Self-Harm Isn’t Just Cutting: The Quiet Ways We All Hurt Ourselves


Self-harm is typically defined as the act of deliberately inflicting physical pain or injury on oneself, often as a way to cope with emotional distress. However, self-harm extends beyond the visible scars we associate with it. It includes patterns of self-destructive behaviors that slowly chip away at our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Self-Harm as an Addiction
Much like an addiction, self-harm provides a fleeting sense of relief or escape from emotional pain. Over time, this relief becomes a trap, reinforcing a cycle of guilt, shame, and repetitive harm. The brain’s reward system, designed to avoid pain, finds solace in these harmful actions, making them harder to unlearn.

Triggers and Statistics
The triggers for self-harm are deeply personal: unresolved trauma, isolation, feelings of inadequacy, or the inability to express emotions. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 4 young adults in the U.S. has engaged in self-harming behaviors. The WHO reports that globally, nearly 800,000 lives are lost annually to suicide—a tragic endpoint for many who begin with self-harm.

But here’s the twist: we are all self-harming in some way.

The Subtle Self-Harm We Overlook
What if I told you that skipping meals, overindulging in junk food, leading a sedentary lifestyle, chronic worrying, depriving yourself of sleep, and consuming processed foods are all forms of self-harm?

These habits are not benign. They pave the way for metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess fat around the waist. Together, these factors dramatically increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

While we might not recognize these behaviors as self-harm, they are a slow-motion act of sabotage. The psychology behind this self-deception—called cognitive dissonance—arises when our actions contradict our values. We know the harm we’re causing, but we rationalize it:

  • “I’ve earned this indulgence.”
  • “I don’t have time to exercise.”
  • “It’s just one more cigarette.”

This mental tug-of-war lets us avoid confronting the deeper issue: why do we struggle to love ourselves enough to change?

My Journey of Self-Harm
I know this all too well. Growing up neurodivergent, I carried a heavy burden of shame, pain, and alienation. I masked my authenticity to fit into a world that wasn’t built for me.

In the process, I learned to make myself small, invisible, and “acceptable.” Food became my solace. Smoking was my stress relief. Sedentary days were my escape from a life I didn’t fully love. I was caught in a loop of self-harm disguised as coping.

As a result, my body bore the cost: fluctuating weight, energy crashes, and the early signs of metabolic imbalance. I was slowly but surely harming myself in ways that weren’t visible—but were deeply damaging.

The Cost of Self-Harm: Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is the body’s cry for help—a direct consequence of prolonged self-harming behaviors. It’s not just about weight or numbers on a chart; it’s the accumulation of years of neglecting our physical and emotional needs. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances are warning signs.

We often ignore these signals until they become impossible to overlook. Why? Because we’ve been conditioned to believe we’re not worth the effort it takes to heal.

Why Do We Struggle to Love Ourselves?
Why do we make choices that sabotage our health and happiness? Maybe it’s fear—fear of failure, fear of change, or fear of stepping into our full potential. Maybe it’s the belief that we are not worthy of the care and compassion we so freely offer to others.

But here’s the truth: you are worthy. I am worthy. We all are.

A Fresh Perspective on That “Annoying” Coworker

Let’s cut to the chase: Does your coworker’s relentless optimism, kindness, and over-the-top helpfulness make you want to scream? Do their neat desk, cheerful demeanor, and habit of breaking into song during stressful moments drive you up the wall? Are they too much—too happy, too nice, too willing to pitch in?

Congratulations. You’ve identified what some call “the annoying do-gooder” in the office. But let me ask you this: Why does their light bother you so much? Is it really about them—or could it be about you?

Let’s dig deeper because the truth is, people like this coworker—people like me—aren’t your enemy. In fact, we might be the best thing to happen to your workplace.

Many of us who are “too much” in the workplace aren’t just being overly enthusiastic for kicks. We’re neurodivergent. That’s right—our brains operate differently, and it shows up in ways that might stand out:

  • We love helping others and thrive when we feel useful.
  • We see silver linings where others see storms.
  • Dance breaks, silly songs, and creative solutions are how we deal with stress.
  • We notice when others are struggling and offer help, sometimes to the point of overextending ourselves.
  • We color within the lines—not to annoy you, but because we value integrity and want to do things right.

