In this podcast we sit down with Diana Villa, a highly gifted Christian Life Coach with a strong focus on personal and professional growth. She is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach and a John Maxwell DISC Behavior Analyst, specializing in helping individuals recognize and develop their unique strengths and behaviors. Diana uses a holistic coaching approach to empower clients, guiding them toward achieving their goals and maximizing their potential. With her background in education, military experience, and advanced coaching certifications, she offers tailored guidance that fosters resilience, growth, and success.

Diana is a highly skilled Life Coach with a strong focus on personal and professional growth. She is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach and a John Maxwell DISC Behavior Analyst, specializing in helping individuals recognize and develop their unique strengths and behaviors. Diana uses a holistic coaching approach to empower clients, guiding them toward achieving their goals and maximizing their potential. With her background in education, military experience, and advanced coaching certifications, she offers tailored guidance that fosters resilience, growth, and success.

In an interview with Diana Villa, she shared her deep commitment to supporting veterans through her involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project. Diana explained how volunteering with the organization allowed her to connect with courageous men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country. She emphasized the importance of providing these veterans with emotional support, resources, and a sense of community as they navigate the challenges of recovery. For Diana, her work with the Wounded Warrior Project is not just about helping veterans, but also about honoring their strength and resilience.  

With Diana Villa, Wounded Warrior Project Volunteer 

In our podcast on domestic violence/intimate partner abuse, we share our deeply personal journeys through a challenging time that many face but few discuss openly. By weaving together our stories, we highlight how our faith, family, and community played pivotal roles in our healing process. Through candid conversations, we aim to inspire others to find strength and support in their own lives, emphasizing the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming adversity. Join us as we explore hope, healing, and the power of shared experiences.  With Beth and Heather.

In our podcast on Domestic Violence/Intimate partner abuse, we share our deeply personal journeys through a challenging time that many face but few discuss openly. By weaving together our stories, we highlight how our faith, family, and community played pivotal roles in our healing process. Through candid conversations, we aim to inspire others to find strength and support in their own lives, emphasizing the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming adversity. Join us as we explore hope, healing, and the power of shared experiences.  With Beth and Heather.

During this podcast we discuss grief with author Marci Renee and spotlight her book, My Tower is Tumbling, which is a faith-based story to help children process grief and loss. 

Impact

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been a tireless advocate for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of millions of wounded warriors and their families. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, we provide programs and services that change – and save – lives.

Domestic violence occurs when a person consistently aims to control their partner through physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.”

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.

Marci Renée, along with her French husband and four boys, is a global nomad, who has traveled to more than thirty countries and has lived in the United States, France, Morocco, and Spain. Marci is a certified English and French teacher, life coach, public speaker, and trauma debriefer who is trained in narrative therapy. She currently lives in Spain and works with women who are rescued survivors of human trafficking. She is the published author of seven children’s picture books and five creative non-fiction books.

Pierre's rock tower is getting taller and taller and heavier and heavier each day! As he travels around the world, Pierre experiences some difficult things and collects rocks along the way. His tower gets too tall and too wobbly. Pierre eventually has to face his tumbling rocks, stories, grief, and pain. His life will change forever!

We live in a world in which many questions may lead us to wonder what our true identity is.  Join Joy and Friends as we tackle the questions many people have about their identity, and reflect on Biblical truths about who God says we are.  

With Kelsey, Kim and Beth

We live in a world in which many questions may lead us to wonder what our true identity is.  Join Joy and Friends as we tackle the questions many people have about their identity, and reflect on Biblical truths about who God says we are.  

With Kelsey, Kim and Beth

We live in a world in which many questions may lead us to wonder what our true identity is.  Join Joy and Friends as we tackle the questions many people have about their identity, and reflect on Biblical truths about who God says we are.  

With Kelsey, Kim and Beth

In this episode, we engage in candid conversations about anxiety, weaving personal experiences with faith-based perspectives. We delve into the complexities of navigating anxiety within the context of our beliefs, exploring how scripture, prayer, and community support offer solace and guidance. In this episode we offer a safe space where listeners are invited to explore the intersections of mental health and spirituality, finding reassurance in the shared struggles and triumphs of the host and her friends. Through heartfelt discussions and practical advice, this podcast aims to empower individuals to confront their anxiety with courage, trust in their faith in God, seek help from others, and find peace amidst life's uncertainties.

