It Could Be Worse, But It’s Still Hard
If you find yourself sitting in the tension of “it could be worse” and “this is really hard,” I want to encourage you.
Hope + Help for Panic Attacks with Lucy Ann Moll
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Lucy Ann Moll about her mini-book, Help! I Get Panic Attacks.
Hope + Help for Prayerlessness with John Onwuchekwa
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews John Onwuchekwa about the topic of prayerlessness.
Hope + Help for Marriage Growth with Dave Harvey
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Dave Harvey about his book I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger through Life's Defining Moments.
To the Weary He Says, “Come and Be Carried”
God comes close to those crying tired tears and soothes: "Come here. I will carry you."
Free Download: Clinging to Hope Scripture Reference Handout
Gain instant access to a free .pdf download of my favorite Bible verses about hope. Print. Save. Share!
Hope + Help for Chronic Illness with Esther Smith
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Esther Smith about her book, Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith.
He Redeems Even Our Scars
It takes time, but take heart: God puts scars to work for our good and his glory.
Stewarding Our Stories: Affliction & God’s Design for One-Another Care
In this Facebook LIVE rebroadcast, I join Dr. Venessa Ellen to talk about affliction, stewarding our stories, and God's design for one-another care.
Book Review of Addictive Habits: Changing for Good
A book review by Christine M. Chappell of David R. Dunham's 31-day devotional with P&R Publishing, Addictive Habits: Changing for Good, which originally appeared at the Biblical Counseling Coalition.
Crushed by Grief to Give Hope in the Mourning
Look to the Man of Sorrows and remember: it's not a sin to be sad about sad things.
When Life Seems to Be Falling Apart
He who knit you together in your mother's womb has knit you permanently to his own heart.
Hope + Help for Overeating with Shannon McCoy
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Shannon McCoy about her mini-book, Help! I'm a Slave to Food.
Favorite Bible Verses to Comfort in Grief
"God’s Word provides powerful comfort in grief. Because scripture is alive and active, time in the Word settles our heart and anchors our emotions in loss. I’ve asked several friends who’ve walked through grief from various kinds of loss to share their favorite Bible verses to comfort in grief. These writers and ministry leaders each share a favorite scripture and how that verse impacted their grief." -Lisa Appelo
How Do I Talk to My Kids About Sorrow?
Forewarning our kids about the realities of sorrow can forearm them to face it by faith. Christ said these seasons would come, and that we would find comfort, hope, and peace by looking to him when they do.
Hope + Help for Counseling Children with Julie Lowe
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Julie Lowe about her book, Building Bridges: Biblical Counseling Activities for Children and Teens. During the conversation, Julie helps listeners to understand why counseling children is different than counseling adults, explains the importance of "wooing" children to Jesus, and discusses some of the benefits and challenges of collaborating with parents during the counseling journey. She also offers a biblical rationale for using "expressive activities" to enter into a child's world, unpacks how using Scripture as a story can better connect a child's life experience back to the Lord, and shares some of the top tools/props/resources she uses in her counseling room during sessions with youth counselees.
On Seasons and Expectations
We have a high priest who himself traversed the entire spectrum of seasons and promises to walk through them with us
Hope + Help for Identifying Abuse with Darby Strickland
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Darby Strickland about her book, Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims. During the conversation, Darby explains why domestic abuse is easy to miss and easier to minimize and shares why abuse merits the biblical label of "oppression." Darby also addresses question such as:
• What damage does it do to label a situation as "abusive" when it isn't?
• How can people helpers become more sensitive to identifying physical abuse, especially when victims are typically hesitant to ask for help?
• How can we tell if what is taking place in the marriage bed qualifies as sexual abuse?
• What do people helpers need to keep in mind when helping a victim bring their story to the attention of the local church?
• What are some questions people helpers can use to better get to know the victim and to assess the emotional, spiritual, and physical damage they have sustained?
Talking About Depression in Motherhood • Live Radio Interview
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed on "The Ride Home with John & Kathy" radio show on the topic of depression in motherhood.
He Concerns Himself with the Lowly
High and mighty as he is, the Lord inclines his ear to the afflicted and listens to their pleas for mercy.
When Hurting is Hard and Healing is Harder
Hope is a skill to be learned while we sit between hurting and healing.
