Ep.16 Embracing Loneliness and Anxiety: Securing Connection and Identity in Christ

In this episode of Faith and Feels, I’m sharing a seminar I led at the CRU/EPIC Conference on January 19, 2025. This college ministry conference brought together nearly 1,000 students at the Hyatt in Garden Grove, CA, where I had the privilege of leading a breakout session on Loneliness and Anxiety. With only 45 minutes to present, I covered key insights on navigating these struggles from both a mental health and faith-based perspective. I hope this session encourages and blesses you!*Research quoted: Based on Harvard Grad School of Education (Loneliness Article on Oct 2024) 21 % of respondents (national survey) reported suffering serious loneliness. Based on American Psychiatric Association, 30% of adults experienced loneliness in early 2024*Books recommended:"Find Your People" by Jennie Allen, "Deep Wounds, Deep Healing" by Charles Kraft, "The 7 Desires of Every Heart" by Mark and Debbie Lasser"Polyvagal Theory" by Stephen Porges"Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" by Peter Scazzero (*Correct Tagline of book - "It's impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature" my apologies for quoting incorrect tagline in the seminar)*Resource used during closing meditation: Fathersloveletter.com*App recommended : Soul Time Christian Meditation App*Spiritual Direction recommended: www.companionsforyourjourney.com*Retreat Center recommended: www.materdolorosa.org(Unfortunately the havenoc retreat center mentioned in the seminar is closed currently)www.thehavenoc.com *Few Seminar Feedback from CRU/EPIC College Students:"This was extremely helpful to me! I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a couple years now and always felt that it was in my head and just pushed it away. But now I see that God wants us to be open and honest with him and others close to us to heal!" - Student A"Loved the breathing exercise" -Student B"Great! I feel less anxious LOL" -Student C