In Episode 20 of Unseen but Not Untold: Overcoming Covert Narcissistic Abuse, Dr. Christine C. Zacharia, MD, integrative covert narcissistic abuse recovery expert and board certified endocrinologist, shares the progress she has witnessed in her own life while walking in her divine purpose as one of God’s chosen ones.
“God has placed it on my heart to speak on this as a source of inspiration and encouragement for your own journey as His chosen one.”
Through God’s words and actions, Dr. Zacharia describes a complete transformation of her life after covert narcissistic abuse and how that transformation is now impacting the lives of others.
“I’ve seen it in the evolution of the social media content I’ve been sharing over the past three years and in the nature of the community that has been drawn in during this season of growth and transformation.”
She notes that those who have followed her journey since early 2023 can observe how her healing unfolded alongside God’s ongoing work through her.
“The nature of my content has shifted over time… because I’ve shifted.”
From Awareness to Spiritual Revelation
Dr. Zacharia explains that her initial focus was on increasing awareness of covert narcissism.
“I started off educating people about covert narcissism—because, honestly, I was in shock. Not just that it existed… but how insidious it really is.”
She describes the long-term and layered experience of covert narcissistic abuse across three relationships in her life which encompassed personal, professional and familial layers.
"It explained everything I had struggled to understand—23 years… in someone I once considered a best friend. 7 years… in a coworker I believed was a friend—someone who deeply wove herself into multiple layers of my life… even into that college friendship. And over 40 years… in my own father."
Dr. Zacharia recounts emotional and psychological patterns endured in these relationships such as cognitive dissonance, manipulation and targeted emotional manipulation, particularly during vulnerable moments.
Spiritual Warfare and the Nature of Covert Abuse
Dr. Zacharia describes a shift in understanding that occurred during her healing journey, as she began to interpret her experiences through a spiritual lens.
“Not only is God real…but Satan is just as real.”
She explains that what is labeled as a personality disorder only scratches the surface of a deeper reality.
“And what we often label as a personality disorder… only scratches the surface of something much deeper at play—spiritual warfare.”
She references spiritual concepts in relation to her understanding of abuse dynamics, emphasizing that the struggle extends beyond traditional human behavior.
“Covert narcissism is one manifestation of this deeper, layered spiritual battle. We are not simply facing other people—we are confronting the lies, the deception and the destructive schemes of Satan and his forces.”
Dr. Zacharia further reflects on the lingering emotional and psychological effects survivors often experience even after no contact.
“They are evidence of the spiritual warfare that has been at work.”
The Deeper Assignment and Targeting of Purpose
Dr. Zacharia describes her realization that the abuse she and other survivors have experienced was not random. Covert narcissists were intentionally sent by the enemy to distract survivors from their underlying purpose and identity.
“This is a revelation that God unfolded to me over time as I was healing from the abuse. It was not a coincidence they ended up in your life. They were sent to destroy you… and to distract you from the mission you were created to fulfill.”
She explains that targeting often begins early in life within family systems or formative environments, influencing identity development from a young age.
“They started early. Within your own family. In your formative years. Through a parent… or someone you trusted… someone you looked up to.”
“Why? So you wouldn’t see your own light. So you wouldn’t recognize the power that God placed within you.”
Rebuilding Through God and Inner Strength
Dr. Zacharia reflects on how, despite prolonged manipulation and gaslighting, she continued to move forward due to God’s presence within her.
“Because God placed something inside of me. A fire. A fire that kept me moving forward… that refused to let me stay stuck.”
She describes her healing process as one of divine rebuilding rather than self-repair alone, emphasizing transformation through spiritual grounding.
“Nothing was wasted. He turned it into strength. He turned it into fuel.”
What once felt like destruction is reframed as the beginning of a new life direction shaped by purpose and divine alignment.
"It felt like a rising phoenix moment from the ashes. But even that doesn’t fully capture it - because it wasn’t just me rising. It was the power of God working through me. And as God’s chosen ones, that’s where the path of healing transforms into walking in divine purpose."
Transformation Into Divine Purpose
Dr. Zacharia explains that healing from covert narcissistic abuse is a pathway into deeper spiritual calling.