But here’s what you might not see:

  • We are often bullied, excluded, or mocked for being different.
  • We struggle in silence, fawning and freezing when faced with confrontation.
  • We carry the weight of being misunderstood in a world that wasn’t designed for us.

If you’re still rolling your eyes at this point, let me flip the script for you. That coworker you find so “annoying” might just be the most resilient person in the room. Here’s why:

  1. We Show Up Anyway
    Every day, neurodivergent folks face a world that doesn’t cater to us. We know we’re walking into environments that may be hostile, dismissive, or unkind, and yet—we still show up. That’s not weakness; that’s strength.
  2. We Raise the Bar
    Our work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to the team make us reliable assets. We’re not here to compete or outshine; we’re here to contribute.
  3. We’re Human, Too
    Behind the smiles and quirks are people with lives just as complex as yours. We’re parents, caregivers, and breadwinners. Losing a job because we “annoyed” someone can devastate our families.
  4. We Reflect Christ-Like Behavior
    If you consider yourself a Christian, think about this: Jesus was relentlessly kind, unshakably compassionate, and always willing to serve. Are those not the qualities you see in your “annoying” coworker? Why, then, would you persecute someone for embodying the very traits Christ called us to practice?

What You Can Do Instead of Tearing Us Down

  1. Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of seeing us as “annoying,” see us as an opportunity to learn. Our joy and kindness aren’t weaknesses—they’re strengths that can inspire the team.
  2. Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Ask why we do what we do. You might discover that the “annoying” traits stem from a deep desire to help and connect.
  3. Protect Us, Don’t Prey on Us: Neurodivergent individuals are at higher risk of bullying, exclusion, and even suicide. Your words and actions matter. Choose kindness.
  4. Be the Hands and Feet of Christ: If you truly believe in loving your neighbor, this is your chance to live it out. Protect the kind ones. Stand up for those who are mistreated.

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a coworker who’s too nice, too helpful, or too different, take a moment to ask yourself why. Could it be that their light is shining on the shadows you’d rather ignore?

Instead of tearing down the ones who dare to dance in the storm, why not join them? Celebrate their resilience. Learn from their optimism. And if you can’t do that, at least get out of the way and let them be.

Because the world doesn’t need more cynics. It needs more of us—quirky, kind, neurodivergent, and unapologetically ourselves.

Why is the “A” Silent?

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in our conversations about identity: asexuality. We’re all familiar with LGBTQIA—but let’s be honest, the “A” often gets left on the sidelines. Why is that? Perhaps because asexuality is so foreign for many people to grasp. We live in a society that celebrates hypersexuality, sometimes in hedonistic forms, and those who don’t fit the mold are treated… well, like neurodivergent people often are—as if they’re broken, flawed, or somehow incomplete.

Let’s break this down. Hypersexuality and promiscuity emit a certain frequency—a loud, constant buzz that society amplifies through media, music, and culture. It’s the “norm,” and anything outside of it—especially asexuality—is seen as peculiar, unnatural, or even something to be “fixed.” What’s worse, this same dynamic parallels how society views neurodivergent individuals.

Asexuality is not a deviation; it’s a valid orientation. And interestingly, it’s quite prevalent among neurodivergent people. This isn’t a coincidence. Neurodivergent brains often process the world differently, including relationships, sensory input, and yes, sexuality. For some, the energy others invest in romantic or sexual pursuits feels overwhelming, unnecessary, or even uncomfortable. And that’s okay. There’s nothing to “fix” because nothing is broken.

Now, let’s take this a step further. Have you ever considered that Jesus might have been asexual? Think about it. Jesus abstained from romantic and sexual relationships. He lived a life of purity, not because he was “repressed” but because he was focused on a higher calling. The Bible consistently talks about abstaining from defiling the body and living in alignment with spiritual purpose. Could it be that Jesus’s asexuality—if we dare to consider it—was a profound example of this?

