Priorities on Purpose: Get Out of Survival Mode, Eliminate Distractions, Find Your Focus, and Grow With Jesus

Breaking Free from Shame & Unforgiveness: Part 2 with Michele Vrabel

Heads up: This episode covers sensitive topics, including sexual abuse, abortion, and forgiveness. Please listen with discretion, especially around children. 
 
In this deeply vulnerable continuation of my conversation with Michele Vrabel, author of Butterfly Stitches, we tackle heavy but necessary topics, including shame, unforgiveness, and the healing power of speaking our struggles out loud. This episode dives into how trauma, shame, and unforgiveness keep us bound—and how God offers freedom when we lean into His grace.
I also share a deeply personal story that I’ve never spoken about publicly and how God has been teaching me to expose the lies of the enemy, face my triggers, and walk in freedom. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burdened by your past, or unworthy of God’s forgiveness, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone.
Heads up: This episode covers sensitive topics, including sexual abuse, abortion, and forgiveness. Please listen with discretion, especially around children or teens.
 
Key Takeaways
[00:00] - Welcome & Episode OverviewPart two of my conversation with Michele Vrabel, diving into shame, trauma, and how forgiveness isn’t a one-time event.
[02:00] - Speaking the UnspokenHow exposing the lies of shame and voicing hidden struggles can break the enemy’s power over us.
[12:00] - Shame and TriggersUnderstanding the deeper roots of shame and how God reveals what needs healing in His timing.
[19:00] - The Power of ForgivenessMichele shares her journey of forgiving her abusers, praying for their redemption, and letting go of bitterness.
[27:00] - Unforgiveness as a TrapHow unforgiveness keeps us stuck and the freedom that comes when we release ourselves and others through grace.
[35:00] - Breaking Free to Help OthersWhy doing the work to become free allows God to use us more powerfully to help those around us.
Call to Action
This episode is powerful, raw, and not one to keep to yourself. If it resonates with you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement to break free from shame and unforgiveness.
🌟 Ready to reclaim your time and priorities? Check out my free guide, Take Your Time Back: melissabatt.com/take-your-time-back-guide
💛 Want to work with me 1-on-1? Learn about Breakthrough Coaching: melissabatt.com/breakthrough-coaching

From Broken to Whole: Inviting God into your Healing Journey with Michele Vrabel

In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, I sit down with Michelle Vrabel, author of Butterfly Stitches: The Metamorphosis of HEALING. Michelle shares her powerful testimony of overcoming trauma, breaking free from generational cycles of abuse, and finding healing through God’s presence.
We dive deep into how trauma can shape our lives, the courage it takes to face the pain, and how God’s love begins the healing process. Whether you've experienced childhood wounds, broken relationships, or personal struggles, this episode will encourage you to step into your healing journey.
If you're ready to break free from past pain, embrace forgiveness, and walk confidently in God’s grace, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[01:04] - Overcoming Trauma Through God’s Healing: Michelle shares how her healing process began as a child and how God’s presence can start the journey toward wholeness.
[04:54] - Recognizing Trauma Isn’t Your Fault: Understanding how to let go of shame and embrace the truth that healing is possible, no matter when the pain occurs.
[09:08] - The Power of Writing Your Story: How journaling and speaking your truth can unlock healing and help process deep wounds.
[15:43] - Breaking Generational Cycles of Pain and Abuse: Practical steps to stop cycles of trauma and build a different future for your family.
[23:13] - How to Embrace Forgiveness and Self-Compassion: Michelle discusses the importance of forgiving yourself and moving forward in freedom.
[29:11] - Speaking Up and Acknowledging the Pain: Why acknowledging the ‘elephants in the room’ is essential to true healing.
[34:42] - Finding Strength in God to Heal and Break Free: Why healing from generational trauma isn’t possible without God’s guidance and strength.
Resources Mentioned:
Butterfly Stitches by Michelle Vrabel
Call to Action:If you’re ready to reclaim your time and realign your priorities, download my free guide Take Your Time Back here: https://melissabatt.com/take-your-time-back-guide.
Connect with Melissa:
Website: melissabatt.com
Instagram: @melissabattofficial
Book a Free Breakthrough Blueprint Session: Get your Breakthrough
Subscribe & Share:If this episode spoke to you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs encouragement and hope. Your support helps us reach more women ready to step into healing and purpose.

