We all carry beliefs about who we are. Some are rooted in truth, while others have been shaped by painful experiences, rejection, failure, or the labels people have placed on us. Over time, those beliefs can become so deeply embedded that we mistake them for our identity. But what if some of the things you've believed about yourself for years simply aren't true? And what would happen if you could finally break free?
On this week's episode of The UPside Conversations, I welcome Dr. Rodney Hogue, a longtime pastor, international speaker, and author of Liberated, Forgiveness, and The Journey to Forgive (A 40-Day Devotional). For decades, Rodney has helped people experience spiritual freedom, emotional healing, and lasting transformation. But his journey into this ministry began with an extraordinary personal encounter in 1981 that challenged his own theological understanding. While attending seminary, Rodney experienced what he describes as his own deliverance from demonic oppression. That unexpected experience sent him searching the Scriptures and ultimately transformed the direction of his ministry.
Getting Free Is One Thing. Staying Free Is Another.
One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation is Rodney's emphasis on what happens after someone experiences freedom. As he explains in Liberated, breaking free from spiritual bondage or destructive patterns of thinking is only the beginning. Lasting transformation requires renewing our minds, replacing false beliefs with biblical truth, and learning to live from our true identity in Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4, Rodney describes this as the process of putting off the old self and putting on the new. It's not simply about changing our behavior. It's about changing the beliefs that drive our thoughts, emotions, and choices.
We also explore the powerful connection between forgiveness and freedom. Rodney offers a particularly insightful example: someone may genuinely choose to forgive an offense, yet weeks later find themselves struggling with bitterness all over again. Does that mean they never really forgave? Not necessarily. Rodney explains that while the decision to forgive may be sincere, the underlying patterns of thinking can take longer to change. His approach involves replacing those deeply rooted beliefs with compassion, allowing God's truth to reshape how we see both ourselves and others.
Discovering Who You Really Are
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from our conversation is that God doesn't simply want to free us from what has held us back. He wants us to become who He created us to be. Rodney shares practical insights into building what he calls godly strongholds—patterns of thinking grounded in Scripture that replace the lies we've accepted about ourselves. He also emphasizes the importance of meaningful Christian community, where people encourage one another, grow together, and remain accountable. And while spiritual renewal is central to his message, we acknowledge that those carrying deep emotional wounds or trauma may also benefit from professional counseling and additional support.
If you've ever felt trapped by old habits, painful memories, unforgiveness, or a version of yourself that no longer reflects who you want to become, this conversation is for you. Your past doesn't have to define your future, and the labels you've carried don't have to determine your identity. Join us for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about spiritual freedom, renewing the mind, and discovering The Real You.
Watch “The Real You” featuring Dr. Rodney Hogue on The UPside Conversations.
Real stories. Real faith. Conversations that leave you better than they found you.
With God, there's always an UPside!
