MercyTalk

In this powerful panel from Seeds of Greatness in New Castle, Delaware, the focus is on justice, reconciliation, and the importance of listening well. Pastor Lisa Lewis offers wisdom on how meaningful change begins when we slow down, hear one another, and respond with faith and action.

Choosing to pause. We pray that you will join us.

On this last episode for Mental Health Awareness month, we’re so excited to jump into a conversation around the connection between our mental health and emotional intelligence. While it may appear to be all too “touchy feely” in the discussion surrounding mental health, many studies, psychologists, and counselors have come to say otherwise. Join us today as we break down a bit of what emotional intelligence (or EQ) is and why it matters to our mental health journey. Also, in this episode… 

• The importance of counseling, feedback and reaching out for help 
• Why our relational health/success depends on our willingness to know ourselves and God better 
• Our response during stress and what we can do to better prepare ourselves  

As I’m sure you’re aware of now, May is “Mental Health Awareness Month” so we’re taking this month to have a conversation around a topic that we care very deeply about here at Mercy. This week, we wanted to dive a bit deeper and talk about where some of our mental health struggles originated from and how they affect the way we respond in crisis (even in the current crisis we find ourselves in). By this, we mean we’re going all the way back to our family of origin and looking at our parents, childhood and even the woundings that occurred there. Also, in this episode… 

• The role forgiveness plays in our mental health journey 
• How wounds left unattended, can affect those we love most 
• Recognizing our tendencies in managing the behavior of others (especially our parents)

It’s no secret that there are many stigmas today surrounding mental health. These can often keep us from being honest with one another (or even ourselves) for fear of what people might think. On this episode of Mercy talk, we dive into the stigmas and fears that have held us back from taking the necessary steps to live a freer, healthier life. Also, in this episode… 

• Our call to treat others with dignity and compassion 
• The power of referral in helping others 
• Recognizing our own fears in asking for help  

Often, it is thought you must hold to one or two sides of the argument in the mental health camp (either all faith or all science). As we dive into Mental Health awareness month this May, we’re kicking off our series by taking a closer look at what it means to address mental health from a wholistic approach (both mind, body and soul). Join us as we discuss the important role our spiritual lives play in our mental health journey while examining the way science, creation and faith can exist together.  

In the midst of a crisis, the probability of gladness feels almost laughable. Death, sickness, loss of jobs and even social distancing are all very real in this COVID-19 crisis. However, what if gladness has been misunderstood and cultivating it is actually a possibility (even in a worldwide pandemic)? Join us as we dive into the final emotion of this series and consider what it means to be glad in the midst of life’s struggles. Also, in this episode… 

• The difference between happiness, gladness and sensuality activity  
• The daily importance of gratitude  
• The relationship between gladness and sadness 

Anger is a feeling that most of us associate with unpleasant experiences (who can blame us!). Whether recalling fights with family, friends or maybe just those moments when we flew off the handle ourselves, we have all endured times of frustration. But is that feeling really what anger is, or could it be trying to point us to something different? Join us today as we dive into this often-misunderstood emotion…the conversation might surprise you! Also, in this episode… 

• The difference between rage and anger 
• The gift anger can lead us to 
• The danger of suppressing and depressing what is going on inside of you  

As we continue to navigate a world that feels so different from even a month ago, it should come as no surprise that emotions are running a bit rapid these days! Today, we’ll continue to examine another feeling that many of us are experiencing during this time, and that is loneliness. While it may sound logical to categorize emotions as “good” or “bad”, Chip Dodd encourages us to think of them as signals that inform us of our needs. Join us today as we talk about the “signal” loneliness is trying to send; not only in times of stress but also throughout our lives. Also, in this episode… 

• The difference between solitude and isolation 
• The 4 types of relationships we’re all lonely for 
• Guarding against apathy and practicing vulnerability  

More than ever before, many of us can relate to feelings of fear and sadness on a global level. While those who trust in Jesus can rest assured their hope is secure, it doesn’t take away from the sorrow of witnessing so many struggles around us. On today’s podcast, we’ll dive into the topic of both fear and sadness and how properly processing both, can lead to a more resilient and faith filled life. Also, in this episode… 

• The correlation between fear, anxiety and faith 
• Why feeling sadness, actually matters in the journey to healing 
• Self-pity, anxiety and other ways we try to by-pass working through our pain