Author Vera English takes us along on her personal exploration, unearthing treasures of hope and a profound invitation to reconsider our identity in the light of Jesus Christ. Learn more
Book Review:
I found this book to be incredibly enlightening. The author, Vera English, brings a unique perspective as a conservative Christian and a parent of a trans-identifying young adult, which adds an extra layer of credibility to her insights. This topic is especially relevant for today’s churches, making it a timely and necessary read. Vera never argues for or against transgenderism—she makes it clear from the very first chapter that the focus of this book is not to debate sides. Instead, she shares her personal experiences to guide readers in re-examining the gospel in a world increasingly marked by identity confusion.
After reading this book, I walked away not only with a renewed understanding of my own identity as a Christian but also with practical guidance on how to approach relationships with the trans-identifying community and the broader culture in a way that is grounded in the gospel. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thoughtful, compassionate, and gospel-centered approach to this important issue.
—H. Asters (Book Reviewer)
I am grateful for this book. The author speaks honestly from a hard place and this book will benefit any Christian who is struggling with identity confusion or has a loved one who is. Thank you for sharing your story, Vera. -JJ Stevens
Eating disorders, which include insufficient and excessive food intake, affect nearly 5% of the global population. Research indicates that over 90% of those affected are between the ages of 15 and 25. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is often characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight. Those with the disorder, even at a healthy body weight for their height, feel compelled to become thinner in order to feel a sense of self-worth. This drive is often rooted in the pursuit of weight goals, leading to food refusal. However, anorexia is not just about body image; it is also about control. Statistics suggest that individuals with anorexia may come from situations in which they felt powerless or overwhelmed. In such cases, the disorder can offer a false sense of control. Remarkably, this condition can reveal strength and determination—the ability to set and pursue a goal with relentless focus. However, until these traits are redirected in emotionally and spiritually healthy ways, they can result in severe mental and physical breakdowns.
Bulimia nervosa, like anorexia, is driven by a fear of gaining weight, but it manifests differently. Whereas anorexia is marked by strict control over food intake, bulimia is characterized by a loss of control, resulting in cycles of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting. This cycle of binging and purging can be a secret struggle, as those with bulimia often present themselves as healthy on the outside, concealing their unhealthy habits from others.
Both anorexia and bulimia share similar emotional and psychological roots, often arising from the need to exert control or cope with underlying feelings of powerlessness. The key difference lies in the way they manifest: anorexia involves rigid control, while bulimia is marked by periods of loss of control. Despite their outward differences, both disorders stem from complex emotional and psychological factors, not simply physical appearance.
Are your thoughts and emotions weighing you down? Imagine a sacred refuge for your mind—a healing retreat designed by God, offering unmatched renewal even in the midst of life’s most challenging moments. Blue Skies invites you to embrace the sanctuary of Philippians 4:8, the ultimate destination for spiritual peace, restoration, and profound healing.
When an individual struggles with anger, those closest to them often feel like they’re walking on eggshells. The unpredictability of when anger will surface, and what might trigger it creates an atmosphere of tension and unease. Even when anger is not present, others tend to tread lightly, handling the individual with extreme caution.
The repercussions of anger are far-reaching. Children who are the target of anger often suffer in silence. Over time, this internalized pain can manifest in destructive behaviors and emotional struggles in adulthood. When a husband is the object of anger, his sense of masculinity may erode, leading him to retreat into secrecy or withdrawal to regain a sense of control. In the presence of his angry wife, he may feel inadequate and unable to lead. For a wife who faces constant anger, she may shrink under the pressure, taking on unnecessary guilt to shield her husband’s volatile nature.
Much of anger’s grip is rooted in established patterns. The habitual response of reacting harshly to offenses creates deep neural pathways that reinforce this behavior. Therefore, managing anger involves breaking these patterns, but this alone is often not enough to fully temper its intensity. Accountability and counseling are key in this process, as is seeking help from a greater source—the Holy Spirit—who empowers us to align our minds and emotions with God’s design.
Are your thoughts and emotions weighing you down? Imagine a sacred refuge for your mind—a healing retreat designed by God for your most challenging emotions. Blue Skies invites you to explore the solace of Philippians 4:8, the ultimate destination for spiritual peace.Blue Skies: Above The Dark Clouds Of Broken Thinking
For women over the age of fifty, sometimes catching the vision for meaning in life does not come easily because we feel drained from transition. All of a sudden we have found ourselves face to face with things like empty nest, divorce, midlife, change or loss of career, aging beauty, death of friends. etc. Projecting possibilities of hope during this time can be difficult if these things catch us by surprise. To top it all off, many times we are not even sure who we are at this stage of life, and an identity crisis sets in. We become discouraged instead of delighted. In fact, we can even feel immobilized by it. So there it sits—the exceptional blooming season of our life—unopened like a large gift package in the corner, and we are perplexed at what to do with it.
