The Grace Cycle Show
Are you a Christian mom in midlife longing for deeper connection with God—but feeling burned out from trying harder?
Welcome to The Grace Cycle Show, the faith-based podcast that helps women like you grow spiritually without striving.
Hosted by Karen Dittman, co-author of Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective, this podcast offers biblical encouragement, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you live by the power of God’s grace—not guilt or performance.
Each week, Karen shares real-life stories, inspiring interviews, and teachings on The Grace Cycle—a transformational framework to help you thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally in your 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Whether you're seeking spiritual renewal, tired of perfectionism, or want to experience more peace and purpose in this season of life, Thriving in Grace is for you.
Subscribe today and discover a fresh, grace-filled path to spiritual growth.
The Grace Cycle Show
Escaping a Cult and Finding Freedom in God’s Grace – A Conversation with Elsie McKenney
Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com
Elsie’s links: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elsie-McKenney/author/B0BNZJ7541
Elsiemckenney.com
Trigger warning: reference to a physical attack and references to human trafficking
In this compelling episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman interviews Elsie McKenney—author and survivor—who shares her extraordinary journey of escaping a cult and discovering lasting freedom through God’s grace.
Elsie recounts her childhood in a Mennonite community, the devastating turn when her family became entangled in a cult when she was just 10 years old, and her harrowing escape at age 19. She opens up about the emotional and spiritual challenges she faced along the way, and how God’s grace both protected and guided her through every step of her journey.
Elsie also discusses her award-winning novel, Eve’s Covering, a gripping story inspired by her real-life experiences, offering hope to others who feel trapped by circumstances beyond their control.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- How God’s grace empowers survival and healing after trauma
- The realities of growing up in and escaping from a cult
- The importance of reclaiming identity and freedom in Christ
- How fiction can be used to share powerful testimonies of faith
00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show
00:51 Interview with Elsie McKinney: Escaping a Cult
01:04 Elsie's Early Life and Introduction to the Cult
04:56 Life in the Cult and Initial Escape
06:55 Return to Michigan and Continued Struggles
11:26 Final Escape and Finding Safety
20:29 Writing Eve's Covering
22:17 Elsie's Message of Hope and Trust in God
23:41 Closing Thoughts
Perfect for: Christian women, trauma survivors, spiritual seekers, and anyone longing for healing, freedom, and encouragement through faith
Schedule your Discovery Call to see if I'm the right fit to support you in your journey towards growth in Grace: calendar.1fit-wellness.com