BRIGHTER

Steph Eckert & Laura McDougall

Ever wonder where God could be in the mental health conversation? We discuss mental illness in the light of the gospel to draw ourselves and listeners closer to God. We're a ministry of Open Door Christian Fellowship in London, Ontario. Hosts: Steph Eckert and Laura McDougall.

  1. Ep. 12 Finding Relief in a Diagnosis and How God’s Word Equips Us for Dealing with Mental Health Struggles: Part Two of Our Conversation with Becky Mathieu

    10/19/2021

    Ep. 12 Finding Relief in a Diagnosis and How God’s Word Equips Us for Dealing with Mental Health Struggles: Part Two of Our Conversation with Becky Mathieu

    Today’s episode is part two of our conversation with Becky Mathieu where we’re continuing to discuss children’s mental health. We talk about the relief that comes with receiving the correct diagnosis, while also mentioning the risks in ignoring concerns. In this episode we return back to the gospel; remembering that despite the consequences of the fall God is still sovereign and has a plan for each child. Includes: Peace despite diagnosis, broken pelvis, the one stone left unturned, the can’t versus won’t approach, thankfulness Scriptures included: Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Proverbs 4:23, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8-9, Isaiah 26:3 Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley https://www.dsasc.ca/uploads/8/5/3/9/8539131/welcome_to_holland.pdf Community Resources: -Merrymount - https://www.merrymount.on.ca/ -Thames Valley Children’s Centre - https://www.tvcc.on.ca/ -Vanier Children’s Services - https://www.vanier.com/ -Children and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-and-parent-resource-institute-cpri -Craigwood Children, Youth and Family Services - https://www.craigwood.ca/ Timeline: 1:50 - Moving forward in the face of fear 3:00 - Relief and peace that getting the correct diagnosis can have 7:00 - The risks in ignoring concerning behaviours or lacking skills 8:45 - Looking at our children’s needs through the truth of the gospel story 11:00 - The hope we can hold onto; God is here 15:00 - The can’t versus won’t approach 16:00 - Why we shouldn’t put our hope in treatment 18:15 - Remembering that we’re compiled of our spirit, soul and body 19:15 - God prepared us in His Word for mental health 23:10 - The importance of a balanced approach in addressing mental health concerns 26:00 - Having a thankful and steadfast heart on Christ 29:25 - Encouragement to seek out resources and ask for help As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

    34 min
  2. 07/27/2021

    Ep. 09 What the Church Offers and What Practical Love Looks Like for the Struggling: Part 2 of Our Conversation with Leonard Terry

    Today’s episode is part two of a conversation we had with Leonard Terry, where we continue the discussion on mental health and the church. Leonard shares insights on what the church has to offer people that can’t be found anywhere else, as well as personal stories of salvation and what it means to actually love someone affected by mental illness. We were all brought to tears during this conversation, and we believe that these words and discussions will have power to liberate you on your journey, wherever you are at. Today’s episode will also conclude Season One at the Brighter Podcast. You can look forward to a Season One Recap episode next week, where we’ll share our reflections from the past months of recording, why we’re taking a break, and what you can expect for Season Two. Includes: church culture and privilege, 1 Timothy 2:17, spiritual forces, when the bible feels like an obstacle, experiencing fatherlessness, and sharing the gospel through actions Timeline 2:00 - Three things the church has to offer:      2:00 - God’s design for us to live in community      4:00 - Opening our hearts in worship can help elevate our mental health      6:50 - The Word of God can help us overcome 9:20 - When the bible doesn’t feel like the source of hope people say it is 15:00 - Leonard’s understanding and view of the church as a child 19:00 - Showing God’s love to people who don’t fit the Christian mold 22:55 - Testimonies of Leonard walking out God’s steadfast love As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

    35 min
  3. 07/20/2021

    Ep. 08 Church Culture on Mental Illness Throughout the Decades, Suicide, Vulnerability, and Shame-Based Faith: Part 1 of Our Conversation with Leonard Terry

    Today’s episode is a very special conversation with Open Door’s own Leonard Terry. Listen in as Steph and Laura ask Leonard about his personal journey of faith, how secular and church culture on mental illness have shifted over the decades, and the impacts of shame-based faith. You can look forward to part two releasing next week, where we discuss even more personal stories of victory, grief, and salvation. Even as Leonard continues his journey of faith into his 70’s, he has managed to stay relevant, insightful, and loving on an ever-shifting conversation of mental health. You do not want to miss this or next week’s episode! Includes: suicide, psychedelics, vulnerability, men having feelings and vulnerability, psychosis, shame-based faith, secular and church culture Timeline: 3:00 - Quick overview of Leonard’s life 6:00 - Leonard’s personal experience with mental health and testimony of receiving salvation 10:00 - Mental health and illness stigma in the 1970s 12:30 - Watching the mental health shift in culture 14:50 - The gap between the world view and church view of mental illness 16:50 - The danger in shame based faith: hideness 21:00 - The risk of teaching about healing incorrectly 26:00 - God is with us right where we are, healing or not As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

    30 min

About

Ever wonder where God could be in the mental health conversation? We discuss mental illness in the light of the gospel to draw ourselves and listeners closer to God. We're a ministry of Open Door Christian Fellowship in London, Ontario. Hosts: Steph Eckert and Laura McDougall.