The stove is off. You checked it once, twice, twenty times. You took photos, made videos telling yourself “See, it’s off.” But the moment you leave home, doubt creeps in again. What if it’s not really off? What if the building burns down because of you?

This isn’t quirky perfectionism—it’s the reality of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a condition affecting roughly 1% of the population. Through Rachel’s powerful story, we explore how OCD manifests as a desperate attempt to create safety in an unpredictable world. For Rachel, checking rituals weren’t random but deeply connected to childhood trauma in a home where alcoholism and anger made safety impossible. Her adult brain found a way to cope by creating certainty through compulsions, even when that certainty was false.

We dive deep into what OCD really is—not the cute organizational quirk it’s often portrayed as, but a serious condition marked by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that can be paralyzing. We explore how trauma shapes OCD symptoms, particularly fears of harm or hyper-responsibility, and discuss the unique challenges of religious scrupulosity, where sufferers believe God requires perfect ritual performance. Through personal stories and clinical insights, we separate the myths from reality while offering genuine hope through evidence-based treatments like Exposure Response Prevention therapy, medication options, and community support.

Whether you’re living with OCD, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking understanding, this episode provides compassionate insight into a misunderstood condition. Remember, from Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re called to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” If you’re struggling, please reach out—through therapy, support groups, or to us directly. You are not alone in this battle.