Healing the Orphan Spirit: Finding Confidence, Overcoming Rejection, and Embracing Your Identity in Christ (Part 2 with Natalie Runion from #Raisedtostay)

In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, I continue my conversation with Natalie Runion, founder of Raised to Stay and author of Raised to Stay and The House That Jesus Built. This is part two of our discussion and we talk a lot about the orphan spirit, a term that might feel unfamiliar but touches on deep wounds of rejection, insecurity, and the longing to be seen.
Natalie and I explore how the orphan spirit can manifest in different ways—from striving for approval to shrinking back in fear of rejection—and how it holds us back from living fully in our God-given purpose. This episode isn't just about identifying the problem but equipping you with scriptural truths and practical steps to break free from the lies that say you're not enough.
If you've ever felt unseen, battled imposter syndrome, or struggled with feelings of worthlessness, this conversation will meet you where you are. Let this be your sign to lean into healing, trust God to rewrite your narrative, and step into your identity as His beloved daughter.
Key Takeaways:
[00:00] - Introduction to the Orphan Spirit: Why It Matters and How It Shows Up
[02:26] - How God Reveals Wounds That Hold Us Back
[04:41] - Key Scriptures to Break the Stronghold of Rejection
[06:38] - Walking in Confidence: Knowing You Are Chosen by God
[10:01] - The Power of Speaking Truth Over Yourself with Scripture
[15:34] - How the Orphan Spirit Creates Competition and Comparison
[18:50] - Serving from a Place of Wholeness, Not Approval
[23:29] - Practical Ways to Minister in Your Own Community (Your 'Jerusalem')
[26:29] - Building a Healthy Church Starts with You: How to Lead by Example
Scriptures Mentioned:
Ephesians 1:4-8
Luke 10:18-19
John 14:15-21
Galatians 3:26-4:7
Resources Mentioned:
Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion
The House That Jesus Built by Natalie Runion
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @raisedtostay
Call to Action:Are you ready to step into healing and confidence? Download my free guide Take Your Time Back to reclaim your priorities and walk in purpose: https://melissabatt.com/take-your-time-back-guide.
Connect with Melissa:
Website: melissabatt.com
Instagram: @melissabattofficial
Book a Free Breakthrough Blueprint Session: Get Your Breakthrough
Subscribe & Share:If this episode encouraged you, don't keep it to yourself! Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message of hope and healing.
 

Staying in Faith When the Church Hurts with Natalie Runion from Raised to Stay.

In this powerful episode of Priorities on Purpose, I sit down with Natalie Runion from Raised to Stay to dive deep into the realities of church hurt, healing, and staying connected to God through challenging seasons. Natalie shares her journey of growing up in the church, witnessing her parents' pain, and how God called her back to ministry with a profound message to 'stay' when walking away felt easier.
If you've ever felt disillusioned by the church or felt unseen, this episode will encourage you to lean into God's calling without fear. We unpack topics like recognizing healthy vs. unhealthy church environments, stepping into service even when you're not 'officially' on staff, and trusting God's timing for your role in the body of Christ.
Natalie's authenticity and vulnerability shine through as she speaks about the beauty of obedience, why the church still matters, and how God uses our willingness to show up, even when we feel unqualified. Whether you're wrestling with church culture or questioning your place, this episode will speak to your heart.
Key Takeaways:
[00:02] - Welcome & Introduction to Natalie Runion
[01:13] - How God Connected Our Messages: Obedience and Alignment
[04:18] - Natalie's Early Ministry Journey and the Call to 'Stay'
[06:42] - Church Hurt and Wrestling with Imperfect People
[10:01] - How to Discern a Healthy vs. Unhealthy Church
[12:39] - The Difference Between Being Critical and Being a Fruit Inspector
[16:12] - Navigating Leadership That Plays Church Instead of Being the Church
[22:14] - The Purpose of Membership and What Really Matters
[25:09] - Why Churches Focus More on Programs Than Jesus
[28:37] - Embracing the Misfits: Why the Church Needs Diverse Testimonies
[33:30] - Serving and Being Jesus' Hands and Feet, Even When You're Not on Staff
Resources Mentioned:
Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion
The House that Jesus Built by Natalie Runion
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @raisedtostay
Call to Action:Are you ready to reclaim your time and priorities in faith? Download my free guide Take Your Time Back here: https://melissabatt.com/take-your-time-back-guide.
Connect with Melissa:
Website: melissabatt.com
Instagram: @melissabattofficial
Book a Free Breakthrough Blueprint Session: Get Your Breakthrough
Subscribe & Share:If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Let's walk this journey of faith and healing together!