And yet, in today’s world, how many people might identify as asexual but feel forced to conform to societal norms? The dissonance this creates—the pressure to “perform” sexually or romantically when it doesn’t feel authentic—can wreak havoc on the mind and body. As a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner (FDNP) and health coach, I see this all the time. Stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms manifest when people live out of alignment with their true selves. Forcing oneself into a mold that doesn’t fit only leads to burnout and imbalance.

Society’s  obsession with sexuality has consequences. Hypersexuality, promiscuity, and the normalization of casual encounters come with risks—from STDs to emotional disconnection. Meanwhile, those who identify as asexual are often dismissed, misunderstood, or even mocked. But here’s the truth: asexuality isn’t a void. It’s a frequency all its own—a quieter, calmer resonance that deserves just as much respect as any other identity.

So, why don’t we talk about this more? Maybe because it challenges the status quo. It’s easier to dismiss asexuality than to question why society equates worth with sexual desirability or activity.

To my fellow neurodivergent folks who might also identify as asexual: you are not alone, and you are not broken. Your identity is valid. Your existence is a testament to the diversity and beauty of human experience. Don’t let society’s narrow definitions dictate how you see yourself. Embrace your truth. There’s nothing wrong with marching to the beat of your own drum, even if the world doesn’t quite understand the rhythm yet.

Let’s keep this conversation going. Let’s talk about the stress of conformity, the power of authenticity, and the freedom that comes from living in alignment with who you really are. And let’s not shy away from the hard topics. Because when we do, we empower others to find their voice—and that’s where real change begins.

https://www.asexuality.org

Finding My Authenticity and Decoding the Sacred Math of Neurodivergence

Navigating life as a neurodivergent person feels like trying to solve an ancient, sacred equation that nobody’s explained. It’s a complex web of patterns, frequencies, and energy that, until now, I couldn’t fully comprehend. For 50 years, I’ve been wading through a world that wasn’t designed for people like me. I’ve been told to be sassier, more hypersexual, more cutthroat—basically, to be everything I wasn’t. Meanwhile, my natural tendencies—empathy, curiosity, spiritual connection, and tenderness—were dismissed, mocked, and labeled “too much” or “not enough.”

Every day felt like I was fighting against myself, trying to navigate an invisible force field that kept me from aligning with my true self. It wasn’t just a battle for acceptance—it was survival. Spiritual and psychological warfare didn’t just affect my mental state; it sabotaged my livelihood. And even though I felt like the joke was on me for decades, I now see the pattern clearly. It wasn’t just me—this was bigger. I was being pushed out of sync with my authentic self to conform to a world that couldn’t understand the frequency I was operating on.

Here’s the thing: I now know that neurodivergence isn’t a problem to fix—it’s a unique power that operates at a different frequency. And for the first time in my life, I can see how the sacred math of who I am fits into the grander design of the universe. This isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving.

This isn’t just about physical health—it’s about aligning my mind and body with my true neurodivergent frequency. I’m intentionally harmonizing with my quirks, my curiosity, my empathy. I’m not just trying to survive—I’m preparing to thrive.

And let me tell you, it’s like decoding the matrix of my own existence. Neurodivergence is sacred math. It’s a web of energy patterns that, until now, I’ve been blind to. The world wants us to fit into a box, but we don’t belong there. We’re meant to exist on a frequency that’s higher, more complex, and far more powerful than what mainstream society gives us credit for. We operate on a frequency that has the potential to change the world—but only if we learn how to protect and amplify it.

If you’ve ever wondered why neurodivergent people are often seen as “too much” or “too different,” it’s because we vibrate on a frequency that the world can’t easily tune into. The qualities that make us unique—our creativity, our deep empathy, our intense curiosity—are often misunderstood as weaknesses. But they aren’t. They’re our superpowers.

This journey isn’t just for me. It’s for anyone who’s ever been told that they’re “too much.” It’s for those who have spent their lives feeling out of place, out of sync, and out of touch with the world around them. I’m here to tell you: I’ve figured out the pattern. I know what’s been blocking us, and I’m breaking free. I’m rising, and I’m going to show others how they can rise too.

This is a call to resistance. To all my fellow neurodivergents who’ve had to hide their true selves for too long: it’s time to stop living for other people’s approval. It’s time to start living for ourselves. We’re not broken. We’re not flawed. We’re operating on a different frequency—a frequency that can change the world once we understand it and embrace it.

