Christ: Relationship & Love
December is known as the birthday of Jesus Christ. We know it as Christmas.
However, there is more to Christmas than gifts under the tree, shopping, lights on the tree and outside the home, spending time with friends and family, snow outside, stockings all over the home, singing carols, turkey dinners, and wishing people ‘Merry Christmas’.
It can also be a stressful time for many people who do not have family or friends or funds to buy gifts. Christmas is a time to be joyful, heal, and renew our strength. The star shone brightly over Bethlehem.
I talk to Lauren who runs a blog called Mindful of Christ to find out about the Christian faith and Christmas.
Lauren is the mum of two beautiful children. She recently completed a BA Hons in Health and social care and also has a diploma in CBT. Lauren became a born-again Christian in 2004. She is transparent about her ups and downs with mental health, depression, anxiety, and self-harm. But God helped her with these and she has learned to refocus from the negative and towards Christ. She practices being mindful of Him, thus the name of her blog ‘Mindful of Christ’. She is the author of ‘Christian-based Cognitive Behavioural therapy.’ She is also a Coach; helping people recognize & overcome limiting beliefs & negative mindsets and helps them grow in their relationships with Christ & themselves and find their God-given purpose & begin on this journey.
Lauren, I want to know something unique about you?
I went paragliding for my 18th birthday, it was amazing!
Walk me through what attracted you to English literature? What does writing do for you?
I’ve always enjoyed writing. As a child, I loved to write stories and poetry. Then three years ago, God asked me to begin this writing journey, with blogging.
Writing is extremely therapeutic, I love expressing myself and being guided by God in what I’m writing, in order to encourage, inspire and uplift others.
Help me understand what the Christian faith is all about? For me, it is all about loving people unconditionally and passing on grace.
The Christian faith isn’t about religion, it’s about relationships and love. Relationship and being in love with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and loving others.
Talk to me about what prayer is all about?
Prayer is about a conversation or talking with God. Not just talking at Him, but stopping to listen to what He is saying too.
As a Christian woman define what does woman empowerment mean to you?
In my keynote talk, I speak about Romans 8.37 which says we are conquerors, and 2 Timothy 1:7 which tells us that with Him we are powerful. Therefore, I believe that empowerment is about being in tune with the Holy Spirit, as it is His Spirit in us that empowers us.
Covid exacerbated a lot of issues that were prevalent. Give me examples of women in the Bible who dealt with adversity and how they overcame it?
Martha; dealt with her brother Lazarus’ death by coming to and trusting Jesus. Esther; was faced with death, but courageously prayed and fasted.
Positive and sensitive communication is so important when people around us are dealing with depression, anxiety, and health issues. How can we communicate better rather than just quoting scriptures?
By coming alongside them, listening to them, and demonstrating that you are listening. People aren’t always after answers or help, but being “there” for them is important. Comfort is another tough one, notice how they are with touch, some people want hugs others don’t, so it’s helpful to be aware of this.
Christmas is more about turkey, gifts, and shopping. What is the true meaning of Christmas?
The birth of Jesus, the son of God, was born to the virgin Mary. A miracle.
You are the salt of the Earth, the light on the mountain. What are some of the practical things you are doing in society that resonate with it?
Writing; I am an author of ‘ Christian Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’, blogging, speaking, and coaching others. All to help Christians grow in their faith, overcome mindset limitations and depressive tendencies, and discover and step into their God-given purpose.