Boundaries are essential for emotional, physical and spiritual wellness.  In our podcast we continue our discussion about the different aspects of boundaries and give suggestions and examples of how we have had to deal with and implement boundaries.

Kelsey, Lloyd and Diana were in this session.

Boundaries are essential for emotional, physical and spiritual wellness.  In our podcast we continue our discussion about the different aspects of boundaries and give suggestions, Bible teachings and examples of how we have had to deal with and implement boundaries.

With Kelsey, Lloyd and Diana

Fulfilled. What a word. Two simple syllables and yet so elusive for our frazzled and restless hearts. Who among us hasn’t yearned for something even faintly resembling fulfillment in our frantic, demanding, “what have-you-done-for-me-lately” world?

Join Pastor Robert Morris as he begins his new series, What’s My Purpose? , where he shares the profound journey of discovering God’s purposes for our lives. In this message, Pastor Robert emphasizes the significance of understanding our identities in Christ as the foundation for unlocking our divine purpose. 

The way you see yourself influences every area of your life. Your identity determines whether or not you will be happy, successful, full of hope, and able for God to use you for great things. Satan is hard at work using things such as the opinions of others, painful experiences, and even the media to conceal your true identity in Christ

Discover Who You Are In Christ|Christain Identity-Priscilla Shirer

Priscilla Shirer teaches on the identity in Christ. Priscilla shirer shows how important is christain identity.

Tim Keller talks about the Identity in Christ . What is your identity? What is the source of your value, worth and significance? Tim Keller teaches us about the only unshakable source of identity - which is in Jesus Christ.

Setting Boundaries in Relationships A Beginner s Guide. Every relationships needs boundaries. Learn what is a boundary, how to set boundaries and examples of boundaries.

The unique and awful reality of losing a loved one to suicide can lead to feelings of judgment, blame and shame. Despite the fact that survivors of suicide are virtually always shocked by a loved one taking their own life, others will sometimes question, though not always directly, whether the survivors bear some responsibility for the suicidal act of the deceased person. Oftentimes, survivors can actually be the worst offenders in this regard and assign blame to themselves.

https://www.mygriefcare.com/

Boundaries can feel impossible sometimes, especially if you have lived your life without them. How do you begin to draw the line when it comes to what you are willing to accept in a relationship?  How do you know when it is beyond the point of healing and time to let go of a toxic relationship?

Today’s guests, doctors Henry Cloud and Daniel Amen, help us see how science and scripture can be connected in ways that explain our hurts and heal our pain. Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling co-author of Boundaries. He shares Biblical and scientific support that show how healthy emotional boundaries honor God, ourselves and others. Dr. Daniel Amen is one of America’s leading psychiatrists and brain health experts. He has helped countless people change their brains and lives through his clinics, public television programs, and books, including the New York Times bestseller The Daniel Plan and his latest book, Memory Rescue. Today he tells us how taking care of our physical health helps us take care of our brain and spiritual well-being.

With college campuses closed and many entry-level jobs being impacted by the economy, young adults are moving back home with their parents.

Dr. John Townsend helps families to navigate expectations and responsibilities to set healthy boundaries and show mutual respect. He addresses communication issues and formulating and implementing a plan for rules in your home that can work for everyone.

In this highlight from The Dr. Cloud Show, Christian’s mom is pressuring her to be close. When she tries to maintain her boundaries, her mom shames her. How can she get stronger through practice and communicate her boundaries with more clarity and less frustration?

Every year, millions of Americans struggle with symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders. The most common mental illness in the U.S., anxiety is a significant issue that deserves attention as it has an impact on everything from workplace performance to personal relationships. It can feel isolating, go hand-in-hand with depression and even impact your physical health.

Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend offer biblically based answers to these tough questions as they show us how to set healthy boundaries. This series helps us define and maintain the clear personal boundaries that are essential to a healthy and balanced life.

Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend offer biblically based answers to these tough questions as they show us how to set healthy boundaries. This series helps us define and maintain the clear personal boundaries that are essential to a healthy and balanced life.

Dr. Henry Cloud says boundaries are an invisible property line that separates everything that is yours from everything that is not yours. They keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.

Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  at 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations. If you are worried about a friend’s social media updates, you can contact safety teams at the social media company . They will reach out to connect the person with the help they need.

TikTok is a social media platform that replaced the popular Musical.ly app when it went offline in 2017. Know as Douyin in China, it gives users the ability to watch and create short clips of up to 60 seconds.