“This victory is not found in our own strength, intellect or effort. It comes through God’s power, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through the truth of Christ’s light dwelling within us.”
She describes her increasing spiritual devotion and evolving relationship with God as part of this transformation.
“I have become increasingly vocal about my faith in God… about my walk in Christ.”
Dr. Zacharia reflects on daily practices such as prayer, reading scripture and communication with the Holy Spirit.
"This evolution is proof of God’s work through me: the readjustment of my lifestyle to fit His. The 3 a.m. awakenings where He speaks to me in the silence, free from the distractions of the world. The moment I discovered the gift of the Holy Spirit speaking to me—when prayer became no longer a monologue, but a dialogue."
"The desire to start and end each day with God, connecting not only in prayer but also through His Word, through scripture - every single day."
"And when I pause to reflect on the progress since 2023… I am still in awe. That… is the power of God at work."
Awakening, Opposition and Collective Timing
Dr. Zacharia acknowledges both support and opposition received throughout her journey
“Along the way, I’ve received comments—some affirming the message I’ve been sharing, some challenging it. And that… is all part of walking in your purpose as God’s chosen one.”
She describes a collective awakening among survivors of covert narcissistic abuse, which is divinely timed.
“This awakening… is happening in God’s perfect timing. Aligned with His plan… to bring healing. To bring restoration. To bring much-needed change… for the betterment of humanity.”
Biblical Archetypes of Transformation
Dr. Zacharia highlights that God often chooses those who are overlooked, doubting or even oppositional - transforming them into powerful leaders and messengers.
Fishermen such as Peter, Andrew, James and John were called away from ordinary lives into leadership roles that would ultimately shape early movements of faith in Christ. They were not positioned for influence by worldly standards, yet their lives were redirected toward profound purpose.
Matthew, a tax collector, represents someone rejected by society who was nevertheless chosen for significance and transformation. His calling illustrates that perceived social exclusion does not limit divine purpose.
Simon, once driven by political intensity and zeal, was redirected toward a different form of purpose—one aligned not with conflict or ideology, but with a higher spiritual mission.
Thomas, often associated with doubt, represents the deeply human struggle with belief and certainty. His questioning did not disqualify him; instead, it became part of a deeper formation of conviction rooted in lived experience rather than assumption.
As she reflects on Thomas, she emphasizes a key point from her script:
“Thomas’ journey reminds us that God does not reject those who struggle or question—He meets us where we are, transforms our uncertainty into courage and equips us to proclaim His truth boldly. His story shows that even those who doubt can become unwavering witnesses of God’s power.”
Mary Magdalene reflects profound transformation after suffering and healing. Her story illustrates devotion, restoration and unwavering presence during pivotal moments, symbolizing that calling is not determined by past brokenness but by transformation and willingness.
Dr. Zacharia describes Mary Magdalene as a representation of humility, courage and devotion—qualities that were not defined by status or reputation, but by faithfulness after restoration. Her life reflects the idea that those who have been deeply healed often become deeply committed.
"And then there was Mary Magdalene—a woman whose story is often misunderstood, but whose faith and devotion were extraordinary. She had been deeply afflicted, possessed by seven demons, until Jesus healed her completely (Luke 8:2). After this miraculous transformation, she became one of His most faithful disciples, ministering to Him, standing by His side at the crucifixion and being the first to witness His resurrection."
Even Jesus Himself, she notes, modeled humility, patience and service, calling others not through status, but through alignment with truth and willingness to follow.
She then turns to Paul, formerly Saul, whose life represents one of the most dramatic transformations from opposition to leadership.
Once actively involved in persecuting early followers, his experience on the road to Damascus marked a complete reversal of direction, identity and purpose. He moved from resistance to devotion, from opposition to advocacy and from destruction to building.
"Yet at this time, Saul zealously persecuted the earliest Christians, seeing them as a threat to Judaism. He approved imprisonments, and even executions, of those who followed Jesus. And yet… God saw his potential. God knew He could use him as a powerful vessel to spread the truth of Jesus."
From that point forward, Paul’s life illustrates the possibility of radical transformation and redefinition of purpose regardless of past actions, identity or perceived disqualification.
She summarizes this section with the broader principle that emerges throughout her reflection:
“God’s ways are higher than ours. No past mistake, no failure, no history of opposition disqualifies someone from being used mightily in His plan.”
