Podcasts about michellebengtson radio show host

Episode Summary: Everyone will fight challenges and trials at some point in their life, and at the time of this recording, the world is facing the Coronavirus outbreak, and with that has come astronomical amounts of worry, fear, and anxiety. In this episode, we discuss ways to defeat anxiety during a crisis like the Coronavirus. This may be the first real crisis our children have had to face in their lifetimes, and it’s important for us to remember that they will take their cues for how to respond to crisis from watching and listening to us. In today’s society, our ready access to news and information can fuel anxiety. In our current situation, we need time to absorb this, but that is made difficult because the information is changing day by day, or sometimes hour by hour. It’s important not to run on our feelings, during times of crises, but rather, to stand on truth. Quotables from the episode: We need to absorb this. Anxiety comes because we want to know it all. We want to control it all. We want to influence it all…but we can’t. Our feelings are really just the outward manifestation of the thoughts we believe. We may not be able to control the situation, but we can choose our response to the situation. Scripture References: Exodus 20:2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you’ve ever had suicidal thoughts, have survived an attempted suicide, suffered the loss of a friend or loved one to death by suicide, or experienced depression or anxiety. Join me with my guest, Veronica Sites, as we talk about Hope for Recovery for Suicide Attempt Survivors. The Bible tells us in Psalm 34:18 that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If you are feeling broken-hearted, crushed in spirit, or perhaps, hopeless, stay with us and listen to the conversation between a board certified clinical neuropsychologist and a first response crisis chaplain. More importantly, we are two individuals who have been there. My guest, Veronica Sites, is a first response crisis chaplain. She grew up in a family of first responders. Sadly, she lost a family member to death by suicide. Afterward, the experience caused a shift in how she responded in those situations. Experiencing tragic life experiences brought her to the point where she began to believe some lies that took her down the path to attempt to end her own life by suicide. When she woke up she told a friend, “The Lord is going to use this for His glory. You just watch.” That is what has happened!. She now serves as a first response crisis chaplain and tries to educate others about suicide prevention. The word success, commit, failed, and complete are dangerous words with respect to suicide. When God brings us through a suicide attempt is not a failure. The enemy will use those words to make the individual feel shame. Success is not in death. Success is in who we are in Christ, and how will we respond. To commit, means a crime against humanity. God says thou shalt not kill. It is better to say that someone died by suicide or attempted to die by suicide in order to help with healing. We have to recognize the power of our words and use them in a sensitive manner. Peer support is so important in recovery for survivors and suicide attempt survivors.  Proverbs 17:17 says “A brother is born for a time of adversity.” And “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other” (Proverbs 27:17). When a brother stumbles, we are called to come alongside and pick them up and run the race with them. Recognize that relationships are going to change because trust has been broken after a suicide attempt. Every relationship becomes shaken, including their relationship with themselves and the Lord. Recent research has found that suicide has to be dealt with in the church because it still remains an elephant in the room. We must be bold and courageous and enter into the conversation. We can’t always refer out to mental health if they aren’t addressing the spiritual foundation or else it won’t be a full continuum of care that is addressed. When it comes to suicide, you would much rather ask an individual “Are you thinking about hurting yourself or committing suicide?” than you would have to ask the question “Why didn’t they say anything?” or “Why didn’t I ask them?” It’s okay to ask God how we are to get through our most difficult circumstances. When God’s children submit to Him, He will often send us back to give others hope. We must be so very careful of the words we speak. When we speak things like “I can’t do this anymore,” we forfeit in the spiritual, and give the enemy an open door to bring havoc into our lives. The enemy takes just a seed of truth and twists it to try to deceive us. That is why it is so crucial that we truly know the truth of God’s word. Use the truths of God’s word. Meditate on scripture, listen to praise and worship. When the stinking thinking sets in, speak it out and ask the Lord to unpack it like a trunk. He has given us power, love, and a sound mind. Quotables from the episode: The Lord never wastes a hurt. God transforms pain that was meant to be destructive into something that can be productive for His namesake and the healing of others. People don’t necessarily want to die…they just want the pain to end. You are the temple of the living God. We can always trust the Lord, even when we don’t know what the outcome is going to be. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Proverbs 17:17 says “A brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 27:17 “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.” Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." 2 Timothy 1:7 "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and (self-discipline. NIV), (NASB - discipling / sound judgement) Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Recommended Resources: TALK Suicide Hotline (800) 273-8255 Suicide Text Line: 741-741  https://www.crisistextline.org/textline Hope Line Suicide Prevention Network (800) 784-2433 Elijah App –helps people struggling to reach their support system with one text Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://drmichellebengtson.com/i-have-a-confession-im-a-christian-and-i-was-suicidal/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-sadness-behind-suicide/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/suicide-theres-another-way/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/yes-christians-get-depressed-there-is-hope/  https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-patient-now-i-understand/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-promises-from-god-to-the-patient-i-didnt-meet/ Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Veronica Sites  Website: https://www.conflictresolutionspeaker.com/ FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/conflictresolutionspeaker/ Twitter link https://twitter.com/VeronicaSites Pinterest link https://www.pinterest.com/veronicasites/ Vimeo link https://vimeo.com/veronicasites Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDc6__zg_pGKmRlhJL_m0Q? For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Veronica Sites is a chaplain, motivational speaker, and life coach. Military Gold families have given her the nick name of “The Happy Chappy.” Ministry care ranges from the womb (as a mentor to expectant moms) to the tomb, and coming along side individuals on some of life’s hardest days. Her passion is helping people in places of pain and penetrating hearts with hope and help to empower those seeking freedom and how to navigate traumatic events.

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt overwhelmed, worn out, or overcome by holiday pressures, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about soul care: how to reduce anxiety with tips on tending to your soul and remaining unruffled during the chaos of the holidays Whether we have a lot of time or a little time, our Heavenly Father delights in spending time with us. When we spend time with Him, we can rid ourselves of worry, fear, and anxiety, and remain in His peace. When we think about Jesus’s three years of ministry, he walked into the most chaotic environments but brought His peace with Him. So we can walk into any situation, allowing God’s peace to dominate us, and then it will spread outward. As believers with the Holy Spirit, we do carry God’s peace with us, but too often we forfeit that peace by becoming consumed by the chaos around us. Peace is not the opposite of chaos, it comes from inside so it’s not dependent on our circumstances. We need to look at situations from God’s vantage point. We are all capable of bringing His peace to our situations but we have to be more deliberate and less easily influenced by our circumstances. Anxiety comes from looking at our circumstances rather than up at our heavenly Father. We lose our peace when we’ve gotten our focus wrong. We never see the entire situation, but He can because He’s already gone before us. So often we become consumed by focusing on the details when He wants us to leave the details to Him and trust Him with the big picture. Try to make time for family, friends, and memory making. Be sure to make sure you are already plugged into God, before the chaos takes over. Taking time at the end of the day to still our thoughts and give God our cares of the day can help us sleep more peacefully and wake up unruffled the next morning. By looking over the plans of the next day, we can wake up prepared instead of in a panic about the day. Understand that your wellbeing is paramount to God, as well as the wellbeing of those around you. You cannot get water from an empty well. It’s just not possible to pour out when we ourselves are dry and empty. He wants us to be taking care of our own soul, and taking care of our physical body so that it doesn’t give out on you. Quotables from the episode: “Find your voice, live your story.” Edie Melson Whether we have a lot of time or a little time, our Heavenly Father delights in spending time with us. When we think about Jesus’s three years of ministry, he walked into the most chaotic environments but brought His peace with Him. Scripture References: John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Philippians 3:16, “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Recommended Resources: Books in the Soul Care Series Soul Care When You’re Weary by Edie Melson https://amzn.to/2EK2Io2 Soul Care for Writers by Edie Melson https://amzn.to/2tIPgyH Soul Care When You’re Grieving (releasing January 2020) Soul Care When You’re an Empty Nester (releasing August 2020) Unruffled: Thriving in Chaos by Edie Melson and Rhonda Rhea https://amzn.to/2PP52AN “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Edie Melson: https://ediemelson.com/ https://www.boldvisionbooks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/Stop2Pray/ https://twitter.com/EdieMelson https://www.facebook.com/edie.melson For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers experiencing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to readers, fellow creatives, or writers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Edie has this to say about her heritage, “I’m creative out of self-defense. As the daughter of an artist-mother and musician-turned-photographer-father, I’d have been a disgrace if I hadn’t been true to my own creativity.” Edie’s a popular speaker and a board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and the social media director of Southern Writers Magazine. Connect with her on her website, www.EdieMelson.com and through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. She and husband Kirk have been married 38+ years and raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in SC where they love to hike and wander the mountains. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: We all want a peaceful Christmas, but, “life gets busy.” Sometimes we’re forced to slow down, and guess what? We discover we actually CAN let go of some of the tasks and duties that not only weigh us down, but also steal our peace. Don’t we all desire more peace during the holidays? From November first until the decorations come down sometime in January, and then the credit card bills start coming in, stress and anxiety rise and with it, our peace dwindles. What a shame when the reason for the holiday is the celebration of the Prince of Peace. What if I told you that you really can let go of some of the anxiety and overwhelm of the holiday season with some simple ways to create more peace during the holidays? It’s true. I’ve been there and have been so grateful for making some simple changes so that I could celebrate from a peaceful place. You can too as you read about ways to create a more peaceful holiday season. Last week, on Ways to create a More Peaceful Holiday Season Part 1 - Episode 35, we talked about the fact that in order to create a more peaceful holiday season, we need to remember who the source of our peace is. We also started talking about ways to recognize and reduce our expectations of ourselves and others in order to experience less worry and anxiety and more of His peace during the holidays. So often Paul addressed the people in his letters by saying “Grace and peace to you from God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God wants us to experience His peace, But we cannot experience true peace apart from God’s presence.” So much worry, fear, and anxiety are a result of trying to maintain control of things that we cannot control. And we certainly cannot control others’ expectations. If all the holidays' preparations are a burden to you, whose expectations are you trying to live up to? Consider sitting the family down to determine what expectations they have. If you didn’t do ____, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas to them. This could mean just sending digital Christmas cards instead of physically mailing cards. Or perhaps you reduce your baking to just baking the family’s absolute favorite treats. Consider lessening the amount of decorating you do to the favorite décor for your family. You might also consider cutting back on the holiday meals to just the favorite dishes or buying a precooked meal to reduce the stress you encounter during the holiday season. Limiting the gift-giving not only simplifies things, but helps you be a good steward of what God has given you, and lets you enjoy people over presents. Assess why you do what you do? Is it because you’re trying to live up to someone else’s expectations? Is it bringing you joy or draining yourself of joy? In our gift-giving, I think it’s so important to teach our children that Christmas isn’t about them, but about the greatest gift God could ever give in the birth of His son. And it’s great to take a lesson from the wisemen and limit our gift-giving to those that are the most special way to communicate our love to each other. We try so hard to set the perfect table, cook the perfect meal, and give the perfect gifts. But one great gift to give others is to release them from our expectations of how they will respond. They will never live up to the expectations in our mind anyway. Another way to maintain peace during the holidays is to choose our focus.  It’s crucial that we focus on maintaining our healthy routines during the holidays. Consider continuing to make time for a daily quiet time, getting in your regular exercise, make rest a priority, and eat well. But it’s also important to maintain a nightly routine: review your calendar for the next day or two so you aren’t taken by surprise the next day, record the new tasks that come up that must be completed, consider reading an advent reading or similar devotion each evening before going to bed, and pray thanking God for what He enabled you to do during the day and giving him your cares for all your tomorrows. Another way to choose our focus is to limit technology during the holiday season. It’ll free up your time to get some of the holiday-specific tasks completed. Another way to choose our focus is to limit negativity and negative inputs. Also consider helping those who are alone or are going through a hard time during the holidays. Even when you are feeling down, you’d be surprised how helping others will encourage your own heart and bring a sense of peace to your heart and mind. Quotables from the episode: We cannot experience true peace apart from God’s presence. In our gift-giving, I think it’s so important to teach our children that Christmas isn’t about them, but about the greatest gift God could ever give in the birth of His son. Even when you are feeling down, you’d be surprised how helping others will encourage your own heart and bring a sense of peace to your heart and mind.  Scripture References: Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Isaiah 26:3 “He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on thee.” Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Recommended Resources: “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N Breaking Anxiety’s Grip free study guide https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip-study-guide/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study” and the soon to be released “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” (Sept 2019). She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at https://apple.co/2madPRo Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Holidays are a busy time, and we experience an increase in stress, commitments, and chaos. But what we really want is to be able to experience the holiday joy while keeping our peace. Today we’re going to discuss some practical ways to keep our peace during the holiday season. Don’t we all desire a more peaceful holiday season? From November first until the decorations come down sometime in January, and then the credit card bills start coming in, stress and anxiety rise and with it, our peace dwindles. What a shame when the reason for the holiday is the celebration of the Prince of Peace What if I told you that you really can let go of some of the anxiety and overwhelm of the holiday season with some simple ways to create a more peaceful holiday season? It’s true. I’ve been there, and have been so grateful for making some simple changes so that I could celebrate from a peaceful place. You can too as you read about ways to create a more peaceful holiday season. Sometimes we go into the holidays with expectations we have of ourselves, expectations we have of others, and feeling the weight of expectations others have of us. After my mother died, I felt the weight of being the new matriarch of the family, and the pressure to do things the way my mother had done it. But over time, I realized that living up to those spoken or unspoken expectations was stealing my peace and joy during a time when the commercials and Hallmark movies tell us should be the most wonderful time of the year. 1. It’s so crucial that we remember who the source of our peace is. If we were to really understand the nature of God, not only would we not have to worry about peace, but all the other worldly concerns we have would go away. Jesus came not just as our savior, but also the Prince of Peace. In my newest book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises,” one of the chapters talks about “God Is” our peace. We sacrifice our peace when we take our eyes off God and put our focus on the circumstances going on around us.   A regular discipline of spending time with God and in His word, will remind us of who we are in Him. During the holiday season before you do any of the holiday tasks, take a moment, stop where you are and mentally go through the list of who you are and who the source of your peace is.  When we realize how much God cares for us, and the fact that nothing takes Him by surprise, we can rest in His peace. One way to remember the source of peace, is remembering Jesus only had three years on this earth to complete his heavenly mission, his kingdom assignment. Yet, we never saw Jesus running from appointment to appointment. He walked everywhere, and He walked at the pace God set for Him. We sacrifice our peace because we make a long list of to do’s that we think we must get done each day. We can get caught up in anxiety when we think of all the demands we put on ourselves. Yet Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. What if we started off the day asking God what HE wants us to do today? We’ve been invited to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. It’s something we get to do. Sometimes the most important thing on our agenda is seeing the people around us. 2. It’s important to assess and reduce our expectations on ourselves and others. We can try so hard to buy the perfect gift, to cook the perfect meal, or set the most elegant dinner table. But we cannot control how others will respond to our best efforts. In the familiar story about Jesus visiting Mary and Martha, I’m grateful that Jesus didn’t say that what Martha was doing wasn’t important. In fact, scripture said that Martha was doing the preparations that needed to be done. But Martha sacrificed her peace by worrying about all the details, whereas Mary kept her peace because she made Jesus her priority. Too often we continue rituals and traditions because we feel like that’s what is expected of us. But when we do, we sacrifice our peace. We want to spend time around the table not focused on the details, but on creating memories for our families to enjoy. Quotables from the episode: To enjoy a more peaceful holiday season, it’s crucial that we remember the source of our peace. Sometimes we preach the loudest just by taking time for the person in front of us. To enjoy a more peaceful holiday season, It’s important to assess and reduce our expectations on ourselves and others. Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Luke 10:40-42 “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Recommended Resources:  “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N Breaking Anxiety’s Grip free study guide https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip-study-guide/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host:  http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study” and the soon to be released “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” (Sept 2019). She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at https://apple.co/2madPRo Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you have ever been abused by someone in the church, been manipulated by the church, or been under abusive authority within the church, or want to know how to avoid all the above, then this show is the perfect show for you. In this episode, I speak with Athena Dean Holtz about spiritual abuse. Those at greatest risk of being the victim of spiritual abuse appear to be those who don’t truly know what the Word of God says. Manipulators thrive on control and thrive on converting others to their way of thinking. Intimidation is another characteristic of abusers, leaving their victims feeling all alone, powerless, defeated, and victimized. While most situations of abuse are not the victim’s fault, it can nonetheless be so helpful for the victim to ask God the Father “What role did I play in this?” When we take responsibility for our own behavior, it strips the abuser of their power. Furthermore, learning what behaviors and patterns are recurring and leaving victims wounded, helps us take responsibility for the roll we played, and it makes us more responsible for having honest dialog with the one who is wounded by agreeing in prayer, and agreeing with what God says about us, and often has the added benefit of helping us not repeat behaviors and patterns in relationship that would lead to future abuse. Quotables from the episode: It’s so crucial that we know the Scripture and know when it is being taken out of context. Furthermore, when we aren’t familiar enough with the scriptures for ourselves can make us easily intimidated by the scriptures when others proclaim them. If we leave wounded areas in our life unhealed, leaves us open to further work by the enemy of our soul. Intimidation is a common strategy used by those who are abusive. And that’s just like the enemy, who is a big bully and is intimidating when Jesus isn’t like that at all. When we have been hurt and wounded by people, that can leave a void in our lives that can leave us open to being wounded by others and be drawn in by others in the future, and manipulators are good at observing and figuring out what our triggers points and vulnerable weak spots are, so they can use those to their advantage. Abusers often begin with a grooming process, where they take a special interest in someone and go out of their way to make that person feel special. But at the same time, they also make it seem that anyone who questions, or challenges, or who points out anything that could be negative as the enemy. The abusers will often make it sound righteous by cutting off anyone who disagrees with their position. In the grooming process, they also want to isolate you and cut you off from friend, family members, and anyone who might point out the fallacies of their beliefs and help you see truth. If a spiritual leader is not humble enough to allow people to challenge them on their opinions or teachings, but instead intimidate or get angry, that’s a very dangerous place to be. To aid in our healing, we have to be willing to ask God, “What was my role in this? Where did I open the door for the enemy to come in? What do I need to take responsibility and repent for?” God’s way is for us to be teachable and humbling ourselves to his conviction. Another useful thing to do when you want to ensure that you know truth, is to ask the Holy Spirit “What do you say about this?” The Holy Spirit’s job is to remind us of all truth. But He can’t remind us of the truth if we haven’t already been exposed to it by reading God’s word. If you have a friend or loved one who is being spiritually abused, pray for them. Because of the brainwashing that takes place, they are not likely to listen to your concerns. You might gift them a copy of Athena’s book because it comes from the perspective of someone else who has been there. If you’ve been in a position of having been spiritually abused, do not allow it to steal your trust with others. Not all churches, pastors, or spiritual leaders are abusive. You need to find a safe community of believers who believe the truth, and help you get healed from the past abuse, whereas the enemy would like to use this to isolate you further. Scripture References: Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do." Isaiah 30:20-21 “Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.’” Recommended Resources: Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God by Athena Dean Holtz https://amzn.to/37WpiaC Twisted Scriptures: Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told by Andrew Farley https://amzn.to/33q1Y1f The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church by David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen https://amzn.to/2Drv6Li Damaged Disciples: Casualties of Authoritarian Churches and the Shepherding Movement by Ron Burks https://amzn.to/2DsJWRs “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N\ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: https://athenadeanholtz.com https://facebook.com/athena.dean1 https://facebook.com/redemptionpress For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Athena Dean Holtz Athena Dean is a publisher, speaker, former radio host and pastor’s wife. For the last 30 years she has worked in the industry, spearheading the independent publishing movement in the Christian publishing market. In 2014 Athena co-founded Redemption Press to fill an author-centered niche in publishing. She was president of the Northwest Christian Writer’s Association from 2016-2018, is a president’s club member of Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA), a member of Advanced Writer & Speaker Association (AWSA), and recently retired host of a weekly radio program, “Always Faithful” on AM 630 KCIS, where she shared God’s faithfulness with women across the globe.  Her newest book recounts the story of her twelve-year Job-like experience and the modern day Cinderella story she is now living. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt broken, worthless, or unable to be used by God, then today is the perfect show for you. (And by the way, if it sounds like thunder in the background, there IS thunder in the background. Both Suzie and I were in the midst of terrible storms when we recorded this. But the show must go on. In this episode, I spoke with my friend, Suzie Eller, about how God can heal our broken places. Suzie and I discussed how we all have areas of brokenness in our lives, and so often God uses those areas of brokenness to become areas of ministry after God has come in and healed us. By inviting God into those broken places, God changes us, our direction, our heart, and even the future generation Healing is always a process. While we never become completely healed this side of heaven, we can experience increasing levels of healing over time. Healing was exactly part of the reason Jesus came, and the closer we become to God, the greater the levels of healing we receive. The power of Jesus’s death on the cross is not in anything we do, but instead in what He did for us. By healing us in our areas of brokenness, we can then comfort others who may go through similar situations. Suzie discussed three things we don’t have to do for our healing: earn God’s love, do this alone, or run away. Quotables from the episode: Whenever we see the word “will” in Scripture, that is a promise from God. Knowing God changes us. But it doesn’t just change us, knowing Him changes our direction, it changes our heart, and it changes the next generation. Healing goes on for a lifetime. We never become fully healed this side of heaven. Our story matters a lot, and our woundedness looks different from person to person, but Jesus came for us.  We begin the healing process by embracing the truth that no matter what it looks like, He has us on His heart, and He also knows how to heal us. Our woundedness can look very different from person to person. We can be wounded from people, from the church, from sin, from loss... Jesus knows where our woundedness lies and how to heal us. If we could have healed ourselves, we would have. Jesus meets us where we are. 3 Things You Don’t Have to do for Your Healing: You don’t have to earn God’s love. You don’t have to go anywhere. He meets you right where you are. You don’t have to do this alone. God’s got you. Just like when Peter began to sink, Jesus reaches out to help us. You don’t have to run away. We run away from a lot of things. We run toward comparison and away from God. We run away when we think we’ve made a mistake. But we never have to run away from God. Jesus said He has come for us. If you are running away, you don’t have to run anymore. Just stop, turn around, and move toward Him. When God says “I have come…” or “I have overcome the world…” or “I will fight for you…” takes the pressure off our own shoulders, and puts the responsibility on God’s shoulders. Part of Jesus’s mission statement was to come to heal us. A relationship with God is a discovery process of becoming who He knew all along that we would be. Forgiveness is crucial in order to mend our heart. It’s hard, but it’s not something we have to do, but rather, that we get to do. It’s a surrendering process to what God wants to do in us. Forgiveness is opening the door to say, whether you apologize or not, whether you understand or not, I’m going to release you so that I can run wholeheartedly after who God wants me to be. We tend to ruminate in our thoughts on how we want situations to go. We give way too much mental real estate to unforgiveness, which keeps us from being free. That’s when we need to pray, “Lord, do in my heart what I cannot do for myself.” God will change our heart as we surrender it. Our heart is a little bit like a jigsaw puzzle, and bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness are pieces of the puzzle. As we hold onto those pieces, our heart (the puzzle) can never become whole until we give God all the pieces so that He can come in and mend and then it becomes a beautiful picture. How frustrating is it when we go to put a jigsaw puzzle together and we get to the end and one or two pieces are missing? It’s up to us to allow God to have all the pieces of our broken heart in order to mend it and allow it to become a beautiful picture. We are not limited by one chapter of our story. We can live in that one chapter, or we can look at that one chapter and see it as just a short portion of our life. That one chapter doesn’t have to be our destiny. Our broken heart doesn’t just impact ourselves. It also impacts those around us. We aren’t meant to heal alone. We can take advantage of good Godly counsel, and friends who will speak the truth in love. Go to the people who will shine a light into our dark places that will help us grow. You are worth fighting for. The one truth is: God sent His son for us so we can be free. He said you were worth fighting for. Imagine yourself in a competition in a boxing ring, but picture God in that ring with you, wearing boxing gloves to fight for us. He is greater than us, and knows the perfect way to help. The power of the cross is not in what we can do, but in what has already been done for us. He loves you like crazy. You are not alone. He’s in this with you. Scripture References: Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Matthew 6:8, “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Ephesians 1:19-21, “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.” Recommended Resources: “The Mended Heart: God’s Healing for Your Broken Places” by Suzie Eller https://amzn.to/2KJoZpA “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: https://tsuzanneeller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mended-heart-sample-1.pdf www.facebook.com/SuzanneEller www.instagram.com/suzanne.eller www.pinterest.com/suzieeller www.twitter.com/suzanneeller.com For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Suzanne Eller Suzanne (Suzie) Eller is an ECPA bestselling author, podcaster, and popular media guest. She co-hosts, along with Holley Gerth and Jennifer Watson, the More Than Small Talk podcast. Suzie has written 10 books and is writing her latest, Joy Keeper, which will be launched in 2020. She’s mom to three grown children and their spouses, wife to Richard, and “Gaga” to six beautiful littles under the age of eight. When she’s not writing, she’s with her family, hiking, cycling, kayaking, dancing with her littles at the Farmer’s Market. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt like God didn’t or couldn’t love you, then today is the perfect show for you. In this episode, I had the opportunity to chat with Wendy Blight about her journey to discovering how much God loves her, and how that has positively impacted her outlook since that time. Wendy shares her most harrowing life experience, and how that caused her to view God initially, question God, and come to know God’s love in a new and transforming way. We all go through experiences that cause us to question, and sometimes even question God. Such experiences can either cause us to turn away from God in anger, or turn toward God to find His love and comfort despite our circumstances. We often have a picture of God that is quite different than who He really is, until we begin to get to know God’s character. Wendy shared what helped her get through life’s difficult trials, and how He can change us if we let Him. Wendy discussed the importance of answering the question “Who is on the throne of my heart,” and how that impacts our attitudes and behaviors. Wendy shared how we can know and truly receive God’s love, and how much He desires that for each one of us. Quotables from the episode: Many people question if God loves them, especially when it seems God allowed things to happen to us that He could have prevented. It’s hard to associate someone who supposedly loves you and who is so powerful who allows bad things to happen. But the truth is nothing separates us from the love of God. There are several universal questions people ask when going through a dark time, “God are you real?” and “God do you care? Sometimes we grow up with a picture of God that isn’t consistent with the God of the Bible. What we really need to know is the character of God. Being in the word of God can give us a new lens and a new perspective. Even when God allows things to happen, He is there, He cares, He loves us, He weeps for us, and He is waiting for us on the other side. We will be more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. But to be a conqueror, we have to go through the battle. But we make it through that because of Him. He can take the most ugly, traumatic messes of our life and make them beautiful with his healing, peace, love, and joy. An important question for us to ask is, “Who is on the throne of my heart?” God wants to be on the throne of our heart. He wants to be our everything. When we talk about what is on the throne of our heart, it’s anything, like a recurring thought pattern, that comes to you all the time and governs your day or governs your life. Who or what am I looking to for my hope, and for my safety and my security? That’s an indication that that thing holds a higher place in your heart and in your life than God does. In such situations, it’s important to have Scriptures which can interrupt those thought patterns, and speak those scriptures out loud over our lives and our situation which cause us to look to other things or other people. When we do it faithfully and consistently, God will use it to change us. When you have the perspective of God sitting on the throne of your heart, it helps you love everyone better. If we don’t truly know how much God loves us, then we can’t give that kind of love away. We love out of the overflow of our heart, so that means our heart must first be filled up with the knowledge of how much He loves us. The reason God loves you so much is because you are His: a child of God. We are blood-bought children of the One True God. That is our identity. When we carry the identity around that we are lavishly loved by the God of the universe, and He lives inside of us, that empowers us. No matter what you’re walking through right now, God is living inside of you and He promises He will never leave us or forsake us. Instead, He is living inside us to help equip us and teach us. Jesus came to save us, despite all our faults. If we were perfect that would make His sacrifice for us worth nothing. Scripture References: 1 John 3:1 “Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us … He calls us children of God. It’s true, we are His beloved children.” 1 John 5:12 “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Recommended Resources: “I Am Loved: Walking in the Fullness of God’s Love” by Wendy Blight https://amzn.to/2XfwPfv FREE Declaration from Wendy https://wendyblight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Wendy-IAL-WIF-Declaration.pdf https://drmichellebengtson.com/great-love-prompts-great-sacrifice-its-what-love-does/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/ask-dr-b-truth-for-when-you-feel-unloved/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/its-what-love-does/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/love-broke-through/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/does-god-love-me/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/because-he-loves-you-in-case-you-were-wondering/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/words-from-a-loving-father/ “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: https://wendyblight.com/ https://twitter.com/wendy_blight Twitter @wendy_blight Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WendySBlight/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wblight/ For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Guest: Wendy Blight Wendy is a wife, mother, author, Bible teacher, attorney, and the Biblical Content Specialist for Proverbs 31 Ministry’s Online Bible Studies. Her heart's desire is to help women fall in love with God's Word. To learn it, pray it, and know with confidence they can tackle any problem life presents through it. Wendy has authored four books, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, Living So That, I Know His Name, and her newest book, I Am Loved: Living in the Fullness of God’s Love. Wendy has been a featured guest on Oprah Radio, The 700 Club, Family Life Today with Dr. Dennis Rainey, Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. Wendy lives with her husband, Monty, in Charlotte, North Carolina and loves most when her two children, Lauren (26) and Bo (20), come home to visit and fill their home with lots of love and laughter!   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson    

Episode Summary: If you are the parent or relative of a special needs child or support a friend who is, then today is the perfect show for you. Misty is the parent to a son who had grand mal seizures and was eventually diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis and PANDAS. The strep virus went to his brain and began to attack his brain, leaving him with multiple deficits. He was born with club feet, rarely slept the first three years of his life, had severe sensory sensitivity, had delayed speech, and required multiple hospitalizations. She felt very much alone because none of her friends could relate, and she homeschooled her children which further isolated them.  In this episode Misty shares how she and her husband found hope despite parenting a child with special needs. She offers insight for other parents with a child with special needs, as well as for how friends and family can support parents with a child with special needs. God knew each of us before we were knit in our mother’s womb, and He has a purpose and a plan for each of us. Remembering this is crucial for parents with a child with special needs. He has given you your child because He knew you were the best parent this child could have. Now lean into Him for wisdom and direction. Quotables from the episode: You are never alone on your journey. Life is hard, but God is always there with us God entrusts our children to us. He knows out of all the parents, who are the perfect parents for our children.  Nonetheless, He wants us to seek Him for wisdom in our parenting endeavors. It’s not our responsibility for us to have all the answers, but if we seek Him, He will guide us. We have no control. We’d like to think that we have control over our lives but we don’t. But if God has allowed something to come into our lives, God is good, and He loves us, and we can trust that His sovereign hand has allowed it to happen, and we can learn and grow from it. No matter what that circumstance is, He is our hope, and He will see us through it. God loves us for who we are, just right where we are. We don’t have to do anything to earn His love. Parents of special needs children share some universal struggles. They tend to feel alone, and for that it helps to be in community both with other parents of special needs children, but also with parents of children that don’t have special needs. It’s so important that parents of special needs children, and all parents really, take care of themselves because if we won’t take care of ourselves, we are not going to be able to care for those God has entrusted to us. During those times when we feel like we aren’t cut out for parenting, shifting our perspective to one of gratitude and praise makes all the difference. Yes, parenting is hard, especially a child with special needs, but it also affords some blessings we wouldn’t have had otherwise, like meeting different people, and even traveling to different places because of their medical care. Also, cling to God’s word because it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Get into the word and pray. Be expectant that God wants to answer you. Recognize your child as the blessing that he/she is from the Lord, and look for the joy afforded to you by having them in your presence.   Scripture References: Psalm 139:13, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 127:3-5, “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!” Matthew 19:14, “But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Recommended Resources: “The Struggle is Real: But So Is God” by Misty Phillip  https://amzn.to/2Nss92P https://drmichellebengtson.com/trusting-children-to-fathers-care/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/8-simple-prayers-to-pray-daily-for-our-children/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/no-labeling-my-child/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/trouble-communicating-with-my-child-on-the-autism-spectrum/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/does-my-child-have-attention-problems/ “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: https://mistyphillip.com https://www.facebook.com/misty.phillip/ https://www.instagram.com/mistyphillip/ https://twitter.com/mistyphillip https://www.pinterest.com/mistyphillip/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-phillip-135924b3/ For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Misty Phillip Misty Phillip is passionate about helping women overcome challenges in life by seeking Jesus, studying the Word and growing in grace. Founder and host of the By His Grace Podcast, sought after speaker at MistyPhillip.com. Misty is the author of The Struggle is Real: But So is God Bible Study.

