In Episode 27 of Unseen but Not Untold: Overcoming Covert Narcissistic Abuse, Dr. Christine C. Zacharia, MD, integrative covert narcissistic abuse recovery expert and board certified endocrinologist, guides listeners into a deeper exploration of identity and spiritual authority after covert narcissistic abuse. She discusses what it means to fully embody one's God given gifts as they walk in their divine purpose.
Honoring God’s Truth Within You
Dr. Zacharia opens the episode by grounding identity in spiritual origin rather than external validation or relational conditioning.
“It is about understanding who you are in Him and that the authority within you that comes directly from Him.”
Survivors are frequently conditioned to doubt their perception, minimize their gifts and question their worth. Dr. Zacharia restores the survivors identity to their original source - God. Authority is not something earned through performance or approval but something entrusted by God.
“As His chosen one you have a specific purpose only you can fulfill. While others can attempt to do what He has asked of you no one can execute it the way you can because God has entrusted you specifically with this purpose.”
This becomes a central theme of the episode. Purpose is not interchangeable. Even when imitation exists the original assignment remains unique. Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that this uniqueness is not rooted in ego but in stewardship. What is given by God carries intention direction and accountability.
“And anything that comes from God will not only succeed but will carry an everlasting impact.”
Distraction Sent by the Enemy
Dr. Zacharia reviews how covert narcissistic abuse is not random relational harm but intentional interference with identity and purpose.
“There is a reason Satan sent the covert narcissist your way. It has everything to do with the light of God that lives within you.”
“He wanted to distract you from the purpose only you could fulfill for the greater good of humanity as a whole in the larger body of Christ.”
This reframes suffering as something that is interpreted spiritually rather than purely psychologically.
The Wilderness Season and Spiritual Formation
Dr. Zacharia reflects on her own transition from her medical career as an endocrinologist into a purpose driven calling centered on healing and teaching.
This transition is described not as sudden but as the result of a long internal process shaped by surrender and refinement. The wilderness season becomes the space where identity is stripped of external anchors and rebuilt through dependence on God.
“All of it has been made possible through the wilderness season God led me through and the deep reliance on Him that I have learned to embrace.”
The wilderness season is not punishment but preparation. It removes false certainty and replaces it with spiritual clarity.
“This journey of complete dependence on God has not been easy it has deepened my connection with Him and revealed profound truths about why I am here.”
The difficulty of the process is acknowledged but so is its necessity. The result is a deeper revelation of purpose and a greater reliance on God as the original source of one’s purpose.
Imposter Syndrome and Being Called Beyond Comfort
In this segment of the episode, Dr. Zacharia reflects on the internal resistance that often arises when a person steps into a calling that feels larger than their past identity. What begins as imposter syndrome gradually unfolds into a deeper recognition of divine assignment, spiritual authority and purpose shaped through lived experience.
Dr. Zacharia begins by acknowledging a very human tension that often accompanies purpose driven transitions.
“In the beginning, there was definitely an element of imposter syndrome present, and I know many of you walking in your purpose have likely experienced the same thing.”
The shift required stepping outside of established identity structures and into a space where certainty was not immediately available.
“As an endocrinologist, speaking openly about covert narcissism was never something I envisioned for myself. In fact, it was far outside of my comfort zone.”
Despite firsthand experience with three covert narcissists, she initially hesitated due to a lack of formal psychological training. This hesitation reflects a broader theme in the episode. Calling often arrives before confidence in what God's asks of his chosen ones.
A Unique Vantage Point and Spiritual Framing of Experience
Dr. Zacharia reframes her background not as a limitation but as part of a divinely structured perspective.
“But that is exactly one of several reasons why God chose me for this specific purpose. I offer a unique vantage point that brings a deeper understanding of what is truly happening beneath the surface.”
“As I have shared with you before, covert narcissism runs deeper than a personality disorder. Many of you who have experienced the ‘mask slip’ firsthand know exactly what I mean.”
This interpretation invites listeners to consider both psychological and spiritual dimensions of their lived experience.
Clinical Observation and the Question of What Lies Beneath
Dr. Zacharia draws from her medical background to highlight the contrast between physiological conditions and observed behavior in covert narcissistic abuse.