This becomes a central thread of the episode’s message: that calling is not determined by past limitation, but by transformation, surrender and alignment with purpose that often reveals itself through healing.
“Why Did God Choose Me?” — A Turning Point in Understanding Calling
At a certain point in her healing journey, she describes encountering a question that many survivors of abuse and spiritual awakening eventually face:
“Why did God choose me?”
She notes that this question often comes with doubt, humility and a sense of unworthiness. Many people who find themselves stepping into purpose do not initially see themselves as religious, spiritually prepared or qualified.
You might think, “I’m not particularly religious,” or, “I didn’t really believe in God before this journey.”
She reflects on her own background and how her understanding of faith evolved over time:
“In my own journey, I grew up Catholic—but I wasn’t devout in the traditional sense. I attended Mass out of obligation, not out of deep personal devotion and even that routine fell out of alignment after COVID hit in 2020. I believed in God, but I didn’t have the personal relationship with Him that I have now.”
She explains that, for much of her life, her understanding of God was broad and inclusive in a general sense. She believed in spiritual connection across belief systems rather than a single defined path.
“I honestly thought there were many paths to God—not just Christianity. We live in a world full of religions, with overlapping values and moral systems. In my mind, I believed everyone was ultimately connected to God in some way… even those in religions that did not explicitly profess belief in God, but ones that demonstrated His presence through their actions, behavior and moral values.”
She also acknowledges the internal tension she once felt around exclusive interpretations of faith, particularly statements that emphasize Christ as the only path to God.
“I grew up believing that to say, ‘Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Him’ seemed exclusionary—even oppressive—to those from other religious backgrounds who shared similar moral codes, philosophies and ways of living.”
From that place of uncertainty, she describes a broader realization that many people struggle with similar fears around expressing faith openly. These fears are often shaped by past experiences, misuse of religious authority or environments where spirituality was used in harmful ways.
“And here’s where some of you may be struggling as well: we often feel hesitant, ashamed or even fearful about sharing the truth of God that lives within us for these reasons or perhaps other reasons. For some, that fear comes from past experiences with religious narcissists or people who have weaponized God’s Word for selfish agendas.”
She reflects on how this can lead people to silence their beliefs or diminish their own spiritual experiences.
“That shame can cause us to dim God’s work in us… shrink our voice… and question whether God’s truth is really ours to share.”
But through her own transformation, she reframes this entirely.
For her, faith is not about control or imposition. It is about expression, alignment and embodiment.
“But here’s the truth: Christ’s light within us is not meant to be hidden. It is pure, restorative and meant to shine. It is meant to inspire, guide and uplift—not control or dominate.”
She emphasizes that sharing faith, when understood correctly, is not about forcing belief but about living in alignment with truth and allowing that lived experience to naturally influence others.
“Sharing the light of Christ is never about forcing anyone to believe. It’s about living authentically in God’s truth… and offering that hope, guidance and love to others. When we share His truth, we are not being oppressive… we are being vessels of His love… channels of His wisdom… mirrors of His light.”
She also describes a shift in how she began to understand spiritual texts, not as purely intellectual or human writings, but as something experienced through a deeper spiritual lens.
“When we read the Bible, we are not simply reading human thoughts or opinions. We are encountering the Spirit of God… speaking through human vessels… providing guidance, truth and inspiration that transforms lives.”
For her, this understanding did not emerge from academic study or structured religious training, but through lived experience during a period of profound personal breakdown and rebuilding.
“This awakening didn’t come from my own human effort, theological education or vocational training. It came from God Himself—meeting me in the isolation of healing from covert narcissistic abuse.”
She explains that her most difficult season ultimately became the context in which clarity emerged.
“This podcast wouldn’t exist as a source of guidance and support for all of you. I might still be working as an endocrinologist… continuing to play it small in my personal life… being a stepping stool for the narcissists in my life… keeping the truth of God’s light contained… rather than sharing it on a larger scale.”
Instead, she frames that painful season as the catalyst for profound awakening and transformation.
“But through the Holy Spirit, God transformed that hardship into a powerful moment of awakening. I now understand that the light of Christ within each of us is meant to shine—not just for ourselves…but for others who need His guidance, hope and love.”
