Scriptual Serenity: A Mental Wellness & Faith Journey with Dr. Erica

Forgiveness is one of our most powerful tools for healing and personal growth. We Christians are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven us. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to "be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." But what does forgiveness really mean, and how can it impact our mental and emotional well-being? Let’s explore the transformative power of forgiveness through biblical wisdom and practical mental health tips. Understanding Forgiveness Forgiveness is Not Forgetting or Excusing: Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the offense or excusing the wrong done to us. It’s not about minimizing the hurt or pretending it didn’t happen. Instead, forgiveness is about releasing the desire for revenge or retribution. It’s letting go of the bitterness and anger that can poison our hearts and hinder our relationship with God and others. Forgiveness is a Choice:  Forgiveness is an intentional act of the will. It’s a...

In today’s world, it’s easy to find ourselves drifting away from the passionate, committed faith we once had. We might still attend church, say a prayer now and then, and even read our Bibles occasionally, but something feels missing. This gradual drift can lead us to become what the Bible describes as a "lukewarm" Christian. In Revelation 3:16, Jesus speaks to the church in Laodicea, saying, "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." These strong words remind us of the importance of a fervent, sincere faith. But how do we recognize when we’re lukewarm, and more importantly, how do we reignite our passion for God? 1. Lack of Passion for God’s Word:  A lukewarm Christian often lacks the desire to delve deeply into Scripture, making reading the Bible more of a chore than a joy. If you find yourself skimming through verses without genuinely engaging with God’s Word, it might signify that your faith needs revitalizing. 2....

Life has a way of throwing challenges at us when we least expect them. Whether it's a personal crisis, a difficult decision, or just the daily grind wearing us down, these moments test our inner strength and faith. This is where spiritual resilience comes into play. That inner fortitude helps us navigate life’s most challenging times with faith, hope, and determination. But how do we build this resilience, especially when we need it fast? Developing spiritual resilience is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced world, where stress and uncertainty are constants. The good news is you don’t have to spend months or years building it up. With the right strategies, you can strengthen your spiritual resilience in just one week. What is Spiritual Resilience? Spiritual resilience is more than just a buzzword; it’s the ability to stay grounded, focused, and hopeful in the face of adversity. It allows us to keep moving forward when everything around us feels like it’s falling apart. T...

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, many of us reflect on the past and look ahead with hopes of transformation and renewal. The start of 2024 offers us an incredible opportunity to embrace a journey that revitalizes our bodies and minds and connects us deeply with our spiritual essence. This journey is about embracing the breath of life—an ancient yet ever-relevant practice that can guide us to a life of peace, purpose, and salvation. The Breath of Life: More Than Just a Cliché We’ve all heard the phrase “just breathe” during moments of stress or anxiety. While it might sound like a simple or even clichéd piece of advice, mindful breathing holds profound power. It’s a practice that goes beyond merely calming our nerves; it’s a gateway to spiritual awakening and a deeper connection with God. In the Bible, breath is often associated with life itself. In Genesis, God breathed life into Adam, making him a living being. This divine breath is not just a biological function; it’s a sy...

In our fast-paced world, where distractions and temptations are everywhere, staying grounded in our faith and making the right choices can be challenging. Whether it's a subtle urge to take shortcuts in our responsibilities, indulge in unhealthy habits, or entertain negative thoughts, temptation comes in many forms. But what if I told you that there's timeless wisdom in the Bible that can help us navigate these challenges? Today, we're diving into 1 Corinthians 10:9 to uncover powerful insights to strengthen our resolve to resist temptation. Understanding 1 Corinthians 10:9 1 Corinthians 10:9 states, " We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes ." At first glance, this verse might seem harsh or even confusing. However, digging deeper, we see it's a warning rooted in love and concern for our spiritual well-being. This verse refers to a critical moment in Israel's history when the Israelites repeatedly doubted God's protecti...