Jolene Underwood
Note: Counseling services are available via telehealth for adult residents of Texas only. No advice given here should be a substitute for mental health services.
Contributing Writer
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10 Signs You're Bad at Setting Personal Boundaries
Over ten years ago, I received a book about boundaries. I read it, decided it didn't apply to me, and passed it on to a friend without hesitation.Since then, I've purchased another copy, read more...Monday, August 14, 2023
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10 Warning Signs of Narcissistic Manipulation
I love the church, the body of believers uniquely and beautifully made in God’s image. God designed us for fellowship and connection with one another in ways that lead us closer to his heart and a...Wednesday, July 26, 2023
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Do Christians Use 'Forgive Me' to Gaslight?
Gaslighting is a form of manipulation causing severe distress for many unwary believers.Tuesday, July 11, 2023
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8 Reasons Blaming and Complaining Aren't Fruitful
When God created all things, putting mankind in the midst of his creation, he called it good (Genesis 1:31).We were designed for good. It’s in our design to long for harmonious beauty in this...Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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10 Steps to Healing from Spiritual Trauma
Spiritual trauma leaves unseen wounds that shake up the core of how we see ourselves, God, and the world around us. If you’ve been spiritually abused or oppressed, not only have you been harmed,...Friday, June 16, 2023
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10 Things to Know about Recovering from Spiritual Trauma
When your world feels shaken up because all you thought to be true (about who you are, who God is, and how God works in this world) got twisted up and used to harm you, you may have experienced...Friday, May 12, 2023
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10 Things Selfish People Always Do in Relationships
Considering selfishness in ourselves is one of the most challenging, yet freeing, things we can do as believers. It helps us notice where we put ourselves before God. Then, we can do something...Friday, January 6, 2023
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10 Prayers for Mental Health Healing and Those Struggling with Illness
One of the hardest things about being human in this broken world is experiencing pain without quick-fix answers. We all face challenges that feel overwhelming. The reality is, more and more people...Monday, October 10, 2022
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Is God Mad at Me for Being Angry?
Scripture reveals God’s anger toward injustice and oppression, toward the things that keep us from being fully connected to him and connected to other people. May our anger reveal real injustices...Monday, May 2, 2022
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7 Healthy Ways Christians Can Deal with Grief
When you've been through a painful loss, and a friend asks, "How are you?” how do you respond? Are you quick to brush it off, or do tears come easily? Maybe emotions surface, but you do whatever...Tuesday, March 1, 2022
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What Does the Bible Say About Wise Counsel? (+ 6 Ways to Seek It)
Wisdom comes when people seek God, respond to His work in and through them, and skillfully apply God's principles from the Bible into their lives. Wisdom is from God for God's good purposes.Monday, January 31, 2022
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Does Jeremiah 29:11 Mean That God Won't Let Bad Things Happen to Me?
God knew the plan he had for Jeremiah, and it included challenging work in the face of opposition. God reassured Jeremiah of his presence with him and that he didn’t have to be afraid. Deliverance...Friday, June 4, 2021
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8 Unhealthy Beliefs Christians Lean on to Hide Their Needs
God has so much for his creation to know, receive, and experience with him. We miss out on who God is (and all he provides) when we operate in the lie that Adam and Eve bought into in the Garden of...Wednesday, November 18, 2020
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Should I Face My Feelings or Fake Them?
Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” It takes great courage to face feelings, and when you do, God will meet you with...Monday, October 12, 2020
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5 Reasons We Need Empathy Now More Than Ever
Division seems to be the norm these days. It's not new, but it's still frustrating and tiring. If there's a place to state an opinion, absent personal responsibility, and relational connection,...Wednesday, August 26, 2020
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Why You Can Be Sure ‘the Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted’ (Psalm 34:18)
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18When emotions are strong, I find comfort when reading Psalms.The heart of a Psalmist is familiar with...Tuesday, August 25, 2020
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Is it True that You ‘Can’t Heal What You Won’t Feel?’
A common phrase tells us that you ‘can’t heal what you won’t feel.’ It implies a level of feeling critical to healthy living. Does scripture indicate that feeling is an essential aspect of...Monday, February 24, 2020
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Why and How Do I 'Speak the Truth in Love?'
Speaking the truth in love is a scriptural principle designed to bring blessings and foster growth. Unfortunately, it’s also a concept that’s misused in harmful ways.The phrase comes from the book...Monday, February 10, 2020