Faith Over Fear

We all have certain reactions that arise when we feel threatened, whether that threat is real or perceived. We have an innate desire to self-protect. If we aren’t aware of these tendencies, however, we may react in ways that pushes others away and therefore reinforce or deepen our hurts and increases our defensive reactions. In this episode, mental health expert Tina Yeager helps us unpack these potentially destructive responses, what triggers them, and how we can respond to our triggers and our reactions in a grace-filled, healthy way. (Contact Tina through her website provided below to find out how to access the free resource she mentioned in today’s episode.)(Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)Find Tina Yeager: https://www.tinayeager.com/books/https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/https://www.facebook.com/tina.yeager.9Find Jennifer Slattery at:https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083247680572Find Wholly Loved Ministries at:WhollyLoved.comJoin the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Group (also on Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/groups/443325386241769Group Discussion or Personal Journal Questions:1.What resonated with you most in this episode?2.When do you most tend to get defensive? 3.In those particular situations, what story are you telling yourself?4.What are some truths you can reflect upon prior to those types of situations or interactions with that particular person?5.Why is it important to recognize that not everyone is a safe person who will be helpful while you are working to heal? 6.How did you feel when Tina and Jennifer talked about potentially limiting time with unhealthy family members? 7.What were some signs Tina mentioned that can indicate a person is not willing to change? 8.How can recognizing this help you find the healthiest level of involvement with an individual more focused on casting blame than moving toward relational health?9.What is one action step God might be asking you to take after having listened to today’s content? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

You may have heard someone say something to the effect of, “God will use your pain in your future ministry.” This doesn’t necessarily mean He will ask you to launch an organization or create a program within your social sphere or community, although He may. Rather, this stems from God’s promise to use you to comfort others with the same comfort He’s shown. You, whether that means listening with understanding as someone shares their hurts and struggles or walking beside someone seeking increased freedom. We hope today’s episode speaks to individuals in one of two places in their healing journey: 1) For those still in the thick of pain, hold tight to this—God longs to bring beauty from your pain by first healing you then giving you the strength and desire to help others heal. 2) For those who have experienced some degree of healing, prayerfully consider if God is asking you to walk alongside someone who is hurting or living enslaved. And finally, we hope this episode opens conversation on toxic versus healthy relationships.(Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)Find Carolyn Whitney and her ministry: https://sistersinchristkc.org/our-teamhttps://www.instagram.com/sistersinchristkc/https://www.facebook.com/sistersinchristkcFind Kelly Campbell and Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comFind Wholly Loved Ministries at:WhollyLoved.comJoin the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Group (also on Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/groups/443325386241769Group Discussion Questions:1.What resonated with you most in this episode?2.Have you ever felt like you were living in a "glass house" where things looked good from the outside but where circumstances or emotions felt chaotic, unpredictable, or unsafe, or uncertain? 3.When going through challenging or painful circumstances, how easily do you seek support from others, and what do you think impacts this?4.How would you describe the general health of your support system, and why would you describe it this way?5.What are some ways we can walk with family and friends through their mental health battles while still maintaining healthy boundaries for ourselves (and our children)?6.How can healthy connections with others help one heal from traumatic experiences7.What are some important steps to take when faced with a big transition in your life?8.What is one action step God might be wanting you to take as a result of listening to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Learning to be grateful in all circumstances can be challenging, but once we recognize that God is enough, gratitude begins to grow. Through simple practices of rejoicing and praying, we can battle the temptation to believe that God isn’t enough and learn to give thanks in every situation. (Have fear and anxiety-related topics you'd like us to consider covering? Message us through Jennifer or Carol's website!) **Please note, we misquoted Luke 2:22 in this episode. That verse reads: When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.(Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)Find Kimi: https://kimimiller.com/ http://whollyloved.com/meet-the-teamJoin the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671Group Discussion Questions:1.What resonated with you most in today’s episode?2.Do you struggle with gratitude? 3.What does rejoicing look like to you? How can you learn to rejoice always? 