Episode Summary: Today we’re talking about how to help someone with depression. October is National Depression Awareness Month. Earlier in the month, we’ve heard several guests share their experiences and their hope-filled perspectives as it pertained to depression. Yet I felt that we would be remiss if we didn’t also have an episode addressing how to help someone with depression because depression doesn’t occur in isolation—it impacts our spouses, our family, our friends, and others around us. Mental health awareness is two-fold: One learning to live with it; the other learning to love through it. If you have a spouse, friend, or loved one with depression, and you want to know how to help, this is the episode for you. By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide: greater than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. Depression is considered a medical condition, specifically, a mood disorder. Everyone’s experience with depression is different but there are some general, common signs and symptoms: -Change in mood (sad, blue, irritable, agitated, angry) -Change in socialization -Decreased interest in previously enjoyable activities -Decreased energy level which can make normal daily tasks difficult to accomplish -Changes in sleep and appetite (sleeping and/or eating too much or too little) -Self-medicating (drugs, alcohol, spending, gambling, shopping, work) -Crying -Thoughts of suicide or self-harm While we can be prone to feel helpless to help someone with depression, particularly if we have never experienced it ourselves, there are some practical things we can do to help: Enter into their experience with them and be present. Offer to make a doctor’s appointment for them and offer to go with them. Make plans with them. Even if they decline, keep offering. Ask how you can pray for them and pray with them. Remain encouraging and positive. Meet tangible needs (i.e. car pool, pick up grocery items, run errands). Be willing to just sit and be with them. Convey there is hope.   Often, people can figure out what to DO for someone, but they often stumble over what to SAY. In my private practice, and through my own personal struggles, I’ve found this to be a huge stumbling block. There are definitely things NOT to say: “It’s all in your head.” “Snap out of it.” “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” (All of these things convey a lack of sensitivity to the pain they are experiencing. You’d never say these things to someone who has cancer, and depression is just as much a medical diagnosis.) “This too shall pass.” (That is true, but it doesn’t make someone struggling with depression feel any better. Even a tornado passes, but it leaves damage and devastation in its wake.) “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” (First of all, many with depression consider suicide, so it’s never a good idea to joke about dying. Secondly, most with depression don’t care about getting stronger, they just want to survive.) “Others are worse off than you.” (Isn’t this true for everyone? But saying that doesn’t even acknowledge the pain the person with depression is in. And why is their pain any less valid?) “I know how you feel.” (If you’ve never struggled with depression, you don’t know how they feel. Even if you have experienced depression, the situation and symptoms and complicating factors may be entirely different. It’s better not to even try to compare.) Helpful things TO say: “I love you.” The person with depression often can’t love themselves much less believe that others love them. They need to hear this now more than ever, even if they don’t believe it. “I’m here for you.” Someone struggling with depression feels so alone. They need to know that others care enough to be present with them in their pain, rather than trying to fix it. “You are important to me.” When struggling with depression, self-esteem is often at risk. They feel all alone and need the assurance that their standing in your eyes and your life doesn’t change just because of the depression. “I’m sorry you’re hurting.” While I do not recommend saying you know how someone feels, I do suggest you offer kindness, compassion, and concern for their pain. “Is there something I can do for you?” Often, our actions speak louder than words. When you offer to help, you enter into their pain. They may not know how you can help, but by asking the question, you open up the opportunity for dialogue. “You may not believe this now, but you won’t always feel this way.” When one is struggling with depression, the whole world looks black, and the future seems to offer only more of the same. It can be helpful to encourage them that this is a season, and they won’t always be in this place. “What might help you feel better?” This can help them start to think pro-actively about things that help, and can clue you in on how you can support them. For example, if they mention that they always feel better after a walk, offer to walk with them. “What might be making your depression worse?” This can help them step back and take a look at things they need to change (e.g. sleeping too late in the morning may leave them feeling lethargic and sluggish all day, so setting an alarm to get up earlier might combat that), and can also help you better know how to support and pray for them. “We will get through this together.” Depression can leave one feeling incredibly lonely, isolated, and as if no one cares or understands. This simple statement conveys support. You aren’t trying to change them or solve the problem, just be present. Remember, someone else’s experience with depression isn’t your fault and you can’t “fix it” for them-only God can do that. But you can support. Say nothing. Words get us into trouble so often, when really, just being present often conveys much greater support than having the perfect thing to say or advice to try to make things better. In my private practice, and when I speak on the subject, I’m often asked if a loved one should mention suicide with someone experiencing depression. I find that so many people are afraid that if they mention suicide, it’ll “put the idea into their head.” Let me assure you, you’re not that powerful. If someone is deeply depressed, they’ve probably already had some thoughts in that direction already. I’m sure you would much rather ask, “I know things are pretty dark right now. Have you ever thought of hurting yourself?” than you would, “Why didn’t s/he tell me how they were feeling?” or “Why didn’t I do something?” If you ask a friend of someone you love if they’re contemplating suicide, it shows you care, and it opens up a dialogue to let them express their true feelings and can be the first step toward getting them help. Quotables/Tweetables: Mental health awareness is two-fold: One learning to live with it; the other learning to love through it. When it comes to depression, the enemy of our soul seeks to steal our joy, kill our peace, and destroy our identity. Depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide by 2020. You didn’t cause another person to become depressed, but you can be a supportive part of the solution. No one wants to be depressed. If they knew how to alleviate the depression on their own, they would. Our comments should communicate love, concern, and support, not judgement, shame, or criticism. Scripture References: John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy, but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” Recommended Resources: “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-despite-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/a-letter-to-one-struggling-with-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-do-i-know-if-im-depressed-common-symptoms-of-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/20-ways-to-fight-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/can-i-be-cured-of-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-things-to-know-if-you-have-a-depressed-loved-one/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-help-a-depressed-loved-one/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-not-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/ Social Media Links for Host and Guest: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: About Dr. Bengtson Dr. Bengtson studied neuroscience and is board certified in clinical neuropsychology. She established her own clinical practice in the Dallas area. From her professional and personal life, she recognized a deep lack of understanding of the call to “renew our minds” and the transformational effects a robust understanding of this has on our physical and mental health and outlook. Dr. Bengtson lives to foster regeneration and renew life in her listeners. She recognizes brokenness in her life and others’ and offers steps we can take as we walk with Christ through the thin places.   Dr. Bengtson authored the award-winning “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and its award-winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”  Her third book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” will be available in September 2019 (Revell). She blogs at DrMichelleB.com and maintains a Monday morning radio show and podcast at GraceandTruthRadio.world. She is a frequent guest on Fox News Radio and speaks at conferences and churches internationally.  

Episode Summary: If you have ever struggled with depression or obsessive or compulsive tendencies, or you have a friend or loved one who has, then today is the perfect show for you. It’s not uncommon to experience depression and OCD, in fact, today’s guest has experienced both. Depression and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) can present differently for each person. An individual with OCD may struggle to fight the need to check locks on the house before going to bed or as they are leaving to go out. They may have intrusive, irrational thoughts. They may feel that they have to do something to prevent something bad from happening, that truly is not within their direct control although they believe it is. In our culture, people use OCD as an adjective but it is so much worse than that and can be so debilitating. Anxiety falls under the category of anxiety disorders. Frequently, it encompasses irrational fears. Hope-Filled Perspective: God listens. Pray. Be honest with God. Tell Him how you are feeling. Ask for His help. Consider sharing with a trusted friend or counselor who can provide support and objective feedback. Depression and OCD do not have to rule your life. Wes has developed a ministry called PerseveringHope.com where they write about mental health issues, grief, and illness, in an effort to encourage others and spread hope. Quotables from the episode: If you have ever struggled with depression or obsessive or compulsive tendencies, or you have a friend or loved one who has, then this show is the perfect episode for you. Individuals with mental health issues, like depression or OCD, often feel like they are the only one who struggles. This can make it hard to reach out for help, out of fear that they will not be understood. So often we cannot see the struggles that others are dealing with. We, likewise, also try to hide our struggles so that they are not apparent to others. We frequently put pressure on ourselves and begin to think that if we are not perfect, God will not love us. But the truth is that God just loves us for who we are. It doesn’t matter how much we do for Him or how much we fail Him. Having gone through depression and experiencing something like anxiety can develop in us a greater sense of empathy for others’ struggles. If you haven’t gone through depression, or anxiety, or cancer, or other difficult circumstances, it can be difficult to relate and understand what others are experiencing. But when you go through it, your compassion and empathy toward others with similar conditions increases. Mental health issues like depression and OCD are not God’s best for us, nor His desire for us. But we live in a fallen world. Regardless, there is help, hope, and healing available. Because depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anxiety are such isolating conditions, there can be a tendency to think that God doesn’t understand or that He doesn’t care; neither of which are true. So we think we can’t share honestly with God, when the truth is, God already knows anyway. When we can get to the place where we can openly and honestly share with God what we are thinking and feeling, then He can come in and do the work. God cannot take from our closed fists. If someone is struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, but hesitant to seek help, ask yourself “are you really happy with your life the way things are?” If not, it might help to seek professional help.   Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” John 6:37 “Whoever comes to me, I will never drive away.” Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Recommended Resources: “The Voice of the Heart” by Chip Dodd https://amzn.to/2MGWmdU “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 https://drmichellebengtson.com/yes-christians-get-depressed-there-is-hope/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-patient-now-i-understand/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-promises-from-god-to-the-patient-i-didnt-meet/   Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Connect with Wes Harris: https://perseveringhope.com/ https://www.wrhwriting.com/ https://www.facebook.com/WRHarrisAuthor/https://www.facebook.com/Persevering-Hope-1873932435975781/ For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Wes Harris As a son of a military man, Wes was born in California, lived in Europe as a small child, and attended grade school in Texas. He is a fitness trainer, writer, and owner of an online ministry called Persevering Hope. He writes about living with OCD and depression as a Christian, as well as devotional books. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson    

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt prevented from living the life you expected or held back by a disability, then this show is the perfect show for you. We talked with my friend, Carolyn Newell, about living with blindness. Carolyn knows what it is to live with blindness, but she calls her disability a gift from God. So many of us take our sight for granted, so I wanted to hear from her what it’s like to live with blindness in a sighted world, and how she maintained her hope despite the limitation it imposes. Carolyn spoke about the challenges of a blind person: having to rely on organization and her memory, getting disoriented when trying to go places, and needing help but not having offers to have. She spoke about experiencing depression as a consequence of her frustrations; feeling she was incapable of doing things and trying to do more than she could. She called herself “Super Blind Woman” because she tried to do it all. When Carolyn experienced depression, she couldn’t feel God’s presence. But Hebrews 13:5 assured her that God had not abandoned her. She also shares how learning braille taught her how to depend on God. When she was most frustrated, Carolyn prayed scripture back to God. When encountering difficulties because of her blindness, she repeatedly prays, “God, you said in your word that if we have the faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, we can move mountains, and I need you to move that mountain!” Carolyn shared how vital it is that we step out in faith and trust God. Even though we often feel we can’t do something, God can. That may be through prayer, or it might come by asking others for help. If you are struggling with some kind of limitation, Carolyn recommends that you pray and read the word of God and that is where we get our strength. Carolyn learned that she can do many of the same things that others do, she just has to do them differently. But God is the one we need to depend on more than ever. God has a purpose for our trials that we may not see at the time, but will come to appreciate as a gift, just as Carolyn does with her blindness. Quotables from the episode: Organization and memory are essential for anyone with visual impairment. When I lose something, it’s in those moments that I will pray and ask Jesus to help me. A guide dog can help expand a blind person’s independence. If I wasn’t blind, my life wouldn’t be free of frustrations, they would just be different. One of the greatest struggles being blind is that no one seems to know to offer help. It’s okay if we get upset or disappointed with God, but we don’t want to stay in that place. Some of the days we think are going to be the worst days of our lives open up the door for so much more. It’s fine to have the attitude that you can do it all, but the reality is that it doesn’t work. None of us can do it all. When you strive for perfection you are setting yourself up for a fall. When you take that fall, you feel worthless and incapable. Those feelings of hopelessness lead you right down the slippery slope to depression. That is where the enemy wants us to go. With depression, we have to remember to take our thoughts captive. If they are not Godly thoughts that we should be having or that God wants us to have, and they are coming from the enemy or from our flesh, then we need to remove those thoughts from our mind because our emotions respond to our thoughts. We have an enemy who is trying to attack us. That is called spiritual warfare. And it is war: it is not easy! God wants us to come to Him and to ask for what we need. He does not want us dependent on ourselves; He wants us dependent on Him. We need to give everything, small things and big things, to the Lord and believe that He will meet our needs. If it’s in His will, and we believe Him, He’ll do it! When you learn to step out in faith, assuming that everything is okay even though you can’t see it, then that’s how we all need to trust God. Trusting God is so vital. You’ve got to step out in faith in everything you do. God is the one we need to depend on more than ever. Scripture References: Hebrews 13:5, “Be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’” Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Recommended Resources: “Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feelings & Our Faith” by Carolyn Newell https://amzn.to/33AHPGc “Loved Back to Life” by Sheila Walsh https://amzn.to/2qnk6v4 “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/carolyndalenewell/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/amountainofaith YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC126VS7qlK8MFwJgdyiqCQQ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyndnewell/en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyn.newell.142 For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ This show is made possible thanks to generous donations from listeners like you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make a tax deductible donation to Words of Grace and Truth (501c3) by going here:  https://give.cornerstone.cc/GraceAndTruthRadio and putting “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” in the box marked “Designations.” Guest: Carolyn Dale Newell is a speaker and author of four books. Carolyn knows what it is to live with blindness, but she calls her disability a gift from God. She shares her stories of vulnerability and conquered fears in a vast buffet of topics suitable for retreats or conferences. She is accompanied by her beautiful guide dog, Iva, a black lab who is adored by all. Carolyn resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with her husband, Tim. She loves reading, pizza, and discovering new independence with Iva. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you or someone you love have ever struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts and wondered if there is help and hope, this is the perfect episode for you to listen to, as we explore how laughter is good medicine. My guest, Dave Ebert, shares how he grew up under a harsh, military father who was physically ill after serving in the military. As an adolescent, Dave became depressed, and then sought out to release some of that depression by entertaining others through wrestling. Ultimately, Dave began a career in improv comedy to help encourage others and give them hope where they are. Dave offers his hope-filled perspective for dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as practical easy tips that someone can begin to implement today. Quotables from the episode: The enemy will whisper in our ears that we are worthless, but that’s a lie. Too often, we inappropriately assume our value comes from what we do instead of whose we are. We can take comfort by looking at some of the biblical greats like King David, Elijah, Job, and Paul, who all went through bouts of depression. When a group of strangers laugh together, suddenly they are no longer strangers because they have all admitted something about themselves. “Laughter is a tangible evidence of hope.” Michael Jr. Laughter makes you more open to receiving from someone else. Laughter can also heal. As parents, we need to be having conversations with our children about depression and suicidal thoughts, not only to stave off their attempts but to also equip them to help friends and classmates. The number of emergency room admissions for suicidal thoughts and attempts has doubled in our adolescent population from 2015-2019. Kids are spending more time online and less time building real relationships. We’ve got to be monitoring what they are watching and what is coming into their hearts and minds. Social media, such as the Netflix program “13 Reasons Why,” is glorifying suicide in our children. Your hope-filled perspective: you are made in God’s image. God created emotions. It’s okay to feel them. Don’t add to your misery by condemning yourself for the feelings you have. Be honest with God about them—He knows everything anyway. Be around people, and let people in. It’s important, especially when you are feeling depressed and suicidal to hear other voices besides the enemy’s voice in your ear. Be around those who will support you and love you. Get involved in church. Be around other believers who can encourage you. It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay there. If Jesus Christ, the son of God, thought you were important enough to die for, who are you to disagree. To make a change today: 1) Don’t stay in the dark physically. Open the blinds and shutters. 2) Do something. Take a walk around the block. 3) Be honest with God. Tell Him how you feel. Scripture References: Psalm 27:13, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.” Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Romans 8:28 God works all things together for good, for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Job 8:21 “He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Recommended Resources: “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 https://drmichellebengtson.com/i-have-a-confession-im-a-christian-and-i-was-suicidal/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-sadness-behind-suicide/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/suicide-theres-another-way/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/yes-christians-get-depressed-there-is-hope/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-patient-now-i-understand/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-promises-from-god-to-the-patient-i-didnt-meet/ Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Dave Ebert: Gifts for Glory Ministries – www.facebook.com/giftsforglory Gifts for Glory Ministries – www.twitter.com/Gifts4Glory HaHaMen Improv – www.facebook.com/wellversedcmdy PureFest – www.facebook.com/PureFestChicago Dave@gifts4glory.com   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Guest: Dave Ebert Dave Ebert was born in Chicago but grew up in the south in Virginia and West Virginia. Dave always entertained the people he was around, but that knack for entertaining went from fun to a defense mechanism to keep people from seeing his internal war with depression and suicide. Using entertainment and humor as a way to keep people away, as well as to try to make sure others didn’t feel the same as he did, Dave spent many years hiding his depression. Finally, God reached Dave and Dave set out to pursue God in earnest. Now, Dave uses the comedy, allowing God to redeem the scars of depression, to minister to others through improv.

