November Recs | The Bible and Anxiety + What's on My Christmas List

If I have been diagnosed with cancer, is the Bible all I need to address my illness? Certainly not! To believe that would be to align ourselves with prosperity teachers.

Nov 24, 2023

Hey friend,

You’re probably recovering from the food and festivities of Thanksgiving (if you’re in America) so I’ll keep this short. The other morning I was freezing my thighs off during my morning walk and fighting against numb lips to send a Voxer message to a friend when I was stopped in my tracks. Ahead of me, in the very same tree I’d been walking by for months was a toddler-size bald-faced hornet hive. It’s not lost on me that I’d been walking directly under it every day without a single clue of it’s existence. I snapped a pic to show my husband. A few days later I spotted another one in a different tree. This is crazy, I thought. What else was hidden in these trees all summer?

It’s funny how, when trees go bare-bark, you get a glimpse of what’s been there all along. Squirrel nests, bird nests, and apparently hornet hives. Every single branch could be counted if you really wanted to. Nothing is hidden; all is exposed. It reminds me of how God sees us, except, the analogy fails when it comes to the roots. To God, even our very roots are visible. Trees have lines inside their trunk that keep count of the many years they’ve been alive; God numbers our days.

I’ve been thinking about my own hornet hives—the sins even I don’t know I’m harboring (we all have them, don’t we?). May God cause my leaves to fall if that’s what it takes for me to see them and cut them from my life. May he make me (and you) into a tree that flourishes through the power of the Holy Spirit.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:3)

—Brittany

These words though:

“The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.” —C.S. Lewis

Q: Isn’t the Bible all we need to address things like anxiety?

This question is an assuming question. It assumes that anxiety is merely a spiritual issue, but anxiety is scientifically proven to be a physical response in the body. If I have been diagnosed with cancer, is the Bible all I need to address my illness? Certainly not! To believe that would be to align ourselves with prosperity teachers. Just as we need a doctor to help us through cancer, we need professional help for anxiety. This doesn’t mean we don’t need the Bible in our struggles. Of course we do! Whether our battle is with physical or mental illness, we will be affected spiritually, be tempted to sin, and need encouragement from God’s Word.

Got a question about something? Whether it’s about theology, gardening, flowers, motherhood, writing, miscarriage, marriage, chronic illness, or anything in between, I’d love to answer one or two in my next newsletter. Just click on the button below and shoot me a message.

Ask Me Anything

Podcast Interviews:
I had the joy of joining Kurt and Kate on their Moody Radio show a few weeks ago. We chatted about navel-gazing and the gospel. Listen here.

Recent Articles + Poems:

Like Mama, Like Son: Facing Anxiety Together on Risen Motherhood

From the Archives:

Hope For the Girl with a Sexual Past on the blog

Books I Finished:
He Is Strong by Emily Jensen
The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears (*Content warning)

Current Reads:
I need to finish 9 books by the end of the year to meet my goal of 50. If you need me, I’ll be reading between diaper changes and breaking up sibling fights.
You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (*Language warning)
Help for the Hungry Soul by Kristen Wetherell
Growing Together by Melissa Kruger
The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancy R. Pearcey
The Egyptian Antiquities Murder by Sara Rosett
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
The Lake House by Kate Morton
The Lord is My Courage by K.J. Ramsey
Counterfeit Kingdom by Holly Pivec
The Wolf in Their Pockets by Chris Martin
God is Still Good by Katie Faris
The Soul in Paraphrase by Leland Ryken
Into His Presence by Tim Chester
Blessed by Nancy Guthrie
The Son of David by Nancy Guthrie

Hey, Here's What I Recommend:
Book: A Mother Held by my dear friend Lara d’Entremont is available for preorder! Here’s my endorsement:

“As a mom of small children who struggles with anxiety, I found Lara’s book to be validating as well as encouraging. The way she weaves truth with personal narrative drew me in from the moment I picked up the book. It’s perfect for the mom who is weary and in need of the reminder that Jesus is holding onto her as she holds her children.” —Brittany Allen, debut author with Lexham Press

Children’s Book: The Biggest Story Bible Storybook is our fave.
Song: Jesus Is by Paper Horses

Articles, Poems, and Essays I Liked:
You’re Not Waiting Alone by Brianna Lambert
I’ve Been a Prosperity Gospel Parent by Grethen Ronnevik

What’s on My Christmas List (affiliate links):
- I’ve been eyeing these high ball cocktail glasses for a while.
- In my learning watercolor era. This workbook has some beautiful pictures I’m dying to paint.
- Swooning over these vintage french style earrings.
- Loving the “Old Money” trend. This cardigan is so classy and cute.
- A friend recommended 30 Poems to Memorize Before it’s Too Late. I’m so excited to read this one.

Life Lately:

These precious boys. What a gift they are. I came in Theo’s room to find them like this. Theo said, “Mommy! I got him all snuggied!” Heart.melted.
I am so beyond excited to get back into serving in women’s ministry at our new church. These were the centerpieces for the brunch on Psalm 139 this past weekend that I helped plan alongside a dear new friend. You can find this beautiful print on Sola Gratia Co.
Okay, I just had to share this sourdough loaf. It’s my best one yet!
The boys are super into paper airplanes at the moment. Snapped this adorable picture of William waiting his turn to toss one.