My superhero story is just beginning. Who’s joining me?

God’s Blueprint for Health: The Biblical Case for Functional Wellness

The Bible is not just a guide for our spiritual lives; it’s a manual for holistic living—mind, body, and soul. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that how we live, eat, think, and treat others profoundly impacts our health. Functional health—the practice of addressing the root causes of illness and promoting wellness—isn’t just modern wisdom. It’s profoundly biblical.

Let’s explore what God’s Word says about health, wellness, and how sin impacts our physical bodies, and why aligning with God’s design brings healing and restoration.

Your Body is a Temple

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Paul’s words remind us that our bodies aren’t just flesh and blood—they are sacred spaces for the Spirit of God to dwell. Taking care of our physical health isn’t vanity; it’s obedience. Functional health aligns with this principle by promoting practices that nurture our physical and emotional well-being, making us fit vessels for God’s work.

  • Practical Application:
    Prioritize wholesome, nutrient-dense foods. Avoid substances that harm your body. Sleep, exercise, and hydrate as acts of worship, honoring the Creator who designed you.

God’s Design for Eating

“Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” – Genesis 1:29

God’s original design for our diet was simple and life-giving. He provided plants, fruits, and seeds to sustain us. Even after the fall, God’s laws included dietary guidelines to promote health, such as avoiding unclean animals and food practices that could spread disease.

Jesus Himself ate wisely: bread, fish, olives, figs—whole, natural foods provided by God. He modeled gratitude for His meals, breaking bread with thanksgiving before eating (Matthew 14:19).

  • Practical Application:
    Choose foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Avoid overprocessed, chemical-laden foods that harm your body and mind.

Sin and Sickness: A Spiritual Connection

Sin doesn’t just separate us from God; it damages our bodies. Resentment, fornication, jealousy, and covert behaviors like gossip and manipulation are toxic—not only to our souls but also to our health.

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” – Proverbs 14:30
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7

Modern science confirms what Scripture has long taught. Chronic stress, bitterness, and sinful living wreak havoc on our immune systems, elevate cortisol levels, and lead to disease. Functional health focuses on addressing these stressors, emphasizing that emotional and spiritual health are inseparable from physical well-being.

Jesus: The Ultimate Healer

Throughout His ministry, Jesus healed the sick—not just physically but spiritually. His miracles demonstrated that healing comes from aligning with God’s will.

“He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” – Mark 5:34

Faith, forgiveness, and surrender to God are powerful medicines. Jesus often linked healing to the state of the heart, showing that bitterness, sin, and unbelief are barriers to wellness.

  • Practical Application:
    Examine your heart. Are you holding onto unforgiveness? Are you living out of alignment with God’s Word? Repent, forgive, and invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and body.

Functional Health is Biblical

Functional health’s focus on root causes, prevention, and balance mirrors biblical principles. The Bible calls us to be proactive stewards of our health:

  • Rest: God Himself modeled rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3).
  • Movement: Jesus walked everywhere, modeling an active lifestyle.
  • Community: Healing often comes through fellowship, prayer, and support from others (James 5:16).
  • Purpose: A life of sin drains energy and purpose, but living for God energizes and restores (Isaiah 40:31).

The Path to Biblical Wellness

  1. Repentance and Renewal:
    Sin takes a toll, but God is faithful to heal and restore. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
  2. Nourish Your Body and Soul:
    Fuel yourself with God’s Word and whole foods. Spend time in prayer, worship, and Scripture daily.
  3. Forgive and Let Go:
    Bitterness poisons the body. Forgive as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
  4. Trust in God’s Healing Power:
    Medicine and health practices are tools, but ultimate healing comes from the Lord. “I am the Lord who heals you.” – Exodus 15:26
  5. Live in Purpose:
    God created you for a reason. Prioritize your health so you can fulfill your calling with strength and joy.

Final Word: Aligning with God’s Design

Functional health isn’t just trendy; it’s God’s design. By living in obedience to His Word—eating right, forgiving others, avoiding sin, and trusting Him for healing—you align yourself with His will and unlock the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).