“And as an endocrinologist, I cannot ignore what I have personally observed through years of clinical experience. From 2012 to 2025, I managed patients with adrenaline-secreting tumors and conditions associated with extreme elevations in adrenaline - all greater than 3 times to upper limit of normal, even up to 8 times the upper limit of normal.”
She notes that even under extreme pathophysiologic elevation, she did not observe the same manifestations she witnessed in moments when the covert narcissist's mask slipped.
“There is a sinister, demonic entity lurking beneath. Yes, this concept defies human and scientific explanation because it reflects larger scale spiritual warfare.”
This perspective is framed within a worldview shaped by scripture and spiritual discernment rather than purely clinical interpretation.
“The more you engage with scripture and read through the Bible, the more you will understand this. If fact for those of you that have walked or are still walking through your own wilderness season, you know the escalating spiritual warfare you have experienced first hand the closer you have become to God. This was certainly the case for me and covert narcissistic abuse prepared me to distinguish between the voice of Satan vs. the voice of God. Satan sounds just like the covert narcissist. ”
Forgiveness as Liberation
Dr. Zacharia also brings up forgiveness in this episode as well as this is also related to the purpose God has entrusted her with. Within narcissistic abuse survivor communities, forgiveness has been misunderstood to benefit the abuser when it is for the benefit for the survivor.
“Within the narcissistic survivor community, it has become increasingly mainstream to reject the idea of forgiving the covert narcissist altogether, often because of deep misconceptions about what forgiveness actually represents.”
Dr. Zacharia reviews that this misunderstanding is reinforced by distorted interpretations of scripture and weaponization for secondary gain. Forgiveness is not reconciliation or denial of harm, but internal release.
“Forgiveness does not mean excusing abuse, removing accountability, reconciling with unsafe people or pretending harm never occurred. It means releasing the spiritual, emotional and psychological bondage that unforgiveness can create within you.”
She encourages listeners to revisit Episode 11 for a deeper exploration of this topic.
"Through my background in philosophy and my deep connection with God, I have explained in great detail why forgiveness is ultimately for you — not for the abuser."
"If you have not yet listened to Episode 11, I strongly encourage you to do so. I truly believe that episode has the potential to completely transform the way you understand and approach forgiveness."
"My authority on this topic comes from God and there is no greater authority on forgiveness than Him. God sent Jesus, His only Son, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. And the deeper significance behind that sacrifice — and what it reveals about forgiveness itself — is something I explore in depth throughout Episode 11."
Healing Practices and Reframing Cultural Perspectives
"And for those of you who feel hesitant about yoga because of what you were taught it represents, I want to offer you a fresh perspective. Because that is why God has brought you to this podcast."
She reflects on how practices like yoga supported her healing process from trauma unrelated to covert narcissistic abuse.
“Yoga helped me move through trauma unrelated to covert narcissistic abuse.”
She also offers a reframed perspective for those hesitant about integrating such practices into a faith centered life.
“You can absolutely practice yoga while meditating on Christ and keeping God at the center of it.”
In this view, physical movement and breathwork become tools for nervous system regulation and emotional restoration, especially when aligned with spiritual intention.
"And with the additional perspective I carry as an endocrinologist, I am also able to explain how healing practices such as yoga can translate on an energetic and physiological level. Through both my personal experiences and clinical observations, I have come to recognize a connection between stagnant emotional energy, nervous system dysregulation, physiological disruption and even the manifestation of certain autoimmune conditions."
"I have witnessed aspects of this in my own life and my experience in endocrinology has only deepened and solidified my understanding of these connections."
Dr. Zacharia explores these concepts in much greater detail in Episodes 9 and 10 of Unseen but Not Untold.
Integration, History and Redemption of Practices
Dr. Zacharia broadens the discussion by acknowledging how cultures historically overlap and evolve.
“We already integrate things from various cultures and traditions outside our own all the time.”
She points to examples where elements of music, instruments and traditions once associated with different belief systems have been repurposed in worship and cultural expression.
“The origin of something does not limit its present day purpose.”
Meaning and intention can transform how something is used in the present regardless of its historical origin.
