Vaneetha Risner grew up believing that faithfully following
Jesus would ensure a stable, fulfilling life. So when her marriage
collapsed, it didn't just break her heart; it shattered the
framework upon which she had built her identity. In this deeply
personal conversation, Vaneetha opens up about the layered grief of
divorce — a loss she describes as a kind of death that the church
too often meets with judgment instead of compassion — and how that
pain sat alongside other devastating trials, including contracting
polio as a child, losing an infant son, and a later post-polio
diagnosis.
Though Vaneetha experienced deep heartache and betrayal, her
story centers around a renewed and reconstructed faith. She shares
how reaching the absolute end of herself forced a new and desperate
hunger for God, and how the biblical practice of lament became a
lifeline, a place to pour out bitterness without fear of judgment.
She offers candid wisdom on forgiveness (including why forgiving
too quickly can actually delay healing) and the importance of
becoming whole before pursuing remarriage. Listeners will also gain
practical insight on how to support others in crisis through her
“SHOWUP” framework. This episode is a powerful reminder that even
when life doesn’t go according to plan, faith can be rebuilt in the
most unexpected and beautiful ways.
Dr. Carol Ministries In-Person
Intensives. Experience true healing and wholeness in a
safe environment as you unpack your story around intimacy and
relationships while inviting Jesus to be part of that story.
Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can send a confidential
message here.
About the Podcast
Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol is a weekly podcast dedicated to helping men, women, and couples experience good health, loving relationships and joyful spirituality that Jesus came to bring.