So, rise up. Take care of the temple God has entrusted to you. Embrace wellness as an act of worship, and let the world see the power of a life wholly aligned with God.

Unstoppable: Resilience That Doesn’t Quit

I’ve been knocked down more times than I can count. Life has thrown me curveballs that hit like cannonballs—failure, mistakes, humiliation, heartbreak, and setbacks that would make most people throw in the towel. And yet, here I am. Not just standing but thriving, rebuilding, and staking my claim on the life I deserve.

Resilience is my superpower.

It’s not because I haven’t felt the sting of shame or the weight of humiliation. I’ve been there. I’ve made the mistakes, taken the losses, and sat in moments so dark it felt like I was crawling—no, dragging myself—by sheer will, centimeter by centimeter, to the other side. But here’s the thing: the difference between me and most people is that I don’t stay down.

I refuse to let shame and humiliation drown me. The enemy might whisper lies in my ear, saying I’m not good enough, that I should just give up, but I shut those voices down because I know who I am. I know whose I am.

He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world.

That’s not just a nice phrase I repeat to make myself feel better. It’s the core of who I am. My faith fuels my fight. It reminds me that I wasn’t built to crumble under pressure. I was built to rise.

Resilience isn’t pretty. It doesn’t come with a soundtrack of inspirational music or a slow-motion montage of triumph. Sometimes, resilience is ugly. It’s messy. It’s crying at 2 a.m., questioning everything, and still finding the strength to get out of bed and face another day. It’s knowing that no one—not a single soul—cares as much about your survival as you do.

But it’s also the difference between those who fold and those who fight.

I’m a fighter. Always have been. Always will be.

Let’s be real: this world doesn’t hand out participation trophies for resilience. It’s survival of the fittest. And I am the fittest. Not because I haven’t been wounded—I have. Not because I haven’t failed—I have, spectacularly. But because every failure, every wound, every insult, every time life has tried to take me out has made me stronger.

My resilience isn’t just something I’ve developed; it’s woven into my DNA. I’ve survived circumstances that would have crushed others. I’ve thrived in spite of racism, sexism, and the kind of systemic obstacles designed to keep women like me in their place. But I refused to stay in anyone’s box.

The truth is, no one’s coming to save you. No one’s going to make you whole. That’s your job. You have to get up, dust yourself off, and fight for your life like no one else will—because they won’t.

The world doesn’t care if you’re drowning. At best, you’ll get a sandwich. At worst, people will watch you struggle and call it entertainment. So, you have to decide: are you going to be the victim of your story or the hero?

Me? I’m the hero. I’ve been my own hero my whole life, and I’m darn proud of it.

These days, my circle is smaller, my wins quieter. I’ve learned not to share everything because not everyone clapping for you is on your side. Some people are waiting for your downfall.

So, I move with grace, authority, and intention. I claim my health, my peace, and my throne. And while I may not shout my victories from the rooftops, make no mistake: I’m winning.

I am a woman of incredible resilience, and no matter how many times life knocks me down, I will always, always get back up.

Because the one who lives in me is greater than the one who lives in the world.

I Am Not Your Target. I Am God’s Child.

I’ve lived through things that many would never believe, yet here I stand. Not broken. Not beaten. Not out of the fight. I am not your target. And no matter what the enemy throws at me, I remain unshaken, because God’s presence in my life has been there since I was a child. Even when I didn’t fully understand it.

People have often asked me, “How are you so resilient? How do you keep getting back up?” Let me be clear. It’s not me. It’s God. Always God.

I was always different. Quirky, yes. Confused, and made hella mistakes. But God has always had His hand on me. Even in the middle of my darkest days, I felt Him with me. And while others saw a broken woman, I always possessed the fire of a peaceful warrior within me. I saw the burning truth that I was never alone.

You see, it’s God who makes me resilient. It’s the Creator who keeps me standing tall, even when the world seems hell-bent on knocking me down. There are no coincidences. Every battle, every heartache, every moment I’ve endured, has been for this reason. I am here for a purpose—to help others recognize the God-given strength they don’t even know they have.

