Guest: Kayla Carter, Clinical Aromatherapist and Certified Herbalist

Topics Covered:

• Kayla’s personal testimony of overcoming anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts through faith and lifestyle changes.
• The power of prayer and scripture in managing anxiety.
• Practical tips for grounding yourself during an anxiety attack, including using a sensory kit, focusing on physical sensations, and incorporating prayer.
• The importance of recognizing triggers and reframing memories through a lens of faith and gratitude.
• Lifestyle changes, such as eliminating gluten and dairy, and their potential impact on mental health.
• The gut-brain connection and the possibility of healing through faith and rewiring the limbic system.
• The significance of surrendering control to God and embracing the journey of spiritual growth.
• Encouraging words for listeners struggling with anxiety, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and the hope available through faith in Christ.

Key Scripture: James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Resources Mentioned:

• Kayla’s YouTube channel: Kayla's Natural Inspirations
• Kayla’s website: Kayla's Natural Inspirations
• Free downloadable guide on essential oils for mood and anxiety.

Connect with Kayla:

Facebook: Kayla Carter

See website and YouTube above

Final words from Kayla: There is hope, and it does get better. Don’t give up; God is there for you.

Thanks for listening. Don't forget to grab your free gifts here: https://overcomingfearanddoubtwithGod.com/podcast-gifts

Disclaimer: This episode's focus is on exploring Biblical perspectives on anxiety and not providing clinical diagnoses.

You can call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7 for mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) is accessible nationwide by dialing 800-273-TALK (8255).

In this powerful episode of the "Overcoming Fear and Doubt with God" podcast, host Semonna McNeil talks with Christie Boulware, an author, speaker, and founder of the Fearless Unite Ministry, about her personal experiences overcoming anxiety and depression, the importance of surrender and discipleship in finding freedom from fear, and practical advice for navigating these challenges in a world that often seems designed to feed them.

Christie's Personal Journey of Surrender

Christie opens up about her own struggles with severe panic and anxiety disorder, describing an 18-month period of deep introspection and healing that culminated in her surrendering her life to Jesus. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that surrender isn't a one-time event, but an ongoing process of relinquishing control and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.

Challenging Misconceptions about Faith and Mental Health

Both Simona and Christie address the harmful misconception that strong faith should automatically erase mental health challenges. They push back against the judgment and dismissiveness often directed at individuals within faith communities who struggle with anxiety, fear, or depression. They emphasize that true healing comes from acknowledging and addressing these struggles, rather than denying or minimizing them.

The Transformative Power of Authentic Presence

Instead of offering quick fixes or unsolicited advice, Christie highlights the profound impact of simply being present with someone who is struggling. She suggests that listening, validating their feelings, and offering genuine support without judgment can be more powerful than trying to solve their problems. This simple act of presence can create a safe space for vulnerability and healing.

Navigating a World Designed to Feed Fear

The conversation also explores the role of external factors, particularly social media and the news, in exacerbating anxiety and fear. Christie shares her own positive experience of taking a social media sabbatical and the noticeable difference it made in her mental and spiritual well-being. This candid discussion underscores the importance of being mindful of the information we consume and setting boundaries to protect our mental health.

Discipleship as a Catalyst for Growth and Healing

Christie passionately advocates for the power of discipleship—both in the form of one-on-one mentorship and small group participation—as a vital tool for spiritual growth and finding freedom from fear. She believes that discipleship provides the structure, accountability, and support necessary to cultivate deeper faith and work through challenging issues like anxiety and depression.

Understanding and Embracing Gen Z

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Gen Z, Christie encourages listeners to approach this generation with empathy and respect. She notes their strong values of authenticity, equality, and community and suggests that the church should reflect these values in its ministry approaches. By fostering authentic relationships and creating safe spaces for young people to explore their faith, the church can play a pivotal role in supporting and empowering this generation.

Key Takeaways and Actionable Advice

This episode offers several valuable takeaways for listeners:

• Surrender is a daily practice: Continuously work on letting go of control and trusting in God's plan for your life.
• Be present and validate others: Offer genuine support and understanding to those struggling with fear and anxiety.
• Reduce exposure to fear-inducing triggers: Set boundaries with social media and news consumption to protect your mental health.
• Prioritize discipleship: Seek...

In this episode, Kayren Cathcart shares her testimony of struggling with perfectionism and people-pleasing, which she describes as a form of "hiding."

Using the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:10, she explores the themes of shame, fear, and doubt and how these emotions can lead people to hide from God. Kayren also discusses the connection between hiding, desensitization to the Holy Spirit, and running away from God instead of towards him.

Kayren encourages listeners to confront their shame, admit their wrongs, repent, and ask for God's guidance. She reminds them that God is a loving and forgiving Father who waits with open arms and offers a covering for their shame.

Key Points:

○ The solution to fear and doubt is to mature in one's faith.

○ Being in a close relationship with God isn't always easy

○ Perfectionism and people-pleasing are forms of hiding. When individuals strive to present a perfect image or please others, they may be hiding their true selves and their struggles.

○ Shame, fear, and doubt are interconnected. These emotions can lead to hiding from God and others.

○ Hiding leads to desensitization to the Holy Spirit. When individuals avoid dealing with their feelings and the root causes of their shame, they become less sensitive to God's guidance and comfort.

○ The solution is to mature in faith. This means confronting shame, admitting wrongs, repenting, and seeking God's guidance.

○ Being in a close relationship with God isn't always easy. It requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to let God work in our lives, even when it's painful.

○ God is a loving and forgiving father. He is always waiting to receive us back and restore our relationship with him.

○ Visit Kayren Cathcart's website: KarenCathcart.com

○ Subscribe to her email list for encouragement and support

○ Download Kayren's free gift: "10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My 40s"

○ Connect with Kayren via email at connect@karencathcart.com