Episodes

  • Why Jesus Asked So Many Questions (And What It Teaches Us About Curiosity and Mental Health)

    Why Jesus Asked So Many Questions (And What It Teaches Us About Curiosity and Mental Health)
    May 10 2026
    Show Notes

    Episode Summary

    In episode two of the Kindness of God miniseries, we're going deeper — from God's character into the way Jesus actually engaged with people during his ministry. This episode explores curiosity as a spiritual and mental health practice, grounded in how Jesus consistently used questions rather than condemnation to invite people into truth. If you've ever found it easier to criticize yourself than to get genuinely curious about what's going on inside you, this episode is for you.

    What We Cover

    • Why Jesus being a question-asker throughout his ministry was intentional, not accidental — and what that means for how we approach ourselves and God
    • The principle that when God presents a way to live, he always models it first — from wilderness seasons to temptation to curiosity itself
    • A breakdown of three Gospel stories and what Jesus' questions were really doing:
    • James and John (Mark 10:35–38) — childlike boldness, no shame, no performance, and what Jesus' response actually revealed about the cup he was about to drink
    • The man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5) — "Would you like to get well?" and why Jesus asked a question he already knew the answer to
    • The woman at the well (John 4) — how Jesus led with questions that allowed her to uncover her own story rather than being exposed by him
    • Why our default is almost never curiosity — it's criticism, judgment, and fear
    • Why "don't question God" is not only unhelpful but unbiblical — and what the Psalms, John 15, and Romans say about our access to God as a friend
    • How shame shuts down curiosity entirely — and what Adam and Eve in the garden show us about what happens when shame takes over
    • The role of the Holy Spirit as an active, personal teacher — and how to start asking him direct questions (John 16:13, 1 John 2:27)
    • A personal story about lamenting before God during a hard financial season — and what it looks like to be broken and honest before him
    • How God's kindness (from episode one) is what makes curiosity feel safe in the first place

    Reflection Practice for This Week

    • Bring a question to the Holy Spirit instead of a statement. Try: "Holy Spirit, what are you trying to show me right now? What do I keep missing? Teach me who you are in this season." Then be still long enough to listen.
    • When you notice self-criticism creeping in ("What is wrong with me?"), try reframing it: "I wonder what's going on here."
    • Read John 4 — the full woman at the well story — and pay close attention to how Jesus leads the conversation. Notice what he asks, what he doesn't say, and how she uncovers her own story rather than being exposed.

    Scriptures Referenced

    • Mark 10:35–38
    • John 4 (Woman at the Well)
    • John 5 (Man at the Pool of Bethesda)
    • John 15 (I no longer call you servants, I call you friends)
    • John 16:13
    • 1 John 2:27
    • Hebrews (Boldly come before the throne of grace)

    Connect with Roslyn

    • Instagram: @RoslynRene
    • Listening on Spotify? Drop a comment under the episode — Roslyn reads and responds every week.
    • Listening on Apple Podcasts? Leave a review — it might even get featured on a future episode!

    Missed Episode 1? Go back one episode to hear the foundation: God's character is not shame or disappointment — he is kind, and his kindness is what makes curiosity possible.



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    20 mins
  • Is God Actually Disappointed in You? The Truth About His Kindness and Character | The Kindness of God Series Ep. 1

