6. How I Trusted God and Left My Narcissistic Marriage
For years, you’ve prayed, you’ve hoped, and you’ve done everything in your power to make it work. But now, you’re left wondering: Does God really want me to stay in this suffering forever?
If you’re wrestling with guilt, fear, or uncertainty after narcissistic abuse, you’re not alone. In this week’s podcast episode, we’re sharing Chris’ powerful testimony of leaving a 28-year marriage to a narcissist after realizing that God was calling her to freedom. Her journey of healing, faith, and reclaiming her dignity will inspire you to trust in God’s perfect timing—even when it feels impossible.
🎙️ Listen now:
What if the marriage you vowed to cherish became the very thing that crushed your spirit?
When Faith and Marriage Collide
Chris was married for nearly three decades, believing wholeheartedly in the sanctity of marriage. She tried everything—prayer, self-improvement, counseling—but the emotional and mental abuse never changed. Like many Catholic women, she felt obligated to stay, even as the marriage drained her spirit.
“I always believed in marriage. I wasn’t looking for an escape,” Chris recalls. “But when God made it clear, I knew it was time to go.”
The Breaking Point: God’s Clear Answer
One of the hardest parts of narcissistic abuse is the fog—the slow erosion of reality that makes you question your own experiences. But in a moment of divine clarity, Chris finally saw the truth.
“I wasn’t even looking for a reason to leave, but the Lord allowed me to see everything for what it was,” she shares. “And once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.”
After years of silent suffering, she made a plan. Over three weeks, she carefully prepared to leave, knowing that a direct confrontation would only lead to more manipulation. Then, in an act of sheer courage, she walked away—without a final conversation, without closure, but with peace from trusting God.
Her husband never spoke to her again.
Healing, Guilt, and God’s Perfect Timing
The aftermath of leaving wasn’t easy. Chris grappled with guilt, especially as a Catholic woman, and worried about how her decision would impact her children.
“I told my daughter how sorry I was for staying so long,” Chris admits. “But she said, ‘Mom, if you had left any sooner, we wouldn’t have the relationship we have now.’ That was such a grace.”
Through prayer, scripture, and faith-based support, Chris learned to let go of shame and fear. One verse in particular, Revelation 22:13, brought her peace:
“God is not bound by time, but His timing is always perfect.”
What Does the Catholic Church Say About Divorce and Narcissistic Abuse?
Many Catholics fear that divorce means they’re going against God’s will, but the Church recognizes that abuse, coercion, and deception can render a marriage invalid from the beginning.
🚨 Key Facts About Annulments:
✅ An annulment is not a Catholic divorce—it declares that the marriage was never sacramentally valid.
✅ If a marriage began under deception, coercion, or psychological abuse, an annulment may be possible.
✅ The Church prioritizes the dignity and safety of each spouse.
Advice for Women in Toxic Marriages
If you’re struggling in a narcissistic marriage and wondering what to do next, Chris offers this wisdom:
Seek God First – Don’t make decisions out of fear or guilt. Pray, seek spiritual direction, and ask the Holy Spirit for clarity.
Have a Plan – Leaving a narcissist requires careful preparation. Confide in a trusted priest, therapist, or mentor who understands narcissistic abuse recovery.
Know You’re Not Alone – Abuse isolates, but healing happens in community. Find support through Catholic Narcissist Recovery: https://hello.catholicnarcissistrecovery.com/supportgroup
Trust in God’s Timing – It may feel impossible now, but God is working behind the scenes for your good. His plan is never late.
There Is Hope
Chris’ story is one of redemption and renewal. Though the road was painful, she now walks in freedom, closer to God than ever before. If you’re feeling trapped in an abusive marriage, know this:
God does not will for you to suffer endlessly. He is a God of truth, healing, and restoration.
💛 Need support? Join our Catholic Narcissist Recovery community—a place of faith, healing, and hope. You are not alone. ❤️
