Table Talk: Conversations That Heal

There’s something sacred about the table. It’s where stories surface, laughter spills, and sometimes—healing begins.
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Around the table, we learn to ask questions that go beyond “How was your day?” We begin to ask, “How’s your heart?”

As part of our “At the Table” series, I wanted to finish out our month strong by inviting you into a conversation that I was able to have with some incredible women at an event called Bloom in Charlotte, NC. As a part of a panel, I was asked a series of questions and wanted to share those responses here. 

Below you’ll find —a reflection on healing, identity, and what it means to walk with God through the long, slow process of becoming whole. If I were taking notes from what I shared at Bloom, this would be it. BUT if you want to listen to the full answers live, make sure you check out the Miracle in the Mess Podcast.

May these questions and those at the very end of this blog spark your own At the Table conversations when you’re ready to share a little more heart and soul…

Recognizing When You’re Not Okay
Q: Healing often begins with recognizing we’re not okay. Can you share a moment in your life when you realized you needed God’s healing in a deeper way?

A: Healing often begins with recognizing that we’re not okay.
I grew up in a Christian home, and from a young age, I sincerely loved God. But in high school, beneath the surface of my straight-A perfectionism and overachieving, I was silently struggling.

Depression had crept in. I didn’t know what to call it back then—no one really talked about mental health. But I remember the exhaustion, the loss of appetite, and eventually, an eating disorder that became my way of controlling something when everything else felt out of control.

I didn’t tell anyone. I was sixteen, tangled in shame and fear that people would think I was crazy if they knew I was hearing both lies from the enemy and whispers of truth from God.

So I turned to the only thing that made sense--worship and writing. I’d sit on the floor of my room surrounded by crumpled lyric sheets and scribbled prayers, singing my way out of the dark. Slowly, God used words and worship to pull me toward the light again.

Redefining Wholeness
Q: What does ‘wholeness’ mean to you personally, and how has your definition of it changed over time?

A: For a long time, I thought wholeness meant being fixed—completely healed, steady, and content. But the older I get, the more I realize that while we are made whole in Christ, we live in a fractured world.

The Serenity Prayer has become an anchor for me—especially the lesser-known second half:
“Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace… trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will.”

True wholeness isn’t pretending everything is fine.
It’s choosing to see God’s perfect love in the gaps that sin leaves behind.
It’s finding peace in progress, contentment in imperfection, and hope in surrender.

*See Colossians 2:10

Faith and Therapy: Working Together
Q: Sometimes faith communities avoid conversations about mental health. How have you seen faith and therapy (or practical tools) work together in your own journey?

A: I’m a big believer that faith and therapy aren’t enemies—they’re allies.

For years, I swept trauma under the rug because I didn’t know how to process it. I grew up in a culture that celebrated strength, not vulnerability. But our bodies keep the score. Mine did—through shingles across my face in college, anxiety, and burnout.

Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Counseling has helped me unpack what I’d buried. Marriage counseling has strengthened our home. Psychiatry has helped me manage OCD. Therapy gives me language for pain, and faith gives that pain purpose.

Healing requires both prayer and practice.

When It’s Time to Pause
Q: What are some warning signs that a woman might need to slow down and intentionally pursue healing instead of pushing through pain?

A: If you’re feeling:

• Chronically exhausted, even after rest,
• Physically sick from stress,
• Foggy, irritable, or easily triggered…

You might not need to push through—you might need to pause.

I’ve learned (the hard way) that rest is progress.
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Sabbath isn’t a suggestion—it’s a safeguard.
When we stop striving, we’re reminded that God can spin the world without us. And when He fills us again, we can return to the work renewed.

*See Genesis 2:2-3

The Power of Forgiveness
Q: Forgiveness is one of the hardest parts of healing. How have you learned to forgive— yourself or others— without minimizing the hurt?

A: Forgiveness doesn’t erase pain; it releases judgment to God.
It’s saying, “I won’t let your sin define my spirit.”

I’ve had to forgive others—and myself. Sometimes that meant setting boundaries and letting people go. Because forgiveness and access are not the same thing.