Operation Reset: Why You’re Too Busy and How to Take Your Time Back

Feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin? You’re not alone. In this unfiltered episode of Priorities on Purpose, I’m pulling back the curtain to share why Operation Reset is exactly what you need to reclaim your time and priorities.
If you keep telling yourself, “I don’t have time,” this episode will challenge that mindset and show you how to break free from the busyness that’s holding you back. I’ll walk you through the heart behind Operation Reset – a free 5-day workshop for women ready to stop surviving and start living with intention.
I’ll also share the unexpected way God shifted my plans and why Operation Reset had to be rescheduled. Plus, I’ll introduce you to the VIP experience designed for those who are ready for deeper accountability and personal support.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “I don’t have time” is a lie that keeps you stuck.
How to identify and reset unhealthy rhythms in your life.
The exact steps Operation Reset will guide you through to reclaim your time and refocus on your priorities.
What the VIP experience offers – including one-on-one voice memo access, hot seat coaching, and daily accountability.
If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start living with purpose, this workshop is for you. Spots for the VIP experience are limited, so don’t wait!
👉 Sign up for Operation Reset today: melissabatt.com/operation-reset
Key Takeaways:
[00:04] – Behind the scenes: Why Operation Reset was rescheduled.
[03:09] – The meaning of “reset” – why it’s time to reclaim your time and energy.
[05:04] – Addressing the “I don’t have time” mindset – how to shift your perspective.
[06:55] – Overview of the 5-day workshop – how we’ll clarify priorities and reset rhythms.
[07:56] – Why VIP coaching and accountability can be the game-changer you need.
[09:59] – Voice memo support, hot seat coaching, and personal access – what makes the VIP experience unique.
[12:01] – How to sign up and grab one of the limited VIP spots.
👉 Save your seat now: melissabatt.com/operation-reset

Reflecting on the Past Year: 3 Simple Prompts to See Growth and Move Forward

As the year winds down, are you feeling like it’s all been a blur? Maybe you’re wondering if anything meaningful even happened. In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, I’m re-sharing a simple, yet powerful reflection practice that I’ve been doing for the past few years—and it’s made all the difference in how I see my progress, even during the hardest seasons.
I’ll walk you through three journal prompts that help you:
Recognize the good moments (even if you feel like the year was tough)
Identify the hard parts and what they taught you
Gain clarity on what you want more of in the year ahead
This isn’t about setting overwhelming goals—it’s about celebrating growth, acknowledging the lessons, and allowing God to show you how He’s been working. I use this practice every year, and it’s one of the most encouraging ways to reset and step forward with intention.
And hey—if you’re craving more structure and support, I’d love for you to join Operation Reset, a free 5-day workshop designed to help you realign your priorities, reclaim your time, and step into the next season with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
[00:04] – Welcome back! Why this episode is a little different (and why it’s for you)
[02:03] – How I discovered this reflection practice (and why I keep coming back to it)
[03:11] – Journal prompt 1: Finding five positive experiences from the past year
[07:27] – The surprising impact of doing new things (even the small ones)
[15:04] – Journal prompt 2: Processing three challenging experiences with grace
[21:39] – How God reveals lessons through hard seasons
[31:51] – Journal prompt 3: What do you want more of next year?
[34:13] – Choosing your word of the year and why it matters
🎯 Ready to get realigned for the new year?👉 Join Operation Reset – a free 5-day workshop designed to help you clear distractions and focus on what matters most.Sign up here

