While sometimes depression hits without any known or perceivable cause, other times it stems from, or is exacerbated by overwhelming circumstances and situations involving those we love. But while we can't always control the things that impact our emotions, there are helpful things we can choose. In this episode, hosts Jennifer Slattery and Carol McCracken talk with therapist Stefanie Rowe about some of depressions roots and why it's important to seek help sooner rather than later. Bible passage discussed: 1 Kings 19 (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Sermons referenced in this episode (presented by Stefanie):

How to Navigate Depression

Helped, Hugged, Heard

Link to the mug mentioned in this episode: https://thehappygivers.com/collections/its-ok-collection

Find Stefanie Rowe:

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Find Carol McCracken:

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Find Jennifer Slattery:

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Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. In what ways might your current circumstances feel overwhelming?
3. How might your level of emotional involvement in other people's problems impact your current mental state?
4. How does it feel to know that godly people like Mother Teresa and the Old Testament prophet Elijah experienced depression?
5. How does it feel to know that God moves close to you in your pain (even if you can't "feel" His presence)?
6. As depression thrives in isolation, and also tends to pull us to isolate ourselves further: what is one way you can connect with others this week?
7. Who is one person in whom you can find support when you feel depressed?
8. What is one action step God might be asking you to take having listened to this episode?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many people fear death and the process of dying. This can lead to enslaving behaviors like obsessively following health trends, avoiding airplanes, or losing the ability to think of much else when our loved ones travel. But God doesn't want us to live in fear and has provided numerous truths in Scripture to assure us of His presence in our every moment, including when we pass from this present earth, and of the joy that awaits us in paradise. In this episode, hosts Carol McCracken and Jennifer Slattery discuss some of the underlying causes for our fear of death and biblical truths that can help us view our eternal future with anticipation rather than fear. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions)

Bible passages referenced: Luke 8:40-45; Acts 7:40-55; Romans 8:31-29; 2 Samuel 12:15-23; Isaiah 7:16

Book referenced: In Light of Eternity: Perspectives on Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Find Carol McCracken:

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Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. What most frightens or unsettles you when you think of death?
3. Which of God's unchanging character traits can speak to those fears?
4. What might God be communicating to you through the passage about Stephen, the first Christ-follower killed for his faith?
5. What might God be communicating to you through His assurance of His love in Romans 8?
6. What might God be communicating to you through Jesus' statement to the repentant thief on the cross?
7. What is one action step He might want you to take having listened to this episode?

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The late Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once wrote, "The worst thing that can happen to a man is to succeed before he's ready." We've probably all heard of or read stories of fallen faith leaders to understand the truth in that statement. Considering this, what if our greatest setbacks and disappointments in pursuit of our God-given dreams are actually evidence of His love and grace? When doctors told Bay Turner that, due to his cut vocal cords, that he might never sing again, he felt into a dark and angry place. But God used that season of intense pain to bring about incredible beauty, as He's promised to do for all of us (Rom. 8:28). (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.)

Song referenced: "Brand New"

Find Bay Turner:

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On His Website

On Facebook

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Who in your life most inspired, or inspires, you to live for Jesus?
3. When you feel angry or in pain, are you most apt to turn to Jesus or withdraw from Him, and what most impacts your tendencies?
4. When has God used a setback or painful season to deepen your faith and intimacy with Him?
5. Why is the strength of our character so important when it comes to maintaining the strength to carry God-given dreams?
6. What are some ways you intentionally connect with Christ?
7. What is one action step God might be asking you to take having listened to this episode?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.