Echos of Impact Ep. 21: Beauty for Ashes: Tisha Hensel’s Story of Restoration and Radical Faith
Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content, including discussions of childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed.
In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana sit down with Tisha Hensel, co-lead pastor at The River Church Family in Raytown, Missouri. Tisha’s story is one of resilience, restoration, and radical faith. With over 20 years in ministry, a background in biblical studies, and a heart deeply rooted in community, Tisha brings a refreshing honesty to what it looks like to trust God through seasons of deep trauma, healing, and leadership.
Tisha shares her powerful testimony of growing up in a tumultuous and abusive environment, finding Jesus at eight years old, and learning to trust Him with her life through unimaginable circumstances. Her story is a beautiful reminder that God is faithful not only to redeem our brokenness but to restore what was lost—and often in ways we never could have imagined.
Together, Cherise, Briana, and Tisha talk about wrestling with Scripture, healing from childhood trauma, finding your voice after abuse, and what it means to love and lead others out of a place of restoration.
What We Cover:
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Tisha’s journey from surviving childhood trauma to stepping into pastoral leadership
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Wrestling with Scripture as a path to living out God’s purpose
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The critical role of community in healing from abuse and neglect
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How God restores what the enemy tried to steal—and often multiplies it
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What it looks like to love others well in small, meaningful ways
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Finding your voice without striving for perfection
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Challenges and joys of being a woman and co-leader in ministry
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The ongoing, layered journey of healing, counseling, and trusting God
Key Themes:
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Restoration after trauma
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Beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61)
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Obedience over sacrifice
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The importance of authentic community
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Liberating stories to restore connection
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Partnership and humility in marriage and ministry
Key Quotes:
"Liberating stories lead to restored connections."
"God didn’t cause the brokenness, but He is perfectly positioned to restore it."
"Even when I couldn’t see it, God was sewing something back together."
Connect with Tisha Hensel:
📧 Email: tisha@rivercentral.org 🌐 Learn more about The River Church Family: www.rivercentral.org
Join the Conversation:
How have you seen God restore something broken in your life? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group!
Take the Next Step:
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Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here!
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Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today.
If this episode blessed you, would you take a moment to follow us and leave a review? Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Tisha’s. Until next week, friends! 💛