Hope + Help for Practicing Affirmation with Sam Crabtree
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Sam Crabtree about his book, Practicing Affirmation. IBCD Executive Director Jim Newheiser also joins the conversation as Sam explains why bringing God into compliments is the best way to give them. He also discusses why people are more prone to complaining than commending, offers four characteristics of good affirmations, and how practicing affirmation on a daily basis serves to nourish personal relationships while glorifying God at the same time. Additionally, Sam suggests reasons to keep affirmation separate from correction, encourages listeners to utilize affirmation as a means of evangelism, and answers the tough question, How do we commend someone whose behavior is anything but commendable?
Hope + Help for One-Another Care with Scott Mehl & Josh Stephens
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Pastors and biblical counselors Scott Mehl and Josh Stephens on the topic of one-another care. Topics covered in the conversation include: counseling adjustments in the wake of COVID-19, what makes biblical counseling unique, how the church is positioned to minister to people in the midst of global pandemic, how lay people can get themselves equipped to provide soul care for others, and suggestions for pastors interested in exploring what's needed to start a biblical counseling ministry at their church.
Life is Hard and Hope is Sure
Christian maturity is not measured by the absence or avoidance of sorrow, but the engagement of God in the midst of it.
Hope + Help for Discouraged Parents with Marty Machowski
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Marty Machowski about his book, Parenting First Aid: Hope for the Discouraged. During the conversation, Marty explains why parents sometimes feel isolated when walking through challenges involving their children, and offers practical insights on how to handle heated exchanges in the home. He also discusses the importance of keeping an eternal perspective when parenting trials come, comforts listeners with the reminder that God understands what they are going through, and exhorts discouraged parents to reflect on key gospel truths that can persevere them through seasons of heartbreak or disappointment.
We Want “Fix,” He Says, “Follow”
For every cry of "Fix!" in your life, Christ reminds you to simply, "Follow."
8 Facebook Live Videos on Counseling & Christian Living
I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to host a number of helpful conversations via Facebook LIVE over the past three months on a variety of topics related to Christian living in general, as well as biblical counseling in particular. This post offers the collection of previously recorded Facebook LIVE conversations in one spot, where you can watch the replays! Scroll below to view the guest names and topics addressed.
Comforting Our Kids Through Hard Times • Women Encouraged Podcast
In today's episode, Christine M. Chappell joins Bethany for a conversation about how to give our kids true, biblical comfort when they’re hurting. This isn’t about empty platitudes or band-aid fixes, but rather acknowledging our children’s suffering while pointing them to the trustworthy and eternal promises of God. Christine and Bethany discuss how we should respond to our children in these situations, and take a look at the comfort God’s word offers.
Hope + Help for Storms in Marriage with Jeff & Sarah Walton
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews authors Jeff & Sarah Walton about their book, Together Through the Storms: Biblical Encouragements for Your Marriage When Life Hurts. During the conversation, Jeff shares biblical truths that sustained him during sudden job loss, as well as practical wisdom for men striving to be leaders of their home in the midst of future uncertainties. Sarah reflects on the walking through periods of hopelessness, living with chronic illness, and the grief that comes when life doesn't look like we expected. Together, Jeff and Sarah offer gospel hope for marriages strained by circumstantial difficulties, showing couples how to cling to Jesus—and to each other—through the storms.
No One Should Walk Alone
Hurting people are forced to walk through experiences they'd rather not have. Compassion walks with them.
Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor Brad Bigney via Facebook LIVE about his book, Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols. During the conversation, Brad defines idolatry, explains what it means to uncover "the sin beneath the sin," and cautions about the impact heart idolatry has on our relationships with God and other people. He also examines why it's so challenging to uproot idolatry once the Holy Spirit has revealed it to us, offers insights as to how a global pandemic has served to expose idolatry in our lives, and gives hope from the Scriptures for those seeking to experience true, meaningful heart change through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hope + Help for Pregnancy with Gloria Furman
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Gloria Furman about her book, Labor with Hope: Gospel Meditations on Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood. During the conversation, Gloria helps women see topics such as pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage, birth pain, and new life in the framework of the larger biblical narrative, infusing cosmic meaning into their personal experience by exploring how they point to eternal realities. She also reflects upon the forgiveness and mercy Christ offers post-abortive women, shares biblical comforts to pregnant women who are fearful about their impending labor, and highlights the importance of spiritual mothering as a high calling for those who do not have flesh-and-blood children of their own.