Episode Summary: If you have ever experienced worry, fear, or anxiety, then this is the perfect episode for you! We’ve spent the last couple of weeks discussing worry, fear, and anxiety in part to celebrate the release of my new book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” which is now available at retailers near you and online. If you didn’t get to listen to either of the two previous week’s episode, I would encourage you to go back and listen to Episode 23 and Episode 24 because we had a great discussion about what exactly is worry, fear, and anxiety, where do they come from, what role trust in God plays, and how we increase our trust in Him. Today we really want to focus on what we can do about anxiety. Too many books tell you not to worry or not to be anxious, but they don’t tell you how. Today I want to talk about how we fight against worry, fear, and anxiety. Perfectionism is rooted in anxiety. Stress is mostly a self-inflicted wound. We put unrealistic expectations on ourselves that even God doesn’t put on ourselves. We worry, stress, and try to problem solve about every possible eventuality, which robs us of our peace and joy in the moment, and we can never get that moment back. Now it’s not always a self-inflicted wound. But our response to difficult situations inflicts the greatest stress. Even in the most unfortunate situations, we can choose to trust God through it. It’s a matter of taking every thought captive. We have to overcome worry, fear, and anxiety by seeing it as the battle it is. John 10:10 says that “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy…” That thief comes to steal our joy and kill our peace. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us “For God hath not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of sound mind.” So, God is showing us that worry, fear, and anxiety are rooted in the spirit of fear. Our enemy brings that on us. But He’s also showing us that He has given us the weapons of power (the same power that raised Christ from the dead), Love (perfect love that casts out fear), and a sound mind (the mind of Christ) to fight the battle against worry, fear, and anxiety. We are given power through the Name of Jesus, through the Word of God, through the Cross, through Jesus’s blood, and so much more. God’s love is another powerful weapon. The enemy doesn’t have access to God’s love. God’s love is good and trustworthy. As Christ-followers, we have been given a sound mind because we have been given the mind of Christ. The same mind that fought the enemy in the wilderness. We have access to the Holy Spirit whose job it is to remind us of all truth. If you’ve accepted Christ as your savior, you have a new bloodline. Peace is not a thing; peace is a person. We long for peace, but peace can always be with us because God is peace and He is always with us. Recognize that worry, fear, and anxiety exist. We cannot battle what we don’t know exists. Recognize that those negative thoughts aren’t yours. Keep in mind that our emotions are the outward manifestation of the thoughts we believe. There are no more powerful prayers than scripture prayers. Quotables from the episode: Stress is mostly a self-inflicted wound. Peace is not a thing; Peace is a person. Recognize that worry, fear, and anxiety exist. We cannot battle what we don’t know exists Recognize that those negative thoughts aren’t yours Keep in mind that our emotions are the outward manifestation of the thoughts we believe There are no more powerful prayers than scripture prayers. If you’ve accepted Christ as your savior, you have a new bloodline Our feelings are the outward manifestations of the thoughts we believe. Scripture References: John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of sound mind.” John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Recommended Resources: “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ About Dr. Michelle Bengtson: Dr. Bengtson studied neuroscience and is board certified in clinical neuropsychology. She established her own clinical practice in the Dallas area. From her professional and personal life, she recognized a deep lack of understanding of the call to “renew our minds” and the transformational effects a robust understanding of this has on our physical and mental health and outlook. Dr. Bengtson lives to foster regeneration and renew life in her listeners. She recognizes brokenness in her life and others’ and offers steps we can take as we walk with Christ through the thin places. Dr. Bengtson authored the award-winning “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and its award-winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”  Her third book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” will be available in September 2019 (Revell). She blogs at DrMichelleB.com and maintains a Monday morning radio show and podcast at GraceandTruthRadio.world.

Episode Summary: If you have ever experienced worry, fear, or anxiety, then this is the perfect episode for you! Last week we announced the release of my new book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” which is now available at retailers near you and online. If you didn’t get to listen to last week’s episode, I would encourage you to go back and listen: https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-difference-between-worry-fear-and-anxiety-episode-23/ because we had a great discussion about what exactly is worry, fear, and anxiety, and where do they come from. Today we’re going to talk about the role that our trust in God plays and how we sacrifice our peace. Worry, fear, and anxiety overlap but they are not identical. Worry is thinking about problems or fears; thinking about an unknown future that creates anxious feelings. It’s really our thought processes. Fear is an emotional response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is the anticipation of a future threat. But all three of these start in our mind! The enemy can use our words to instill fear in others. For example, parents will say things to their children trying to protect their children but their words can cause their children to experience fear. Our fear really comes down to not trusting God completely. T-Take God at His Word           -fear ultimately comes from trusting the lies of the enemy more than trusting God’s word. So we must consciously decide to trust what God has said in His word. R-Rest in His Presence           -God doesn’t expect us to do everything right. There is no peace apart from God’s presence. If we will take time and spend time in His presence, the rest of the day goes better, and our thoughts will be more centered on Him, and we will be more at peace. U-Understand that the outcome doesn’t depend on us           -God asks that we will believe, that we will trust, that we will have faith. When we will do what He asks us to do, the outcome is His responsibility. S-Accept that God is Sovereign           -Our circumstances don’t take God by surprise. He already knows about them and what He is going to do about them. His ways are good, His plans for us are good—even when we go through pain. T-Turn to the Testimony of Previous Experiences           -we can look back both in our own experiences as well as others’ experiences and see God’s faithfulness which makes it easier to trust God. Jesus came to give us peace, not as the world gives, but in a way that only He can give. He already gave that gift. So when we get wrapped in worry, fear, and anxiety, we are rejecting His gift of peace.   Once we recognize worry, fear, and anxiety operating in our lives, we have to reject it and choose to trust God and receive His peace. True peace is not the absence of trouble but resting in the sovereignty of God in the midst of it. We have to choose to focus on the truth, rather than focus on the facts. Facts are compelling, but God’s truth trumps the facts of our circumstances. We cannot find a single promise of God’s that has ever failed. Quotables from the episode: Worry, fear, and anxiety overlap but they are not identical. Worry is thinking about problems or fears; thinking about an unknown future that creates anxious feelings. It’s really our thought processes. Fear is an emotional response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is the anticipation of a future threat. But all three of these start in our mind! We don’t recognize the power of our words. Our words can instill fear in others. Fear ultimately comes from trusting the lies of the enemy more than trusting God’s word. There is no peace apart from God’s presence. When we will do what He asks us to do, the outcome is His responsibility. Our circumstances don’t take God by surprise. We must actively reject and refute the spirit of fear with God’s truth, or else Jesus’s gift of peace might as well be returned “address unknown.” True peace is not the absence of trouble, but resting in the sovereignty of God in the midst of it.  Scripture References: 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.” Recommended Resources: “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ This show is made possible thanks to generous donations from listeners like you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make a tax deductible donation to Words of Grace and Truth (501c3) by going here:  https://give.cornerstone.cc/GraceAndTruthRadio and putting “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” in the box marked “Designations.” Dr. Bengtson studied neuroscience and is board certified in clinical neuropsychology. She established her own clinical practice in the Dallas area. From her professional and personal life, she recognized a deep lack of understanding of the call to “renew our minds” and the transformational effects a robust understanding of this has on our physical and mental health and outlook. Dr. Bengtson lives to foster regeneration and renew life in her listeners. She recognizes brokenness in her life and others’ and offers steps we can take as we walk with Christ through the thin places. Dr. Bengtson authored the award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and its award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”  Her third book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” will be available in September 2019 (Revell). She blogs at DrMichelleB.com and maintains a Monday morning radio show and podcast at GraceandTruthRadio.world. She is a frequent guest on Fox News Radio and speaks at conferences and churches internationally. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: If you have ever experienced worry, fear, or anxiety, then this is the perfect episode for you! [tweet this] Anxiety is considered “the common cold of mental illness.” So many people experience worry, fear and anxiety, and they’ve come to accept it as part of their life just like we accept the common cold: as if it is inevitable and it’s going to happen. As a society, we’ve come to expect worry, fear, and anxiety as a part of our life. But that’s not God’s way, God’s plan, or God’s intent. Worldwide, over 7.3% of the population suffers from an anxiety disorder. That amounts to one out of 13 people, or 264 million people. And that is just those who are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. That doesn’t account for the millions who never seek treatment, or those who have subclinical but still problematic levels of worry, fear, and anxiety. Even if you don’t struggle with worry, fear, or anxiety, you have a loved one, friend, or co-worker who does struggle. Worry, fear, and anxiety overlap but they are not identical. Worry is thinking about problems or fears; thinking about an unknown future that creates anxious feelings. It’s really our thought processes. Fear is an emotional response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is the anticipation of a future threat. But all three of these start in our mind! Worry, fear, and anxiety rob us because they take our focus away from all the good God is doing in us and through us and for us, and focus on all the lies of the enemy, then we can’t focus on all the good things going on for us now while we are busy problem solving for all the potential future eventualities. There are chemical, hereditary, and life experience contributors but those are not the true CAUSE of anxiety. In 2 Timothy 1:7, God shows that the spirit of fear is the cause of anxiety. It started back in the Garden of Eden with Adam, Eve, and the serpent. They experienced shame after they took the serpent’s bait. Shame was the result of their fear of God. Our thoughts can change our brain chemistry. So if we accept fearful thoughts, that can change our brain chemistry, and produce anxiety. Recognize those thoughts aren’t even your own thoughts! John 10:10 says “The thief comes only to steal, and kill and destroy…” The enemy is out to steal our joy, kill our peace, and destroy our identity. Our worry, fear, and anxiety comes because we don’t really trust God. When we recognize we haven’t been fulling trusting God, all we have to do is repent, and ask Him to help us and He will! Quotables from the episode: God says that worry, fear, and anxiety are not our portion—peace is! Worry, fear, and anxiety overlap but they are not identical Worry is thinking about problems or fears; thinking about an unknown future that creates anxious feelings. It’s really our thought processes Fear is an emotional response to a real or perceived threat Anxiety is the anticipation of a future threat But all three of these start in our mind! “Worry stole my joy. Anxiety stole my peace. Fear stole my present as it projected into my future.” Scripture References: 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.” John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” Recommended Resources: “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ This show is made possible thanks to generous donations from listeners like you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make a tax deductible donation to Words of Grace and Truth (501c3) by going here:  https://give.cornerstone.cc/GraceAndTruthRadio and putting “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” in the box marked “Designations.” About Dr. Michelle Bengtson: Dr. Bengtson studied neuroscience and is board certified in clinical neuropsychology. She established her own clinical practice in the Dallas area. From her professional and personal life, she recognized a deep lack of understanding of the call to “renew our minds” and the transformational effects a robust understanding of this has on our physical and mental health and outlook. Dr. Bengtson lives to foster regeneration and renew life in her listeners. She recognizes brokenness in her life and others’ and offers steps we can take as we walk with Christ through the thin places. Dr. Bengtson authored the award-winning “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and its award-winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”  Her third book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” released on September 17, 2019 (Revell). She blogs at DrMichelleB.com and maintains a Monday morning radio show and podcast at GraceandTruthRadio.world. She is a frequent guest on Fox News Radio and speaks at conferences and churches internationally. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: If you have ever experienced depression or anxiety or suffered the loss of a friend or loved one to death by suicide, then today is the perfect show for you. September 8-September 14, 2019 is National Suicide Prevention Week in the United States of America, so I wanted to devote this episode to discussing suicide prevention. This is also the week before my newest book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” releases in all major retailers. Because those who get to the point where they consider suicide as a viable option are often overcome with anxiety, it seemed only fitting that we would have an episode that would cover both issues. Scripture tells us in Psalm 34:18 that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If that is you today, as one who is feeling broken hearted, crushed in spirit, or perhaps, hopeless, I hope that you will stay with us and listen to our conversation today between a board certified clinical neuropsychologist and a first response crisis chaplain, but more importantly, as two individuals who have been there. My guest today, Veronica Sites, is a first response crisis chaplain. She grew up in a family of first responders. And sadly, she lost a family member to death by suicide. This experience caused a shift in how she responded in such situations. But she also experienced some tragic life experiences which brought her to the point that she began to believe some lies that took her down the path to attempting to end her own life by suicide. When she woke up she told a friend, “The Lord is going to use this for His glory. You just watch.” And that is what has happened, as she now serves as a first response crisis chaplain and she tries to educate about suicide prevention. It’s okay to ask God how we are to get through our most difficult circumstances. When God’s children submit to Him, He will often send us back to give others hope. We must be so very careful of the words we speak. When we speak things like “I can’t do this anymore,” we forfeit in the spiritual, and give the enemy an open door to bring havoc into our lives. The enemy takes just a seed of truth and twists it to try to deceive us. That is why it is so crucial that we truly know the truth of God’s word. Use the truths of God’s word. Meditate on scripture, listen to praise and worship. When the stinking thinking sets in, speak it out and ask the Lord to unpack it like a trunk. He has given us power, love, and a sound mind. Quotables from the episode: The Lord never wastes a hurt. God transforms pain that was meant to be destructive into something that can be productive for His namesake and the healing of others. People don’t necessarily want to die…they just want the pain to end. You are the temple of the living God.We can always trust the Lord, even when we don’t know what the outcome is going to be. Scripture References: Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and (self-discipline. NIV), (NASB - discipling / sound judgement) Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Recommended Resources: “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 https://drmichellebengtson.com/i-have-a-confession-im-a-christian-and-i-was-suicidal/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-sadness-behind-suicide/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/suicide-theres-another-way/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/yes-christians-get-depressed-there-is-hope/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-patient-now-i-understand/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-promises-from-god-to-the-patient-i-didnt-meet/ Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Veronica Sites  Website: https://www.conflictresolutionspeaker.com/ FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/conflictresolutionspeaker/ Twitter link https://twitter.com/VeronicaSites Pinterest link https://www.pinterest.com/veronicasites/ Vimeo link https://vimeo.com/veronicasites Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDc6__zg_pGKmRlhJL_m0Q? For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt hopeless, helpless, or worthless, if you have ever felt like giving up the fight and ending it all, then today is the perfect show for you. If you’ve ever considered attempting suicide or lived following a failed suicide attempt, you’ll want to hear our guest’s story in this episode. In this episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, I talk with my guest, Rob Decker, who shares very candidly about his failed suicide attempt, and how he has found hope for a better life.  Rob shares his story about growing up in a dysfunctional home, watching his parents model poor choices with drugs and alcohol, his own history of substance abuse, and finally culminating in a failed suicide attempt. Then Rob shares how, despite his upbringing and his own poor choices, he has found hope and is living a joy-filled, hopeful life, and how you can too. Quotables from the episode: If you have ever felt hopeless, helpless, or worthless, if you have ever felt like giving up the fight and ending it all, then today is the perfect show for you. If you’ve ever considered attempting suicide or lived following a failed suicide attempt, you’ll want to hear our guest’s story in this episode. Even when our earthly parents reject or abandon us, God is our Heavenly Father and He will take care of us. God is our Father, and because of that, we can know everything will be okay. Christ still heals today, and He could simply touch us and heal us, but sometimes we learn more through the process and become closer to Him as a result. Despite the difficult circumstances we go through, the only way we can find freedom is to forgive. So often God uses our trials, our tribulation, our childhood, our experiences to help someone else. Find your peace in God and know that He has a purpose for your life. He has great things planned for your life. He will carry you through the trials. Find your hope in Him. He won’t let you down. The best decision you can make is to make Jesus Christ your Lord. It’s also important to make the decision to take care of yourself. Exercise, eat right, get enough rest, surround yourself by like-minded individuals who really care about your well-being, and do things that bring you joy. Scripture References: Psalm 27:13 “I would be in despair if I did not believe I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.” Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” Recommended Resources: https://drmichellebengtson.com/i-have-a-confession-im-a-christian-and-i-was-suicidal/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-sadness-behind-suicide/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/suicide-theres-another-way/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/yes-christians-get-depressed-there-is-hope/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-patient-now-i-understand/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-promises-from-god-to-the-patient-i-didnt-meet/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Rob Decker: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/Decker_Ro Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rob.decker.589 For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ This show is made possible thanks to generous donations from listeners like you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make a tax-deductible donation to Words of Grace and Truth (501c3) by going here:  https://give.cornerstone.cc/GraceAndTruthRadio and putting “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” in the box marked “Designations.” Guest: Rob Decker Rob experienced a failed suicide attempt that led to a relationship with God. He suffered through many years of sadness, anger and confusion and fed that with drugs, alcohol and bad relationships. To God’s glory, his eventually turned into a story of forgiveness, understanding and love. Rob desires to inspire, encourage and give hope to those who are experiencing similar battles. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: As a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, not a day goes by that I don’t have to address the importance of rest with my patients struggling from medical and mental health disorders ranging from ADHD to post-concussion syndrome. As a society that is now driven to better and faster technology, rest has become a lost art, but no less fundamentally important to our physical emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being. God granted us both time and the model of rest for our good, yet we’ve come to treat it as a weakness or a punishment. If you have ever felt worn out, weary, and longing for more, then today is the perfect show for you. In this episode, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and I talked not just about the importance of rest, but about the different types of rest (and some of them might surprise you). As a neuropsychologist, I’m frequently interviewed about what we can do to help our physical and emotional well-being, and Dr. Dalton-Smith and I talked about the importance of rest to help us be more productive and more creative. We think we can accomplish more by doing more and skimping on rest, but the opposite is true. Quotables from the episode: Often, obeying God’s command to rest takes a step of faith. When God gives us a command to rest, it is for our good. It is opening up room for something better. But so often we are unwilling to trust Him in that process. We keep trying to grab on to the small blessings, but it keeps Him from giving us the really big one coming our way. We tend to treat rest as if that’s an indulgence. Sometimes God has to take us to the place where we are at the lowest of the low in order for us to hear His voice. When we are so busy, and not taking time to adequately enter His rest, the business drowns out His voice from our ears We can get so busy that we have a religious relationship with God but no true personal relationship There are seven types of rest: physical rest (active and passive) mental rest (the easiest way to know you don’t have it is when you lie down to go to sleep at night but you can’t turn your brain off) emotional rest (rest that comes from being able to be very truthful and authentic; being able to say what you mean without having to censor your words) spiritual rest (breaking away from a religious relationship with God and focusing on intimacy with God; spending time in His presence to worship Him) social rest (understanding which people are draining in your life, and which ones are more life giving and make you feel better just by being around them; social rest is rest from the presence of others) sensory rest (taking breaks from sensory stimulation like the tv, radio, lights, being touched) creative rest (comes from allowing yourself the space to appreciate beauty) People often need to make a mindset shift: rest is really about restoration. Jesus perfectly modeled rest for us. He frequently pulled away for a time to rest. He modeled that even in ministry, it’s okay to set aside time to rest. Rest seems like it should be a simple process but so many people struggle with fatigue and insomnia because we don’t realize exactly what kind of rest we need. The type of rest you need, may not be the type you think you need. You can be a constant producer of a lot of goodness in your life, without ever taking time to taste the sweetness of the things you’re producing. Taking a Sabbath is difficult for so many because they cram so much into their life that it would be overwhelming to think of taking an entire day off each week, but if they could even start with an hour or a couple of hours and get used to that, then they might get to the point where they can take an entire day of Sabbath rest. Most of us need to start thinking of rest as a lifestyle. Rest actually helps you be more productive, because your joy level stays up, your energy levels stay up. Emotional rest is when you longer feel the need to perform. To take time to rest during the day, take time to analyze how your body feels throughout the day. Get up every 60-90 minutes and move around to make sure you aren’t staying in the same position for long periods of time. Incorporate physical rest by assessing whether or not you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your body. Do some stretches or close your eyes for a few moments to alleviate eye strain. Bring something beautiful or encouraging into your physical space with you. We have a choice to make. Matthew 11:28 says “come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” It’s an invitation. Once you choose to accept that invitation, Jesus will carry that burden for us. Scripture References: Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.  Hebrews 4:11 So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. Matthew 11:28-30 MSG “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Recommended Resources: Free rest assessment at https://ichoosemybestlife.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/ Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith https://amzn.to/346V4j8 https://drmichellebengtson.com/embracing-his-rest/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/when-god-commands-rest/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/6-lessons-learned-doctor-orders-more-rest/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/3-lessons-learned-from-a-period-of-rest/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/risking-rest/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/trust-and-rest/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: Website: https://ichoosemybestlife.com/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/DrDaltonSmith Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/DrSaundraDaltonSmith Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drdaltonsmith/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drdaltonsmith/ For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Saundra Dalton-Smith is an author, speaker, and board-certified internal medicine physician. She has an active medical practice in Alabama (near the Birmingham area). She received her B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia and graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan teaching courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. Dr. Dalton-Smith is a national and international media resource on the mind, body, spirit connection and a top 100 medical expert inGood Housekeeping Doctors’ Secrets. She has been featured in many media outlets including Women’s Day, Redbook, First For Women, MSNBC, and Prevention. She is the author of Set Free to Live Free and Come Empty (winner 2016 Golden Scroll Nonfiction Book of the Year and 2016 Illumination Award Gold medalist). Her newest release is Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, including ground-breaking insight on the seven types of rest needed to optimize your productivity, increase your overall happiness and live your best life. She has shared her tips on merging faith and medicine with over 16,000 health care professionals to encourage the current and next generation of doctors to treat the whole person. Learn more about Dr. Saundra at https://ichoosemybestlife.com/. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: We all struggle with pain from our past. Places where brokenness continues to cut deep into the fabric of our soul.  If you have ever felt stuck, and really, no matter where you are on the path to wholeness, our discussion today will comfort, equip, and challenge you to keep pressing forward, past brokenness to healing.  My guest, Jennifer Watson, author of Freedom! The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It https://amzn.to/2KRuPpv shares her story as a pastor’s wife and women’s ministry leader who has battled depression, anxiety, brokenness, and insecurities. Quotables from the episode: We all struggle with pain from our past. Places where brokenness continues to cut deep into the fabric of our soul. If you have ever felt stuck, then this is the episode for you to listen to.  [click to tweet] no matter where you are on the path to wholeness, our discussion today will comfort, equip, and challenge you to keep pressing forward, past brokenness to healing. [click to tweet] You can’t ask someone for direction when they’ve never been where you are going. Sometimes we need to seek the input of counselors, or mentors, or those who are more spiritually mature to help us heal and move forward with our lives. Freedom in a holy confidence to be able to walk in who God created you to be. There is a holy confidence in how God wants to use us. There is a military definition of breakthrough that says it’s the advancement beyond enemy territory. Can’t you just imagine stomping through enemy territory, and not just going up to it, but going beyond it to take back what has been stolen. People have a natural tendency to retreat from pain. But truly, you have to feel it to heal it. You can try to stuff the pain down and ignore it, but if you do, it will come back at an inopportune, unexpected time later. The enemy wants us to remain stuck in our brokenness. He wants us to be fixated on our problems instead of the promises of God. We have to be intentional about not going into hiding anymore, and facing our issues head on, no matter how painful, no matter how long it takes. We have to remember that God is so much bigger than our situations. No matter what battle we are facing, we are not facing it alone. God repeatedly says in His word that He will never leave us, and in fact, in Exodus 14:14, it says He will fight for us, if we will just be still. Where do your thoughts go? A couple indications that we’ve become stuck in a broken place and haven’t moved forward is when we find our conversation always returning to the event, or the person, or the offense, or when we start rehearsing conversations in our mind that we wish we’d had with the person who hurt us. When we focus on problems instead of promises of God, we get stuck. We all need to have those trustworthy people in our life who will not coddle us, but speak truth into our lives when what they see in our lives is not lining up with God’s truth. But they have to be a safe, selected few. Not everyone can fill that role. God wired us to have a deep need for connection, so we need others in our lives. So we want to know others and we want to be known. The only way we can do that is by being vulnerable and sharing the broken parts of our stories; the part of our stories that aren’t quite healed yet. Women have a strong tendency to compare themselves to others, including comparing how bad their situation is to another’s. Sometimes we don’t need others to have the right words to say or to be able to fix our situation, we just need others to be present in our pain. But we are so uncomfortable with silence and pain, that we say things to cover up our discomfort. That’s exactly what happened with Job. His friends came and sat with him in silence for a week, to grieve with him. And they didn’t get in trouble until they started to speak. We can’t look to other people and expect them to be able to heal our hurts or fix our brokenness. Only God can do that. Something that can help us when we are in the middle of the mess, is reminding ourselves that whatever we are going through is temporary—it won’t last forever. It’s also powerful to focus on the Problem Solver rather than the problem itself. Another way to move beyond our brokenness is to take a “negativity fast” where we don’t allow ourselves to talk about the negative things or complain about things in our lives. Interrupting negativity with praise, and positivity and all of the good things that God has done for us, is a game changer. What we need to remember is that even when we don’t see it, God is working out all things for our good. We can bank on His promises so that our problems don’t get to steal the spotlight. Scripture References: John 14:27 ISV “I’m leaving you at peace. I’m giving you my own peace. I’m not giving it to you as the world gives. So don’t let your hearts be troubled, and don’t be afraid.” John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Recommended Resources: Freedom! The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It. By Jennifer Watson https://amzn.to/2KRuPpv https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-the-beginning-of-freedom/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/walking-in-freedom/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/do-your-part-let-god-do-the-work/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-ails-you-when-you-need-gods-healing/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/bible-verses-hope-when-you-need-healing/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-scriptures-when-you-need-healing/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-pain-in-change/ “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jennifer Watson: Website: https://www.jenniferreneewatson.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/jenniferwatson FB: facebook.com/jenniferreneewatsonwriter Twitter: https://twitter.com/JreneeWatson For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Jennifer Watson Jennifer Watson is the author of Freedom! The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It https://amzn.to/2KRuPpv. Jennifer is a pastor’s wife, mother of two teenage daughters, and national speaker. Jennifer has been in full-time ministry for twenty years and is passionate about investing in others. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: I’ve got some exciting news to share with my listeners and readers this week! So many of you have asked for it, and it’s finally here! We’re announcing the soon to be released book that YOU asked me to write, to help you in your struggles with worry, fear, and anxiety. Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises will be released by Baker Revell on September 17, 2019. This book is truly a gift from my heart. It was written with you in mind, much like my first book, “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression”, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip is written from a dual perspective of a doctor who has treated thousands of patients with anxiety, and as a fellow sufferer. As I began to really research for this book, however, God revealed to me that worry, fear, and anxiety are not our portion; peace is. He came to give us peace.  In Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, I share what worry, fear, and anxiety are, where they come from, and what tools we can use to conquer them. I want to encourage you to go pre-order the book now because we have some amazing pre-order bonuses bundled together to give you for free to everyone who pre-orders before September 16, 2019. We are offering digital downloads of the Fear No More Declaration, 3 Beautiful word art prints, 3 fun adult coloring pages, the Spotify link that includes all the songs included in the Recommended Play List at the end of every chapter. The pre-order bundle also includes a digital download of an original painting by Emily Curiak titled “The Price of Peace,” as well as the digital download of Recover: Rest, Relax, Revive, and Rejuvenate playlist with 6 originally composed piano tracks by award-winning composer, producer, and pianist Jamar Jones. In coming weeks, we’ll talk more about worry, fear, and anxiety: what is it, where does it come from, and what do we do about it. But for now, I just wanted to share this exciting news and invite you to come along on the journey with me. Quotables from the episode: We all struggle with worry, fear, and anxiety to some degree, and we’ve come to accept it as normal; that’s why it’s considered the common cold of mental illness. Worry, fear, and anxiety are not your portion, peace is.  Scripture References: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJ "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Recommended Resources: https://drmichellebengtson.com/announcing-breaking-anxietys-grip/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/pre-order/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-bible-verses-when-you-need-peace/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-control-worry-fear-and-anxiety-to-keep-your-peace/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/keeping-peace-when-life-falls-apart/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/scriptures-combat-worry-fear-anxiety/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/talk-back-to-anxiety/ “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Dr. Michelle Bengtson About Dr. Bengtson Dr. Bengtson studied neuroscience and is board certified in clinical neuropsychology. She established her own clinical practice in the Dallas area. From her professional and personal life, she recognized a deep lack of understanding of the call to “renew our minds” and the transformational effects a robust understanding of this has on our physical and mental health and outlook. Dr. Bengtson lives to foster regeneration and renew life in her listeners. She recognizes brokenness in her life and others’ and offers steps we can take as we walk with Christ through the thin places.   Dr. Bengtson authored the award-winning “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and its award-winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”  Her third book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” will be available in September 2019 (Revell). She blogs at DrMichelleB.com and maintains a Monday morning radio show and podcast at GraceandTruthRadio.world. She is a frequent guest on Fox News Radio and speaks at conferences and churches internationally. For more, find her at www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Air Date: August 15, 2019

Episode Summary: As a neuropsychologist, I know the power of our mind, the power of our thoughts. Have you ever wondered how to deal with fear effectively? If you have ever battled your thoughts, and felt like you couldn’t win, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about training our mind to conquer challenges, defeat doubt, and live victoriously.   Today we’re talking to my friend, Kelly Balarie, about what it means to be battle ready. Her book by the same title is one that helps us proactively prepare to fight back against doubt, disbelief, and uncertainty and how to deal with fear in order to live from a stance of determination, resiliency, and faith to be all that God has called us to be.  Kelly offers us tangible suggestions of ways to take heart and keep our minds focused on His truth for victorious living.   Kelly and I talk about how we fight any good fight, first in our mind, because what is in our mind will come out in our actions. When we continue to believe a lie, we really hurt ourselves. Kelly shares how she learned through her difficulties how to deal with fear by changing her thoughts. She explains what it means to be battle ready. She also gives several tips about how to do that, like what it means to adopt a buffet mindset, or how to take a mind vacation.   Quotables from the episode: As a neuropsychologist, I know the power of our mind, the power of our thoughts. If you have ever battled your thoughts, and felt like you couldn’t win, then today is the perfect show for you. [click to tweet] Today we’re going to be talking about training our mind to conquer challenges, defeat doubt, and live victoriously. This is an episode you won’t want to miss. [click to tweet] We fight any good battle first in our mind. We can either try to do things on our own, or we can find life through God. Advancement really comes when we get to the place where we admit that we can’t do it ourselves and we need God. Our mess is our message, and God meets us in our mess. When the trials come, we need to keep our thoughts fixed on heaven, on Jesus, and how we have the mind of Christ. Our thoughts are where the battles are won and lost. We need God’s fresh insight in our thoughts! Faith is a gift from God. It comes from Him, and we don’t have to try to conjure it up or strive to make it happen. We have to preach to ourselves. We have to speak the word of God to our situation and over ourselves. Personalize scripture to remind yourself things like God says you are holy, righteous, more than a conqueror, and victorious in Christ Jesus. Just like the Socrates method of teaching, if you teach what you have learned, you hold onto it better. For Scripture that we don’t understand, all we have to do is ask God to teach us His word, and for the Holy Spirit to reveal the word to our lives. For some, after going through trials or traumas, it can be easy to have a victim mindset. But the truth is we are victorious because of Christ. Jesus died, but because He was raised again, He defeated everything we would face and the enemy’s power over us. We are set free by His love. Our job is to get our mind on the same page as God’s word. It is very powerful when our mind gets in line with the mind of Christ. Out of God’s abundance, He offers us the opportunity to have a “buffet mindset.” He gives lavishly and we never have to worry that He will run out without us getting our fill. The abundant nature of God gives us everything we need, so we don’t need to hoard, or store up, or compete with others. Taking a “mind vacation” can allow us time to ask God for His perspective. A time distance can give us greater ability to see things more objectively. Sometimes we need to create space from our incidents or blow up moments and what God would have us do. Because of that distance, we can give ourselves time and a fresh ability to interpret a situation. The mind vacation frees us up from being too heavily critical of ourselves and adopting a more Godly perspective of our situation. There is freedom in knowing we don’t have to be perfect to be accepted and loved by God. Our greatest advances will come not be defending ourselves but by laying it down and receiving God’s perspective.     Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”   Recommended Resources: “Battle Ready: Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt, and Live Victoriously” by Kelly Balarie https://amzn.to/31xt721 “Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears” by Kelly Balarie https://amzn.to/2MKepjM https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-fight-fearful-thoughts-win/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-effectively-fight-fearful-thoughts/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/ask-dr-b-how-to-combat-fearful-thoughts-2/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-control-worry-fear-and-anxiety-to-keep-your-peace/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/fear-or-faith-you-choose/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/40-scriptures-combat-worry-fear-anxiety-panic/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-truths-to-defeat-fear/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46   Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   To connect with Kelly Balarie:   Website: https://purposefulfaith.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulfaith Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellybalarie   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Air Date: August 5, 2019  Guest: Kelly Balarie Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