"Even the celebration of Jesus’ birth occurs around a time of year that historically overlapped with pagan festivals and winter solstice traditions. Yet Christians redeemed that season by centering it on Christ. The existence of historical pagan associations did not stop believers from transforming the focus toward God."
Purpose, Stewardship and Divine Assignment
Dr. Zacharia reminders listeners this authority is not self generated but part of her assignment as God's chosen one to guide covert narcissistic abuse survivors out of their pain, back to God and into their divine purpose.
“These are unique gifts, insights and perspectives that God has entrusted to me — tools meant to be integrated into the life purpose He has specifically called me to fulfill.”
She clarifies this confidence is not rooted in ego but in stewardship.
“This is not about arrogance or pride, but about confidence in understanding the source of all that has been placed within me.”
Humility is reviewed not as self diminishment but as recognition of origin and responsibility.
“Humility is recognizing where everything comes from and why God bestows these gifts in the first place.”
Ultimately, the purpose of these gifts extends beyond the individual.
“These gifts are not ultimately for me — they are for the greater good of humanity as a whole.”
Michael Jackson as a Reflection of Embodied Purpose
Dr. Zacharia transitions the listener's attention to Michael Jackson, a modern day example of God's chosen one.
"In this episode God wants me to highlight one of His special chosen ones. A person embodied a powerful and often misunderstood combination of humility, confidence, generosity and extraordinary talent - someone you are all familiar with: Michael Jackson."
She reviews how his music aligned with God's truth in him and his role to bring about messages of peace, hope and restoration.
“Heal the World presents a vision of global restoration that mirrors the prophetic imagery found in Isaiah and Revelation.”
“Keep the Faith serves as a call to endurance through life’s inevitable trials.”
“Will You Be There stands as an overtly religious cry for divine presence structured as a prayer.”
These interpretations are not only artistic but symbolic of how creative expression can carry deeper meaning when aligned with purpose.
The episode highlights that talent, when fully expressed, becomes impact and influence beyond entertainment. Dr. Zacharia also discusses how Michael Jackson balanced humility with confidence in his God-given talents and authority.
“He remained humble despite his extraordinary gifts and talents.”
“He understood that he was operating as God’s vessel and instrument of truth.”
This reinforces the episode’s broader message that gifts are not for self glorification but for service.
“So why Michael Jackson and why did God want me to discuss him specifically in this week’s podcast episode? He wanted me to remind you—not just in words, but in embodied spirit—what it looks like to fully embrace the gifts and talents God has placed within you in a modern context."
"Michael Jackson did not embrace his talents with hesitation or half-heartedly. He embraced them unapologetically, with clarity and courage. Because there is a difference between possessing a talent and truly living it."
Standing Firm in God's Authority as His Chosen One
Dr. Zacharia reminds listeners how to apply Michael Jackson’s truth to their own lives, emphasizing that embodying one’s full God-given authority brings something special and deeply needed to society as a whole.
"Stand firm in that truth and in the authority God has given you. There is no greater authority than God—not human opinion, not socially accepted norms. God."
"And if God has asked you to walk in your truth, trust and know that what you hold and carry is truly special, and the world needs to see it."
Joshua's Courage in the Face of Uncertainty
Joshua’s story in the Old Testament is a foundational example of how God prepares individuals for leadership long before they are publicly called.
Joshua was chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. His role did not begin with visibility or recognition but with quiet faithfulness.
“He was humble, faithful and deeply obedient to God, even while serving quietly behind the scenes as Moses led the way.”
This detail is significant. Joshua’s leadership was not sudden or unearned. It was formed over time through consistency, service and unseen preparation.
“Joshua did not initially feel confident or fully understand why God had chosen him to lead such a monumental mission.”
His story reflects a common human experience when encountering divine assignment. The calling often feels larger than personal capacity at first.
Dr. Zacharia explains to listeners that Joshua was not selected based on external traits commonly associated with leadership.
“God did not choose him because he was the loudest or most outwardly confident person in the room. God chose Joshua because of his faithfulness, his consistency and his unwavering obedience.”
This highlights another key concept in walking in divine authority as God's chosen one. True preparation happens in private before public responsibility is given.
