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

  Ever feel like your mind is trapped in a perpetual gray day? Like the clouds of anxiety and worry just won't lift, and the sunshine of joy seems a distant memory? If you’re navigating the sometimes-stormy seas of mental health struggles, you know how easy it is to feel weighed down. But even in the midst of those gray days, there can be moments of bright light – moments of praise that can shift our perspective and bring a glimmer of hope. Let’s explore this idea through the shortest Psalm: Psalm 117. At just two verses, Psalm 117 might seem like a blink in the grand scope of scripture. But don't let its brevity fool you; it packs a powerful punch. It says, "Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord" (Psalm 117:1-2, NIV). Simple? Yes. Profound? Absolutely. Now, you might be thinking, "Praise? When I can barely get out of bed? When my thoughts ar...

Have you ever felt like you’re in a waiting room? Not a physical one, with sterile chairs and old magazines, but an internal one. A space in your mind where everything feels suspended, where hope seems distant, and you’re just waiting…waiting for relief, for clarity, for something to change. If you struggle with mental health challenges, this waiting room may feel like a familiar place. Today, let's step into the story of John 11, the account of Lazarus’s sickness and resurrection, and discover the profound mental and spiritual truths it holds. Imagine this: Mary and Martha send word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is desperately ill. They know Jesus can heal him. They’ve seen His miracles, they trust His power, and they send a plea born of love and desperation. Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Instead of rushing to their side, Jesus stays where He is for two more days. Two days. In human terms, that delay can feel like an eternity, especially when you’re facing a crisis....

  Have you ever felt like your mind is a wilderness? A place where doubts lurk like shadows, anxieties howl like wolves, and fear threatens to swallow you whole? If you've wrestled with mental health struggles, you know the terrain can be rough, and the journey often feels isolating. But there's hope. In the pages of scripture, we find stories of individuals who faced their own internal battles, mirroring our own. Let's explore the poignant tale of David in 1 Samuel 26-28 and discover the hidden gems of mental and spiritual resilience. Imagine this: David is running for his life. King Saul, consumed by paranoia and rage, relentlessly pursues him. David is experiencing a level of intense stress and fear that is hard to fathom. This isn’t just a physical chase; it’s a psychological and emotional torment. Sleep would be elusive, trust would be fragile, and the weight of constant threat would bear down heavily. These are conditions that can trigger or exacerbate many mental hea...

  Life can feel like a storm. One minute you're sailing smoothly, the next you're tossed about by waves of anxiety, shrouded in fog of depression, or battered by the winds of overwhelming stress. If you've ever felt this way, know that you're not alone. As a Christian counselor, I've sat with countless individuals who bravely navigate these inner tempests. And as someone who also walks this journey of faith, I’ve found an anchor in unexpected places – specifically, within the pages of the Psalms. Today, let’s explore the soothing balm of Psalm 116. Imagine this scene: you’re huddled in a quiet corner, the noise of life swirling around you, but inside, there’s a cacophony of worries and fears. Perhaps you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of mental and emotional distress. This is often how many describe the experience of mental health struggles. It's not a simple feeling down, but an overwhelming sense of being lost, adrift, and isolated. This feeling is valid, ...

  Finding Emotional Strength Through God’s Wisdom “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 I remember a moment in a counseling session when a client looked up from their journal and said, “It’s not just what people say to me—it’s how they say it that sticks.” Their voice trembled slightly, and their eyes revealed a familiar ache: the sting of harsh words long past, still echoing like emotional graffiti. We’ve all been there. Whether it was a parent’s criticism, a friend’s sarcasm, or our own inner voice, words can build us—or break us. And that’s why Proverbs 15 is so relevant to mental health today. It’s not just ancient wisdom. It’s emotionally intelligent. Spiritually grounded. Clinically sound. Let’s explore how this powerful chapter offers tools for healing, regulation, and relational peace. 1. The Gentle Answer: How Regulation Heals Relationships “A gentle answer turns away wrath…” — Proverbs 15:1 From a counseling p...