In Episode 18 of Unseen but Not Untold: Overcoming Covert Narcissistic Abuse, Dr. Christine C. Zacharia, MD, integrative covert narcissistic abuse recovery expert and board certified endocrinologist, dedicates this episode to survivors who are hesitant to answer God’s call on their lives — those whose divine purpose has already been revealed through their journey of recovery and healing from covert narcissistic abuse.
“God has asked me to speak on this topic again, as some of you understandably remain hesitant to step into the calling He has placed before you.”
Healing Does Not Mean the Absence of Fear
Dr. Zacharia explains this hesitation is not a reflection of failure or weak faith. Survivors of covert narcissistic abuse have endured a prolonged season of emotional destruction where trust in themselves was strategically dismantled.
“You have walked through a season where your trust in yourself was shaken to the core and now God is asking you to use what He has rebuilt in you after a prolonged period of healing and reflection.”
She emphasizes that answering God’s call is not an overnight process. It requires courage, surrender, trust and faith in the strength God has already restored within His chosen people.
“God is using me as a vessel to remind you of the strength that already lives inside you—the light of God that you carry—and to show you that the covert narcissistic abuse you endured was not in vain.”
Dr. Zacharia points listeners to Romans 8:28 (NLT) as confirmation of this:
‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.’”
Called to Lead Through God’s Light
Being chosen by God is both a sacred honor and a profound responsibility.
“God is the Creator of mankind, of humanity, of the world and of the entire universe around us as we know it. And if He has selected you to lead His people, it is both a great honor and a sacred privilege.”
She explains that survivors who carry God’s light are being called to fulfill a greater mission for humanity.
“For you carry His light within you, and you are meant to fulfill a great mission and purpose on this planet. This isn’t folklore. This isn’t myth. This is truth."
Dr. Zacharia reaffirms her own calling in this episode as well:
“God has chosen me for this very purpose—to lead fellow survivors out of the bondage of covert narcissistic abuse, back to God, so that you can step back into your truth and ultimately your divine calling.”
She explains that this calling is rooted fully in Christ.
“A calling rooted in Christ… who teaches us how to walk in truth, in love and in unshakable divine authority.”
Why God’s Light Is Needed Now More Than Ever
Dr. Zacharia reminds listeners that humanity is living through a time of increasing corruption, deception and spiritual darkness.
“Now more than ever, God’s light is needed on this planet—and collectively, we represent that light. His light lives within all of us and that is why He is calling us to be His beacon of light in this world.”
She explains that this moment in history is not accidental and believes God is calling His people to rise boldly in truth.
“Because what we do today holds the key to our future—and to the future of generations to come. The world as we know it is not the world God created us to live in. It has become a world filled with corruption, greed, deception and suffering.”
Dr. Zacharia reviews the role that God's chosen leaders play in guiding others out of despair and back toward peace and truth.
“This is not a time for us to stay hidden in fear, but a time to step forward in faith and shine brighter than ever before.”
She also reveals a message God wanted her to share verbatim with fellow survivors listening;
"if you do follow this call, this time will not pass again when you have a chance to have a major stake in the future directive of this planet.”
You Are One of God’s Chosen People
Dr. Zacharia encourages listeners not to doubt the gifts, talents and abilities God has placed within them.
“Do not doubt the talents and gifts God has placed within you. They are yours to embrace and use not only for yourself, but to guide your life in service to others—uplifting people who desperately need our light right now in alignment with God’s will.”
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) highlights this concept well:
‘But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are God’s very own possession, chosen to proclaim his works and to declare his glory.’”
God’s leaders are meant to lead through compassion, truth, love and unity rather than fear or division.
“You are not among those who claim to know God yet sow seeds of doubt. God’s truth is clear as day and there is no mincing of words with it. His truth is eternal, standing firm across all time, place and circumstance. It is everlasting.”
Symbolism: Holly
Dr. Zacharia discusses that symbolism of holly God revealed to her leading up to the episode.
“Holly carries deep meaning. The red berries symbolize the blood of Christ—shed for humanity, a sacrifice that made forgiveness of sins possible and opened the way for us to be in union with God. The perfect sacrifice. And the green leaves represent something equally powerful: God’s everlasting truth.”
She explains that God’s truth within His chosen people remains everlasting regardless of opposition, abuse or adversity.
“A truth that is present in you—a truth that stands the test of time, circumstance, obstacles, abuse and anything the enemy throws your way.”
Dr. Zacharia explains that holly symbolizes both Christ’s sacrifice and the permanence of divine truth.
“The red and the green together remind us of this: Christ’s sacrifice established our worth at the cross—so great that God gave His only Son for our salvation, to forgive a debt Satan had no intention of repaying. And His truth is alive in you.”
She reminds listeners that their worth was already established through Christ.