    Is God Actually Disappointed in You? The Truth About His Kindness and Character | The Kindness of God Series Ep. 1
    May 1 2026
    Episode OverviewThis week on the God and Mental Health Podcast, Roslyn kicks off a brand new mini-series on the kindness of God — and she is not holding back. If you've ever come to God braced for correction, bracing for rejection, or feeling like he's somewhere in the distance shaking his head at you, this episode is for you. Roslyn gets into the actual character of God — backed by scripture — and begins dismantling the version of him that shame has built in our heads. This is the foundation for everything coming in this series, and it is rich.What's Covered in This EpisodeWhy this series exists Roslyn has been wanting to talk about curiosity and kindness as tools for mental health, but realized she needed to start at the beginning first — with who God actually is toward us. Before we can practice curiosity and kindness with ourselves, we need to understand that it's modeled in God's own character. That's what this episode is all about.Point 1 — God's Nature Is Not Shame. It Never Was.The shame we feel toward God is something we project onto him — it is not something he projects onto us. His character is consistently described throughout Scripture as gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. Roslyn shares a personal moment where God spoke something to her heart: "Roslyn, I am obsessed with you" — and how becoming a parent helped her finally understand what that actually means.Scriptures:Psalm 103:8 — "The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love."Psalm 86:15 — "But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness."Lamentations 3:22-23 — "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."If his mercies are new every morning, he is not holding yesterday against you today. Shame says he is. His character says otherwise.Point 2 — He Moves Toward Our Brokenness, Not Away From ItThe world's pattern — and the enemy's lie — is that broken people get left behind. The kingdom pattern is the opposite. God runs toward what is broken. Roslyn unpacks the Prodigal Son story not just as a story about a son coming home, but about a father running while the son was still far off. She also shares a personal story about hiding a childhood scar on her knee — and what God showed her through it about how he sees ours.Scriptures:Romans 5:8 — "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."Jeremiah 31:3 — "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."Zephaniah 3:17 — "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."God doesn't just tolerate you in your brokenness — he sings over you in it. That is not the posture of a God who is ashamed of you.Point 3 — His Kindness Is What Actually Changes UsShame doesn't produce transformation — it produces hiding. Roslyn breaks down how it's actually God's kindness, not guilt or correction, that moves us toward repentance and genuine change. She uses the example of someone genuinely apologizing versus hiding something — and how the openness is what allows things to move forward. The same is true in our relationship with God.Scriptures:Romans 2:4 — "Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"1 John 4:18 — "Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love."Shame makes us hide. Kindness makes us come home.Practical TipsName the version of God you've been relating to. Journal it out. What does the God in your head actually look like — is he disappointed, distant, watching you fail? Is he the God of Scripture or a version shaped by a parent, a painful experience, or a person who let you down? Getting that on paper is the first step to separating the lie from the truth.Read Psalm 103 slowly this week. The entire chapter is a description of God's character toward us. Read it out loud if you can and let it begin replacing the wrong images.Practice receiving, not just confessing. Many of us are good at coming to God with what we've done wrong. This week, try coming to him and just receiving — sit with a verse about his love for a few minutes without asking for anything or apologizing for anything. You may be surprised at what happens when you simply make space.Notice when shame shows up in your prayer life. Do you brace yourself before you pray? Do you feel like you have to earn the right to ask? That's a signal. Name it ...
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    20 mins
  • Feeling Far from God? How Intimacy Reestablishes Connection and Starts the Healing