The Bible has a lot to say about anxiety, but the word itself may not be found all that often. In the English Standard Version, it is used 8 times. In the New International Version, it is found 7 times. The King James Version does not use the word at all. Synonyms like trouble, heaviness, distress, and cares are used in its place.

In this video, they share the Parental Controls Guide to Safety on TikTok. Download FamiSafe for a free trial: https://bit.ly/3dn9xkz #famisafe #tiktoktparentalc

Facebook allows users to create a profile that displays information including their profile picture, school or work information, their birthday and a variety of interests or events. Users can search and add each other as Facebook ‘friends’ and share status updates, photos, videos and links. Other users can be ‘tagged’ in uploaded content. The amount of information available, and to whom, depends heavily on a user’s privacy settings.

Many parents struggle to help their children with cyberbullying, online harassment or digital abuse related problems. The prospect of trying to “fix” a problem online can seem particularly daunting as a parent, trying to keep updated of the fast growing list of social media platforms competing for our children’s attention! Without a full understanding of our children’s activities online, parents can be left feeling helpless and frustrated. This section explores some of the most common difficulties in dealing with cyberbullying and online abuse as a parent, and hopes to guide you through the steps you can take to ensure you give your child the best possible chance of a safe and healthy digital life.

When you are being cyberbullied or harassed online, it can be easy to feel helpless – but we want to give you back the power! In this section you will find lots of information about different social media platforms and apps, including what they can be used for, who uses them and advice on how to deal with problems such as cyberbullying, harassment and threatening behavior.

Cyberbullying is used as an umbrella term to describe many different kinds of online abuse including but not limited to harassment, doxing, reputation attacks and revenge porn.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was formerly classified as an anxiety disorder but is now categorized separately by the American Psychological Association. OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors. The thoughts are invasive and feel uncontrollable. Furthermore, the thoughts are anxiety-provoking, compelling the person to carry out certain behaviors to temporarily relieve the anxiety. Both the thoughts and compulsive routines interfere with daily life to varying degrees. Researchers have not found a cause for OCD, but they have identified parts of the brain that seem to be involved.

We live in a world where the average person is always on the run and flooded with information. Most are able to handle it, but some feel like everything is overwhelming and become obsessed with controlling everything to the point that it disrupts their life. Before long, many will go to a mental health professional and are diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For Christians, many will ask, what are ways for a Christian to deal with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

OCD is a serious mental illness that often requires treatment. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about OCD. Learn how to separate myth from fact.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 2.3% of the U.S. population. Like all mental illnesses, there are many misconceptions about the disorder. These OCD myths — while rampant — can be harmful and demoralizing for people struggling with the condition. Let’s unpack some of the common myths about OCD.

God tells us over and over in Scripture to lean on him for what our human strength and ingenuity cannot achieve. When overwhelmed by life and its woes, be encouraged by these passages of Scripture with commentary from the ESV Study Bible.

Often when Christians meet fellow believers who deal with anxiety, whether temporary or chronic, they will sometimes quote the verse “do not be anxious about anything” from Philippians (Philippians 4:6).

The Christian Association for Survivors of Suicide Loss (CASSL) is introduced by Executive Director Joy Osborn. CASSL is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hope, supporting and helping individuals who have been impacted by the aftermath of suicide. Our mission is to foster a compassionate community where survivors find support, understanding and strength in the midst of their grief in a world where the stigma surrounding suicide often leaves survivors feeling isolated and misunderstood. Through our organization, we create a nurturing space for their stories, find comfort in one another and embark on a journey towards healing and recovery.  We at CASSL understand the unique pain and challenges that survivors face as they navigate the complex emotions that come with losing a loved one to suicide.

The Bible has a lot to say about anxiety, but the word itself may not be found all that often. In the English Standard Version, it is used 8 times. In the New International Version, it is found 7 times. The King James Version does not use the word at all. Synonyms like trouble, heaviness, distress, and cares are used in its place.

Anxiety is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Because we’re so used to using terms like “anxious” and “anxiety” in casual language, it’s easy for people to assume that having anxiety just means worrying a lot. Most Christians suffering from anxiety disorders are used to being told, “Well, Jesus says to be anxious about nothing. This is the day the Lord has made and you should rejoice and be glad in it.”

While Scripture encourages us to avoid unnecessary worry, there’s a lot more to anxiety than that. Let’s examine what anxiety is and how Christians can respond to it.

