Several weeks ago, along with another ministry leader, I had the amazing opportunity to teach an amazing group of women at our monthly Winning Women meeting to kick off our Real Talk sessions. We did a skit centered around Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha’s preoccupation with worrying about preparations of their home, what others would think, and she ultimately misses the opportunity to listen and learn from the direct wisdom of Jesus.

Now Mary wasn’t about that life. She was buying in to none of the above, she wasn’t about that worry life in the moment. She was tuned in, connected and focused on being in the presence of Jesus. Of course, we gave it a 2020 spin, talk about funny..ya’ll it was so funny. I had a ball, I was over the top and for me, I wanted to showcase some of the emotional challenges that women go through when we worry.. not the pretty stuff…. I’m talking about the way you act behind closed doors..that chic…the stressed-out chic, the overwhelmed chic,..the chic with the spirit of doing too much …when we buy into the cultural and societal norms of trying to be superwomen… or even when we find ourselves performing to get God’s favor…what were they do that at or even when we perform to get man’s favor…. Yep, I went there. We wanted to shed light on that experience..

So we had a great time. Listen..and the Oscar goes to..When, I tell you I got caught up in character..LOL…oh, I did.  We both did and in the end, we realized that 95 percent of what was said wasn’t on the paper because the Holy Spirit had step in as we’d asked and ignited conversations to change the culture. The beauty of it all was that transparency on display. Oh, neither Mary or Martha’s disposition was unfamiliar to either one of us. I can admit that I’ve had more Martha moments than Mary…

As I was praying about the topic of this episode, I listened attentively to God for direction. He spoke, yall. Everywhere I turned this was the topic of conversation is some shape of form; in the books I read, the conversations I’d had with other women, mentioned several times in a conference I attended, on tv…that night. I hear you, Lord! LOL!! Today’s Real talk topic is on anxiety; worry.

An estimated 264 million people worldwide have an anxiety disorder. 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Did you know that women are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression than man which can start as early as puberty.

If you find yourself experiencing signs and symptoms related to anxiety or depression that interrupt your peace, interrupt joy, interrupt your life in any way, get help. Finds someone to talk. Anxiety and stress affect us mentally and physically and can result in a heart attack. No doubt, occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. Everyone will experience from time to time. This is not about making light of anxiety, anxiety disorder, depression…this is about awareness..it is critical that you recognize when you need to get professional help and not let embarrassment or denial prevent us from doing so. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America is a great resource to get the 411 on anxiety and depression.