We need to know that this time of life does not catch God by surprise. He has foreseen this season and already has it in mind. Psalms 139:13-16 reminds us of this.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Notice the scripture says that all of our days were written long ago—before even one of them came to be—and God already has seen them. We might have thought the prime of our lives was a time now past, like our youth. But God sees our prime as something entirely different. He is interested in the whole picture—the all of our lives. The second half of our lives yields new opportunities that were not available in the first half. In other words, we see our days in terms of what we perceive as our prime, but God sees our days as being unlimited; he sees that we are free to venture beyond our perceived limitations.
Suicide is the voluntary and intentional act of taking one’s own life. Suicidal thoughts, however, are the contemplations of this act—they are moments when an individual feels unable to continue living and considers the means to carry out an end.
Statistics reveal that suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the number of suicide attempts resulting in hospitalization is three times higher. These alarming figures show that suicidal thoughts are a widespread issue, affecting countless individuals across the nation.
Those contemplating suicide often exhibit certain warning signs. While there may be debate over whether these signals are cries for attention or genuine distress, one thing is clear: any expression of pain and desperation must be taken seriously.
Some individuals may show signs of suicidal tendencies to draw attention, signaling a deep need for help, but not necessarily with the intent to follow through. These individuals may experience thoughts of suicide, but their struggles often stem from feelings of inadequacy or emotional turmoil. This discussion primarily addresses those genuinely wrestling with suicidal thoughts.
If you are someone who is truly struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that simply reading this message is a sign of hope. It demonstrates that, even in your darkest moments, there is a glimmer of desire to be rescued from this painful place.
For those battling these thoughts, the sense of hopelessness can feel overwhelming. You may feel that your family would be better off without you, that you are an emotional burden, and that nothing in life holds any value. The weight of guilt and shame for not being able to “snap out of it” can intensify these feelings, leading to the belief that ending it all is the only way out. In these moments, it may seem that recovery is impossible, but there is always one source of hope: the possibility of rescue.
The Bible offers a powerful example of rescue in Psalm 18. The psalmist describes a time of deep despair: “The sorrows of death compassed me…” Yet, he recounts how God delivered him from this distress: “He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me.” In times of overwhelming sorrow, the psalmist called out to God, and the Lord responded with a mighty rescue: “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved…” (Psalm 18:4-19).
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone. God hears your cries, and rescue is possible. Reach out for help.
If you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone who can offer support. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE).
Are your thoughts and emotions weighing you down? Imagine a sacred refuge for your mind—a healing retreat designed by God for your most challenging emotions.Blue Skies invites you to explore the solace of Philippians 4:8, the ultimate destination for spiritual peace and rescue.Blue Skies: Above The Dark Clouds Of Broken Thinking
The pain of a broken heart following a failed relationship can be intense—it often feels as though the heart itself is physically aching—no wonder it’s commonly described as being “heartsick.”
One of the deepest fears that accompanies heartbreak is the belief that such love will never be experienced again. This fear can drive a desperate emotional attachment, making it difficult to accept that the relationship is truly over, even when little or no interest is reciprocated.
For some, the relationship may continue to live on in their minds, as they repeatedly relive the sweet moments and cling to the initial expressions of mutual affection. If intimacy was involved, the attachment can be even deeper. The thought of their ex-partner sharing similar experiences with someone else intensifies the desire to win back affection, often leading to compromised standards and even obsessive behaviors. In their mind, they justify these actions as acts of true love, feeling trapped in the hope of reconciliation.
If you find yourself in the midst of heartbreak, feeling stuck or overwhelmed by these emotions, know that you are not alone. The pain you’re experiencing is real, and it requires both strength and wisdom to navigate through this challenging season.
Are your thoughts and emotions weighing you down? Imagine a sacred refuge for your mind—a healing retreat designed by God for your most callenging emotions. Blue Skies invites you to explore the solace of Philippians 4:8, the ultimate destination for spiritual peace.Blue Skies: Above The Dark Clouds Of Broken Thinking
Contact us to request your free copy of Blue Skies.
