June Hunt
Posts by June
When Words Wound and Truth Sets Us Free
Article Summary In this personal reflection, June Hunt shares how painful words spoken in childhood shaped her sense of worth – and how God’s truth brought healing and freedom. Growing up in a broken home marked by secrecy and emotional abuse, she internalized lies that left lasting wounds. Yet Scripture revealed a different reality: our past may impact us, but it does not define us. Through verses like John 8:32 and Deuteronomy 31:8, she discovered that God’s presence, love, and promises can replace pain with hope. This article encourages readers to confront emotional wounds, reject destructive lies, choose compassion over bitterness, and embrace the life-changing truth of God’s Word. By June Hunt, Founder & Chief Servant Officer of Hope for the Heart Some pain leaves scars we visibly see. Other pain settles quietly inside our hearts. For years, I didn't talk about my past. I honestly didn't know how to form the words, I just knew I felt unseen and uncertain of my value. I grew up in a bizarre home marked by brokenness. My father lived a double life, maintaining three families at the same time. (We were the 3rd family off to the side.) I had a fictitious last name and learned early what it meant to keep secrets simply to survive. Though my father was successful in business, he was emotionally absent and often cruel with his words. I remember hearing my father saying phrases to me that no child should hear. “You're the cause of all the problems in our family.” “You're a bad influence on your mother. After dinner you will have no contact with her.” And I didn't. That was my teenage reality. Words like these shape our hearts. And they don't disappear just because time passes. For years I did not feel valuable … in fact, I felt invisible. Yet, I've come to realize: while our past may impact us, it doesn't have to define us. The Hidden Impact of Emotional Pain Emotional abuse typically goes unnoticed because it leaves no bruises. But the Bible reminds us of its impact: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). A crushed spirit can be the result of numerous causes: neglect, rejection, harsh treatment, or living in a loveless home. And the effects can linger long into adulthood. I've met countless people who carry this same pain. Some were told, “You'll never amount to anything!” Others were rejected by the very people who should protect them. One teenager recently confided that her own mother said, “I wish you had never been born!” These words can never be forgotten! Discovering Truth That Heals I wasn't exposed to the Bible until high school. When I first encountered authentic Christians who lived with joy and confidence, I knew they had something I wanted, but I didn't understand what it was. Eventually, I learned their belief in Jesus was more than acknowledging the historical facts about the life of Christ. Instead, they had a life changing relationship with Christ. And these students quoted Jesus who said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Freedom came to me when I began to replace the lies spoken over my life with God's truth. Not all at once – but over time. One verse, in particular, became deeply personal to me. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). Today this is my favorite Scripture in the Bible. These words were not just comforting, they contained the promise that the Lord would never, ever leave me nor forsake me! (An assurance I never felt from my father.) Choosing Compassion Over Bitterness Later in life, I learned something that helped me understand my father more clearly. His own father would beat his mother. So, as a boy my dad would sometimes escape the violence by running into a church and sleeping on a church pew. (I had no idea! He never once talked about his father.) This knowledge didn't excuse his own abusive behavior. But it gave me context about his early life and helped me feel compassion for him instead of bitterness. When we understand that “hurt people hurt people,” it becomes easier to pray for them … not to excuse their wrong treatment, but to pray they would allow the Lord to heal their hearts. Scripture calls us to “pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This kind of prayer doesn't deny pain, instead it releases painful people into the hands of God. A Word of Encouragement If you are carrying wounds from your past, I want to encourage you with this truth: you are worth more than you know. The Lord says, “You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). Realize this … painful words spoken to you don't determine your worth or your future. God Himself has the final word. As Hope for the Heart celebrates 40 years of ministry, I'm reminded of the countless people who have found freedom and hope by replacing lies told to them with God's truth … and by seeing themselves through God's eyes. And this is my prayer for you … that God's Word will set you free and give you hope for your heart. The Lord even gives you His promise: “I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). What a promise – you are given a hope that endures forever!