“Joshua had already proven his character in private long before he was ever called into public leadership.”
Joshua’s life included long periods of waiting, observing and enduring uncertainty alongside the Israelites. He witnessed both miracles and rebellion, yet remained grounded in trust.
“Yet despite everything around him, he remained anchored in trust.”
This endurance becomes part of his qualification for leadership. The wilderness is not wasted time but formative preparation.
Fear, Responsibility and Divine Encouragement
When Joshua is finally called into leadership, he does not respond with immediate confidence. Instead, he experiences fear and awareness of the weight before him.
“He knew he was stepping into a role previously held by Moses, one of the greatest leaders in biblical history.”
In response, God repeatedly speaks into Joshua’s fear with a command rather than suggestion.
“Be strong and courageous.”
Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that this command is not given because Joshua already feels strong, but because courage is required in the presence of fear.
“Not because Joshua already felt fearless, but because courage is required precisely when fear and self-doubt are present.”
Scripture reinforces this assurance. In Joshua 1:5 (NLT) God reminds Joshua of this truth:
“No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”
And again in Joshua 1:9 (NLT):
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
These passages emphasize that Joshua’s success is not dependent on personal strength alone but on divine presence and guidance.
“God was reminding Joshua that the assignment placed on his life was never dependent solely on his own strength, charisma, or personal confidence.”
“It depended on his willingness to trust God fully and walk in obedience.”
This reframes leadership as something rooted in character rather than performance.
“Real leadership is not rooted in ego or performance. It is rooted in alignment with God, integrity of character and the willingness to move forward even when you do not fully see the entire path ahead.”
Called Before Confidence
Dr. Zacharia highlights a key tension many people experience when stepping into purpose. The assumption that confidence must come first.
“Many people wait until they feel completely confident before embracing what God has called them to do.”
Joshua’s life challenges this assumption.
“But Joshua shows that confidence is often built through obedience along the journey, not before it.”
God does not require complete certainty before movement.
“God did not ask Joshua to have everything figured out. He asked him to trust Him enough to move forward anyway.”
This principle reframes obedience as the starting point of confidence rather than its result.
Joshua’s faithfulness ultimately leads to transformation on a generational scale.
“And because Joshua remained faithful, God used him to lead people into a new chapter, break generational cycles of fear and wandering and fulfill promises that had been spoken long before his leadership began.”
Peter: Authority That Redirects Glory Back to God
The story of Peter in Acts of the Apostles becomes a powerful example of humility within spiritual power.
In Acts 3:12 (NLT), Peter addresses the crowd after healing a man who had been unable to walk.
"'People of Israel,' he said, 'what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness?'"
This moment is significant because Peter is directly confronting a common human assumption that power originates from the individual performing the act. Instead, he immediately reframes the miracle as something that does not belong to him, as it came from God working through him.
Ordinary People as Vessels of Divine Work
Dr. Zacharia uses this passage to reinforce a broader spiritual principle that runs throughout the episode.
"God often works through ordinary people who are willing to remain faithful, obedient and aligned with Him.
This framing removes the idea that divine work is reserved for the exceptional or the visibly powerful. Instead, it highlights availability, obedience and humility as the primary conditions for being used. The authority Peter operates in is not self-generated. It is entrusted.
"The power was never Peter’s alone. Peter simply allowed himself to become a vessel through which God’s power could move."
This perspective reinforces the episode’s broader theme that divine authority is expressed through surrender, not self-exaltation.
Your Light Is Not Meant to Be Hidden
The episode directs listeners to God's spiritual call to visibility and courage, one reinforced 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.”
Walking in Divine Authority
Dr. Zacharia's closing message ties together healing, identity and purpose.
"Our collective awakening is not a coincidence. In a world that is increasingly being consumed by darkness that’s where our light shines the brightest. God is rebuilding a new earth through us and independent of how small or big you view your role, it is big in the larger body of Christ. Everything you do has a ripple effect even if it is not apparent to you right now."
"God doesn’t want you to forget that and it is important you embrace the gifts He has given you wholeheartedly and understanding you embody His divine authority to use them in a way only you can."