305. Biblical Wisdom for Mental Health with Laura Smith

In this episode of Radical Radiance, host Rebecca George welcomes Laura Smith to the show to chat about her newest book Holy Care for the Whole Self - all about faith and mental health. Laura shares her personal journey and passion for helping others care for their mental health in a biblical way. Laura gives practical tips for supporting those struggling with mental health issues and the importance of prayer and community.

Laura L. Smith has been searching her whole life for beauty. Not in the world—there’s plenty of that—in the crimson of a cardinal’s feather, in the sound of waves crashing along a shore, in the melody of a Beatles’ ballad, or in a Chagall stained glass window. The world is filled with beauty, but for her that was another story. It took her years to discover her true beauty, to fully grasp she is made in the image of her Creator, and therefore, she is beautiful. The incredible thing is…so are you. You were marvelously made by God to inspire awe. No matter what the world tries to tell you, no matter what you try to tell yourself. No one can rob you of the incredible true identity God instilled in you. Smith tells stories (through books, blogs, and speaking) in hopes of helping you discover what took her so long to see: your beautiful true reflection in Christ. Smith lives in the college town of Oxford, Ohio with her husband and four kids.

Rebecca and Laura chat about:

Importance of caring for our mental health
Laura's personal journey of trauma and experiencing PTSD
The intersection of faith and mental health
Misconceptions about mental health
Encouragement for those struggling with mental health
How to support someone struggling with mental health

Rebecca's Reads book for February:

⁠⁠⁠Order Legacy Changer: Heal the Hurt, Redeem Your Story, Create Hope for Your Family

PSSSSSST! Did you know that Rebecca's debut book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is available wherever books are sold? If you’re ready to…

See your gifts and talents from a gospel-centered perspective.

Prioritize goals related to your calling as you move forward with gumption and grace.

Maximize your passions in the work you do every day.

Actively partner with God to serve Him and love others.

Overcome negative thought patterns so you can brainstorm, develop, and create with the confidence of a go-getter girl!

…then order today ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠at the link here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Each chapter includes prayer prompts, Scripture for further study, questions for reflection, action steps to move your goal forward, and accompanying videos (for individuals or small groups). So grab a friend (or 8) and let’s use God’s Word as our compass to “do the thing”.

After all, if not now…when?