4.How can you develop, or improve, your listening skills during prayer time? 5.What are some ways you are intentionally filling your mind with truth?6.When might you most need to remember that God is enough?7.How has gratitude, or the lack of, shaped your outlook on life?8.What are some ways you can remind yourself to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When battling anxiety, fear, and depression, countless people have turned to the Psalms for comfort. In them, we read raw and honest emotion, soul-deep prayers, and about a God who sees, cares, and has the power to lead us to greater freedom. While fighting cancer, guest Becky Harling learned to use praise, often guided by what she read in the psalms, to fight her fear and increase her peace. In this episode, she shared her experiences and the Bible study God prompted her to write: The Extraordinary Power of Praise: A 6-Week Study of the Psalms for the Anxious Heart. (Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)Find Becky Harling at: https://beckyharling.com/https://www.instagram.com/beckyharling/https://www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministriesFind Jennifer Slattery at:http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083247680572Find Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comFind Wholly Loved Ministries at:WhollyLoved.comJoin the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Group (also on Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/groups/443325386241769Group Discussion Questions:1.What resonated with you most in today’s episode?2.What Bible passages do you turn when you feel anxious or afraid?3.How does (or can) praising God in difficult seasons help to decrease our anxiety and increase our peace?4.What are some ways you remember God’s goodness and love in hard or frightening times?5.Why is important to understand God’s heart for us when we feel afraid—that He responds to us in love, not anger or frustration?6.How can prayer deepen your intimacy with Christ?7.How can memorizing Scripture help you fight anxiety and fear?8.What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this podcast episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life feels challenging, uncertain, or painful, it can feel tempting to rely on ourselves—our wisdom, strength, and abilities—rather than yielding and surrendering to Christ. But this rarely, if ever, leads to increased life and peace. Often, it leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms and addictive behaviors. This was precisely what happened with Wholly Loved’s Carol McCracken. Her self-reliance led to alcoholism; she found freedom through surrender and dependence on Christ. (Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)Find Carol McCracken at: https://www.carolmccracken.com/https://www.instagram.com/carologlemccracken/https://www.facebook.com/carol.o.mccrackenhttp://whollyloved.com/meet-the-teamFind Jennifer Slattery at:http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083247680572Find Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comFind Wholly Loved Ministries at:WhollyLoved.comJoin the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Group (also on Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/groups/443325386241769Group Discussion Questions:1.What resonated with you most in today’s episode?2.When are you most tempted to rely on yourself rather than depending on Christ?3.What makes surrendering to Christ most challenging for you?4.When has a moment or season of self-reliance led to increased pain or controlling behaviors?5.What are some unhealthy ways you cope with stress, anxiety, and hardship?6.What are some alternative and healthy ways you can cope with stress, anxiety, and hardship?7.What truths can you remind yourself of the next time you feel tempted to rely on yourself rather than turning to Christ? 8.Do you have a community you can honestly express your hurts, fears, and challenges to? If so, how has this helped you grow, endure challenging seasons, and deepen your surrender to Christ? 9.What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this podcast episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our past affects our present, often in ways we’re not aware of or don’t know how to address. Patterns of dysfunction tend to trickle down from one generation to the next, causing us to hurt others in much the same way in which we were hurt. But God calls us to healing, wholeness, and freedom and has given us tools in Scripture, through our ongoing connection with the Holy Spirit, and through wise Christian counselors to replace harmful behavioral patterns and attitudes with those that are life-giving for us and the generations that follow. In this episode, licensed counselor Gina Birkemeier discusses her book Generations Deep and what God has helped her heal and become an instrument of healing for others, her children especially. (Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)Find Gina Birkemeier at: https://www.generationsdeep.com/https://www.facebook.com/itsmyoutloudvoice/https://www.instagram.com/myoutloudvoice/Find Kelly Campbell and Wholly Loved at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comJoin the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/443325386241769Have a topic suggestion for us? Visit this quick survey: https://bit.ly/3sc9ueWGroup Discussion Questions:1.What resonated with you most in today’s episode?2.Gina talked about the importance of renewing our minds. Why is it important to remember this is an ongoing process? 3.Did Gina’s discussion on trauma versus disfunction change your perspective in any way?4.Can you see any of the dysfunctional behaviors she mentioned, such as manipulation, triangulation, or codependency, present in your family of origin, and if so how? 5.What might it look like to be a safe person for yourself? 6.What might it look like to be a safe person for others? 7.Why is it important to intentionally seek healing from childhood wounds?8.How can downplaying the pain we experienced growing up hinder our healing, growth, and freedom?9.What is one action step God might be asking you to take based on this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Faith Over Fear Episode 126: Building a Faith that Stands P. 2With Jennifer Slattery and Carol McCracken Jesus meant it when He promised to give us a life beyond our expectations, and He’s given us numerous tools in Scripture to help us experience the soul deep peace and freedom we crave. Although our battle against anxiety and fear is a journey that requires diligence, intentionality, and perseverance, we aren’t walking this road to freedom alone. He stays with us and will lead us to more secure and courageous footing. