When the Story Changes: Grief, Abuse, and the Courage to Keep Going with Sarah Labriel

About this episode

Sarah Labriel shares her journey through grief and abuse, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and healing for global workers.

In this episode, Sarah Labriel shares her powerful journey as a cross-cultural worker through joy, sudden loss, widowhood with two young children, and eventually a second marriage marked by hidden emotional and spiritual abuse. She describes how she came to recognize covert narcissism, set healthy boundaries, and pursue truth and healing. Along the way, we explore how global workers can discern unhealthy patterns, bring hidden pain into the light, and honor the image-bearers in their homes and communities. Azmera Ministries : Retreats for Women on the Field  Sarah’s Book: My Once Upon a Time Global Trellis: Narcissism Week Episode 054: When your marriage is struggling on the field with Jenilee Goodwin Global Trellis: The Podcast Join Insiders

People in this episode

Hosts: Amy Young, Bernie Anderson

Guest: Sarah Labriel

Topics covered

• grief
• abuse
• cross-cultural work
• boundaries
• healing
• narcissism
• emotional health

Keywords

• grief
• abuse
• cross-cultural worker
• narcissism
• boundaries
• healing
• emotional health
• spiritual abuse
• widowhood
• truth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Azmera Ministries

Books & works: My Once Upon a Time, Narcissism Week

More episodes of Global Trellis: The Podcast

• Small Shifts, Safer Fields: What Every Cross-Cultural Worker Needs to Know About Women's Security with Shannon Mureithi · June 9, 2026 · 47 min
• Shepherding Like Jesus in a Wolf‑Shaped World: Five Leadership Heresies to Resist · June 2, 2026 · 43 min
• More than a Machine: Your Personal Dreams Have Value · May 26, 2026 · 24 min
• Donor Communication Matters: Stories, Support, and Staying on the Field with Emily Maljanian · May 19, 2026 · 28 min
• The Invisible Story Running Your Life (And Your Ministry) · May 12, 2026 · 27 min
• When Your Global Calling Doesn’t Translate Back Home · May 5, 2026 · 32 min