“Focusing in Growth & Holding Together” is Jessica “Kelly Je” Kelly’s ministry. Her mission is to to provide a judgment-free community that offers support, education, and resources, particularly within the African American community, to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, we believe that healing is a journey, and we are here to uplift, empower, and guide individuals toward growth, transformation, and resilience.

Kelly Je’s story is relatable and inspiring. In this episode, she shares her journey from trauma, suicidal ideation, and mental illness to a place of healing and ministry. Visit her website and social media channels to learn more about her vision.

The F.I.G.H.T. Vision: Our vision is to ignite conversations, challenge stigmas, and create a world where no one feels alone in their mental health journey. We strive to be a source of hope, a voice for the voiceless, and a support system that helps individuals navigate their struggles. Just as a butterfly symbolizes transformation, we believe that with the right support and resources, every individual can rise above their challenges and soar. Through awareness, education, and healing, we are dedicated to fostering a community that embodies strength, unity, and perseverance.

Join the conversation about this episode by leaving your comments and sharing the episode. And don’t forget to subscribe! 

Please email Caroline at [email protected] if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect.

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

In his new book, And the Sea Was No More, Dave Nienhuis shares his journey of trauma to healing using stories in the biblical text. Dave says, “I wrote this book for me. I needed to discover a faith language that could account for the reality of meaningless suffering. That language was revealed to me in the story of Scripture. And now I want to pass it over to others.” In this compelling interview and discussion Dave shares the contrast between darkness and “the deep,” and contrasts the need to ask “why” with the better question of “how.” The Bible contains the answers.

And the Sea Was No More will be released on September 22, 2026. Find it on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Amazon Listing

Publisher Site

Dave Nienhuis is professor of New Testament studies at Seattle Pacific Seminary. He has authored and edited several books. To learn more about Dave, visit his substack page and website.

https://beyondtheshallows.substack.com/

https://davenienhuis.com/

Join the conversation about this episode by leaving your comments and sharing the episode. And don’t forget to subscribe! 

Please email Caroline at [email protected] if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect.

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Inspired by a poster at a psychiatric treatment ce2nter, the two episodes on “detour thinking” will explore the cognitive distortions and relevant scriptures.

A cognitive distortion can be defined as a distorted thought or cognitive distortion is an exaggerated pattern of thought that’s not based on facts. It consequently leads you to view things more negatively than they really are. In other words, cognitive distortions are your mind convincing you to believe negative2 things about yourself and your world that are not necessarily true.

Detour Thinking (Cognitive Distortions) – Part 1

Detour Thinking (Cognitive Distortions) – Part 2

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at [email protected]. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Inspired by a poster at a psychiatric treatment center, the two episodes on “detour thinking” will explore the cognitive distortions and relevant scriptures.

A cognitive distortion can be defined as a distorted thought or cognitive distortion is an exaggerated pattern of thought that’s not based on facts. It consequently leads you to view things more negatively than they really are. In other words, cognitive distortions are your mind convincing you to believe negative things about yourself and your world that are not necessarily true.

Detour Thinking (Cognitive Distortions) – Part 1

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at [email protected]. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at [email protected]. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at [email protected]. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

This episode features an interview with the authors of  Empower the Warrior Within: Using God’s Word to Win the War. Debra Schwietert and Annie Bifulco had a providential meeting through their mutual therapist’s anxiety group. The original author, Rex Briggs, MSW, developed the secular anxiety program many years ago. The principles in his program are also found in the Bible. Before retiring, Rex recruited Annie and Debra to create a Christ-centered program using his original materials. The resulting book and accompanying field journal are available on Amazon.

Link to Empower the Warrior Within (Amazon)

Link to Empower the Warrior Within Field Journal (Amazon)

Dr. Debra Schwietert is a co-author of Empowering the Warrior Within: Using the Word to Win the War on Anxiety, written along with Annette Bifulco. Deb has experienced and recovered from anxiety and depression. This journey is how she met Annie and took up the task to update and re-write the manual of Rex Briggs, who authored Transforming Anxiety and Shame (1999) & From Anxiety to Empowerment (2016).

Deb graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2008), Reading Specialist (2013), Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Technology (2002), and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (1997). Dr. Schwietert resides in Colorado, where she lives with her English Springer Spaniel. Deb is also a mother to two adult children and two grandchildren. Her life is a testimony of Romans 8:28, God truly makes all things work together for good.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WarriorWithinMinistries

Annie Bifulco spent years working to overcome crippling anxiety through intensive individual, group, and advanced group therapy with Rex Briggs, MSW, and other counselors. After working alongside Rex for almost a decade, he approached her about rewriting the program he had used for 40 years in clinical practice, for more tailored use in the Church. As he prepared to retire from his life’s work, Annie agreed to pursue this calling, partnering with Dr. Debra Schwietert, an expert in curriculum and a fellow program graduate.

Annie has served in various ministry roles for over 25 years. Together, Annie and her husband (Coy) have over two decades of combined experience in the fields of mental health and residential treatment. She has given thousands of hours to reading, researching, working, and receiving multiple trainings and certificates in the fields of coaching, psychology, neuropsychology, and theology. Annie and her husband, Coy, live in Rapid City, SD. Together, they have four children.

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at [email protected]. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Based on personal experience and with information provided at the Disability and the Church Conference, hosted by Key Ministry, Caroline S. Cooper encourages churches to explore establishing disability and mental health ministries.

We are in this together, and Caroline would love to receive your comments on how the church is doing to provide for the needs of the disability community and individuals experiencing mental health challenges. For more information about Key Ministry, please visit their website. www.keyministry.org.

Contact Caroline at [email protected] or visit her website. www.carolinescooper.com.

Please call or text 988. Or, visit their website to chat with a trained operator. www.988lifeline.org.

On March 12, 2026, I had a sudden onset of pancreatitis. This condition produced excruciating pain, greater than any other pain I’ve experienced. While I at first felt abandoned by the Lord, I knew his promise to never leave me nor forsake me. About halfway through my 6-day hospital stay, I began to experience the comfort of God as he presented four important lessons I could learn to help me persevere. In this podcast, I share my story and present the four ways God taught me to deal with pain. These lessons can be applied to physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational pain. I pray that God will use the lessons he taught me to draw you closer into his presence and prepare to face any pain that comes into your life.

Caroline Cooper

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at [email protected]. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books

Our Relational Reset, Episode 73, begins with love. In this final episode in the 4-part series to reset our lives in 2026, Caroline reads and discusses two sections in Scripture that can help you renew your relationships with others in a God-honoring way.

1 Peter 2:13-3:12 reveals how we should approach others – with respect and love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 expands on what it means to love others.

If you have not listened to the other episodes in this story, check them out!

Contact the Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: CALL or TEXT 988 if you are in a crisis or need information to assist someone else in a crisis. Or, CHAT at 988.lifeline.org 

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at [email protected]. Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, podcast/YouTube host, and mental health support group leader whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Her ministry name is Mental Health Connect. Please email Caroline if you have questions or suggestions, or if you are interested in being interviewed on the program.

Please post your questions, comments, or suggestions and don’t forget to subscribe! Join the conversation on mental health and faith!

Website – https://www.carolinescooper.com/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MentalHealthAndFaith

Podcast – https://mental-health-and-faith.blubrry.net/

Facebook Mental Health Connect – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper

Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/carolinescooperauthor/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – Caroline S. Cooper on Amazon Books