Hearing God’s Voice: Overcoming Distractions and Speaking Up in Faith

Do you feel overwhelmed by distractions, stuck in survival mode, or unsure how to hear God’s voice? In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, Christian life coach Melissa Batt shares a timely word about stepping out of the noise, aligning with Kingdom priorities, and boldly using your voice for God’s mission.
Drawing from her 21-day sugar fast, Melissa reflects on how fasting, prayer, and intentional time with God can transform your faith and your focus. She shares insights on breaking free from distractions, identifying insecurities, and building “four walls of protection” around your life in health, finances, relationships, and faith.
Whether you’re struggling to hear God, overcome insecurities, or simply want to get your priorities back on track, this episode offers practical tips and encouragement to help you live with purpose.
Key Takeaways:
[01:10] - Fasting as a Path to ClarityHow fasting can deepen your relationship with God and help you hear His voice more clearly.
[06:28] - Discovering Your Spiritual GiftsMelissa opens up about her experience with the prophetic gift and how God uses everyday people for His Kingdom work.
[10:40] - The Dangers of Survival ModeHow distractions like overworking and overconsuming keep you stuck and block out God’s voice.
[14:08] - Recognizing God’s VoiceWhy reading scripture and spending time with God is critical to discern His guidance in a noisy world.
[20:34] - The Power of TestimonyHow sharing your story, even in small ways, can lead others to Christ and fulfill God’s mission for your life.
[27:30] - Building Four Walls of ProtectionA practical framework to secure your health, finances, relationships, and faith, guarding against distractions and attacks.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Free Guide for Overwhelmed Women: Take Your Time Back
Want a Free Life Assessment with Melissa: Schedule Your Call
Connect with Melissa: Instagram @melissabattofficial
Jeremiah 1:5-19 Scripture Reference
Call to Action:
✨ Feeling overwhelmed by distractions and unsure how to hear God’s voice? Download my free guide, Take Your Time Back, to start clearing the noise and focusing on what truly matters.
🎧 Subscribe to Priorities on Purpose for more faith-based encouragement and practical strategies to align your life with God’s calling.

Brain Dumping: How to Clear Mental Overwhelm, Regain Focus, and Take Back Your Time

Are you feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or stuck in a cycle of endless to-dos? In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, Christian life coach Melissa Batt shares the life-changing power of brain dumping—a simple yet effective tool to declutter your mind, reduce stress, and regain focus.
If you’re juggling a never-ending to-do list, struggling with ADHD, or feeling mentally drained, this episode will teach you how to:
Clear your mind through brain dumping to regain mental clarity.
Create a plan to stop flying by the seat of your pants.
Take small, intentional steps to move forward in life with confidence and faith.
As a Christian life coach, Melissa specializes in helping women eliminate distractions, focus on priorities, and live intentionally with Jesus at the center. This episode is perfect for women ready to reclaim their time, reduce overwhelm, and live the purposeful life God created them for.
Key Takeaways:
[02:06] - Why Focus Feels So HardMelissa shares her journey with ADHD and lack of focus and how she found strategies to overcome them.
[06:07] - What Is Brain Dumping?Understand how writing everything down can help clear mental clutter and free up your mind for what truly matters.
[08:17] - How Brain Dumping Reduces OverwhelmDiscover why this practice is a game-changer for productivity, especially for busy women and moms.
[14:08] - Tools for SuccessGet actionable tips, from using Post-it notes to simplified planners, to stay organized and focused.
[26:02] - Small Steps, Big ResultsLearn why starting small and taking intentional steps can help you move from overwhelmed to purposeful living.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Free Guide for Overwhelmed Women: Take Your Time Back
Book a Free Call with Melissa: Schedule Your Call
Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissabattofficial
Call to Action:
✨ Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start? Download my free guide to reclaim your time and focus on what matters most: Take Your Time Back.
🎧 Subscribe to Priorities on Purpose for more faith-based encouragement and practical strategies to overcome overwhelm.