    Feeling Far from God? How Intimacy Reestablishes Connection and Starts the Healing
    Apr 24 2026
    Episode Synopsis:In this episode of the God and Mental Health Podcast, Roslyn opens up an honest conversation about one of the most common struggles she sees in her therapy practice and hears from listeners — feeling disconnected from God. She unpacks what that disconnection actually looks and feels like, why it happens, and how God is always drawing us back to him. From shame and comparison to unrepentant sin and spiritual exhaustion, Roslyn names the real barriers to intimacy with God and offers practical, personalized ways to reestablish that connection — no matter what season you're in. This episode is full of scripture, personal stories, and the kind of honest faith talk that gives you language for what you've been feeling but couldn't quite say.Key Points Covered:What disconnection looks and feels likeConfusion and double-mindednessIntrusive thoughts and mental noiseFeeling far from God even when he hasn't movedShame, underlying disappointment, and painThe pressure to perform and earn God's loveComparison on social media and measuring your relationship against othersUnrepentant sin — whether we know it or are avoiding itHow God draws us closeHe uses longing, restlessness, and even pain as invitationsHe whispers more than he shoutsThe seeking itself is often God-initiatedDiscernment is one of the ways he makes his presence knownWhy intimacy aids in healing, especially in traumaThe secret place becomes a safe, regulated space for your nervous systemIntimacy helps you discern what's the enemy, what's a wound, and what God is sayingThe Holy Spirit's role as Comforter is often overlooked — you can ask him to show you how he's comforting you in the season you're inPractical Tips to Reestablish ConnectionReset — take an intentional day off, a day of rest, or schedule dedicated quiet timeActive quiet time — walk, be present, and listen rather than just askingMorning pages — three pages of unfiltered, stream-of-consciousness writing to clear your headTime with someone safe and seasoned in faithA good cry — give yourself permission to actually feel and emoteIntentional time off — build a rhythm of rest into your scheduleSoaking music — sit in it and let it do what it doesGo back to what works — don't overcomplicate it, return to what connected you beforeScriptures Referenced:On abiding and remaining: John 15:4-5 — "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me."On drawing near: James 4:8 — "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."On stillness: Psalm 46:10 — "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."On rest and quietness: Isaiah 30:15 — "This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength."On the secret place: Matthew 6:6 — "But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."On grace, not performance: Ephesians 2:8-9 — "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."On God's love that cannot be earned or lost: Romans 8:38-39 — Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.On longing for God: Psalm 27:8 — "My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!' Your face, Lord, I will seek."On dwelling in his shelter: Psalm 91:1 — He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.On lament and frustration with God: Psalm 13:1-2 — "O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart?"Psalm 22:1 — "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?"On unrepentant sin creating distance: Isaiah 59:2 — "It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore."Psalm 66:18 — "If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."On the way back: 1 John 1:9 — "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."Connect with Roslyn: Instagram: @RoslynRene Leave a review or comment on Spotify — Roslyn reads and responds to them! If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs language for what they've been feeling.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    26 mins
  • How Mental Health Actually Fits Into Your Faith (My New Framework)

    How Mental Health Actually Fits Into Your Faith (My New Framework)
    Jan 29 2026
    Episode DescriptionAfter months away, Roslyn is back with a brand-new framework that will shape the future of the God + Mental Health Podcast. In this episode, she unveils the 4-pillar framework she's been secretly developing—a simple yet profound map for understanding how mental health and faith intersect in your life.Born from a quiet retreat in November 2025 where God led her to study Genesis and identity, this framework provides clear language for concepts that often feel overwhelming: trauma, the nervous system, your relationship with God, and your authority as a believer.This isn't about staying stuck in your past—it's about understanding where you've been, addressing where you are now, and taking practical steps toward where God is calling you to go.In This Episode, You'll Discover:The 4-Pillar Framework:Identity – Your DNA in God and why you're 100% His daughter (not just positionally, but actually). Discover what it means that God is obsessed with knowing and loving you.Reclaiming Safety – How we adapt to our environments and why "undoing feels like dying." Learn what it means to find God safe again and why this might be the most challenging (and necessary) work you do.Rest & Its Power – Why rest isn't just about taking a nap. Explore how God's presence is restful, why He modeled rest in creation, and how your nervous system desperately needs this foundational practice.Authority – The delegated power God offers through Jesus. This isn't just about salvation—it's about reclaiming what's yours, including authority over the enemy and the power to transform how you think.Plus:Why Roslyn is shifting from talking about "where you've been" to focusing on where you are and where you're goingHow this podcast will provide emotional literacy (like teaching a kindergartener to read, but for your feelings)The Mary and Martha principle and what rest really looks like in Western cultureWhy this podcast is a tool, not a replacement for therapy or your relationship with GodKey Quotes:"I am 100% God's daughter in my identity. There is a crafted identity in Him—a blueprint of who we are and how He sees us.""God is obsessed with loving me and knowing me.""When we reclaim safety, we are reclaiming this aspect of us not adapting to what we've known.""Undoing feels like dying.""Rest allows us to understand that God's presence Himself is restful. It's powerful. It's full. It's heavy, but it's restful.""Authority is the delegated power God offers us through His son Jesus.""The past should hold information, but I also think we have to get curious about the past enough to where we can use that as not our current place, but our ability to say, I don't want to do this anymore and move forward.""This podcast will never replace mental health counseling. Just because I'm a licensed therapist does not mean I'm your therapist.""You are wanted and welcome in all that you do."What to Expect Moving Forward:This framework will become the foundation of every future episode. You'll hear Roslyn break down:The nervous system in simple termsCapacity and boundariesStillness and pauseYour authority as a believerEmotional literacy and language for complex feelingsHow to test everything against ScriptureEpisodes will be:Unscripted and authentic – showing up as your sister in ChristValue-packed and concise – short enough to listen without feeling overwhelmedPosted when inspired – no rigid schedule, just real, timely contentFocused on progression – past, present, AND future (not just dwelling on trauma)Action Steps:Take this framework back to the Father – Test everything Roslyn shares against ScriptureGet curious about your past – Use it as information, not your current identityAsk yourself: Where have I been? Where am I now? Where am I going?Share this episode with someone who might need to hear itConnect with Roslyn:📱 Instagram: @roslynrene 💬 DM Roslyn to let her know this was helpful ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or comment on Spotify 📤 Share in your stories if this resonated with youResources Mentioned:Genesis (study on identity)The story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)Psalms (David's raw emotions with God)The concept of delegated authority through JesusImportant Reminders:✅ This podcast is a tool, like a devotional—not a replacement for the Bible or professional therapy ✅ If you need mental health support, please seek a licensed counselor ✅ Test everything against Scripture and wrestle with God through it ✅ You are wanted, welcomed, understood, and you belong—no matter where you've beenKeywords:Faith and mental health, Christian mental health framework, identity in Christ, reclaiming safety, trauma healing, nervous system and faith, rest and spiritual health, delegated authority, emotional literacy, Christian therapy, mental health for believers, undoing trauma, God's presence, Christian counseling, faith-based healingNext Steps: Subscribe so you don't miss the next episode ...
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    15 mins
  • Faith, Burnout, and Mental Health: A Therapist’s Honest Reflection