And yes, I’ve been through hell. Abuse. Rejection. Persecution. Shame. Chaos. The constant mental and emotional stress. The existential angst of feeling forsaken. Mockery. These are the tools the enemy uses to wear down God’s children. This is how the enemy tries to keep us discouraged and sick—physically, emotionally, and mentally. He wants us weak, worn out, and distracted from our purpose. But none of that was ever meant to take me down. It was meant to refine me. To show me that I have the strength of the Most High within me. His spirit has always burned in me.

When I started this journey, I wasn’t just stepping into my role as and FDN-P and Functional Health Coach. I was walking into the life God had already planned for me. I have 25 years of healthcare experience and I don’t apologize for that. I’m not here to play small. I’m not here to cater to the blind. If you’re ready for the truth, I’ll meet you there, but if you’re not ready to rise up with me, then just know, the enemy will continue to keep you sick and distracted.

I want you to ask yourself: Are you anointed? Are you chosen? Because if you are, you already know there’s something inside of you, something that burns brightly, even when others can’t see it. The world might laugh. They might mock. They might call you a fool because they are blind.

The truth is, they don’t know what we carry. They don’t know the authority God has placed on our lives. They don’t know the anointing that’s been on us from the beginning. They don’t see what God sees in us. They just know we have something in us that they don’t have in them and the devil wants us to believe we’re not worthy of that power. He’ll throw everything at us to make us question our calling, to make us wonder if we’re just the butt of jokes, the subject of ridicule. But I am here to tell you, that’s a lie. We are not worthless. We are not small. We are chosen. We are a children of God. We are meant for greatness.

“If God is for you, who can be against you?” (Romans 8:31).

The enemy can try all he wants, but there is nothing that will stop God’s will for your life.

Praise be to God for that one.

The Bible says:

“What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good.” (Genesis 50:20).

Everything we’ve been through was meant to build us up. To show us who we really are. To show us who God really is. And now, I walk in that truth every day.

You can wake up to your truth today, tomorrow, or the next day. It’s up to you.

Reach out to me when you are ready to fight as a peaceful warrior.

Matthew 13:13-15
Jesus said – “This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”

Cognitive Dissonance: Why It’s Time to Heal Ourselves and Lead with Conviction

We hear the term “cognitive dissonance” tossed around a lot, but what does it really mean? At its core, it’s the discomfort that arises when you hold two conflicting beliefs. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—it just doesn’t work, and it leaves you feeling uneasy. So, what do we do with that discomfort? Often, we try to justify the contradictions, avoid confronting them, or simply push through the discomfort without addressing the root cause.

Now, let’s connect this to the state of the world today, especially for rural conservatives who follow Christ. Many are feeling a disconnect between their core values and what society is pushing on them. From the erosion of our spiritual foundations to the way our health and wellness have been neglected, it’s easy to feel like everything we know and hold dear is under attack. But here’s the truth: this is an opportunity. It’s our chance to lead with conviction, cooperation, and grace. To set the stage for the generations that follow, we’ve got to get this right—starting with ourselves.

We live in a post-modern society where followers of Christ can—and should—still raise their voices and live out their faith in a meaningful way. This isn’t just about resisting the chaos around us; it’s about making space to bring peace, healing, and understanding to a hurting world. It’s about moving forward with confidence, not just in our faith but in our health, because the two are connected. When we don’t take care of our bodies, it becomes harder to live out the calling we’ve been given.

Matthew 18:6 warns us, “But if anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” What we do, how we live, and the example we set matters. Our children are watching, and it’s up to us to make sure we don’t lead them astray.

Trump has recently appointed RFK Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human services so he can bring to light the broken state of our healthcare system, advocating for lifestyle medicine, precision medicine, and functional health. And in this moment, we have a chance to take control of our health and well-being. God made our bodies with incredible wisdom, and it’s our responsibility to honor that by taking care of ourselves. This isn’t just about health—it’s about stewardship of the life God gave us.

As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN), I’m here to help you get to the root cause of your health issues. I don’t heal you; I give you the tools to heal yourself. By addressing the stressors in our lives and getting curious about how our bodies work, we can start to reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and support our vital reserves. When we take control of our health, we honor God’s design for our bodies, and we’re better able to fulfill the purpose He has for us.