How to Find the Right Therapist, Identify Your Emotions, and Get Unstuck with Rachael Gilbert Part 2

Are you struggling to find the right therapist or feeling stuck in life? In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, Christian life coach Melissa Batt continues her conversation with licensed therapist and author Rachael Gilbert.
Together, they discuss:
Practical tips for finding the best therapist for your needs.
How to advocate for yourself in therapy.
The importance of reconnecting with your body’s signals.
Understanding your insecurities
Rachael shares powerful insights from her book, Image Restored: Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation. You’ll learn how to create a body image timeline, uncover the root causes of feeling stuck, and take intentional, faith-based steps forward.
This episode is perfect for overwhelmed women seeking clarity, healing, and practical tools to move forward with purpose.
Key Takeaways:
Finding the Right Therapist: How to identify a therapist that fits your needs, using Christian counselor directories like AACC.net and Focus on the Family.
Identifying Emotions: Why naming your emotions is essential for personal and spiritual growth.
Listening to Your Body: How to rebuild trust in your body’s signals for emotional and physical healing.
Getting Unstuck: Faith-based strategies for breaking free from cycles of fear, shame, and insecurity.
Resources for Healing: Details on Rachael’s book and free tools to start your healing journey.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Rachael Gilbert’s Book: ImageRestoredBook.com
For Those Ready to Do the Work but Feel Like They Don’t Have Time: Free Guide: Take Your Time Back
Melissa’s Coaching: Learn more at melissabatt.com
Call to Action:
👉 Lacking the time to do the work? Download Melissa’s free guide, Take Your Time Back, to reclaim your time and focus on what matters most.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Priorities on Purpose and share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement.

Body Image Help: Overcoming Insecurities, Shame, and Trauma with Christian Counselor Rachael Gilbert

For every woman who feels weighed down by body image issues, shame, or past trauma. Get actionable steps and encouragement to break free from insecurities and start living with purpose and confidence, grounded in God's truth.
In this powerful episode of Priorities on Purpose, Melissa Batt interviews Christian therapist and author of Image Restored, Rachael Gilbert, about overcoming body image insecurities, childhood trauma, and the emotional baggage that holds so many women back. Rachael’s book, Image Restored, is an interactive, faith-centered guide designed to help women tear down shame and rebuild their body image correctly using God's truth. This book invites women to experience lasting transformation by addressing deep-rooted insecurities and emotional scars, offering both practical advice and spiritual insights.
Rachael shares her journey with body image struggles and how trauma, especially from childhood, can influence our self-image and lead to disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and negative self-worth. They dive into how emotional baggage, from both big and small traumas, shapes our perceptions of ourselves and why it’s important to address these wounds in a healthy, faith-based way.
 
Key Takeaways:
[00:02] - Introduction to Rachael Gilbert:Meet Rachael Gilbert, Christian therapist and body image expert, as she shares her heart for helping women heal from trauma and body image insecurities.
[08:34] - Understanding the Body Image Timeline:Rachael and Melissa discuss the "body image timeline" concept and how childhood experiences, including trauma, influence women’s struggles with body image later in life.
[12:59] - The Hidden Struggles Behind the Surface:Melissa and Rachael talk about the dangers of judging others based on appearances and how many women struggle with body image issues despite looking put together on the outside.
[17:50] - The Emotional Impact of Trauma:Rachael shares her own story and why she emphasizes the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing. She also addresses the connection between trauma, body image issues, and disordered eating.
[22:20] - The Healing Process with God’s Help:Rachael talks about how healing from body image insecurities and trauma requires a faith-centered approach, and why God’s truth is key to lasting restoration.
[30:39] - Encouragement for Women Who Feel Stuck:Melissa and Rachael offer hope and encouragement to women who feel overwhelmed by their insecurities, trauma, or the fear of confronting their past. They emphasize the importance of doing this healing work, not just for ourselves but for future generations.
🌟 Take Your Time Back Guide is NOW available for FREE DOWNLOAD
 
Are you ready to do the work but feel like you don’t have time? That’s your sign to download this free guide! Learn practical steps to reclaim your time and start prioritizing what matters most. Download the Take Your Time Back guide here. 
 
Connect with Rachael Gilbert:
Book: Image Restored – Tear Down Shame and Insecurity to Experience a Body Image Renovation
Website: Rachael Gilbert
Podcast: Real Talk with Rachael podcast
Instagram: @rachaeljgilbert
Connect with Melissa:
melissabatt.com
Instagram: @melissabattofficial
Facebook: @melissabattofficial
Book a Free Life Assessment: Breakthrough Coaching
Subscribe & Share:If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to Priorities on Purpose and share it with a friend who might be struggling with body image or trauma. Together, let’s embrace God’s truth about who we are and start living with more intention and peace.