On today’s episode, I get to have a raw and powerful conversation with Joy Skarka, Director of Discipleship at Authentic Intimacy, about turning pain into passion and the journey to healing and freedom. Joy’s story is one that many women can relate to but few speak openly about. She shares how, after being sexually assaulted on her third day of college, she was plunged into a season of pain, isolation, and shame. Like so many, she turned to the internet for answers about sex and sexuality, which led to a secret addiction to pornography—a coping mechanism that left her feeling more alone and trapped.

But Joy didn’t stay in the dark. She began to share her story, and to her surprise, women around her began to open up too. This episode dives deep into the issues of sexual brokenness, shame, and the way pornography affects women—a problem that is far more prevalent than many realize.

Joy shares her anchor verse, Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Her message is clear: no one is too far gone for forgiveness, and healing begins when we bring our struggles into the light. It’s not about behavior modification—it’s about heart transformation through Jesus.

Joy talks about the importance of unpacking the root issues that drive us to unhealthy coping mechanisms and finding our identity in Christ. True intimacy can only be restored when we develop a deep, personal relationship with God. In this conversation, Joy reminds us that life is a battle, but as we continue to surrender our pain and shame to God, we can find freedom and healthier ways to cope.

Bio:

Dr. Joy Skarka, doctoral graduate from Dallas Theological Seminary, is the Director of Discipleship for Authentic Intimacy. Joy leads online groups for women with unwanted sexual behavior and trains leaders to help women find freedom from sexual shame and pornography. Joy has a published dissertation, "Sexual Shame in Women and How to Experience Freedom," and a published chapter in Sanctified Sexuality: Valuing Sex in an Oversexed World and is the co-author of Her Freedom Journey.

Anchor Verse:

Galatians 5:1

Connect with Joy:

Website: www.JoySkarka.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/joyskarka

Upcoming Conference: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/reclaim2024/

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