S2 Ep. 18 Think About What You Think About
Mental health is an epidemic in our culture. From panic attacks and anxiety to depression and suicide, it’s obvious that people are in an unhealthy state when it comes to their mind.
Thankfully for us, the Bible is FULL of advice and hope when it comes to the topic of mental health. Today’s guest has been on a roller coaster of a journey herself in regards to this topic. Our friend Holly Nelson shared some of her story with us. Holly has been married for 23 years and has three grown children and 8 grandchildren. She teaches in our women’s ministry, runs a Biblical counseling practice, and is currently studying for her Masters in Christian Counseling.
Holly has coined one of our favorite phrases, "Think about what you think about,' and we love this for a few reasons. 1.) It's easy to remember! 2.) It reminds us that being aware of our thoughts is an intentional choice we make every day. 3.) If we choose to, we can actually stop the spiral of untrue thoughts that attack us morning to night.
Holly walked us through some of the most common lies that women believer:
I'm not enough
I'm worthless
I'm fearful of the future
I'm ashamed
No one will want/love me
I'm a failure
I have nothing to offer
These are just a few of the MANY lies we can find ourselves trapped in. How do we stop this from happening? Unfortunately, as mothers we are some of the busiest people on planet earth, so it's easy to cover our pain and false thinking with busyness and escapism. That's why it's so important to be aware of what you are thinking!
So what is the lie (or lies) you are believing? Write it down, find a verse from God's Word that combats it with the truth, and read/repeat it over to yourself every time that lie enters your mind.
Lie: I am not enough
Truth: God says in Him and with Him I am enough
Verse: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
If God says I am His masterpiece and created for good works to do through the power of Jesus, who am I to argue? This is how we win the battle in our minds: by overcoming lies with truth!
Resources we love:
Get Out of Your Head by Jenni Allen
Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
One Year Bible or some other Bible reading plan. God's Word is the cure!
Don't mom alone,
Rachel and Stacy
PS. If you are contemplating suicide or know someone who is, don't hesitate to reach out to your local church, pastor, or trusted friend or family member. You are not alone, and this word needs you. Don't believe the lie that you're not worth it. YOU ARE!
