Thank you, Danielle, for having me be part of this article. Thank you for all the incredible work you do to help people live in healing and wholeness! So thankful for you.
I love how he points out that medicine, be it physical or mental health, and science are not in competition with each other. While not typically overtly stated, this can often be implied by well meaning people.
The knowledge our medical community is also God given and God often heals by partnering with His creation. I believe this includes not just our standard western medical approaches but also alternative medical approaches that often are more inclusive of all of God creation.
No matter how hard we try to compartmentalize, we cannot separate the mind, body and soul. We must address the whole person and allowing for healing on all levels.
Yes, I think that K Lee Brown did an excellent job articulating this. It is refreshing to be surrounded by a growing Christian community that recognize this and can glorify God and His creation in all aspects of healing.
I am intrigued by the refusal to place spiritual formation and mental health care in opposition to one another. Too often, Christians have been taught to treat emotional suffering as either purely spiritual failure or purely clinical dysfunction, when in reality, human beings are far more integrated than that. Scripture consistently presents people as embodied souls, not fragmented compartments. Elijah needed rest, food, and divine presence. David prayed honestly through anguish. Paul spoke openly about despair. Even Christ in Gethsemane reveals that deep distress is not evidence of weak faith.
I especially appreciated the phrase “inner availability.” That language feels deeply important. A mind burdened by unresolved trauma, chronic anxiety, shame, or emotional exhaustion often struggles not because a person lacks love for God, but because the interior world has become crowded with noise, fear, and survival. Caring for mental health, then, is not self-absorption; it can be an act of stewardship that increases our capacity to discern, love, worship, and remain present to both God and others.
I think the emphasis on honest writing was profoundly wise. The Psalms themselves model what happens when human beings stop curating their inner world before God and finally tell the truth in detail. Healing rarely begins with polished language; more often, it begins where honesty finally becomes safe enough to surface.
Thanks Ze. This was all K. Lee Brown. I love the heart and wisdom behind his answers.
I also appreciate your rephrasing that, "caring for mental health, then, is not self-absorption; it can be an act of stewardship that increases our capacity to discern, love, worship, and remain present to both God and others."
Thanks again K. Lee, for contributing! Your answer to the final question surprised me a bit, but I've found it profoundly, personally therapeutic. There were several years in college, nearly twenty years ago now, that journaling got me through. I'm glad professional mental health is less stigmatized and a more obvious go-to option now, but honest writing is a great supplement or alternative if care isn't available. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you, Danielle, for having me be part of this article. Thank you for all the incredible work you do to help people live in healing and wholeness! So thankful for you.
Thank you for your work as well!
My spirituality soothes my wounded psyche and leaves me with peace. At times still wounded and hurting, but at peace.
This is a great piece!
I love how he points out that medicine, be it physical or mental health, and science are not in competition with each other. While not typically overtly stated, this can often be implied by well meaning people.
The knowledge our medical community is also God given and God often heals by partnering with His creation. I believe this includes not just our standard western medical approaches but also alternative medical approaches that often are more inclusive of all of God creation.
No matter how hard we try to compartmentalize, we cannot separate the mind, body and soul. We must address the whole person and allowing for healing on all levels.
Yes, I think that K Lee Brown did an excellent job articulating this. It is refreshing to be surrounded by a growing Christian community that recognize this and can glorify God and His creation in all aspects of healing.
Danielle,
I am intrigued by the refusal to place spiritual formation and mental health care in opposition to one another. Too often, Christians have been taught to treat emotional suffering as either purely spiritual failure or purely clinical dysfunction, when in reality, human beings are far more integrated than that. Scripture consistently presents people as embodied souls, not fragmented compartments. Elijah needed rest, food, and divine presence. David prayed honestly through anguish. Paul spoke openly about despair. Even Christ in Gethsemane reveals that deep distress is not evidence of weak faith.
I especially appreciated the phrase “inner availability.” That language feels deeply important. A mind burdened by unresolved trauma, chronic anxiety, shame, or emotional exhaustion often struggles not because a person lacks love for God, but because the interior world has become crowded with noise, fear, and survival. Caring for mental health, then, is not self-absorption; it can be an act of stewardship that increases our capacity to discern, love, worship, and remain present to both God and others.
I think the emphasis on honest writing was profoundly wise. The Psalms themselves model what happens when human beings stop curating their inner world before God and finally tell the truth in detail. Healing rarely begins with polished language; more often, it begins where honesty finally becomes safe enough to surface.
Blessings,
Ze Selassie
Thanks Ze. This was all K. Lee Brown. I love the heart and wisdom behind his answers.
I also appreciate your rephrasing that, "caring for mental health, then, is not self-absorption; it can be an act of stewardship that increases our capacity to discern, love, worship, and remain present to both God and others."
Thanks again K. Lee, for contributing! Your answer to the final question surprised me a bit, but I've found it profoundly, personally therapeutic. There were several years in college, nearly twenty years ago now, that journaling got me through. I'm glad professional mental health is less stigmatized and a more obvious go-to option now, but honest writing is a great supplement or alternative if care isn't available. Thanks for the reminder!