What happens when life brings you to a complete "hard stop"? How do you navigate the transition from an idyllic childhood to the crushing realities of abuse, loss, and survival? In this profound and deeply personal interview, Terri Clifton shares her incredible narrative of resilience, faith, and the literal miracles that redirected her path when all seemed lost.

Terri’s story begins in a loving environment that instilled in her the values of service. Yet, despite this foundation, the transition into adolescence brought a lack of clear communication and boundaries. By the age of 18, Terri found herself navigating the complexities of teenage motherhood and an ill-advised marriage that descended into emotional and physical abuse. This episode explores the lessons learned when our upbringing doesn't quite prepare us for the toxicity of the world, and how a lack of healthy boundaries can lead to cycles of trauma.

One of the most harrowing moments of Terri’s journey is her survival of a catastrophic car accident. Struck by an 18-wheeler traveling at 80 miles per hour, Terri’s survival was nothing short of divine intervention. She recounts the experience of being nearly killed and the spiritual awakening that followed, realizing her life had been spared for a much higher purpose. This segment serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments—when a "hard stop" feels final—there is often a redirection occurring that we cannot yet see.

Adversity didn't stop at physical trauma. Terri shares the heartbreaking experience of losing her home to foreclosure while her son watched. However, in a stunning display of "beauty from ashes," this displacement led to her son being enrolled in a different school district where he discovered a hidden musical talent—a path that eventually led him to a career working with the Grammys. Terri illustrates how what felt like a devastating failure was actually the catalyst for her family’s greatest success.

Terri provides a unique perspective on toxic relationships, using the metaphor of an "emotionally transmitted disease." She discusses the weight of emotional attachments and how she learned to break free through faith and the power of resurrection. After receiving multiple confirmations of her calling, Terri authored a 10-chapter book focused on leveraging spiritual resilience to overcome life’s trials, moving past the heavy burdens of guilt and shame.

Key Takeaways from This Interview:

• The Necessity of Boundaries: Understanding how early experiences shape our adult relationships.
• Faith Over Emotion: Learning to make decisions based on spiritual guidance rather than temporary impulses.
• Finding Purpose in Pain: How to view traumatic events as markers for growth and divine redirection.
• Practical Healing: Strategies for releasing the past, including volunteering, new hobbies, and radical self-forgiveness.

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