The Wilderness Season and Spiritual Refinement
Dr. Zacharia discusses the concept of a wilderness season as a necessary part of spiritual development following recovery and healing from covert narcissistic abuse.
She explains that this season removes self reliance and builds dependence on God.
“It strips away our reliance on ourselves, our understanding and our strength… and calls us to depend entirely on God.”
She also describes mounting spiritual resistance during this season, including doubt, distraction and internal conflict where Satan hits even harder:
“His voice sounded just like the covert narcissists of my past… because Satan is the original narcissist.”
She encourages discernment and grounding during these periods of uncertainty.
Faith, Turbulence and Trust in Divine Timing
Dr. Zacharia uses the metaphor of a plane navigating air turbulence to circumvent spiritual difficulty during purpose-driven seasons.
“A plane doesn’t fight against the turbulence. The pilot redirects…readjusts…and continues moving forward.”
She emphasizes that faith functions as an anchor during instability and uncertainty.
There will be moments of opposition. Jesus reminded His disciples of this reality. In Matthew 10:16–20 (NLT), He says:
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves."
"But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me."
"When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Dr. Zacharia also discusses the importance of trust in divine timing is essential, even when circumstances appear unclear or delayed.
“Things do not happen according to our limited human understanding. Things happen in God’s timing. For His timing is perfect.”
Grace, Joy and the Expanding Nature of Calling
As Dr. Zacharia's healing progressed, she also describes a widening understanding of what it means to walk in purpose—not only in terms of struggle, but also in terms of grace, joy and unexpected restoration.
She emphasizes that the path of calling is not defined solely by difficulty or spiritual warfare, but also by moments of unexpected beauty and divine provision.
“And for as much pain, confrontation and even chaos you may endure while walking on this path of your life calling… God will also show you His grace in ways that are unexpected, beautiful and life-giving.”
She reflects on how surrendering control to God creates space for experiences that could not have been planned or manufactured.
“The beauty of coming into complete reliance on God is that you don’t have to plan everything. He will take you on adventures and experiences you never even saw coming—things only God could make possible.”
From this perspective, purpose is not only endurance—it is also expansion.
“Life in God’s purpose is not only about trials; it’s also about experiencing the fullness of His creation, the excitement of new challenges and the fulfillment of walking in truth."
"I don’t want to make it seem like being a chosen one is all struggle or responsibility. There is so much joy, fulfillment and fun in walking in your God-given purpose.”
She describes this stage of transformation as a return to aliveness—where emotional and spiritual emptiness is replaced by internal fullness and alignment.
“When you walk in your truth—God’s truth—you feel fully alive. The joy you once lost comes roaring back. The things you used to do to fill the emptiness and void the covert narcissist left in your life are now replaced and overflowing with God’s love, glory, and honor.”
With this shift, she highlights a deep internal reorientation—where fulfillment is no longer externally sourced but internally sustained.
“There is such a deep level of gratitude—not only because of what God pulled you through and how He rebuilt you, but because you are now back in alignment with your truth. And when you are in alignment with such truth—you are whole in ways that are inexplicable. You no longer yearn for the very things the covert narcissist withheld from you… because now it all comes from within.”
Looking back on her own journey, she describes a sense of awe at the unfolding process of transformation.
“When I reflect back on this evolution of God unfolding in my life… to bring me to this moment of understanding… it truly takes my breath away.”
She acknowledges that what once seemed impossible has now become reality.
“I never imagined I would be in this position…speaking so fervently on Christ’s truth in me. My life is a testimony of His work—not only in me, but in the lives of others I am impacting as I walk in my divine purpose.”
Message of Encouragement and Support
Dr. Zacharia also speaks to those who may still be in early stages of healing, emphasizing that transformation is not reserved for a select few.
“Some survivors may believe full healing is impossible… that all they can do is survive and cope. But your life is a living testimony of His work in you… and a demonstration that good will always prevail over evil.”
She concludes this reflection by emphasizing resilience as evidence of divine work rather than personal limitation.
“And the fact that you can rise from the pain of something meant to destroy you stronger than ever before… is proof: proof of God’s presence, proof of His truth and proof that He is working through you.”