Hope for the Hurting

Words from a Loving Father

by DrMichelle | Sep 19, 2018 | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Encouragement | 0 Comments

we frequently give such sentiments of caution to our young adult children because, at our age, we have more wisdom and experience to know potential problems before they occur. We caution and encourage because we want the best for our children. As I considered a verbal exchange with our son, I sensed God sharing, “It’s the same with me.” “Excuse me?” I answered silently in prayer….

When “Let Go and Let God” is Bad Advice

by DrMichelle | Sep 17, 2018 | Blog, Hope | 5 Comments

Have you ever waited so long for something to happen that you felt like giving up? Have you ever been in that place where platitudes like “Let go and let God” proved anything but helpful? I have. That’s why I’m delighted today to share with you a guest post by my friend, Jennifer Dukes Lee, on exactly this topic. Jennifer’s new book “It’s All Under Control” releases September 18, and having had a chance to read an advance copy, I can tell you that you’re not going to want to miss this one. I pray you are blessed today by Jennifer’s words of wisdom. There’s a Book Giveaway so be sure to read to the end!

The Sadness Behind Suicide

by DrMichelle | Sep 12, 2018 | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Depression, Hope | 12 Comments

For most, suicide isn’t a desire to die, but a desire to be rid of the pain and sadness. Dr. Bengtson shares what to do when you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.

Shame On Me For Making A Mistake

by DrMichelle | Sep 10, 2018 | Blog, Faith | 35 Comments

Have you ever tried to cover up your mistakes? Hidden them from others and possibly even God? Told the proverbial “white lie” (that is still a lie, by the way)? I’ve been there. Shame causes us to hide—from others and God, and leads to behaviors that are inconsistent with God’s ways and God’s best. Today, my friend, Kelly Balarie, shares with you her experience in this regard, and how we can truly engage in behavior that is “Battle Ready” for the circumstances we face. There’s a Book Giveaway so be sure to read to the end!

Do You Struggle to Believe God?

by DrMichelle | Sep 5, 2018 | Blog, Faith | 49 Comments

If you’ve read any of my story shared on this site, or in my book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression,” then you know how much importance I place on standing on God’s word to traverse this landscape we call life. Don’t you like having like-minded friends? Me too. That’s why I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend, Elisa Pulliam, author of “Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Insight Through Believing God’s Word.” I know you’ll enjoy reading as Elisa shares about the difference God’s promises make in our life. There’s a Book Giveaway so be sure to read to the end!

I Have a Confession: I’m a Christian and I was Suicidal

by DrMichelle | Aug 29, 2018 | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Encouragement | 28 Comments

Every year, 45,000 Americans die by suicide. And for every completed suicide, there are 25 more unsuccessful attempts. That’s over 1 million suicide attempts in the U.S. every year! Through my own physical illness and descent into depression’s valley, I came to realize that even Christians get depressed and consider suicide.

The “Why” Prayer

by DrMichelle | Aug 27, 2018 | Blog, prayer | 49 Comments

Have you ever been in a place where you called out “Why?” to God? Have you ever wondered if those kinds of prayers are okay? I am delighted to introduce you to my friend, author and speaker, Janet McHenry. Today on the blog Janet answers that question as she discusses The “Why” Prayer. There’s a Book Giveaway so be sure to read to the end!

The Fight For Joy

by DrMichelle | Aug 22, 2018 | Blog, Encouragement | 30 Comments

“I want what you have,” she declared as she stared deep into my soul with her searching eyes.

I was a bit taken aback. “Excuse me?” What I really meant was, “What do you mean?”

“You’re always so full of joy. I can see it in your eyes.”

I’ve heard similar sentiments many times over in the last few years, and often it brings me to tears…tears of joy.

Are You Willing to #BeTheGift?

by DrMichelle | Aug 20, 2018 | Blog, Encouragement | 56 Comments

Have you ever longed for someone, maybe even God, to speak encouragement straight to your heart? Have you ever needed to know that despite the pain, despite the heartache, that God saw you?

If we were honest, I think we’ve all been there. We’ve all had those times when the weight of our daily lives threatened to pull us under, and we just needed to hear we weren’t alone, we were seen, and that God still had our backs.

I’ve been there many times, and as I look back, I’m so grateful for the encouragers God brought along my path to speak His truth and encouragement and bring hope to the situation. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my friend, and fellow encourager, Debbie Kitterman, with you today for her to share her gift of encouragement with you. You might remember I recently shared a post from her called “The Reluctant Encourager.” There’s a Book Giveaway so be sure to read to the end!

Renewed Hope: Happy Birthday “Hope Prevails”

by DrMichelle | Aug 16, 2018 | Blog, Depression | 9 Comments

It started as a little desire that rattled around in my heart like a wayward pinball. I shared with a friend, “I just want to help those who live too far away to come into my office. Depression doesn’t have to be a way of life.”

She affirmed what my heart already sensed, “All of your years of training, as well as your decades of experience and your love of writing, puts you in an excellent place to write a book, a resource for those in need.”