Mental health experts stress the importance of maintaining a strong support system when battling anxiety and depression. The more we feel known, the more we tend to feel loved. It takes courageous transparency to build the depth of relationships our souls crave. What if we share honestly and others judge or reject us or use our weaknesses against us? In this episode, Josh Lillie, an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the Executive Assistant of one of the largest churches in Omaha, Nebraska, and one of the hosts of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast shares how he found the courage to openly share his experience with depression, what challenged that courage, and how he received encouragement through the life of an eighteenth century hymn writer who once had considered himself “mad.”

(Scroll down to find the group discussion questions)

Find Josh Lillie at:
https://www.cccomaha.org/staff
https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Find Jennifer at:
https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com
https://www.instagram.com/avapennington3/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083247680572

Find Wholly Loved Ministries at:
WhollyLoved.com

Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671

Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Group (also on Facebook):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/443325386241769

Group Discussion Questions:
What resonated with you most in today’s episode?
What are your thoughts regarding Jennifer’s statement that one only feels loved to the extent that they feel known?
What are some reasons people might feel reluctant to tell others about their mental health challenges?
What fears, anxieties, or insecurities most challenge your vulnerability?
In what ways can a strong support system help those who suffer from anxiety and depression?
What most resonated with you when you heard Joshua and Jennifer discuss Psalm 22?
How do you feel knowing that someone so anointed as Charles Spurgeon battled depression?
What is one action step God might be asking you to take having listened to this episode?