Anxiety and Faith: Becoming a Warrior in the Worry

What if you don't have to stop feeling anxious to become the courageous woman God has called you to be?Kristen Mattila Dempsey has lived with anxiety and OCD for much of her life. As a child, she often carried fears and obsessive thoughts that she didn't know how to share, and she learned to hide the struggle because she was embarrassed by it. Years later, after experiencing a season of freedom from anxiety, those struggles returned during a major life transition—and Kristen found herself facing an important question: Can I still be a warrior if I'm still worried?In this honest conversation, Kristen shares how God invited her to stop hiding her anxiety and begin sharing her story so that her struggle could help others. She talks about the freedom she has found in accepting that anxiety may be an ongoing battle, rather than spending all of her energy trying to make it disappear.Kristen and Willow also talk about the "warrior in the worry"—the idea that courage isn't the absence of fear, but choosing to show up and keep fighting in the midst of it. They explore how counseling, Scripture, prayer, community, movement, breathing, laughter, and other practical tools can help us navigate anxiety without shame.If you've ever felt embarrassed by your anxiety, wondered why you can't simply "get over it," or believed that asking for professional help means you're weak, this conversation will remind you that God is not annoyed by your struggle. He meets you in it with compassion—and you can be both anxious and courageous at the same time.Meet Kristen Mattila DempseyKristen Mattila Dempsey was part of the Collide staff for several years and is known affectionately by Willow as the "Unicorn Whisperer." She is passionate about Jesus, people, friendship, fun, and helping others experience the transforming work of God.Kristen has also been open about her own experience with anxiety and OCD, sharing her story to encourage others who may feel alone or ashamed in their struggles. In this conversation, she offers an honest and hopeful perspective on what it means to pursue healing while accepting that anxiety may still be part of the battle—and how God can meet us with peace and grace in the middle of it.Key TakeawaysWhen anxiety makes you feel weak or broken: Learn why you can be a warrior even while you're still afraid.When you're embarrassed by your anxiety or OCD: Discover the freedom that can come from bringing your struggle into the light instead of hiding it.When you're frustrated that anxiety keeps coming back: Learn to shift your energy from trying to "beat" anxiety to building tools that help you respond when it appears.When you're hesitant to seek counseling: Be encouraged to see asking for help as a brave and courageous step toward healing.When anxious thoughts start taking over: Discover practical tools—from prayer and Scripture to breathing, movement, laughter, and supportive community—that can help you find peace.How This Episode Will Encourage YouYou don't have to wait until your anxiety disappears to call yourself courageous. You can show up as a warrior in the worry, trusting that Jesus meets you with compassion and gives you what you need for the battle in front of you.Resources + LinksA 5-Week Guide to Help Manage Your AnxietyThe Birds & The Lilies: A Bible Study for AnxietyBooks mentioned: BurnoutFollow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift.💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!