For the past several months, we've had the opportunity to hear For the past several months, we've had the opportunity to hear some wisdom from a variety of people in the field of mental health. It has been a joy to introduce you to individuals in my life who are making a difference in the world, pointing people to healing and freedom through faith and therapy.

When these sages have asked me about perimeters for writing their articles, I've tried to leave it loose- asking that they engage you from a personal, professional, and practical perspective. I do this because I believe that vulnerability invites vulnerability and that having their professional voice speaking to us is extremely important. I ask them to leave us with the practical because, after all, what good is the wisdom and the personal story if we don't have a "what now" to help us move into action?

I can tell you that this month, as you hear from my friend and colleague, Dr. Michelle Caulk, you will find all of that and more. Among many other things, she is the co-author of the book Healing Out Loud: How to Embrace God's Love When You Don't Like Yourself, with Sandi Brown, Founder and Director of St. Louis' most listen-ed to Christian music radio station, JOYFM 99.1. “Healing Out Loud” captures many of the insecurities the modern woman faces in her walk with Christ.

Without any further delay, let's dive into Dr. Caulk's graceful and compassionate take on a subject that can be difficult to navigate. Forgiveness.

I know you will find her article valuable, so when you do- please consider passing it on!

Hey Friends! In today's article, I have the honor of introducing you to my friend and colleague, Erin Karandish, MD, LPC. Erin's journey has taken her from tending to people's physical well-being as a medical doctor to nurturing their emotional health, or as I like to say, caring for their “figurative gut”.

While some might argue that the two are intricately intertwined (a point I'm sure Erin would make!), this article delves into how applying a medical philosophy to our emotions can empower us to better reflect God's image. It encourages us to become more candid about our emotions and our responses to them.

Erin possesses a wealth of wisdom and practical insights to share, so without further delay, let's dive into her article. I am confident that you will find her thoughts both thought-provoking and immensely beneficial. Moreover, we invite you to share this piece with someone in your life who could also benefit from Erin's wisdom.

Not so long ago, admitting you were in therapy was equivalent to shouting to the world, “I am really messed up and need big-time help.”

An article in a recent issue of The New York Times Magazine echoed this sentiment and described the perception of therapy in past as, “a rarefied recourse for the irredeemably neurotic.” The article noted that this stigma has lifted and evolved, now seeing therapy as “self-care…normalized as a routine, healthful commitment…”