S11.BONUS 5 | Healing Isn’t the Absence of Pain: Ivanka’s Rooted & Resilient Testimony
In this special testimony episode of Affirming Truths, Carla Arges sits down with Rooted & Resilient graduate Ivanka to talk about what changed for her over 12 weeks of Christ-centered healing. Ivanka shares how a major breakup and years of mental health struggles left her stuck in fight-or-flight - exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next.
Through the program, one message became a turning point: healing isn’t the absence of pain - it’s the presence of truth. Ivanka describes how rooted identity in Christ (Galatians 4:4–7) reshaped the way she understood her thoughts, emotions, and choices. Instead of being ruled by how she felt, she learned to acknowledge her emotions without letting them take the driver’s seat - choosing truth, renewing her mind (Romans 12:2), and building steady, sustainable practices that supported her whole person.
If you’ve ever wondered whether healing is possible when life is still hard, this episode will remind you: you can be in a storm and still be deeply grounded - because your foundation is Christ.
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3 key takeaways
Healing isn’t “no more pain”—it’s learning to live from truth.
Ivanka’s breakthrough was realizing healing doesn’t mean life stops hurting; it means you’re anchored in what God says is true, even while you feel the feelings.Your feelings are real—but they’re not meant to lead.
You can acknowledge emotions without idolizing them. Freedom comes when truth is in the driver’s seat and emotions are allowed to exist without controlling your choices.Transformation happens through small, faithful choices.
Ivanka highlights the power of choosing: renewing your mind, caring for your body, practicing forgiveness, and showing up consistently. Healing is built, not wished for.
🔗 Want to Go Deeper?
If you resonated with Ivanka - feeling stuck in fight-or-flight, exhausted by intrusive thoughts, or tired of being ruled by your emotions—this is your invitation to take your next brave step.
Rooted & Resilient (Cohort 2) is a 12-week, Christ-centered healing program that blends biblical truth with practical tools for emotional regulation, identity renewal, and lasting change. You won’t just “learn information”—you’ll begin building a life where truth leads, peace grows, and your nervous system can finally exhale.
If you’re on the fence because of time or money, remember what Ivanka said: God restores. When you say yes in obedience, He provides what you need.
Enrol in the next Rooted & Resilient cohort https://carlaarges.podia.com/rooted-resilient-cohort-2
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Foundations to Healing—-> https://www.carlaarges.com/foundations-of-healing
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Resources:
5 Steps to Building Resiliency
Affirming Truths Facebook Community
5 Tips for Overcoming a Negative Body Image
Who You Say I Am Biblical Affirmation Cards
Quick recap
Carla and Juliana discussed the format and purpose of their upcoming bonus podcast episode, which will feature Juliana's experiences participating in Carla's programs and her journey of healing and transformation. Juliana shared her personal growth journey, including overcoming anxiety and perfectionism through Carla's courses, while emphasizing the importance of Christ-centered healing and the interconnected nature of physical and emotional well-being. The conversation concluded with Juliana encouraging others to participate in the Rooted and Resilient program and Carla expressing appreciation for Juliana's courage in sharing her journey, highlighting the generational impact of her healing work. Next steps
Summary
Juliana's Journey of Healing and Growth
Carla and Juliana discussed Juliana's journey of transformation and healing. Juliana shared how she found Carla through an Affirming Truths podcast episode, which led to a year of personal growth and spiritual development. She described her struggles with undiagnosed and untreated anxiety, which had physical and emotional effects on her life. Through Carla's courses, Juliana learned to address her anxiety and trauma in a Christ-centered way, leading to improved mental and physical health.
Parenting and Emotional Well-being
Carla and Juliana discussed how physical and emotional well-being are interconnected, particularly how physical pain or stress can affect parental behavior and patience. Juliana shared that she had experienced frustration and yelling when in pain, and sometimes overcompensated in parenting as a way to heal her own wounds, which could be harmful to her children. They discussed Juliana's participation in previous programs including Regulate Your Nervous System and Growing in God Confidence, and she mentioned that Rooted and Resilient helped her explore attachment styles and inner child healing.
Transforming Mindset Through Affirmations
Juliana shared her journey through Rooted and Resilient, highlighting how affirmations helped her address lies from the enemy and transform her mindset. She emphasized the importance of starting small with daily practices like pausing and breathing to regulate her nervous system. Juliana also discussed her breakthroughs in understanding her perfectionist tendencies and the realization that she was striving for worth and control. Through inner child work, she was able to acknowledge and reassure her inner child, recognizing the need to learn what safety means in her healing process.
Overcoming Perfectionism Through Faith
Juliana shared her journey of overcoming perfectionism by surrendering to the Holy Spirit and embracing her identity in Christ, which she feels has brought her closer to God. She expressed gratitude for Carla's work, which she believes is rooted in biblical truths and contributes to her spiritual growth. Carla encouraged Juliana to consider how these insights translate into everyday life, emphasizing that healing and resilience are about navigating challenges, not just experiencing mountaintop moments. J
ourney of Healing and Growth
Juliana shared her journey of healing and personal growth, emphasizing her reliance on Christ and the importance of self-care and authentic relationships. She described how she has learned to regulate her emotions, recognize lies, and engage with her community in a more meaningful way. Carla highlighted the generational impact of Juliana's work, noting that her children are witnessing a different approach to motherhood and that this change may face opposition. Both women discussed the ongoing challenges Juliana faces, but emphasized her strength in trusting the process and the Holy Spirit.
Rooted and Resilient Program Insights
Carla and Juliana discussed the transformative impact of the Rooted and Resilient program, with Juliana sharing her personal experience of significant change over the past year. Juliana encouraged potential participants to join Cohort 2, emphasizing that while there are only 12 spots and a financial investment involved, God provides for those He calls, and the program's benefits are worth the effort. Carla expressed appreciation for Juliana's courage in sharing her journey and her commitment to making positive changes for her family.