    Faith, Burnout, and Mental Health: A Therapist’s Honest Reflection
    Jan 25 2026

    After a long pause, I’m back—unscripted, honest, and sharing from where I truly am.

    In this episode, I open up about where I’ve been, why I stepped away from the podcast, and how faith and mental health have deeply reshaped my perspective in this season of life. This isn’t a polished or highly produced episode—it’s a real-time reflection on burnout, rest, integrity, and learning how to walk with God without pressure or performance.

    I share how faith and mental health have influenced me across four areas of my life:

    • As a therapist—what years of sitting with clients have taught me about belonging, safety, and being seen
    • As a person—why mental health is a daily practice and how motherhood forced me to relearn rest
    • As a friend—the emotional labor of friendships, boundaries, and walking with others through hard seasons
    • As a daughter in Christ—what I’ve learned about imperfection, vulnerability, and allowing God to meet me in pain rather than trying to escape it

    This episode marks the beginning of a gentler, more spacious season for the God and Mental Health Podcast. For now, episodes may be shorter, unscripted, and released as I have the capacity and creative energy to share—without pressure, performance, or pretending to have it all together.

    If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you.

    📩 Connect with me on Instagram:

    👉 https://www.instagram.com/roslynrene

    If you’re listening on Spotify, feel free to leave a comment or share what stood out to you. Your messages help me know what’s landing and what you’d like more of as this space continues to unfold.

    Thanks for being here—and for allowing me to return as I am.



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/therapy-as-a-christian/donations

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    10 mins
  • The Mental Gym + Interview with Zii

    The Mental Gym + Interview with Zii
    Sep 9 2024
    Introduction

    Welcome to the God and Mental Health Podcast.

    Introduction of the guest, Zanisha, also known as Z.

    Brief overview of the episode's content.

    Guest Introduction

    Introduction of Zanisha as a best-selling author.

    Discussion about her new book, "The Mental Gym."

    Main Topics

    Icebreaker question: What is God teaching you in this season?

    Exploration of Zanisha's journey and resilience.

    Insights into Zanisha's professional background as a makeup artist and beauty educator.

    Personal Story

    Zanisha shares her personal story of loss and resilience.

    Discussion on navigating grief and motherhood.

    Importance of community support and vulnerability.

    Mental Health and Faith

    How faith and mental health intersect in Zanisha's life.

    Practical tips for maintaining mental health, including therapy and community support.

    Discussion on spiritual bypassing and the importance of emotional presence.