Christians Engaged Podcast Interview with June Hunt
Article Summary This short post announces that June Hunt was a featured guest on the Christians Engaged podcast. In part 2 of their series, “Issues that the Church is Not Paying Attention To,” June discusses several critical and often overlooked topics facing the Church today, including: Suicide, Abuse, Transgenderism, and other pressing cultural and spiritual issues. The interview highlights June’s heart to equip believers with biblical, compassionate, and practical responses to the complex struggles people face today. The post invites readers to listen to the conversation and engage in these important discussions. Christians Engaged Podcast Interview with June Hunt June Hunt was on the Christians Engaged podcast discussing some of the most pressing issues of our time. In part 2 of their series, “Issues that the Church is Not Paying Attention To” – June discusses suicide, abuse, transgenderism and more.
June Hunt on the Alex McFarland Show
Article Summary “June Hunt on the Alex McFarland Show” highlights a podcast episode where June shares her personal testimony of childhood abuse, God’s healing work in her life, and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter your past, God has a specific plan and offers restoration, purpose, and healing to all who trust Him. June was recently on the Alex McFarland Show, episode 100 of the podcast. Listen as June shares her testimony of how abuse in her childhood shaped her life and how there is healing in Jesus Christ. It’s an encouraging reminder of how God has a specific plan for your life. Listen Now '
June Hunt on the Journey Podcast
Article Summary “June Hunt on The Journey Podcast” highlights June’s recent interview on Prestonwood Christian Academy’s parenting podcast, where she shares biblical wisdom on establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries as parents. She explains why boundaries are essential for raising secure, responsible children and how they reflect God’s loving design for relationships. June Hunt on the Journey Podcast June was recently on The Journey, a parenting podcasted by Prestonwood Christian Academy. Listen as June discusses the importance of establishing and maintaining boundaries as parents.
Trials: God's Refining Process
Article Summary “Trials: God’s Refining Process” explains how God uses hardship the way a refiner purifies gold and silver – not to destroy us but to transform us into Christlike character. Using six biblical steps of refining, the article shows how God breaks hardened places in our hearts, holds us in the heat of trials, exposes impurities, and removes them layer by layer until His reflection is seen in us. Even when misunderstood or deeply hurt, believers are never alone in the fire – God sits with us as the Refiner, strengthens us through Scripture, and promises that our trials can become testimonies of His grace. In every season of suffering, He is faithful, and His purpose is always redemptive. One of my favorite childhood memories is roasting marshmallows around a campfire in my Uncle Jimmy’s backyard in Idabel, Oklahoma. With a coat hanger in hand, I’d char the outside of two marshmallows just enough to melt the gooey inside. Back then, fire meant fun, food, and family. Years later, I learned fire also has a powerful biblical application – not the kind associated with fond memories, but with the refining work of God. The Bible speaks often about fiery trials, describing how God refines His children like gold and silver. “I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10) God’s Promise in Our Trials Some time ago, I found myself in the furnace. The trial was long, painful, and deeply personal. I was misunderstood, misrepresented, and hurt by those I loved most. But in that crucible, God reminded me of a truth that changed everything – He never leaves us in the fire alone. Even when the heat intensifies, He remains by our side. “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify … and refine them like gold and silver.” (Malachi 3:3) If we surrender our will to His, God will use our trials to produce something far more valuable than gold – Christlike character. The Process of Refining God often uses the same steps an earthly refiner takes to purify gold and silver to shape our lives. These six biblical steps illustrate His refining process. “For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.” (Psalm 66:10) Step 1: The Brokenness A refiner begins by breaking the hardened ore to expose any precious metal within. In the same way, God uses trials to break us open and begin His refining work. “Is not my word like fire … and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29) Step 2: The Crucible The broken ore is placed into a crucible – a fireproof vessel capable of enduring high heat. Our trials are like crucibles, holding us in the fire long enough for real