The Bible tells us that we should “be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6) Another word to use for “careful” is “anxious” — be anxious for nothing. Even so we sometimes find ourselves in situations and life circumstances that create great anxiety.

When our children are in danger or being threatened, the “Mama Bear” in us wants to come out fighting fierce and strong. Our human nature may go against the way God wants us to respond.

Every day, heartbreaking stories about bullying on school campuses hit newspapers across the country and the globe. About 85 percent of all school shooters have as their motive revenge against bullying, some of which lasted for years and fits the legal definition of harassment. Children’s lives are being shattered, yet the faith community remains largely silent. Until now.

More than half of all teenagers in America today see bullying as a major problem among their peers, according to a new survey by Pew Research. Teens were more likely to rank bullying as a problem than poverty, drug addition, or drinking alcohol. Only anxiety and depression—problems that bullying contributes to—ranked higher in the survey.

As Christians, we can be shielded from so many things because of what Jesus Christ did for us - from the sting of eternal death and hell even. But even the most mature and established Christian can be at the receiving end of cyber-bullying. We are assured in this, however, that though we are ridiculed, offended and even attacked, we do not need to let the attitude and actions of others affect ours.

Although we do not find the word bullying in the Bible, we do find the word brutish, a synonym of the brutal thuggery associated with thieves, assassins, and savage beasts (Psalm 49:10; Proverbs 12:1; Isaiah 19:11).

Criminal Sanction?

All states have various criminal laws that might apply to bullying behaviors, depending on the nature of the act. For
example, if someone is physically hurting another, assault statutes might apply. All states also have criminal
harassment and/or stalking statutes, and most include explicit reference to electronic forms. States with a “YES” in
this column are the ones that expressly include electronic forms of harassment.

School Sanction?

In certain states, the bullying law specifies provisions allowing the school to discipline students in appropriate
and measured ways.

School Policy?

In every state except Montana, the bullying law mandates schools to have a formal policy to help with identification
of the behavior and discuss the possible formal and/or informal disciplinary responses that can follow. Some laws
require certain elements to be included in the policy (such as a specific definition of bullying), while others
simply require a policy without specification.

Off-campus?

Federal case law allows schools to discipline students for off-campus behavior that results in a substantial
disruption of the learning environment at school. States with a “YES” in this column have simply codified that
standard in state statute.

When you’re depressed, you can’t just will yourself to “snap out of it.” But these coping strategies can help you deal with depression and put you on the road to recovery.

Learn what causes eating disorders, what the root of the problem is, factors that could lead to the development of an eating disorder, what the Bible says about beauty and how to avoid the trap of eating disorders.

The choices we make on a daily basis—wearing a seatbelt, lifting heavy objects correctly or purposely staying out of any dangerous situation—can either ensure our safety or bring about potentially harmful circumstances.

As Christians, we also have choices to make. To keep us in God’s safety zone, the Word of God establishes the necessary boundaries. It tells us what we can do to be safe and what we shouldn’t do if we don’t want to be unsafe.

Before getting into this article, the term boundary first needs to be discussed. Many assume boundaries are unloving defenses intended to create distance rather than relationship. In reality, boundaries aren’t as much about keeping others out as keeping yourself in.

As a Christian woman, how often do you find yourself feeling a bit anxious?  How often do you find yourself experiencing a severe case of anxiety?  How do you handle it when those feelings arise?

What causes anxiety disorders?

Our understanding of the roots of anxiety disorders is very incomplete. Anxiety disorders constitute a class of mental health issues, and the underlying causes for each one may vary.

When you or the people around you do not understand the reality of depression, it makes seeking help more difficult. Depression can already distort your perception of reality or make you doubt your judgment. It’s crucial to be able to recognize what is and is not true about depression.

A recent survey revealed that U.S. adults are the most unhappy they’ve been in nearly 50 years.

The Great Recession, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Columbine. Of all the distressing events American people have endured over the past five decades, this is the time when happiness is at an all-time low.

And Christians aren’t exempt from this pain.

In your circle, well-meaning friends might underestimate your emotional struggles. “Just pray and read your Bible,” they may say. But what if you do all the “right” things and are still depressed?

As children grow into pre-teens and teenagers, it becomes more challenging for parents to know what they are thinking and feeling. When do the normal ups and downs of adolescence become something to worry about?

Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs

Every single day, someone you know is thinking about committing suicide. It isn’t just one or two—ten million Americans will consider killing themselves in the upcoming year. Dr. Matthew Sleeth believes Christians—and our churches—should be the first to offer hope. 

“How are you feeling?”

Think about the last time you asked your teen that question. Most likely, what you were really asking was, “Are you physically sick?” And, if you’re anything like me, you immediately entered “fix it mode” if your kid expressed even the slightest physical issue. Doctor’s appointments. Medication. Nourishing meals. As parents, we prioritize our kids’ physical health almost instinctively. But what about their mental health?

Mighty Oaks provides peer-to-peer resiliency and recovery programs that serve as the catalyst to assist our Nation’s Warriors dealing with challenges related to the struggles of daily military life, combat deployments and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS) offered at no cost to our Nation’s Warriors, including travel at beautiful ranches across the US.

As more psychologists and military leaders recognize that war hurts the soul as much as the mind, Warren Kinghorn and others say spiritual communities are a crucial resource. Beyond inviting veterans to receive healing in Christ, here are seven practical things churches can do. The following is based on our conversations with Kinghorn.

The Bible plays an important role in American’s armed forces—even for military personnel who aren’t particularly religious.

Some service members who don’t typically read Scripture will still turn to it during difficult times in their military careers, according to research released this week by Barna Group and the American Bible Society.

Fr. Mike explains why hope is the best remedy for suicidal thoughts. If you know someone struggling with such thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out to them with reasons to have hope. If someone you know or love has committed suicide, pray for them and don’t lose hope for their soul. If you struggle with suicidal thoughts, don’t be ashamed to seek help. Fr. Mike shares these words of encouragement and more in this video.

In spite of all the blessings, prosperity, and opportunities we enjoy in this country, many people are suffering from such devastating situations that they decide to end it all by taking their own lives. Learn what you can do to help those who are considering this option and share with them God's amazing love. For more messages from Charles Stanley, including this week's broadcast, go to www.intouch.org/watch

Suicide has a devastating impact on families and finding hope and healing in Christ is essential for those reeling after a sudden loss. Rita Schulte and Jean Daly share about losing a loved one and how they processed their grief with others and sought help from the Lord to move forward in His strength.

According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates are on the rise in the U.S., including among children and teens. As of 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults between the age of 15 and 19. Most suicide attempts in children and adolescents occur when children have depression or other mood disorders.

Committee Presents Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Recommendations to Austin

Physician suicide rate higher than any other profession

Claire Wallace - Friday, March 17th, 2023 

Physicians have the highest suicide rate of any professionals, at 40 suicides per every 100,000 physicians, according to a March 15 Medscape report. 

2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report

The VA conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each year. Findings are made available to the public in an Annual Report. The report is based on national death certificate data currently available through 2020.

Focus on the Family has created Alive to Thrive to provide help and hope for parents and others who interact regularly with young people. This free resource provides practical suggestions for preventing and responding to suicidal thoughts and actions.

Suicides among young people continue to be a serious problem. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults age 15-to-24-year-olds.

The majority of children and adolescents who attempt suicide have a significant mental health disorder, usually depression.

There is no doubt that suicide is a very complicated topic. With the most recent suicide involving mass murderer Elliot Rodgers, I can’t help but think about the topic myself.

We often link suicide to depression or a mental illness, but suicide is a very unique and even mysterious concern. Those who are contemplating suicide do not necessarily have depression or a mental illness. In fact, most depressed individuals can live long, unhappy lives. Because of this, an informed approach to suicide prevention requires an understanding that extends far beyond the symptoms of depression. Beyond depression, what causes someone to consider or attempt suicide? What are the warning signs? Is suicide even predictable? There are some clear answers and there are also some mixed messages out there that make it difficult to answer questions like these. In this article, I will unpack six common myths about suicide as I draw on the book, Dying to Be Free.

ChurchPulse Weekly Conversations: Juli Wilson & Kayla Stoecklein on the Mental Health Struggles of Ministry

In this week’s episode of ChurchPulse Weekly, Carey Nieuwhof and Alyce Youngblood (Barna’s Vice President, Editorial) are joined by Juli Wilson and Kayla Stoecklein. Together, Wilson and Stoecklein share about the suicides of their husbands–both of whom had served as church pastors–and how they desire to see the Church’s conversations surrounding mental health change in years to come.

GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.