*See Colossians 3:13

When You Feel “Not Enough”
Q: Many women wrestle with feelings of ‘not enough.’ How do you remind yourself of your worth when insecurity or shame tries to creep in?
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A: Last year, my mental health tanked. I couldn’t lead worship. I could barely parent. I felt defeated. The enemy loves those moments—when we feel too much or not enough.
But here’s the truth:
You are chosen. (1 Peter 2:9)
You are not alone. (1 Corinthians 12:26–27)
You are not a slave to fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)
You are created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27)
When shame starts whispering, ask: “God, is that You?”
If it contradicts His Word—it’s a lie.
Refuse to rehearse hell’s script when heaven has already written your story.

Spiritual Rhythms That Restore
Q: What spiritual practices or daily habits help you protect your sense of identity in Christ? 

A: I’ve found these daily habits protect my peace and identity:

• Time in the Word — not for a post, but for a Person.
• Gratitude journaling — three things every day, even in the hard.
• Community — mentors and friends who have permission to call me out and cheer me on.
• Truth on repeat — Scripture sticky notes on my mirror, in my car, anywhere lies tend to echo.
• Caring for my body — because the Holy Spirit dwells in this temple.

*See 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Matthew 6:6, Hebrews 10:25, and John 8:32

Slow Miracles Are Still Miracles
Q: Healing can be a lifelong process. What does it look like to trust God when the process feels slow or incomplete?

A: Healing is rarely fast. Sometimes, it’s a lifelong walk with a thorn in your side.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
The gift isn’t the healing. It’s the Healer.
When we let go of our timeline and lean into His process, we find peace even in progress. Jesus is not just the way out—He’s the way through.

* See Hebrews 4

Standing Still and Seeing God Work
Q: What scripture, prayer, or truth has carried you the most in your healing journey?

A: One verse that carried me through my darkest season is 2 Chronicles 20:17:
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Take your position, stand still and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf.”
God told His people to sing their way into victory.
I’ve learned to do the same—to stop kicking down doors and start worshiping in waiting rooms. Because sometimes deliverance doesn’t come through force—it comes through faith.

Your Silent Pain Is Not a Secret to God
Q: If a woman here is carrying silent pain today, what would you want her to know about God’s heart for her healing?

A: Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows our every thought, every movement, every ache.

If you’re carrying silent pain today, please know:
He sees you.
He understands you.
And He is hemming you in—behind and before.
You don’t have to heal alone. Find a trusted friend, counselor, or pastor to share your story with. Sometimes healing begins the moment you finally say it out loud.

A Step Toward Freedom
Q: What first step can someone take today if they’re ready to begin breaking free from what holds them back?

A: If you’re ready to take your first step toward freedom, identify what’s holding you back.
Fear? Shame? Lies you’ve agreed to?
Here’s the truth:
I learned in my Go and Tell Gals Training that it’s impossible to be stuck in the Kingdom of God. You can always go:

• Up in worship,
• Forward in hope,
• Down in repentance,
• Back in gratitude.

Break the chain.
Move toward freedom.
Because Jesus didn’t come so you could survive—He came so you could live abundantly.
*See John 10:10

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​Table Talk Reflection
As you gather around your own table this week, here are a few questions to start deeper conversations:

1. When did you realize you needed God’s healing in a deeper way?
2. What does wholeness mean to you right now?
3. How can faith and practical tools work together in your healing journey?
4. What do you need to release—through forgiveness or rest—to experience peace?
5. What’s one truth from Scripture you can cling to this week?

The table is where conversation becomes communion.
Pull up a chair. Pour the coffee. Ask the deeper questions.
And let the healing begin.

Our Prayer
Lord,
Thank you for meeting us here, this month, at the table. For bringing us together through conversation and feeding our bodies and souls. May we build longer tables and no taller fences. May we be caring hosts, grateful guests, and authentic brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether we’re talking about life or diving deep into topics of faith and hardships, may remain compassionate, open hearted and loving. Thank you that we always have a seat at your table. 

In Jesus name,

Amen