Addiction can be understood as the compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance. While not all forms of dependence reach the level of addiction, some are classified as habituation, which includes substances like nicotine, caffeine, and certain psychological conditions. However, hard addiction is distinguished by its physical manifestations in the body.
Hard addiction presents itself through tolerance and physical dependence on the substance. The body adapts to the presence of the substance by adjusting its biochemical, physiological, and psychological systems. As the body becomes accustomed, it requires an increased or more frequent intake to maintain normal function, while the substance’s effects begin to diminish over time. This escalating need for more—whether in frequency or quantity—leads to a cycle of increasing use and deteriorating health. The compulsion of both mind and body ultimately drives the addiction, creating a destructive pattern that is hard to break.
In many ways, a person’s spiritual well-being operates in a similar manner. Scripture tells us that there is a hunger and thirst within the human heart that can only be satisfied by the Spirit of God. However, the heart often seeks to fulfill this longing through the cravings and comforts found in individual’s own spirit. Just as physical hunger and thirst affect both mind and body, so too does the deep spiritual longing drive people to seek satisfaction in various ways.
The body’s senses are a powerful influence that instinctively demands attention when the mind, emotions, or spirit are in need. This drive for relief or happiness is inherent in every human heart, albeit to varying degrees. For the Christian, true satisfaction and lasting happiness come through the presence of God’s Spirit. Yet for those who do not seek God’s Spirit, they often turn to false satisfaction that fuels further cravings. This cycle of spirit-filling, as opposed to being filled with the Holy Spirit, leads to fleeting happiness and persistent desire.
In every human heart, one of these two forces—the Spirit of God or the spirit of self—will dominate, and the outcome is most evident in those struggling with addiction. This dynamic also explains why individuals in recovery can experience lasting change when active faith is involved. When faith guides the journey, healing is not just possible but can be profound and enduring.
Are your thoughts and emotions weighing you down? Imagine a sacred refuge for your mind—a healing retreat designed by God for your most challenging emotions. Blue Skies invites you to explore the solace of Philippians 4:8, the ultimate destination for spiritual peace.Blue Skies: Above The Dark Clouds Of Broken Thinking
Contact us to request your free copy of Blue Skies.
Obsession is a compulsive fixation on an idea, often leading to an overwhelming preoccupation. If you find yourself fixating on a particular person in your relationships, take a moment to assess your thoughts. Is your mind is persistently consumed by this person? If so, obsession might be at the core of your struggle. While this may be mistaken for love, it is not.
Desperation aptly captures the experience of being fixated on someone who may either be disinterested or not emotionally healthy for you. This feeling can be consuming, overwhelming every hour of your day and convincing you that life without this person feel empty. Does this resonate with you? If so, you’re not alone—millions of people face this internal battle. As a Christian, you might wonder how such a condition could develop.
Surprisingly, this emotional turmoil can arise within Christian culture for various reasons. One of the contributing factors may be our tendency to equate “faith” with the desire to be in a relationship with someone we long for. We may convince ourselves that if we pray hard enough or have enough faith, the relationship will materialize. Our minds are often drawn to verses or signs we interpret as confirmation of our desires, which only deepens the fixation. In this way, we mistakenly confuse obsessive yearning with faulty-faith, missing the truth that what we’re experiencing is not love but obsession.
Are your thoughts and emotions weighing you down? Imagine a sacred refuge for your mind—a healing retreat designed by God for your most challenging emotions. Blue Skies invites you to explore the solace of Philippians 4:8, the ultimate destination for spiritual peace.Blue Skies: Above The Dark Clouds Of Broken Thinking
Contact us to request your free copy of Blue Skies.
The word “depress” itself paints a vivid image of what it means to experience depression. Picture something being physically pressed down—pushed from its natural, elevated state. Now, imagine the human spirit: vibrant, balanced, and thriving. When life’s weight bears down, that spirit can be pushed into a low point—a depression, both mentally and emotionally. This is why we often say someone is “low in spirit.” Depression can be triggered by difficult life experiences, but it also has biological roots, including changes in brain function—particularly in the hippocampus, a region linked to memory, mood, and emotional regulation.
When someone is depressed, their vitality and ability to function are significantly diminished. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair may result in varying degrees. The root cause of depression is often elusive, making it difficult to pinpoint. Globally, over 300 million people suffer from clinical depression.
