In this powerful episode of Called to Be Free Academy, host April Amrine, a former missionary and neuroscience enthusiast, tackles the often-unspoken topic of mental health in the church. Titled "Darkness," this episode dives into the stigma surrounding depression, anxiety, and mental illness within the body of Christ, exploring why these struggles are so hard to discuss. April shares her personal journey with depression and offers hope through biblical examples like Elijah, David, Jeremiah, Hannah, Job, and Moses, who faced despair yet found God’s presence. Drawing on neuroscience insights from Dr. Caroline Leaf and Dr. Daniel G. Amen, she connects neuroplasticity and brain health to scriptural truths like Romans 12:2, showing how faith and science align to renew the mind. Practical steps are provided for churches to support those struggling—through education, support groups, and safe spaces—and for individuals to connect with their faith community. This episode is a call to break the silence, bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and hear God’s voice in the wilderness of mental health challenges. Join us for a compassionate, faith-filled conversation that offers hope and healing.

Join host April in Season 3 of Walk the Wilderness with Me from the Called to Be Free Academy for a transformative dive into the power of surrender. In this episode, we explore how yielding your heart fully to God—releasing worry, fear, and control—unlocks the gifts and calling He has placed on your life. Drawing from Matthew 11:30, Psalm 51:10, Romans 12:2, and insights from Lisa Bevere, Lisa Harper, and Mark Hankins, we unpack surrender as a daily choice that renews your mind and aligns you with God’s purpose. From neuroscience to scripture, discover how letting go of hidden places invites true freedom and peace. Grab your Bible, reflect on David’s heart, and embrace God’s easy yoke in this uplifting episode.

Join April in this vibrant and encouraging episode of Called to Be Free Academy as she tackles a common struggle for Christian women: staying focused during prayer. With 50% of Christian women reporting difficulty maintaining focus in prayer (Val Marie Paper), this episode dives into biblical truths, neuroscience insights, and practical tips to help you overcome distractions and deepen your connection with God. Whether you're juggling work, family, or a racing mind, April reminds you that God’s grace is sufficient, and His peace guards your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

Through powerful scriptures like Colossians 4:2 and Psalm 46:10, April unpacks how to stay steadfast in prayer, embrace gratitude, and rest in God’s presence. She shares four faith-filled tips—starting with stillness, praying scripture aloud, using a gratitude journal, and setting intentional prayer times—to sharpen your focus. Backed by neuroscience from Dr. Daniel Amen and studies showing gratitude’s impact on mental clarity, this episode empowers you to transform your prayer life into a place of victory, not struggle.

April’s grace-filled encouragement and actionable steps will leave you inspired to approach God’s throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Tune in, grab your Bible, and discover how to cultivate an unshakable prayer focus, no matter what season of life you’re in!

Share your story at Support@calledtobefreeacademy.com, and connect with April and other Christian women on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. Subscribe, leave a review, or drop a comment to support the podcast. Let’s keep growing in grace together!

This Weeks Resource:

You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Typeby Dr Daniel G. Amen.

This is not an affiliate link, I do not get compensation from this link it is simply a helpful resource in understanding your mind and how to overcome struggles.

Sources:

· Val Marie Paper, Barna Group (prayer focus statistics)

· Amen, D., You, Happier (2022); Scientific Reports (2020)

· Steffen, P.R., Journal of Religion & Health (2011)