transformation. “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” (Proverbs 17:3) Step 3: The Dross As the ore melts, impurities (called dross) rise to the surface. The refiner carefully removes them. In our lives, “dross” is anything keeping us from God’s best. “Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel.” (Proverbs 25:4) Step 4: The Heat The refiner raises the heat to draw out deeper impurities. Likewise, God may intensify our trials to remove what only deeper heat can reveal. “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.” (Psalm 12:6) Step 5: The Purification With each cycle, the refiner skims off more dross until the metal is pure. God does the same with us – layer by layer, making us more like Christ. “I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities.” (Isaiah 1:25) Step 6: The Reflection The refiner knows the process is complete when he can see his reflection in the metal. God desires the same – to see the image of Christ formed in us. “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) Enduring Your Trial with Hope How do you hold on to hope when life’s fire feels unbearable? You draw near to the One who allowed the trial. You trust His refining purpose. You surrender your will to His. And in doing so, you discover the promise of His Word: “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2) Your Test Can Become a Testimony Friend, I’ve seen it in my own life – the Lord can take your greatest pain and use it for your greatest growth. Over and over, God has turned my tests into testimonies of His grace. And if He can do that for me – He can do it for you. Yours in the Lord’s hope, June Hunt Want More Biblical Encouragement? Explore free resources and practical tools to help you grow in faith at hopefortheheart.org . God is faithful – even in the fire.
Allie Beth Stuckey Interviews June Hunt on Relatable Podcast Part 1
Article Summary Allie Beth Stuckey interviews June Hunt on the Relatable podcast in an episode titled “My Father Had Three Families: How to Forgive the Unforgivable (Part 1).” June shares her powerful testimony of growing up with a father who secretly maintained three different families at the same time, along with the abuse, hostility, and confusion that shaped her early life. She explains how witnessing authentic Christian love led her to Christ, and how she wrestled deeply with what forgiveness really means. June clarifies that forgiveness is not excusing or minimizing harm – it is releasing the burden to God instead of waiting for an apology. The conversation offers biblical insight and hope for anyone struggling to forgive deep wounds. Allie Beth Stuckey Interviews June Hunt on Relatable Podcast 'My Father Had Three Families': How to Forgive the Unforgivable (Part 1) Watch Allie Beth Stuckey interview June Hunt. June shares her story of salvation, from growing up learning that her father had three concurrent families to learning to forgive him for his abuse and hostility. She shares how impressed she was with authentic Christians and how that helped lead to her salvation. We discuss June's wrestling with the idea of forgiveness – is forgiving someone just letting them off the hook? June shares her definition of forgiveness and why it's so important to release our right to be apologized to. Stay tuned for part two tomorrow!
Allie Beth Stuckey Interviews June Hunt on Relatable Podcast Part 2
Article Summary In Part 2 of her interview on Allie Beth Stuckey’s Relatable podcast, June Hunt continues the conversation on forgiveness and abuse. June explains what forgiveness meant in the context of Jesus’ teaching and why believers are called to model His example. She addresses the seriousness of domestic abuse and emphasizes that emotional abuse is present in every form of abuse. June clarifies that God did not design anyone to endure ongoing mistreatment and that allowing people to “get away with” abusive behavior is neither healthy nor biblical. The episode highlights the critical difference between forgiveness and reconciliation and provides the first practical step toward offering forgiveness. The conversation ends with a special surprise: June sings one of her songs. The biblical foundation for the episode is Colossians 3:13 – “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Allie Beth Stuckey Interviews June Hunt on Relatable Podcast Part 2 Is 'Emotional Abuse' Cause for Divorce? (Part 2) We start off explaining forgiveness in Jesus' context and how we should emulate him. Then we discuss the seriousness of domestic abuse and how emotional abuse is the end result of all abuse. June explains that God did not create us to be abused and it's not healthy for people to get way with wrongdoing. We also talk about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation and share the first step toward forgiveness. Stay tuned until the end, when June treats us to a song! “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)