Confession: Finding Freedom from Shame and Secrecy with Ericka Andersen

The path to healing can begin with one small yet essential step: confession. But how do we find the courage to be truly seen by God and others in our confession?

In this episode of The Digital Examen’s five-part miniseries, Jay Y. Kim welcomes Ericka Andersen, journalist and author of Freely Sober, for a vulnerable conversation about addiction, secrecy, and the freedom that blossoms from honest confession. Drawing from her own sobriety journey, Andersen reveals how fear and shame keep so many from being truly seen by God and others.

Together, Kim and Andersen discuss the power of telling the truth about our hidden lives, how communities of faith can be a place of deep empathy rather than judgment, and what it means to live out confession both with others and God. Through personal stories and gentle encouragement, they invite everyone struggling in the shadows to take one small step and discover how honesty leads to healing.

For those who carry secrets, long for relief from shame, or are searching for a safe place to come into the light, this episode is a practical, hope-filled reminder that you are not alone and there is grace waiting for you.

If you’re ready to slow down, reflect, and explore the gift of an examined life, check out Jay Y. Kim’s upcoming book, The Pace of Peace.

This episode highlights the following themes:

Why secrecy keeps us captive and how confession leads to freedomHow authentic communities reflect grace and foster healingGod’s nearness in moments of honesty, imperfection, and trustLinks from this episode:

Learn more about Ericka AndersenRead Freely Sober by Ericka AndersenRead the transcript hereLearn more about The Digital ExamenLearn more about your host, Jay Y. KimListen to Meditations from The Digital ExamenDownload a Guide to The ExamenContinue attuning to God’s pace by reading Jay Y. Kim’s new book, The Pace of Peace. Drawing on the Prayer of Examen developed by Ignatius of Loyola as a framework for all of life, Kim guides readers through the movements of this ancient prayer practice—invitation, gratitude, reflection, confession, and looking forward—to point us toward the antidotes for the aches of our distracted age.

Credits:

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPEXAMEN40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Consulting Producer: Helen Lee

✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo and Travis Albritton