016 Hope for Healing from Physical and Domestic Abuse Episode Summary: If you have ever been the victim of physical or sexual abuse, been the target of domestic violence, or survived a traumatic event, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re talking about finding hope and healing after trauma, particularly domestic violence. On this episode, I had a very frank discussion with my friend, Melanie Pickett, who experienced a 15-year marriage that entailed domestic violence and sexual assault but shares how she found hope to go on. Melanie not only shared her story, but also the “red flags” that she missed that others need to be aware of. Melanie offers practical suggestions for what to do if you are in an abusive relationship, and how to hold on to hope. Quotables from the episode:  We will all go through hard times, but we have to remember that the trials are just a chapter not the entire story. Life will go on. After experiencing a traumatic event, trauma counseling can be so helpful and so healing. Even in the darkest nights, God still provided. One of the red flags Melanie missed was her husband’s extreme possessiveness which in the extreme isn’t about wanting to be with you but wanting to control and manipulate. Look at your relationships and ask yourself if they really line up with the love chapter in the Bible (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Is your relationship patient and kind? Not jealous or boastful or proud or rude? Does it not demand its own way? Is it not irritable and keep no record of being wrong? Does it rejoice over truth and not injustice? That is a good guideline for what a healthy relationship is like. Things to consider in your relationship: Are you afraid? Do you feel unsupported or that you can’t share your true feelings? You’re never more alive than when you are in pain, because that’s when you’re on your knees and God is really working. [click to tweet] Melanie never blamed God for what happened to her. She did, however, blame her ex-husband, but over time she came to a place where she could have compassion for how tormented he must have been. If you are in an abusive relationship, it’s not your fault. It’s not okay that it is happening, and you don’t deserve it. Financial concerns is not a reason to stay in an abusive relationship. God will work everything out. There is help, there is hope. You are not damaged goods. Even though the healing process is painful, there are better days ahead. Good Biblical therapy is key for moving on. Don’t stay in an abusive relationship because you think you can change a person. You can’t. Change has to come from God. Do not minimize your situation by thinking “Well, at least he’s not hitting me” because abuse is abuse and you don’t know when things will escalate, and it might cost you your life The most dangerous time for an abuse victim, is when they are trying to leave. Talk with a counselor, a pastor, a friend, or someone you trust. Make a plan, and then get out to safety. Scripture References: Psalm 9:9 “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Psalm 63:8 “I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  Recommended Resources: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Cloud and Townsend https://amzn.to/2SorqAi “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin De Becker https://amzn.to/31cHOXM “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand https://amzn.to/2YD0bn9 “One Call Away” by Brenda Warner https://amzn.to/2MElzGa “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Melanie Spickett: Blog: https://melaniespickett.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieSPickett\ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniespickett/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniespickett/ For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails:https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website:https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog:https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter:https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host:http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Air Date: July 29, 2018 Guest: Melanie Pickett Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: If you have ever gone through a difficult trial that you hadn’t anticipated, or given an unexpected diagnosis, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about how to maintain our hope when unexpected news like a devastating medical diagnosis turns your life upside down. We’ll specifically discuss hope for the fight against cancer. In this episode, Scott Bengtson shares about some of the very difficult life circumstances that turned our lives upside down, from a long-distance commuter marriage for several years to his fight against cancer with a very poor prognosis. He reflected on how his upbringing resurfaced during those times to provide him a foundation on which he could rest his hope despite what doctors warned would be his fate.  We also discussed tips for how we chose to navigate those treacherous waters, while minimizing the negativity in our lives and focusing on what we knew to be true.  Scott and I discussed the importance of knowing what you believe before crisis hits because that is no time to try to determine what you think is true. You must cement your beliefs before you fight against cancer. We also talked about the importance of guarding our hearts and minds, and what exactly that means. We also shared things that people said or did that were of help and encouragement, as well as things that were said or done which were not helpful. Scott ended the broadcast sharing his perspective about how to maintain hope in the difficult times, and reminded us that doctors are just human, and they give their best estimates but that God cannot be put in a box or limited to humanly derived statistics. Quotables from the episode: Tears are liquid prayers. Life may be difficult, but successes still happen. Sometimes we hold on to hope by doing what you know to do. There were many days of discouragement and fear, filled with many anguished prayers. A lot of those days were valley days. But what got us through those dark days was knowing who he was, who his Father was, and how we could go to Him in honest prayers, and we had the privilege to worship Him. The trials we experienced didn’t change the truth that we knew. It is often not living day by day, but depending on God moment by moment. You have to know what you believe before a crisis hits, because that is what you will fall back on when crisis hits. It would have been easier to get through those trials if we had understood the power of our words, and the importance of guarding our minds. We made the decision to no longer watch the evening news or take the daily newspaper because we wanted to limit the negativity that entered our home. We are now less likely to allow people to speak negative things to or over us. And now we are more careful about what we say to others. When someone is going through a trial or devastating diagnosis, your presence is more important than your words. Limit your questions because it can be very wearing to have to answer the same questions repeatedly. In the book of Job, he experienced so many devastating hardships. Job’s friends came and sat with him for 7 days in his time of grief. Yet they got in trouble when they opened their mouths. Don’t say to a person in a crisis situation, “If you need anything, let me know.” If you think of something that might be helpful, just do it. They will appreciate it. Be consistent in your presence and your support.   Scripture References: Philippians 4:1, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” Philippians 4:8, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”   Recommended Resources: https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-how-to-not-be-friend-to-someone-with-cancer-part-1/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-cancer-part-2/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-how-to-be-friend-to-someone-with-cancer-part-3/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-support-someone-with-cancer/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-lessons-learned-after-being-diagnosed-with-cancer/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-day-i-was-diagnosed-with-cancer-18-promises-when-crisis-hits/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-cancer-in-each-of-us/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-cancer-taught-me-about-the-church/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-even-in-cancer/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-testimonies-in-bible-bolster-faith-during-hard-times/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46   Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Scott Bengtson Scott earned his electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech University. He spent the better part of his career in telecommunications. He has been married to his wife, Michelle for 31 years, and together they have two children: one who is a junior in college, and the other a junior in high school. He is a 3-time cancer survivor and gives God all the glory. In his spare time, Scott leads a men’s Bible study and serves in his local church. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Air Date:  July 22, 2019

Episode Summary:   Today we’re going to be talking about the pain of the friendship relationships that steal your joy. Specifically, toxic friends. Have you ever struggled with a friendship that has gone array? Perhaps you invested yourself fully into a friendship only to find out that the relationship was a bit one-sided, or perhaps even a toxic friendship? If so, then today is the perfect show for you.   There's something wrong with your friendship, but you can't figure out what. Is everything in your head? Unfortunately, most of us have a few toxic friends over the course of our life. Toxic friendships happen to everyone, but we seldom identify the underlying issues while we battle confusion or the friendship breaks up. Friendships can be hard but breaking up is even harder. Maybe you're left bewildered in the friendship's wake, paralyzed to move forward. On today’s show we are going to be talking to Mary DeMuth. After wading through several difficult relationships with toxic friends, Mary reveals the seven different types of toxic friendships and empowers you to identify the messiest relationships causing you the greatest anguish.   I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of her book, The Seven Deadly Friendships and offered my written endorsement: "In 30 years as a mental health practitioner, I've had the privilege of working with patients who have struggled with and suffered because of toxic friends, akin to those detailed in The Seven Deadly Friendships. Mary helps us identify those toxic relationships and then points us to seven life-giving practices to help us receive and extend healthy friendships."   Quotables from the episode:   Have you ever had toxic friends? If so, you’ll want to listen to this episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson. The toxic friendships are based on the seven deadly sins listed in Proverbs 6: haughty eyes, lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who sows discord in a family. Almost all sins are relational in some sort of way, whether they are relational toward God or toward others. The difficult relationships we face that coordinate with the seven deadly sins are: Narcissist Nolan, Unreliable Uma, Predator Paige, Conman Connor, Temptor Trevor, Faker Fiona, and Dramatic Drake. For each of these types of relationships, we need to know what the scriptures say about them, but we also need to ask ourselves the question, “Am I like this?” Relationships are built on two or more individuals, and we each play a role in their success or their failure. We need to examine our hearts and become better friends, because the stuff of life is built on friendships. There are a lot of divorce recovery books available, but until now there wasn’t a friendship divorce recovery book to guide us through such relationship breakups. Friendship breakups can be even more painful than a romantic breakup. Part of the reason for that is because we don’t expect it. When you are dating someone to find a mate, you anticipate kissing a few frogs before finding the prince to spend your life with. But especially as women, we tend to look at friendships and expect them to be lifelong and not just for a season. When they break up, we are left wondering “what’s wrong with me?” The deadly friendship that seemed like it would be the least common was actually one of the most common: Conman Connor. When you have equated a relationship with finances or money, which can be as simple as someone friending you on facebook only to turn around and ask you to buy their awesome product, that is quite common. Just about everyone has experienced that kind of a relationship. That is a transactional view of relationship and we need to be super cautious about that. When that happens we are left feeling dirty because we were used, and our relationship is undervalued because they only want you for the dollar sign. In today’s world, Faker Fiona is common. That’s someone with cameleon-like tendencies because we present one way online but often different in person. Narcissistic personalities are often difficult to identify because they present as charming and engaging, rather than controlling and manipulative. It can be hard after a friendship breakup because we blame ourselves even when people with predatory or narcissistic tendencies are skilled at preying on others. It helps to ask, “Why was I attracted to people who are so self-absorbed, or who were preying on me?” It often goes back to childhood, thinking that if we could just get those personality types to love us, then they would complete our incomplete story from childhood. The Lord has to be the completer of our story. He is perfect, He is loving, He loves me no matter what. He can complete that love need that we have. This is not meant to just point the finger, but to help us grow and change and become better friends to others. Relationship is a good thing. God said it was not good for Adam to be alone so He created a companion for Adam in the Garden of Eden. But sin has come into the world, so now it’s a matter of learning how to grow AND how to guard our heart. Jesus had very close relationships with twelve, not with thousands. He modeled for us how to choose good relationships and invest in relationships that want reciprocity. If we imagine the freedom to walk away, and think about how God may heal us, or heal the other person, that can truly be healing to know that things will be okay even if we walk away. It also helps to consult an unbiased party who is not involved in the relationship to get their perspective; either a trusted friend or a counselor. Whether you rely on a couple of close friends who have your back but will speak the truth in love, or a therapist who is unbiased and can offer an unbiased perspective, a neutral third party can reflect the truth back to you so that this doesn’t have to continue as a lifelong cycle. Therapy helps you determine why you continue to choose the same behavior repeatedly. If you feel like you are the one contributing to a relationship, we always have the opportunity to apologize, and repentance does amazing things. But it takes two for reconciliation. If God removes someone from your life, don’t go chasing after them. There is a reason He removed them. It’s not up to us to change other people, we are responsible for our own behavior. Don’t let past pain embitter you to future relationships. If you never open your heart again to safe community, you will spiral down in bitterness. Our prayer for you is that you might identify relationships that are truly not healthy friends, so you can do something about them and remain in community.   Scripture References:   “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20) “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)   Recommended Resources:   7 Deadly Friendships: How to Heal When Painful Relationships Eat Away at Your Joy by Mary DeMuth https://amzn.to/2xI5bL Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Cloud and Townsend https://amzn.to/2SorqAi https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-traits-grace-based-friends/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/ask-dr-b-surviving-a-friends-betrayal/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/who-is-your-best-friend/   Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   To contact Mary: Website: MaryDeMuth.comPrayEveryDay.show: https://www.marydemuth.com/category/pray-every-day-podcast/ Book: 7deadlyfriendships.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryDeMuth Twitter: https://twitter.com/marydemuth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marydemuth/    For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/    Air Date: July 15, 2019   Guest: Mary DeMuth Mary DeMuth is a writer and speaker who loves to help people live re-storied lives. Author of more than 30 books, including parenting books, Southern fiction, and a memoir entitled Thin Places, Mary speaks around the country and the world. Today, Mary is giving of her time to share with us in order that we might enjoy the fruit of healthy friendships.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   We have all experienced the loss of loved ones, and if you haven’t, you will, because death happens to all of us. If you have ever had a friend or loved one who is terminally ill or referred to hospice care at the end of their life, or wondered about hospice and what they do, then today is the perfect show for you.   In this episode, I’m talking with my friend, Shelley Sisson, a retired hospice and palliative care nurse. Shelley shares what hospice care entails, when it is utilized, and how to die well. She shares that the end of life is like standing on holy ground, and although it can be painful to watch a friend or loved one with a terminal illness die, that we can catch glimpses of heavenly treasures if we will look for them.   When a terminally ill patient has been referred for hospice care, the goal is symptom management and to keep them as comfortable as possible during whatever time they have left. Hospice has a team that works together to provide medication management, self-care, chaplain services, as well as patient and family education to help the family best support their loved one at the end of their life.   Shelley shares how we can best support a friend or loved one with a terminal illness receiving hospice care, as well as how we can support their grieving loved ones.  Death is inevitable for all of us, but we can take the opportunity to die well.     Quotables from the episode:   Today we’re going to be talking about hope in the midst of loving someone with a terminal illness. If you have ever had a friend or loved one who is terminally ill and referred to hospice care, or wondered about hospice and what they do, then today is the perfect show for you. It’s crucial that at the end of life, we learn how to die well. Hospice is medical care that can be provided once a doctor has said that there is nothing else that can be done to cure a condition. Hospice provides care and comfort measures, to address symptoms, and to keep the patient comfortable in their final days. Hospice care is usually provided for the last few days to months of a terminally ill patient’s life. If you or your loved one are not clicking with your hospice team, there are other teams available, and it’s okay to ask to be transferred to work with another team that might be a better fit. Hospice helps provide support for administering medications, self-care for the patient, and trains the family to be able to best support their loved one. There is always a last dose of medication. Someone has to administer the last dose. But it is not the last dose that has caused them to die. It is not something to feel guilty about. Don’t exclude your children from the dying process. They tend to handle it better than adults do. But if you don’t include them, they will be prone to believe lies rather than the truth about the situation, and those lies can haunt them into adulthood. Please don’t tell your little children that the patient went to sleep, because everyone goes to sleep every night, but that can cause fear that they will go to sleep and never wake up. Tell them the truth. Look for Jesus. He promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. He is there in the room with your loved one. If they are staring at someone, ask them what they see. If a patient indicates they are seeing something, encourage them to ask. God gives them glimpses of heaven to prepare them to leave this world and enter the next world. The only struggle they have is leaving this world and leaving their family members behind. It’s okay to cry. Tears are liquid prayers. Some of the signs and signals that we can see if we look for them, are God’s way of comforting them so they are not afraid of leaving this world. But patients and their loved ones often experience fear at the thought of death. But God is not going to let them go through this alone. Tell your friend or loved one that you love them, that you will miss them, but that will be okay. Patients often hold on longer because they fear their loved ones won’t be okay in their absence. Sometimes there are no words. Sometimes words aren’t necessary, but your presence always matters. Don’t be afraid to laugh—laughter is good medicine. To the loved ones of a terminally ill patient, let them know that you are going to be there for them. Let them know that their feelings are normal, and that what they are going through is normal. Let them know that there is no time span cut off for grief. Share your fond memories of them and their loved ones. A new normal will develop although it doesn’t happen quickly. Nothing seems normal anymore, but that will change over time. The intense grief will lessen, but you will still miss your loved one. Even Jesus wept when Lazarus died, which gives us permission to grieve. If you are mourning or grieving, it is not a lack of faith. It just attests to how much you love them, and how much it hurts to go on without them. It’s a hard battle in your own soul to know that they will be better off, even if it means you have to let go. To the one with a terminal illness, take every moment to love on your loved ones that you have. Even with a terminal illness, it can be a blessing to give you a chance to make amends. Love them. Know that Jesus is with you. He is going to be with you in this process and be with you on the other side. To the loved ones of terminally ill patients, if you are both believers, you will see your loved one again. It’s hard, but you will see them again. God is faithful—He will mend your heart. He won’t erase your memories, but He will mend your heart. Not even death can separate us from the love of God.   Scripture References:   Deuteronomy 31:6 “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Joshua 1:9, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Romans 8:38-39 says “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Zephaniah 3:17 says, “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”   Recommended Resources:   Crossing the Creek: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Dying Process by Michael Holmes (no amazon link) Living at the End of Life: A Hospice Nurse Addresses the Most Common Questions by Karen Whitley Bell, RN https://amzn.to/32qeqPA Changing the Way We Die: Compassionate End of Life Care and The Hospice Movement by Fran Smith, Sheila Himmel, and Joan Halifax https://amzn.to/32nlyfq https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-how-to-not-be-friend-to-someone-with-cancer-part-1/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-cancer-part-2/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-how-to-be-friend-to-someone-with-cancer-part-3/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-support-someone-with-cancer/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: https://www.nhpco.org/   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: July 8, 2019   Guest: Shelley Sisson, retired hospice and palliative care nurse Shelley was a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse for 12 years and worked all over the United States, but mostly in Oklahoma and Central Texas. She retired and moved back to Oklahoma. She still has a passion for all things hospice and what it provides to patients and their families.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary:   If you’ve ever been in a caregiving role, whether it be for a child, spouse, sick parent or relative, you know how hard it can be to care for yourself as well. In this episode, we are going to talk about caregiver burnout, and how we can have hope as caregivers, despite the toll it can take.   We’ll be talking with Sarah Forgrave, one who has been in the position of caregiver for at least two different family members, and author of the book Prayers of Hope for Caregivers.   Sarah’s impetus for writing about hope and prayer for caregivers was birthed out of her own season of caregiving for her sister, and then for her young son. Sarah learned ways to help avoid caregiver burnout. She understands the many challenges a caregiver faces, and the fact that caregivers are often overlooked in the shadow of the person who’s sick.   Sarah shares how she learned that we can talk to God authentically where we are, that we don’t have to put on a Christian mask, and that He welcomes us just as we are.   Sarah also shares that in order to avoid caregiver burnout, carve out a few minutes each day to nurture your soul. During times of caregiving, all of your attention goes toward the other person’s wellbeing, but don’t forget about your own needs in the process. Self-care is crucial to providing care for others.   As you go through each day, pay attention to the five-minute windows you have alone (like when your care recipient is sleeping, when you’re driving, etc.), and make one intentional choice to nurture our relationship with God. Maybe read a short devotional at home or listen to an uplifting worship song while you drive. You might take a few deep breaths and incorporate Scripture medication with it—whatever fits the moment.   Quotables from the episode:   If you have ever been a caregiver to a child, or a sick parent, spouse, friend, or relative, then today is the perfect episode for you. When you feel alone or invisible as a caregiver, remember that God sees you and hears you. His strength is more than enough to carry us through—it may be a minute by minute process of trust, but He will provide what we need. It is not selfish for the caregiver to engage in some self-care, in fact, it will help avoid caregiver burnout. You have to refill yourself before you can pour out on others. In order to avoid caregiver burnout, carve out a few minutes each day to nurture your soul. Listening to this episode can help.   Scripture References:   Psalm 142:4-5 “I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Then I pray to you, O Lord, I say, ‘you are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” Psalm 22:24 “God has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.” 