hasn’t forgotten you. Take a few minutes to pause, breathe, and let this truth sink in—you can trust Him with your story. 💬 I’d love to hear from you!
How is God teaching you to trust Him right now? Share your thoughts with me. If this encouraged you, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a review—it helps more people find encouragement in Christ.
9 Mar 2025
Separating your view of God from harmful HYPER-CHARISMATIC experiences
It’s very normal & common for people who have experienced trauma in a church setting or by a religious figure to have a hard time viewing God the same as before. So if you are struggling with that, it’s not your fault! & you aren’t alone.
💖FREE 15-minute Discovery Call: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/87477
💖Email me to work 1:1 shelbyb@bcmltd.us
💖More resources: https://paperbell.me/the-bowens
#religioustrauma #spiritualabuse #christianwomen #theologymatters #gratitudechallenge #subconsciousthinkers
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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