SOL#35: Hope for Even the Darkest Seasons of Life

Have you ever wondered if your story matters?  Does God see your struggle with mental health and the pain it brings to your life?  Can you trust him with your hurt, your mental health, and to give you hope? In this episode, Stacee and Doug interview friend, Bible teacher, and ministry leader Vickey Banks about finding hope even in the most difficult seasons of life.   Out of a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a passion for helping others connect the Bible to their everyday lives, Vickey visits with Stacee and Doug about God's immense love for those who struggle with mental health and the hope He can provide.   For many, mental illness creates feelings of loneliness, isolation, and questions if anyone really understands or knows the depths of the hurt and struggle. Vickey shares with vulnerability about her own experience of feeling overwhelmed with loss, grief, and a sense of hopelessness and how God spoke to her words of hope and life through the Bible to bring a renewed mental peace and happiness back into her life. If you've struggled to connect with the Bible or have wondered if reading the Bible is for you, Vickey shares practical ideas and tools on how to begin reading the Bible  and to find ways to apply it to your life.  She also shares with Stacee and Doug some surprises which the Bible might offer those struggling with their mental health and trying to hang onto hope.  Vickey Banks is passionate about helping women connect the dots between God’s Word and their everyday lives. As an author, Bible study teacher, inspirational speaker and disciple-maker, she loves serving as Women’s Ministry Director at Council Road Baptist Church, as a LifeWay Women’s Ministry Trainer and as a member of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma’s Women’s Leadership Team. She has written or is a contributing author to a large number of books, devotional Bibles, ministry guides, magazines and blogs, as well as Bible study and discipleship curriculum. Vickey has a degree in Interpersonal Communication and is currently pursuing a Master of Biblical Studies. She loves sailing with her husband, celebrating her people, travel, and getting lost in a good story. You can find Vickey's book, Sharing His Secrets, Intimate Insights from the Women who Knew Jesus, at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576738930?tag=randohouseinc11082-20 You can learn more about hosts Stacee and Doug and all things Speak Out Loud at www.speakoutloud.me. The  Speak Out Loud podcast is bringing hope and encouragement to those who struggle with mental health and for those who love and support them.