1 Peter 5:10 “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”   Recommended Resources:   Sarah’s website, sarahforgrave.com has additional resources both for caregivers and the person who is sick, including biblical encouragement, uplifting songs for hard times, and more. It also contains resources for friends wanting to come alongside someone going through a hard time, including thoughtful gift ideas, meal delivery suggestions, and printable cards of encouragement. Prayers of Hope for Caregivers by Sarah Forgrave https://amzn.to/2xpZB0X Prayers of Hope and Healing by Sarah Forgrave https://amzn.to/32gdjBU https://drmichellebengtson.com/caring-for-the-caregiver/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-tips-for-having-a-servant-heart/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-support-someone-with-cancer/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dementia-caregiver-lessons-pt1/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dementia-caregiver-lessons-pt2/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dementia-caregiver-lessons3/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dementia-caregiver-lessons4/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dementia-caregiver-lessons5/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-how-to-not-be-friend-to-someone-with-cancer-part-1/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-cancer-part-2/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-how-to-be-friend-to-someone-with-cancer-part-3/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46   Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected to Sarah Forgrave   Website: https://www.sarahforgrave.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahForgrave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahforgrave_author Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sarahforgrave   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Guest: Sarah Forgrave, author and speaker Sarah Forgrave is the author of Prayers of Hope for Caregivers and Prayers for Hope and Healing, prayer devotionals that connect readers to God during hard times. Familiar with the broken messes of life, Sarah loves encouraging others toward a deeper walk of faith. When she’s not writing or speaking, she loves to shop the aisles at Trader Joe’s or spend time with her husband and two preteen children in their Midwest home. Visit Sarah at www.sarahforgrave.com.   Air Date: July 1, 2019   Guest: Sarah Forgrave Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   Statistics suggest that 1 in 3 women will have an abortion, and all need to know there is hope for what they often experience as a post abortion syndrome.  The ultimate shame and grief over the loss of that child is often as intense as a mother who loses a child to miscarriage or premature death. If you or a loved one have endured an abortion, then today is the perfect show for you for a hope-filled perspective.   In this episode we talk with Jessica DeYoung, who shares her story surrounding her decision to have an abortion, as well as her experience with the post abortion syndrome.  Jessica explains that she believed that if she had her baby, it would destroy her family, and that she felt (as many women do) that abortion was the only option.  So she and her boyfriend came to the conclusion that they needed to take the life of someone nobody knew about rather than destroying both of their families.   Jessica shared that she repeatedly asked God to forgive her for having an abortion, and one day when she was apologizing yet again and asking God to forgive her, he replied, “Sweet daughter, I don’t know what you are talking about” because He had already forgiven her, but she had yet to receive His forgiveness and forgive herself.  Jessica explained that part of the healing process in her post abortion syndrome entailed sharing her story, first with one person, then with many, so that the secrets she held in the dark would no longer have power over her.   Quotables from the episode:   One in three women will have an abortion. If you are one who has experienced an abortion and have been trying to heal from post abortion syndrome, then this episode is for you. When you are pregnant and in a desperate situation, it feels like there is nothing else you can do, but that is not the truth. Each of us will have times in our lives where there feels there is no way out of the situation so we take things into our own hands. With hardship, it doesn’t matter how big or little it seems to other people, when you are the one going through it, it is a big things. Loving a woman who is in the midst of a post abortion syndrome can help them not feel so ashamed and allow them to heal. Satan wants to keep up in darkness, but as soon as we shine God’s light into our darkness and through the cracks of our hurt and pain, shame, and guilt, that is where healing starts. It is never God who inflicts guilt, shame, or condemnation on us—that always comes from the enemy of our soul. God is faithful to forgive us. We don’t have the power to forgive ourselves nor do we have the power to save ourselves. What we do have the power to do is to trust in the forgiveness of our Father, and to fully surrender and trust that what He said is true.   Key Scriptures:   “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 “There is therefore no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4   Recommended Resources:   “Surrendering the Secret: Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion” by Pat Layton https://amzn.to/2Lrls0l https://www.surrenderingthesecret.com https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-things-you-should-know-if-you-are-healing-after-abortion/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/ask-dr-b-what-do-i-do-when-i-cant-forgive-myself/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/mistakes-forgiven/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/when-you-dont-feel-like-forgiving/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/grieve-well/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/is-it-grief-or-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-tips-to-survive-grief/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/truths-to-remember-when-it-feels-like-life-is-falling-apart/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46   Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected with Jessica DeYoung   Website: http://blog.graceunworthy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessdeyoung/   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: June 17, 2019   Guest: Jessica DeYoung, founder of Grace Unworthy ministry Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   In this episode, I talk with a long-time colleague, and trusted friend, Dr. Lori Spohr. We have both worked in the field of Neuropsychology for over 25 years helping patients with various neurological disorders including traumatic brain injury. Dr. Spohr is a rehab neuropsychologist and works primarily with patients with illness or injury like stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, or patients with chronic difficulties like multiple sclerosis.   Frequently following traumatic brain injury or concussion, loved ones and family members do not have a good understanding of the neurological process, what symptoms might be experienced, a typical course of recovery, what they can expect during recovery, and how they might be able to assist with recovery to help optimize healing.   In this episode, Dr. Spohr and I discuss the advances in traumatic brain injury over the last 30 years, the biggest struggle for traumatic brain injury sufferers, and the biggest struggles for their caregivers. We also then discuss how the TBI patient can still hold on to hope, and what they can do to help maintain good self-care in the recovery process.   Quotables from the episode:   If you are someone who has suffered from a traumatic brain injury, or are a caregiver for someone with #TBI, then listen to this episode! #concussion Neuropsychology utilizes assessment and testing to help patients better understand themselves and work toward improving their quality of life. Neuropsychology focuses on neurological illness or injury and how that affects a person’s behavior and thought. Now, the majority of patients who get a traumatic brain injury survive it. The brain controls everything about us. Patients with a traumatic brain injury often have changes in physical functioning, emotional functioning (sometimes depression, irritability, anger) as well as changes in thinking skills (like making decisions and keeping themselves safe). A traumatic brain injury affects the whole family. Initially the caregivers want them to survive, then they focus on the physical challenges because they are the most obvious, then they are faced with the changes in behavior and cognition. It can be hard to adapt both for the traumatic brain injury patient and their caregivers because you can’t see the injury. This makes it hard for the caregivers to appreciate that there is an ongoing problem. Even mild brain injuries have changes in attention, organizing, and planning, and those can be very frustrating deficits. For a traumatic brain injury patient, it is a matter of being able to accept what is while going on to adapt to a new normal. A patient with traumatic brain injury often has difficulty returning to school, to work, and to their relationships, and it can be difficult for friends and caregivers can struggle because the patient is often unaware of their own deficits. Neuropsychologists, rehab psychologists, and health psychologists help the patient and family members adjust to such changes. We would encourage traumatic brain injury patient to reach out to other professionals for help such as rehab psychologists, good speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and good behavioral medicine psychologists and therapists. Brain injury recovery continues well after two years. Don’t grow impatient or lose hope, because it is likely that things will continue to improve. Frustration is normal in the recovery process. It is natural to feel irritable and overwhelmed during recovery. Feel free to take breaks as the frustration grows but go back at it and don’t give up on it. Those who do the best are those who will persevere through it. Those who maintain a combination of perseverance and optimism experience the greatest hope. Sometimes it is a matter of learning something new. Many traumatic brain injury patients move on to new and different roles, jobs, and vocations. There can be a lot of change. We all need a way to contribute, even if that is different from how a traumatic brain injury patient previously contributed to society. About 50% of traumatic brain injury patients may go through a major depressive disorder, and even more will experience what is called an adjustment disorder. It is very common for people who have experienced any major medical condition (e.g. stroke, heart attack, organ transplantation, cancer, etc.) to experience some change in their mental health. Sometimes respite care is a very helpful component of treatment for traumatic brain injury patient caregivers to be able to continue helping others. You must take care of yourself first. Giving yourself permission to take breaks and utilize resources can help you remain effective in the longer run. It can be difficult for a caregiver to not take it personally after caring for someone with a traumatic brain injury patient may take out their frustration on those who are caring for them. It’s helpful to step outside of it and realize that they aren’t personally attacking, but reacting out of their own frustration. Part of taking care of ourselves includes getting enough rest, eating right, and when able getting physical exercise. There are many dimensions of wellness: relationships, physical abilities, emotional well-being, cognitive wellness, vocational satisfaction, etc. Keep pursuing, keep trying, keep going after your hopes and dreams, and do not give up!   Scripture References:   Jeremiah 30:17 “I will give you back your health and heal your wounds, says the Lord.”    Recommended Resources:   https://www.braininjuryhopefoundation.org/ http://www.braintrauma.org/ https://braininjuryfoundation.org/ http://thebraininjuryfoundation.com/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected with Dr. Lori Spohr: Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital: https://www.madonna.org/   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: June 10, 2019   Guest: Dr. Lori Terryberry-Spohr, Director of Rehabilitation Programs at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary:   Recently, close to Mother’s Day, we aired an episode about overcoming Mother Wounds. We received very positive feedback about that episode, and felt that as we near Father’s Day, knowing that can be a painful day for many, that we should also have an episode about the impact of being fatherless and experiencing Father Wounds.   If you have been left fatherless, or have ever felt wounded by your earthly father, or felt that your relationship with your earthly father has potentially negatively impacted your relationship with your Heavenly Father, then today is the perfect show for you. You don’t have to be fatherless to experience father wounds.   Today I’m talking with my friend, Lisa Burkhardt Worley, author of The Only Father I Ever Knew: How a Fatherless Child Finally Found True Love. In this episode, Lisa shared her experience of living fatherless from birth, and how she came to realize the need to heal the resulting father wounds that ensued. Lisa shared how she came to experience a relationship with God, her heavenly father, and begin to heal the wound that began when she was left fatherless at birth.   Lisa and I talked about the impact of being fatherless on our personality and our behavior, and how we interact with others. We also talked about some ways to begin the healing process.   Quotables from the episode:   If you have ever felt wounded by your earthly father, or felt that your relationship with your earthly father has potentially negatively impacted your relationship with your Heavenly Father, then today is the episode for you. A father wound can occur when a relationship with a father was not all God intended it to be; whether from an absent father, an abusive father, or even a father who was physically present but not emotionally present. A father speaks into your self-esteem. The father is so important to a child’s well-being. When someone is fatherless, they often struggle with self-esteem, and often search elsewhere for the love of a father figure. Father wounds can occur to boys or girls, men or women. The Heavenly Father will pursue us. Sometimes we say yes, and sometimes we run the other direction. The decision is ours. God has a heart for the fatherless. He doesn’t want you to feel alone. But we have to be open to Him stepping into that role of father for us. We can tell God the Father anything we want to. There is nothing hidden in His sight. We cannot equate God the Father to our earthly fathers. Many think of God the Father as distant. But He is our Abba Daddy who views us as His child. He wants an intimate relationship with Him. If our earthly father was abusive, we think of God as a harsh God. If our earthly father was absent, leaving us fatherless, we think of God as a distant God. But in actuality, He pursues us through His word, through other people. Search the Bible to see what the Word says about God the Father. He is beyond our comprehension. He has such a deep love for us that it takes God’s power to be able to appreciate how great it is (Eph. 3). God, out of his love for us, gave mankind free will. That’s the way it is with our earthly fathers who wrong us. Wounded people wound people. Sometimes we need to look to see what kind of a childhood our fathers had, because it can influence how they father us. If we will forgive our earthly father, it releases something inside us so that we can accept the love of the Heavenly Father. It’s never too late to get to know your heavenly father. God loves you with a perfect, never-ending love. He loves you so much that He gave His only son so that if we accept His gift, we can live with Him and be loved on forever for eternity, with a perfect love.     Scripture References:   Psalm 68:5 “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy.” 1 John 3:1 “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” Psalm 146:3-5 “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”     Recommended Resources:   The Only Father I Ever Knew: How a Fatherless Child Finally Found True Love by Lisa Burkhardt Worley Knowing the Father: A Six-Week Bible Study to Understand God’s Father-Like Attributes by Lisa Burkhardt Worley Pearls of Promise: A Devotional Designed to Reassure You of God’s Love by Lisa Burkhardt Worley https://drmichellebengtson.com/words-from-a-loving-father/ The Overcoming Life by Jimmy Evans “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected with Lisa Burkhardt Worley:   Website: pearlsofpromiseministries.com Website: atimetodream.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PearlsOfPromiseMinistries/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/pearlsofpromise   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: June 10, 2019   Guest: Lisa Burkhardt Worley, Author, Speaker, Radio Show Host  Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   If you have lost a spouse and are now widowed, or you have a friend who is a new widow, then today is the perfect show for you. We’re going to talk about what it’s like to become a widow or widower, how to help a grieving widow, and how to support a widow in such a trying time.   Seven years ago, Lisa Appelo went to bed happily married to her high school sweetheart and woke up a widow and single mom of seven. As she navigated grief and shepherded her children through their own grief, God not only mended her broken heart but reshaped it. Before this happened to her, she didn’t know how to help a grieving widow, but now she shares from her experience to help us understand how to help a widow who is grieving.   In this episode, we are going to discuss what it’s like to unexpectedly become a widow.  Lisa shared from her experience how to help a grieving widow. We discuss what to say or do that is helpful, as well as things to avoid saying because they aren’t helpful and may, in fact, be hurtful. And we also discuss things a widow can do to help themselves during the grief process.   Quotables from the episode:   If you have lost a spouse and are now widowed, or you have a friend who is a new widow, then today is the perfect show for you. If you want to know how to help a grieving widow, then I’d encourage you to listen to this episode. We will ALL need this information at some point in our lives. Sometimes the hardest part after the death of a spouse is the loss of a future together. There are no more plans or dreams or time together. Nobody ever teaches us how to grieve. It takes us by surprise, and everyone’s experience is a little different. Two things anchored us during the grief process: getting away alone and reading the Bible, and keeping a gratitude journal of the things I saw God do for us and around us. God does not take the pain away from us, but He is present with us in the hard times. The second year, in many ways, is harder than the first year after a spouse dies because by then the fog has lifted. One of the hardest aspects of grief is the loneliness we experience. The person we most want to share life with is gone. Grief is a deep loss that we will never get over. When you have a grieving friend, show up and be present. Don’t wait for them to call you and ask for help. Say “I love you,” “I’m praying for you,” “I’m here for you,” “I’m so very sorry for your loss,” and “How can I pray specifically for you?” Follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting and do things to help without being asked. Send a text during the day, take their children out with yours, mow their lawn, take their car for its annual inspection, etc. Others’ words can’t change anything, but God’s Word can change everything. When you have a grieving friend, be careful of saying “I understand how you feel” because everyone’s experience is different from yours. When someone is grieving and crushed in spirit, we need to be okay with just sitting with them and letting them lament. Job’s friends came and sat with him in silence in his grief. They didn’t get in trouble until they started talking and hypothesizing about why God allowed him to experience such hardship.   Key Scriptures:   James 1:27 “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” Psalm 68:5 “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-this is God, whose dwelling is holy.” 1 Timothy 5:5 “The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.”   Recommended Resources:   “A Grace Revealed: How God Redeems the Story of Your Life” by Jerry Sittser “A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss” by Jerry Sittser “Widowed: When Death Sucks the Life Out of You” by Fran Geiger Joslin “Countdown to Christmas; Unwrap the Christmas Story with Your Family in 15 Days” by Lisa Appelo https://drmichellebengtson.com/grieve-well/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/is-it-grief-or-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-tips-to-survive-grief/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/truths-to-remember-when-it-feels-like-life-is-falling-apart/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/ask-dr-b-helping-the-grieving-at-christmas/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected with Lisa Appelo   Website: https://lisaappelo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trueandfaithful Twitter: https://twitter.com/AppeloLisa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaappelo/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/appelo9/   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: June 3, 2019   Guest: Lisa Appelo, Bible teacher, writer, speaker on faith in the hard & real hope. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   Let’s face it, parenting teens can be a trying time. We all want to know how to parent teenagers effectively. If you are a parent of teens, or even of young children who will become teens, and want to effectively guide them rather than managing them, today is the perfect show for you. In this episode, we will be talking with Connie Albers, author of “Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence & Joy.”   Today we are going to be talking about the high calling of parenting. After 30 years of parenting five children and 20 years of working with teens, Connie has witnessed the negative impact of well-intentioned but misguided parenting styles, all focused on managing teens rather than guiding them. Connie prefers to raise a teen according to his or her strengths, talents, and personality type in a way that will equip the teen to manage life. In this episode, Connie shares with us how to parent teenagers with confidence and joy.   Connie believes that the teen years are not something to dread. This critical season of our children learning to become adults can be filled with joy and rich relationship by parenting beyond the rules.   Quotables from the episode:   If you’ve ever wondered how to parent teenagers with confidence and joy, you’ll want to listen to this episode of Your Hope Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson. We should strive to guide our teens, rather than manage them. The home is one of the best and hardest places to make disciples. Connie suggests raising teens according to their strengths, talents, and personality types in a way that will equip our teens to manage life. Kids still need our guidance, even if they don’t think they do. So often, parents don’t want to parent—they want to be their child’s friend. If you will parent now, you can be your child’s friend later, but if you are your child’s friend now, they will grow to resent you. Start by getting to know your teen’s world. It is much different than the world the parents grew up in. Come alongside your child and help them find an area they are passionate about. If we don’t let our teens stumble and fall when they are within the safe confines of our home, they will stumble and fall after they’ve left the nest and they won’t know how to manage it. Parents are so naturally good at enforcing rules. But sometimes we have to parent beyond the rules. As your child grows and matures, you can begin adjusting the rules. Pray, step back and start listening more to your child, start monitoring your mouth, and ask the Lord to help you discern what your child is trying to communicate to you. Trust the Lord to give you the wisdom and insight you need to either back off or to approach that child in a different way. It’s always too soon to give up. It is never too late!   Scripture References:   “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34) “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).   