So, let’s stop letting cognitive dissonance keep us stuck. It’s time to face the discomfort, make the changes we need, and lead with conviction. The world may be chaotic, but we have the power to bring peace, healing, and light to the darkness. We’ve been given the tools and the authority—now it’s time to use them. Let’s move forward with faith, grace, and a whole lot of determination, because the future depends on it.

Why Prayer in Schools Isn’t the Problem—It’s Part of the Solution!

Let’s talk about something that’s been stirring up a lot of chatter: the potential return of prayer in schools. Some folks are up in arms, but let’s cut through the noise and get real about what this could mean for teachers, students, and administrators. Spoiler alert: it’s not about forcing religion; it’s about embracing mindfulness, peace, and a sense of community in a world drowning in chaos. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Yet, the devil thrives in confusion, sowing division and stress wherever he can. Prayer is one way to resist that chaos.

Stress and Schools: A Perfect Storm

As someone who spent a year working as a functional health coach for 33 school districts, I’ve seen firsthand how stress eats away at educators and students alike. Teachers are under constant pressure from standardized testing, government overreach, and overcrowded classrooms. The teacher-to-student ratios are climbing, leaving less time for personal interactions with kids. Add to that the daily challenges of managing bullying, increasing school violence, and just trying to keep students focused—and you’ve got a recipe for burnout.

Now, think about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Basic human needs like safety, belonging, and esteem are hard to achieve in a high-stress environment. Prayer and meditation can help fill that gap. They create a moment of calm, a sense of divine protection, and the reassurance that someone has your back—whether you believe that “someone” is God, the universe, or your own inner peace.

Prayer as Stress Relief: Science Meets Spirit

You don’t need a theology degree to understand that prayer and meditation are proven stress reducers. They calm the mind, lower cortisol levels, and help people focus. When students or teachers are given a moment to pause, reflect, and connect—whether it’s to God or their own sense of purpose—they’re better equipped to handle challenges with patience and compassion.

Why wouldn’t we want that? In a world where mindfulness is celebrated in yoga classes and corporate boardrooms, why are we mad when prayer brings those same benefits into schools?

Personal Experience: When Prayer Was a Staple

I remember being a student in the days when prayer was part of the school day. It wasn’t divisive; it was grounding. Teachers seemed more at peace, students felt a sense of order, and there was a shared respect for that quiet moment. When prayer was pushed out, I noticed a shift—not just in policy but in the emotional tone of the schools. I’ve heard countless teachers lament its removal, not because they wanted to preach, but because it created a sense of calm and unity.

A Rural, Conservative Perspective

Here’s the deal: we live in a postmodern society where everyone is supposed to have a seat at the table. That includes people who follow Jesus as the Messiah and those who don’t. If prayer helps students feel safe, mindful, and focused—especially in an era of rising school violence and bullying—why be upset about it?

No one’s saying kids have to pray. But if a group of students finds solace and strength in prayer, why block that? Are we so obsessed with the separation of church and state that we’ve forgotten how to create a culture of health and mindfulness for everyone?

A Practical Hedge Against Chaos

Let’s be real: chaos thrives on stress and division. And if you’re a believer like me, you know that’s the devil’s playground. Prayer is a practical way to resist that chaos. It’s not about indoctrination; it’s about finding stillness, peace, and focus in a world that desperately needs it.

A President Who Gets It

Our new president is ushering in the possibility of prayer in schools, and while some are upset, it’s worth asking: Why? If you’re not into prayer, that’s fine. But don’t deny its power to reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and foster compassion in our kids. In a world of school shootings, mental health crises, and overworked educators, prayer might just be the grounding force we all need.

Let’s Make Room at the Table

At the end of the postmodern day, everyone deserves a piece of the puzzle. If you love mindfulness, peace, and true health, why not make room at the table for prayer? It’s not about forcing belief; it’s about opening the door to hope and resilience.

So, what’s the real question here: Are we so committed to chaos in the name of “separation of church and state” that we can’t allow a moment of peace? Or can we recognize that prayer, mindfulness, and health are on the same team?

Food for thought.