What happens when the life you thought was secure suddenly falls apart? My friend Danna Demetre knows what it’s like to face deep betrayal and to discover God’s faithfulness right in the middle of it. We talk honestly about heartbreak, forgiveness, rebuilding trust, and what it means to anchor our identity in Christ when everything feels shaken. Danna also shares how her own painful experience inspired her debut novel, Beyond Betrayal, which she wrote in her 70s! This conversation is a beautiful reminder that God doesn’t waste our pain, forgiveness and trust aren’t the same thing, and you are never too old or too young to pursue the purpose God still has for you.

Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Key Takeaways:

0:00:12 - Never Too Old to Pursue New Dreams

0:03:00 - Turning Personal Betrayal into Powerful Storytelling

0:07:08 - When Long Marriages Are Shattered by Infidelity

0:15:00 - Identity in Christ Amid Layered Midlife Crises

0:27:44 - Forgiveness vs. Trust: Two Very Different Journeys

What We Talk About

• Why Danna decided to write her first novel in her 70s
• How her personal experience with marital betrayal inspired Beyond Betrayal
• What happens to our identity when someone we love rejects us
• Learning to depend on Jesus when the outcome we desperately want isn’t guaranteed
• Giving yourself permission to grieve while continuing to live with purpose
• The difference between forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust
• Why reconciliation requires two willing people
• Recognizing the spiritual battle without avoiding personal responsibility
• Why guilt can lead us toward repentance while shame keeps us stuck
• How friendship, journaling, prayer, and Scripture can help us process pain
• The reminder that God still loves us even in our deepest brokenness
• Why age should never keep us from pursuing a new dream or calling

Forgiveness, Trust, and Reconciliation Are Three Different Things

Forgiveness: I release the offense rather than living in bitterness, resentment, or constant scorekeeping.

Trust: Trust is not automatically restored because forgiveness has been given. Trust must be rebuilt through consistent actions over time.

Reconciliation: A restored relationship requires two people. I can do what God asks of me, but I cannot control another person’s choices.

Danna’s reminder is so important: forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending something didn’t hurt. It doesn’t mean forgetting, immediately trusting again, or skipping the grieving process. It means releasing the offense to God while allowing Him to guide what comes next.

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith.

Connect with Danna:

Lean Healthy Ageless: https://leanhealthyageless.com/

Danna’s Book: Beyond Betrayal: A Story of Heartbreak, Healing, and Redeeming Love: https://ageless-woman-store.com/collections/books/products/beyond-betrayal-autographed-copy-bookmark

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/