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and Wholly Loved Ministries team member Carol McCracken continue the conversation Jennifer began in the previous episode, looking at additional ways we can fight our fears and increase our faith. (Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)Find Carol: https://www.carolmccracken.com/https://www.instagram.com/carologlemccracken/ https://www.facebook.com/carol.o.mccrackenhttp://whollyloved.com/meet-the-teamFind Jennifer at:http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Facebook: https://bit.ly/3VLUO3RGot a topic suggestion? We’d love to hear from you! Take our quick survey here:https://bit.ly/3sc9ueWFind Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comJoin the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Group (also on Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/groups/443325386241769Group Discussion Questions:1.What resonated with you most in today’s episode?2.In our battle against fear, why is it important to recognize and trust that God indeed is leading us to freedom?3.How would you describe God’s favor? What might His favor look like in our lives, in relation to our fears?4.What most tends to hinder you from resting in God’s presence?5.Can you think of a time when, during a particularly anxious moment, you intentionally connected with God? If so, how did this affect your peace?6.If you do not currently spend consistent time connecting with God through prayer, Bible reading, worship, or Christian meditation, what change or changes might you need to make in order to do so?7.Scripture tells us that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving God is always with us. How can holding tight to and reflecting on this truth help you the next time you feel anxious or afraid? 8.How often do you pray for increased boldness? 9.What is one action step God might be asking you to take in the week ahead based on what you heard in this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When we read certain passages in Scripture telling us not to worry or to be anxious, we may assume courageous faith should come easily. We may think, if only we say the right prayer, recite a particular verse enough times, or muster up enough will power, we’ll find victory over anxiety and fear. And while God does have the power to flood our souls with supernatural peace, most often, He slowly and progressively displaces our anxiety with peace. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery shares concrete steps we can take and powerful truths we can stand on to build, through the power of Christ, a faith that stands—and withstands life’s storms.(Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)Find Jennifer Slattery at:http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/(Contact Jennifer through her website to sign up for her 30-day Faith Over Fear email encouragements.)Find Wholly Loved Ministries at:WhollyLoved.comJoin the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Group (also on Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/groups/443325386241769Questions:1.What resonated with you most in today’s episode?2.How can it be helpful to know that God builds faith into our souls over time?3.What are some ways we cooperate with God as He builds our faith?4.What are some ways we might hinder the work of God in us? 5.Why might it be important to recognize our weaknesses in terms of fear?6.Why is it important to wait and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit before acting in a particular situation? 7.What might it look like to, daily and regularly, to pause for guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit?8.When we feel afraid, why is it important to seek God’s perspective regarding our situation or fear? 9.What might it look like to seek God’s perspective regarding a particular fear?10.What is one action step God is asking you to take this week based on what you heard in this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when we're headed in one direction, perhaps even one we that brings us joy, and God redirects us? In those moments, we might find ourselves wrestling with conflicting and uncomfortable emotions. We may even feel as if we've lost our identity. But what if that redirect that feels so unsetting or painful now is actually a major step toward your most fulfilling tomorrow? In this episode, former basket ball player turned podcaster, ministry leader, speaker and justice advocate Josh Dotzler shares how God used a devastating sports injury to completely upend his world and place him a path that led to transformation and incredible impact. (Scroll down for discussion questions)Find Josh Dotzler at:https://www.abideomaha.org/leadershiphttps://www.instagram.com/joshdotzler/https://www.facebook.com/JoshDotzlerOmahahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-2-impact/id1483130712Find Jennifer Slattery at:https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083247680572Find Wholly Loved’s private Faith Over Fear community here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/4427369666146711.What resonated with you most in this episode?2.When has God used a disappointment to redirect you to His will?3.When you consider potential divine redirects, what fears do you tend to struggle with?4.What are some of the activities and responsibilities that bring you the most fulfillment?5.What are some potential ways God might want you to leverage your influence in order to help others?6.How has God used your faithfulness in an area to bring about fruitfulness?7.Why is it important to remain connected to a Christ-centered community as we pursue our callings? 8.What is one action step God might be asking you to take based on how He spoke to you through this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you enjoy listening to Faith Over Fear, we've got another great show that you'll want to add to your playlist. Let us introduce you to How to Study the Bible with Nicole Unice!In this podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through his Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives.To listen to more episodes of How to Study the Bible, go to https://www.lifeaudio.com/how-to-study-the-bible/episodes. Jennifer will be back next week with a brand new episode of Faith Over Fear! Thanks for listening.RESOURCES:Help, My Bible Is Alive!: https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Bible-Alive-Understand/dp/1641580216FOLLOW NICOLE:Website: https://nicoleunice.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleuniceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.