    Conclusion

    Summary of key takeaways from the episode.

    Encouragement for listeners to apply discussed practices in their own lives.

    Information on where to find Zanisha's book, "The Mental Gym."

    Follow Zii on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyzii/

    Grab Zii's Book, "The Mental Gym" HERE

    Sponsors: Matter Brushes, SHOP HERE! Use code: THERAPY for 20% off!

    Listener Takeaway: Reflect on your own mental health practices. Consider journaling about how you can integrate faith and mental health, as discussed in this episode. Try implementing one new practice this week that aligns with the tips provided by Zanisha.



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    45 mins
  • Warm Up Series: Safety in Relationships- Understanding Fellowship and Cultivating Healthy Connections

    Warm Up Series: Safety in Relationships- Understanding Fellowship and Cultivating Healthy Connections
    Aug 29 2024
    Episode Summary: Welcome back to another episode of "The God and Mental Health Podcast!" This week, Roslyn dives into the essential topic of safety within relationships, specifically from a faith-based perspective. She explores the significance of fellowship in our spiritual journey, discusses the importance of identifying safe people in our lives, and provides practical steps to cultivate healthy and supportive relationships. This episode is part of a warm-up series designed to help listeners reconnect with the podcast and prepare for more structured, value-packed episodes in the coming months.Key Points Discussed:Introduction to the Warm-Up Series:Roslyn introduces the warm-up series, designed to help both her and the listeners get back into the groove of the podcast.Explanation of the podcast's new seasonal structure for future episodes.Understanding Safety in Relationships:Exploration of what safety means in relationships, especially from a healed and healthy perspective.Discussion on the importance of safety within friendships and how it ties into our spiritual lives.Fellowship as a Core Aspect of Faith:Emphasis on the role of fellowship in our faith, grounded in scripture.Explanation of the Greek meaning of "fellowship" and its significance in the early church.Scriptural Foundations:Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."2 Corinthians 13:14: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."Practical Steps for Cultivating Safe Relationships:Encouragement for self-reflection on personal needs, values, and capacity for friendships.Guidance on identifying safe people and fostering supportive relationships.Discussion on effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.Personal Reflection and Client Assignment:Roslyn shares an assignment often given to her clients: writing down what safety looks like in relationships and identifying safe people in their lives.Importance of understanding and processing pain, hurt, and forgiveness in relationships.Fellowship with the Holy Spirit:Exploration of the spiritual aspect of fellowship, particularly with the Holy Spirit.How fellowship with God and others is intertwined in our journey of faith.Final Thoughts:Encouragement to reflect on your relationships and how they align with your spiritual and personal growth.Preview of upcoming topics in the podcast series.Sponsor: Sponsors via RedCircleResources Mentioned:Previous episodes on attachment styles, (Episodes: 162-164)How Attachment Impacts Our Mental Health and Faith:Part 1Part 2Part 3Scriptures: Acts 2:42, Proverbs 27:17, Galatians 6:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14Connect with Roslyn:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roslynreneListener Challenge: This week, take some time to reflect on your relationships. Write down what safety looks like for you and identify the safe people in your life. Consider how you can cultivate and maintain these supportive connections.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who could benefit from these conversations. See you in the next episode!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/therapy-as-a-christian/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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    22 mins
  • Warm Up Series: Top 4 Favorite Ways to Help Clients Get Comfortable with Counseling

    Warm Up Series: Top 4 Favorite Ways to Help Clients Get Comfortable with Counseling
    Aug 16 2024

    In this episode of the "God and Mental Health" podcast, host Roslyn, a mental health therapist, shares insights on the connection between faith and mental health. She discusses the vision behind the podcast’s rebranding from "Therapy as a Christian" to "God and Mental Health," emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for believers to explore their mental well-being. Roslyn also introduces her favorite therapeutic phrases that she frequently uses with clients, highlighting the significance of discovery, practice, and the evolving nature of personal growth in therapy. This episode provides listeners with valuable tools to navigate their mental health journey with faith at the forefront.

    Follow Me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/roslynrene



    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/therapy-as-a-christian/donations

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    21 mins