My Current Book Project

As a Clinical Psychologist who also follows Jesus Christ, I know that people suffer. I have suffered. None of us can escape it. Anxiety and depression are frequent visitors, and sometimes full-time residents, in our being. Through my experiences with anxiety and depression, I've come to experience the Bible as a source of power, wisdom, and practical psychological tools that are consistent with, and above and beyond, modern-day psychology tools. The Scriptures describe my inner experiences. They give me tools to help me cope, accept things I can't change, and change how I approach my daily life and thoughts. I've learned that I cannot maintain these changes through my own effort. Anxiety and depression weaken my motivation, make me tired, and cause my mind to focus only on anxious and depressive things. Thus, I've learned to accept, call on, and use the power of the relationship with the Holy Spirit to boost the psychology tools I've learned over the years. Doing this has helped me in my struggles, and I ask the Holy Spirit to help me bring in the power of Scripture as I work with my clients. 

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You may wonder why I'm writing this book. Authors often say, "Write the book you need to read." I needed this book and this Scriptural concept for myself. I was in an extended period of professional burnout, which brought about anxiety, panic attacks, depression, guilt, shame, isolation, and difficulty praying. On one occasion, I listened to a sermon podcast while getting ready for work. My mind was still thinking of the concepts as I drove to work. During my drive, the Holy Spirit presented me with a diagram of Scripture. The image made a lot of sense to me. It revealed what I was missing and couldn't see on my own. It powerfully blended the psychology and Scripture.

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When I got to my office, I quickly began creating the picture I saw to avoid losing it. After several attempts, I felt a "stop" in my spirit and looked at the creation on the paper. I sensed, "This is it," and smiled in gratitude that I heard God speak to me in a way I understand Him best - through images. The diagram helped me see the relationship between several concepts and helped me see the essential piece I was missing during this season of my life. It was not a new concept, but seeing it in an image form filled me with energy and confidence. The image helped me feel there was a way to calm my body, mind, and spirit. It helped me understand what I needed to do in a way I had not understood before. I began writing to solidify my understanding of this image and work through it in my mind. Over time, I felt an intense urge to share it with others. I began writing what I thought would be a blog post, but the words kept coming and thus created the book you are reading.

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In this book, I will pass along what I learned from the Holy Spirit. I trust that He will help you know yourself better and show you any missing elements you need to add during this season of your life. I'll share insights I received about integrating psychology, the Holy Spirit, and Scripture in a way that may also help you identify the pieces of your inner experience. These insights and the visual model God gave me may help you move from being overwhelmed or disconnected to being more calm and connected. I pray that this tool, which I have named "Prayer Mapping," will help you get closer to God and the Holy Spirit amid your struggles. 

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Stay tuned for more updates on this book and other projects.