Hope + Help for Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Charles Hodges
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Charles Hodges about his book, Good Mood, Bad Mood: Help and Hope for Depression and Bipolar Disorder. During the conversation, Dr. Hodges summarizes the current diagnostic criteria for depression and bipolar disorder, and describes the differences between "normal" and "disordered" sadness. He also explains why recent scientific findings pertaining to brain plasticity offer hope to those labeled with mood disorders and suggests why over-identifying with a psychological diagnosis can stunt spiritual growth. Lastly, Dr. Hodges highlights the importance of setting God-oriented goals with counselees labeled with bipolar disorder, and offers words of encouragement for sufferers feeling hopeless for meaningful life change.
Hope + Help for Domestic Abuse with Chris Moles, Joy Forrest, & Ann Maree Goudzwaard
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews authors and biblical counselors Chris Moles, Joy Forrest, and Ann Maree Goudzwaard via Facebook LIVE about domestic abuse care in today's COVID-19 context. Together, the panel discusses cautions for victim/counselor communications, the danger of handling domestic abuse situations as marriage counseling cases, various ways to get equipped for one-another care when face-to-face contact with high-risk women and children is restricted, the basics and importance of developing a safety plan, and much more.
Hope + Help for Parenting Methods with Jim Newheiser
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews author and IBCD Executive Director Dr. Jim Newheiser about his book, Parenting is More Than a Formula. During the conversation, Jim summarizes common Christian parenting methods and examines the dangers of adopting unbiblical or extra-biblical approaches to child-rearing. Jim also demonstrates how belief in "parental determinism" is contrary to the Scriptures, defines a biblical view of parenting "success," offers practical helps for pursuing gospel-centered parenting, and shares how he counsels married couples who find themselves in conflict over differing opinions pertaining to parenting methodology.
Hope + Help for Evangelism with Becky Pippert
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Becky Pippert about her book, Stay Salt: The World Has Changed, Our Message Must Not. During the conversation, Becky recounts her personal journey from agnosticism to faith in Jesus Christ, and unpacks common reasons why Christians hesitate to share their faith with others.
Hope + Help for Finding Identity with Quina Aragon
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Quina Aragon about finding identity in Christ.
Hope + Help for Valuing Friendship with Drew Hunter
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Drew Hunter about his book, "Made for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our Joys."
Hope + Help LIVE for Parents of Depressed & Anxious Teens
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, we’re premiering Hope + Help LIVE, a periodic segment of the podcast that features unscripted, live recorded interviews previously broadcasted on Facebook. This conversation features authors Jessica Thompson and Joel Fitzpatrick. During the live chat, we talk about the various ways our respective households are navigating the coronavirus pandemic, and offer encouragements to parents of depressed and anxious teens who may be struggling to care for their child in today’s quarantine contexts.
How Is God Working in My Teen’s Depression?
If you’ve found yourself caring for a depressed teen, maybe you’re wondering what God is up to in the midst of this heartbreaking time. While we cannot know all the ways that God intends to work in your teen’s despondency, the Scriptures do tell us what his goal is for you in this season.
Equipping You in Grace Podcast: Help! My Teen is Depressed
On this episiode of Equipping You in Grace, host Dave Jenkins and Christine Chappell discuss how to walk with a teenager through depression, how the local church can help teenagers who are depressed and minister to them, along with her mini-book, "Help! My Teen is Depressed" (Shepherd Press, 2020).
Hope + Help for Spiritual Warfare with Iain Duguid
In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Iain Duguid about his book, "The Whole Armor of God: How Christ's Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare." During the conversation, Iain unpacks various pieces of the spiritual armor Paul describes in Ephesians 6, inviting us to take up the armor each day, all the while resting in the finished victory of Christ and the assurance that our strength for the battle comes from him. Iain also offers relatable illustrations that demonstrate how the armor of God intersects with everyday challenges, and shares words of encouragement for those who find themselves weary and discouraged in their Christian walk.
Video: Encouragements for Parents of Anxious & Depressed Teens with Joel Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson
Join me, Jessica Thompson, and Joel Fitzpatrick for a Facebook LIVE conversation aimed at encouraging parents and caregivers of anxious and/or depressed teens!