Recommended Resources: “Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens w Confidence & Joy” by Connie Albers Strengths Explorer https://drmichellebengtson.com/sending-a-child-out/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/ways-teach-kids-show-respect/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/our-children-belong-to-god/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/trusting-children-to-fathers-care/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/8-simple-prayers-to-pray-daily-for-our-children/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected with Connie Albers:   Website: https://conniealbers.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnieAlbers.Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnieAlbers/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConnieLAlbers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniealbers/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnieLAlbers/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR3j1OUCfZqwAb59xVTrmXA   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: May 27, 2019   Guest: Connie Albers, author and popular speaker. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   With summer on its way, you only have to check out at the grocery store to read story after story about how to achieve the perfect bikini body. Comparison is the thief of joy, so looking at those perfect models only serves to make us feel inferior, inadequate, and unworthy. In this episode, we’re discussing the real root behind body image issues, and how to stop comparing yourself to others.   If you’ve ever found yourself comparing your looks or your abilities or your accomplishments, to others, you aren’t alone, and today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about the trap of comparison and how we can find hope despite all the shortcomings we see in ourselves.   In today’s episode, we’re going to talk with Heather Creekmore, author of “Compared to Who: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image”. She shares several tips that she has learned for how to stop comparing yourself to others, and helps us understand where to shift our focus and why, as a key to eliminating comparison and body image issues.     Quotables from the episode:   Stop comparing and start living. Listen how, here. If you ever compare yourself to others, or struggle with body image issues, and want to know how to stop comparing yourself to others, this is an episode you’re going to want to listen to. We as a culture are trained to believe that body image issues are really about our body, but that just isn’t true. We fall for the lie that if we just looked different, we would feel different. The truth is, beauty doesn’t give us freedom, beauty doesn’t give us perfect lives. Only Jesus saves. Body image issues are really an idol. It’s a misplaced worship issue…an idolatry issue. A daily exercise of confession and repentance brings freedom. So every day it’s a matter of saying, “No, I am not going to bow down to the idol of the mirror or the scale anymore.” Comparison feeds body image issues. We look around at others, and compare our imperfections to what we see as perfection in others. Comparison and body image issues often start in elementary school or by middle school or high school where we start looking around at others and realizing we are shaped differently than them. Beauty is subjective and we all have different ideals of what the most beautiful person looks like. That subjectivity makes the goal of trying to look like them elusive. The first step in breaking free of body image issues is seeing that idol, and recognizing it for what it is. Rather than looking in the mirror and trying to find something you like about yourself, tilt the mirror up so that rather than focusing on yourself, you see a reflection of Jesus. The answer to body image issues isn’t loving yourself more. The answer is loving Jesus more. The greatest compliment is when people say they can see Jesus in me. Our God is a God of order, of priorities. He does things in a specific order for a specific reason. We need to figure out where our priorities line up with His. We all have a sin nature. But there is therefore now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. But He wants us to address our sin so we can have hope, joy, and peace. Pay attention to what you are feeding your eyes! That can stir up envy, jealousy, low self-esteem in your heart. Let’s remember to seek to be more like Jesus, rather than comparing ourselves to others.   Scripture References:   Galatians 6:4-5 “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” 1 John 1:9 “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Romans 8:1 “But there is therefore now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”     Recommended Resources:   “Compared to Who: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image” “Counterfeit Gods” by Timothy Keller “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness” by Timothy Keller https://drmichellebengtson.com/dont-let-comparison-steal-your-joy/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/4-steps-toward-conquering-comparison/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/comparison-lies/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/sting-of-comparison/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-overcome-workplace-comparison/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Connect with Heather Creekmore:   Blog: https://comparedtowho.me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comparedtowho/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherCreekmoreblog/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ComparedtoWho Quiz: https://comparedtowho.me/follow-christian-body-image-help/   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: May 20, 2019 (week 21)   Guest: Heather Creekmore, author of Compared to Who? Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   Have you ever struggled with worry, fear, anxiety, a lack of courage, or wondering about God’s purpose for your life and wonder how to be courageous? If so, this episode is the perfect show for you. Whether you’re facing struggles with singleness, the mounting challenges of marriage and motherhood, health issues, a financial crisis—God has equipped you to walk in freedom and confidence as you abide in Him, strengthened by His power and provision.   In this episode we are going to be talking to LaTan Roland Murphy, author of “Courageous Women of the Bible,” as she shares from her own personal experience how to be courageous. She shares how humility is a key to courage.    Quotables from the episode:   If you ever struggled with worry, fear, anxiety, a lack of courage, or wondering about God’s purpose for your life and wonder how to be courageous, you’ll want to listen to this episode. We must stand on the truth of God’s word in order to be courageous. We can be our own worst enemy and best enemy, which is a double-edged sword we end up using against ourselves. When God’s word becomes our double edge sword, it gives him so much room to carve away all the things we don’t want to be weighed down with, so we can live victoriously and courageously. Hope requires waiting and waiting requires courage. We can rest in knowing that God is in the middle of all the circumstances we face, He’s still at work, and He has a good ending. Courage is the pure grit that helps us to press in even when we are most fearful. It keeps us moving, living, loving, and pursuing. We need a Godly confidence. As we take in Christ, He reshapes us. We are often full of fear, but wear a mask, and pretend to be something we aren’t. If you want to have what others have, you have to be willing to do what they did to get there. Sometimes, if we get an instantaneous miracle, we forget what God did, but if we have to participate in it, it makes more of a lasting impression and change in our heart. When we have nothing but the word of God we have all we need. So often we want to be in control, but if we would release our need to control to God, then we can realize our dependence on a big God. God doesn’t need to use us, but we get a blessing because we make ourselves available to be used by Him. When we are one on one with Him, we get to partner with the almighty in his supernatural strength. Never stop praying. Talk with Jesus all day long. Fellowship with the One who has the answers when we don’t have all the answers. Scripture says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speak which means when we get bumped by life’s pressures, that’s what’s going to come out of us. It’s hard to be courageous when we are holding on to worry, fear, and anxiety. If we would give Him control, the peace of God comes and then we can be courageous by trusting Him.   Scripture References: “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 God is near to the brokenhearted and rescues the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) Jesus prays for us. (John 17:20-23) I promise you what I promised Moses: "Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you ... No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous ... Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:3-9)     Recommended Resources:   “Courageous Women of the Bible: Leaving Behind Fear and Insecurity for a Life of Confidence and Freedom.” By LaTan Roland Murphy “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award   Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected with LaTan Roland Murphy:   Website: http://latanmurphy.com/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/latan.murphy.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaTanM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latanmurphy/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Latanmurphy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/la-tan-roland-murphy-a7346a54/   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: ­­­­­­­May 13, 2019   Guest: LaTan Roland Murphy, Event Speaker, Vocalist, Freelance Writer.  Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   In recent years, I’ve heard quite a bit of discussion about “father wounds” and how those can have a significantly detrimental impact on our relationship with God as our Heavenly Father. But I’ve seen precious little discussion about mother mounds or healing mother wounds.  If you have been the recipient of mother wounds, or perhaps you were the mother who wounded your child, then today is the perfect show for you.   I grew up in a home with a mother who was very depressed my entire childhood, yet we didn’t know at the time that that was what was wrong. She was also from a foreign country where displays of affection or emotion were discouraged. So for a very long time, I believed I was unlovable, and tried desperately to earn my mother’s love, yet received mother wounds instead. Whether this is your story or you have been wounded by a mother in some other way, we want to have a discussion that will provide you with some hope.   In this episode we answer the question what are mother wounds? And where do they come from. Then we address how to heal from mother wounds. Aliene helps us understand what it means to detach from unhealthy branches in order to attach to the one true vine. She discusses the importance of being in God’s word, abiding in His presence, praying in Jesus’s name, and acting on what God tells you in order to heal from mother wounds.   Quotables from the episode: If you have suffered from mother wounds or need healing from mother wounds, then today’s episode is for you. A mother wound is when a child does not receive what God intended for a child to experience with a mother, which is a nurturing environment, and to be nurtured. Mother wounds may be completely unintentional because a mother experienced tragedy or illness and she wasn’t able to provide the nurturing her child needed. Even if a child experiences the loss of a mother, a wound can occur because they didn’t receive the nurturing their soul needs. If we don’t find healing, it will perpetuate itself. On a subconscious level, you will look for what you didn’t receive from your mother which can cause you to seek out unhealthy relationships. If we don’t bring mother wounds into the light, there will be no healing, and they will continue. To find out how to heal mother wounds, listen here. We often inappropriately carry the guilt and shame for our mother’s inappropriate behavior. Your actions will tell you what you believe. Our emotions are the outward manifestation of the thoughts we believe, and our emotions largely govern our behavior. So, we need to pay attention to the thoughts we believe. Father wounds often result in difficulty relating to our Heavenly Father, but mother wounds can result in difficulty relating to the Holy Spirit. We have to detach from our mother to attach to the true vine by forgiving our mothers. One of the most loving things we can do is to love someone where they are despite their faults. If you experience healing in this area, or any other area, do not be surprised if you struggle in this area again because the enemy of our soul knows where our weaknesses are and will always go back there first to try to interfere before trying someplace else.   Scripture References:   Psalm 127:10“Even if my father and mother abandon me, …the Lord will hold me close. Romans 11:17 “But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.” John 14: 16-18“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,[ who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. ….. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.”   Recommended Resources:   “Brave Heart: A Nine-Week Study on Joshua (Nourish Bible Study Series)” by Aliene G. Thompson “The Jewish Gospel of John” byEli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg “Mothers Who Can't Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters” bySusan Forward and Donna Frazier Glynn https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-younger-mother-20-lessons-i-learned-to-encourage-you/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/motherhood-the-hardest-most-wonderful-job/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-mom-part-1/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-mom-part-2/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected with Aliene Thompson:   Website: https://treasuredministries.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Treasured.Ministries/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alienethompson 21 Day Challenge: https://www.nourishbiblestudymethod.com/     For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: ­­­­­­­May 6, 2019   Guest: Aliene Thompson, author of the Nourish Bible Study Series, creator of the Nourish Bible Study Method and founder of Treasured Ministries. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary:   In this episode, we’re talking about finding hope and calm in the chaos after the loss of a child and how to help a grieving friend. Whether you’ve lost a child to death, or even perhaps lost the dreams you had for your child because of illness or disability, or perhaps you are a friend or loved one to a grieving parent, we want you to know that you are not alone, and that there is hope despite the darkness you may feel.   No one anticipates a child dying, but when that happens, we need to know how to help a grieving friend. We need to know what helps and what doesn’t, what we should say and what we shouldn’t. That’s what Susan shares from her own grief experience.   Quotables from the episode:   The loss of a child is so painful. If you want to know how to help a grieving friend, listen to this episode. God has a purpose for each one of us, and we need to open our hands instead of clenching so tightly what we think is ours. Everyone is going to experience the death of a loved one. When I heard my son died, it was like the earth opened up and I fell into the abyss. In my grief, the longer I looked down at my feet, the blacker it became and I realized I was defeated. The Bible tells us that the enemy of our soul is under our feet, so I was looking at and listening to the liar. We need to look up and find the light. The light is Jesus. We should never say “I know exactly how you feel.” It’s better to compassionately say, “I can’t imagine your pain. But I care.” I challenge people who are grieving to get into the word of God. Let those words wash over you. If you’ve lost a loved one, particularly a child, there is no shame in weeping. Jesus wept. But remember grief is a process and the timeline is different for everyone. God can handle our anger. He knows it anyway. He just wants us to keep talking to Him.   Scripture References:   “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4) “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).   Recommended Resources:   “Dance with Jesus: From Grief to Grace” by Susan B. Mead “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://drmichellebengtson.com/encouraging-words-mothers-who-lost-child/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-comfort-a-friend-who-has-lost-a-child/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/grieve-well/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/is-it-grief-or-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-tips-to-survive-grief/     Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   Stay connected with Susan B. Mead:   Website: https://SusanBMead.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanbmead/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanBMead Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-B.-Mead/e/B00O705P2C   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: ­­­­­­­April 29, 2019   Guest: Susan B. Mead, author, speaker, chaplain and mom with an MBA. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   This episode is part 2 of Hope for Depression with Dr. Michelle Bengtson. Dr. Bengtson reviews highlights from part 1, and then answers the question how to fight depression. She reviews the fact that when it comes to depression, the enemy seeks to steal our joy, kill our peace, and destroy our identity. She then shares about the limits God puts on the enemy’s and depression’s influence in our lives, just like God limited the enemy’s impact on Job.  Dr. Bengtson helps us understand that our depressive thoughts aren’t even our own thoughts, and how to combat them.   Dr. Bengtson combines her faith with her clinical practice to help you find out how to fight depression. She shares some of the most common lies the enemy gets us to believe, and then the truth to refute those lies. In this episode, she also shares practical tips for those who want to better support a depressed loved one.   Quotables/Tweetables:   If you wonder how to fight depression, then this is the program for you. When it comes to depression, the enemy of our soul seeks to steal our joy, kill our peace, and destroy our identity. God put limits on the influence that the enemy could have on Job, and God does that for us as well. God doesn’t allow the enemy or depression to define our worth. God is the only one who can define our worth. We have infinite worth because Christ gave His life for us. Christ exchanged our sin for His perfection, our death for His life, and our bondage for His freedom. So if the son sets you free, you are truly free (John 8:36). Depression doesn’t determine our destiny. Your past doesn’t predict your future. If you are a Christ follower, your destiny is secure. God does require perfection, but we can never meet that standard for perfection, only Jesus did. Salvation is because of what Jesus did for us. Both fear and faith demand our focus, but we can trust God and no longer fear. Nothing, not the enemy nor depression, can separate us from the love of God. God’s only requirement of us is not that we would be perfect, but that we would believe in Him. We have a role to play in our own healing. Scripture says we must recover ourselves: recognize we’ve believed the enemy’s lies, repent to God for believing the enemy instead of God’s truth, then renounce and reject the enemy’s lies and replace them with God’s truth. Then receive God’s peace, love, and joy. God doesn’t leave us alone or to our own devices. Jesus never asked questions because He needed the answers. He asked questions so that those he asked them of would learn more. We have between 50-70,000 thoughts a day. How are you doing taking EVERY thought captive? First you have to pay attention to the thoughts you are having, then ask if it is consistent with God says in the Bible, or am I believing a lie? God never wastes our pain. In fact, He uses our pain for good.Depression is not from God. That is not His best for you. He desires for you to be in health and good mental health.   Scripture References:   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not parish but have everlasting life.” Romans 5:6 “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” John 8:32 “you will know the truth, ad the truth will set you free.”   Recommended Resources:   If you wonder how to fight depression, the very best resource is the Word of God, The Bible. “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-despite-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/a-letter-to-one-struggling-with-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-do-i-know-if-im-depressed-common-symptoms-of-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/20-ways-to-fight-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/can-i-be-cured-of-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-things-to-know-if-you-have-a-depressed-loved-one/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-help-a-depressed-loved-one/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-not-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/   Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: April 22, 2019   Guest: Dr. Michelle Bengtson, Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist, Author, International Speaker Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:   In this episode Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares hope for depression. She talks about her history as a neuropsychologist, treating patients with depression for decades and thinking she was immune to it, before she endured a very bad episode of depression. She helps the listener who is asking the question, am I depressed? She discusses common signs and symptoms of depression to help the listener determine if depression might be something they or a loved one struggle with.   Dr. Bengtson combines her faith with her clinical practice. In this episode, she also shares some of the fundamental spiritual contributors to depression so that they can better understand what they are dealing with. Scripture tells us that “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). When it comes to depression, the enemy steals our joy, kills our peace, and attempts to destroy our identity. In this episode, Dr. Bengtson unpacks how he does that because we can’t fight effectively unless we know what we’re fighting against.   Quotables from the episode:   There is help and hope for depression. By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide; greater than heart disease, cancer, and HIV put together. In their lifetime, one in four will suffer from depression. When it comes to depression, no one is immune. Not even the doctor, nor the Christian. Our feelings are just the outward manifestation of the thoughts we believe. We can’t fight effectively unless we know what we’re fighting against. If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, you are not alone. There is help and hope!     Recommended Resources:   “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award. https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-despite-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/a-letter-to-one-struggling-with-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-do-i-know-if-im-depressed-common-symptoms-of-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/20-ways-to-fight-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/can-i-be-cured-of-depression/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-things-to-know-if-you-have-a-depressed-loved-one/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-help-a-depressed-loved-one/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-not-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/   Social Media Links for Host and Guest:   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:   To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Air Date: April 15, 2019   Guest: Dr. Michelle Bengtson, Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist, Author, International Speaker Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson