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The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self
Have you ever wondered how we got here, to this new world where people can define who they are by simply thinking so? How did the fetters of society falter to create a world where people can do just about anything and be applauded for it? Where do we go from here, especially as Christians, living in this strange time of seemingly sudden and radical change? Carl Trueman answers these questions, and many more, in his book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Trueman begins the book by tracing our current thought patterns all the way back to the 1600s. He explains how philosophers and artists, such as…
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Learning to Trust in Christ Enough to Rest
I’d like to share a quick note with you before you read: I don’t want this article to bind the consciences of anyone reading it–to make anyone feel like they ought to do something that they don’t actually need to do. I wrote this article specifically for the women who, like me, struggle to take care of themselves in a way that honors God. I am firmly convicted that rest is vital for the nourishment and upkeep of my all-around health. It’s okay if you don’t share that same conviction, but if you do (or if you want to know more about how God is changing my heart), read on!…
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The Most Helpful Question to Ask a Suffering Friend
“What can I do to help?” When I suddenly started having panic attacks along with anxiety and depression a few years ago, a very close friend of mine asked me this simple question. I won’t soon forget that moment because her asking me this question turned around my outlook on friendship within the church and how to help someone suffering through anxiety and depression (or anything else). I like this question because of all the noble and loving things it implies. It also reminds me of Jesus’ compassion for us. A Noble and Loving Question What makes this question such a noble and loving question? First, it implies that my…
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How to Use Nature to Help Manage Anxiety and Depression
I believe that the use of medicine for anxiety and depression is absolutely okay. If you need to take medicine for the long-term, how wonderful that you found something that helps relieve your symptoms and will work for you for years to come. If you only need to take medicine in the short-term, that’s great news, too! God gave us medicine to help correct this biological, spiritual, and situational, complex health issue, and we must not ignore the hope medicine can provide for those in need. I fall more into the short-term category than the long-term category. On and off since Ruthie was born, I’ve taken medication mostly for anxiety,…
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An Odd Social Distancing Phenomenon
I have a very wise friend who over the last few years has given me some incredibly helpful advice. We chatted for a few minutes recently when she picked up some eggs from my house. She asked me how I was doing, and I told her the odd truth: in spite of the social isolation due to the coronavirus, I’m doing very, very well–maybe even better than I was before. She looked at me pointedly and said, “Probably because you’re not overexerting yourself.” I thought about this for a long time after our conversation. It does explain why, despite not being able to be around groups of people (which I…