“So if you’re listening today and feel unseen, unheard or doubt your worthiness of the calling God has placed on your life, remember this: Your worth was already established by God through Christ.”
You Are the Light of the World
Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that believers are called to openly carry and represent God’s truth.
“Your truth is not just about you. It is about who you represent. You represent God.”
“When you carry and represent God’s truth, you are not simply sharing an opinion—you are revealing a powerful light that was never meant to be hidden.”
She references Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT):
‘You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.’”
Dr. Zacharia reminds listeners that outside opinions cannot diminish God’s everlasting truth in them.
“Independent of whether people scorn you or applaud you, it ultimately does not matter—because God’s truth is everlasting. It cannot be swayed by opinions, circumstances or the shifting approval of the world.”
When Your Truth Is Rejected
The episode also explores how listeners should respond when others reject or refuse to receive God’s truth.
Dr. Zacharia references Jesus’ instruction to His disciples in Matthew 10:14 (NLT).
‘If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.’”
She explains that this teaching is not rooted in judgment or pride but in peace, discernment and obedience.
“You are not called to force truth where hearts are closed. You simply move forward.”
God’s chosen people are not meant to engage endlessly with darkness.
“Those who are chosen by God are not called to argue with darkness—they are called to illuminate it.”
She encourages listeners not to waste energy attempting to convince people who are committed to misunderstanding them.
“Do not let this consume your energy or your time as it once did. Your job is simply to be the light—the messenger of His truth—in whatever capacity God has asked of you.”
Your Gifts Are Part of Your Divine Assignment
Dr. Zacharia explains that God’s calling manifests differently in each person’s life. For some, it may involve public speaking, teaching or testimony. For others, it may emerge through creativity, leadership, healthcare, counseling, advocacy or simply living courageously in truth after surviving covert narcissistic abuse.
“Only you and God know exactly what He has called you to do."
"Because when you are one of God’s chosen, your life itself is a testimony of His work and of the everlasting truth dwelling within you.”
She explains that survivors who heal and reclaim their identity in Christ are powerful lights for others still trapped in darkness.
“These gifts and talents are not meant to be hidden—they are meant to be used, shared and enjoyed for the betterment of a greater tomorrow. The reward of your labor will not go in vain, for it is sown in you by the Lord God, your Creator.”
God’s Strength Is Holding You Up
Dr. Zacharia reminds listeners that God’s presence accompanies them fully in their divine purpose. This is a phrase God reminds her of as well when she is anxious or weary:
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you always, now and forevermore.”
She connects this reassurance to Isaiah 41:10 and explains that believers are not operating through human strength alone.
"You are not doing this in your own strength, but with the full backing, support and calling of God Himself. He will hold you up with His victorious right hand—a symbol of authority, power and blessing...for in Scripture, the right hand represents strength and honor, not weakness or passivity.”
Everything God plants within His people carries divine authority and purpose.
“What God has planted in you is from Him, and it carries His power, His authority and His purpose.”
Symbolism: Rhode Island
The episode also explores the symbolism of Rhode Island, which repeatedly appeared to Dr. Zacharia throughout the week.
She explains that Rhode Island’s longstanding symbol is the anchor, paired with the state motto “Hope,” inspired by Hebrews 6:19 (NIV):
‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.’”
Dr. Zacharia explains that hope in God stabilizes believers through both recovery from covert narcissistic abuse and the spiritual challenges that arise while walking in divine purpose.
“Because the more our truth—God’s truth—shines out to illuminate the light, darkness cannot coexist. And when that light is revealed, Satan’s playground begins to crumble and the truth of his actions is seen for what it really is—ploys designed to entangle God’s most precious creation in sin, immorality, pain and suffering… all wrapped up with a shiny bow.”
Dr. Zacharia also reflects on Rhode Island’s small geographic size and its connection to the broader symbolism God revealed to her.
“The compactness of Rhode Island also reflects something important for this episode: your purpose may seem small or seemingly insignificant to you, but it carries immense impact in the larger spiritual landscape.”
She explains that even seemingly small acts of obedience can create ripple effects far beyond what believers can currently see.
“Even small steps taken in obedience to God create ripples that extend far beyond what you can imagine, illuminating darkness, shifting hearts and impacting the spiritual landscape in ways only God knows.”
Believers are collectively working together as one body of Christ and their unified impact is far greater than any single individual alone.
Anything Done Through God Will Succeed
Dr. Zacharia closes the episode by reminding listeners that anything done through God and for God will ultimately succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) reminds listeners of this truth:
‘Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.’”
She concludes with a final powerful message to survivors who are still hesitant to answer God’s call.
“He has chosen you for a great and impactful purpose—one that Satan knew about even before you were born. That is exactly why the covert narcissist came into your life—to try to distract you from fulfilling what you were sent here to complete.”
“Your time is now.”