Common symptoms include sleep disturbances (such as insomnia or excessive sleep), changes in appetite, and difficulty with concentration or thinking clearly. Social withdrawal is also typical, with those suffering from depression often isolating themselves, despite the pleas of friends and family to re-engage.
For both the person experiencing depression and their loved ones, it can feel irreparable. Yet, Scripture offers a redirection and hope. In Matthew 5:3, Jesus speaks of the “poor in spirit” being blessed, even though this may not feel like a blessing in the moment. The term “poor” or “pressed down” in spirit echoes the experience of depression. When we are spiritually depleted or pressed down, we open ourselves to the potential of receiving the wealth of Christ’s Spirit, which can restore and uplift our hearts. Just as air fills our lungs, God’s Spirit longs to fill us with new hope and a higher perspective, one that lifts us from despair.
At times, we may become so entrenched in depression that we can’t see beyond the darkness. It may feel like a hole, just as Joseph experienced when he was cast into a literal pit. We can empathize with Joseph and others who find themselves trapped and unable to help themselves. Perhaps this is where you find yourself now. Yet, like Joseph, we can recognize that our greatest hope comes from outside of ourselves. By lifting our eyes to God, we take the first step toward lifting the weight of depression. Ultimately, God’s objective is to rescue our hearts and minds. One step at a time, Jesus seeks to infuse us with hope. Faith not only renews our hearts but also has a remarkable effect on brain function, providing the strength we need to heal.
Are your thoughts and emotions weighing you down? Imagine a sacred refuge for your mind—a healing retreat designed by God for your most challenging emotions. Blue Skies invites you to explore the solace of Philippians 4:8, the ultimate destination for spiritual peace.Blue Skies: Above The Dark Clouds Of Broken Thinking
Contact us to request your free copy of Blue Skies.
Hopelessness can be defined as the absence of expectation for good, the belief that happiness is unattainable, or the feeling that life’s problems have no solution. Those caught in a hopeless state often feel paralyzed, unable to seek help because they lack confidence that hope exists for their situation. The desire to give up is a common struggle for those battling hopelessness. However, any expression of desperation is a sign that the individual is still holding onto a faint hope, even if it’s not immediately visible. These moments may not feel uplifting or optimistic, but they indicate an inward plea for rescue.
Consider the Biblical story of Ruth. Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, was overwhelmed by hopelessness and expressed desperation on behalf of herself and her daughters-in-law. She said, “Return, my daughters! Why should you go with me… the Lord has gone forth against me?” (Ruth 1:12-13). Naomi even asked to be called “Mara,” meaning bitter, recognizing her own inner turmoil. Yet, these laments, though filled with despair, still reflected a glimmer of hope—an acknowledgment that God’s sovereignty could bring change in a way that was beyond her own ability.
Similarly, Job, in the midst of overwhelming loss, offered desperate expressions of faith. Despite losing everything, he declared, “Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him.” (Job 13:15). Job’s trust in God, despite the agony, was a powerful reminder that even in the most hopeless circumstances, hope can still be found. God’s intervention for Job was nothing short of miraculous.
Throughout the Bible, we see countless stories of individuals who were rescued from hopelessness by God’s faithfulness. Hopelessness is not beyond God’s reach—He specializes in bringing hope to the hopeless. The very essence of the Gospel message—the salvation of the lost—is hope for the hopeless. The resurrection of the dead is hope for the hopeless. A new, eternal life free from pain and disappointment is the ultimate hope for the hopeless.
Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, observed the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. In the book of Ecclesiastes, he reflects on the emptiness of chasing after earthly pleasures and achievements. With unlimited wealth and resources, Solomon achieved what many consider the fulfillment of life’s greatest desires. Yet, he concluded that all of it was futile. “I said to myself, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure. So enjoy yourself. And behold, it too was futility. I said of laughter, ‘It is madness,’ and of pleasure, ‘What does it accomplish?’” (Ecclesiastes 2:1-2).
Solomon’s ultimate conclusion on the matter was simple yet profound: “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God…” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
To fear God is the key to finding hope. The word fear means to stand in awe of His majesty and to trust that His plans are greater than any hopelessness we face. Only God can clear the clouds of despair and restore hope in ways that no one else can.
Are your thoughts and emotions weighing you down? Imagine a sacred refuge for your mind—a healing retreat designed by God for your most challenging emotions. Blue Skies invites you to explore the solace of Philippians 4:8, the ultimate destination for spiritual peace. Blue Skies: Above The Dark Clouds Of Broken Thinking
Contact us to request your free copy of Blue Skies.
Journey Support 