Episode 23 - Overcoming Abuse: A Season of Victory with Irish Jean Benton

In this episode of Realign Your Life Podcast, our host, Vivian Smith Richardson, is joined by guest Irish Jean Benton. Irish shares her powerful story of overcoming domestic violence and reclaiming her self-identity. She discusses the lack of support she received from the church in the past but notes that the situation is changing, and domestic violence advocates are now more welcomed in churches. Irish highlights the availability of resources such as information, support, advocates, hotlines, shelters, and support groups within churches to address domestic violence. 

 

The episode delves into Irish's personal experiences in abusive relationships, shedding light on the tactics abusers use and the red flags that are often overlooked. Irish explains the importance of alignment in life, drawing parallels to aligning tires for a vehicle. She also addresses the broader issue of domestic violence, including different forms of abuse and its impact on individuals and families. Irish candidly reflects on her own journey, including the challenges she faced and her "enough" moment in 2014 when she decided to escape the toxic relationship. 

 

They discuss the importance of healing and sharing personal stories to inspire and guide others toward freedom from toxic relationships. They also touch on the financial barriers that can trap individuals in abusive situations. The episode concludes with a message of empowerment and hope. Vivian and Irish encourage listeners to share the podcast with others, leave reviews, and provide suggestions for future episodes and interviews. They stress the importance of working together to realign our lives and sign off with a message of peace, looking forward to sharing more in the future.

 

Overall, this episode of Realign Your Life Podcast offers a powerful narrative of resilience, healing, and finding purpose after experiencing domestic violence. Listeners will gain valuable insights and resources to help them navigate toxic relationships and reclaim their lives.

 

Key Moments: 

[00:03:27] Irish J Benton shares her journey from domestic violence and the importance of aligning one's life.

[00:07:39] Unknowingly meeting an abuser, red flags ignored.

[00:12:06] Women have gifts of intuition, experiencing gaslighting. 

[00:15:21] Struggled with education, income, and abusive marriage.

[00:19:11] Toxic relationships: an addiction to dysfunction.

[00:28:29] Increased support for domestic violence victims in churches.

[00:30:46] Escape from abuse led to newfound purpose.

About Irish Jean Benton : 

Irish Jean Benton, a renowned author, Christian counselor, and life coach, shares her inspiring and transformative journey from domestic violence to finding alignment in life. Despite her accolades and successful career, Irish acknowledges that she is not perfect and still has to rely on prayer and staying grounded in God's word to stay aligned. She opens up about her past experiences with domestic violence, describing the various forms it can take beyond physical abuse. Irish's story serves as a powerful testament to overcoming trauma and finding strength through faith.

 

How to connect Irish Jean Benton : 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeanbenton70/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/author.benton

 

About Vivian -

Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. 

 As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful!