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Maybe you’ve grown up as a Christian going to church or maybe you’re not interested in religion at all. But when you’re scrolling, hanging out with friends, trying to sleep, or overwhelmed with your day-to-day, do big existential questions ever pop in- you know- things like, “Why am I here? How did all this get here? What happens after I die?” “Is there a God and is there really meaning to all this?” ”What’s so special about Jesus Christ?” We’ve all experienced deep longing for something this world can’t seem to satisfy. Even someone as wildly successful as Taylor Swift knows that to be true. “I had won album of the year at the Grammys for a second time...” She said, “and I remember thinking afterwards, ’Oh my god, that was all you wanted!... That was all you focused on. You get to the mountaintop and look around and you’re like... what now?” If you’re tired and feeling overwhelmed with all the different voices yelling for your affections- telling you what to go after- whether it be success, beauty, the perfect partner, social media followers, money, or power… only to leave you let down and unsatisfied, searching for more… Maybe like my friends and me, you’re after finding something REAL. Every week, join me (Janell Wood), special co-hosts and guests as we ask questions, look for answers, and search for the source of something REAL: Restoration, Eternity, Authenticity, and Love. I believe those things can ultimately be found in relationship with Jesus Christ, but don’t take my word for it. Listen to our conversations for yourself and go on a journey with us: Is Jesus the REAL thing?
Episodes
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
It’s Wednesday!
Today on the podcast, we welcome Dr. Ioana Popa to address Nora’s question about how mental health disorders fit inside the Christian worldview. Dr. Ioana shares about growing up in Romania, her experience considering herself atheist, and how she was still skeptical after the resurgence of Christianity after the fall of communism. She shares how her prayers as a curious nonbeliever were answered by God.
Dr. Ioana shares about Christ, sin, and epigenetics (what is pass on via genetics and generations). She also discusses the importance of taking the stigma out of mental health issues, how our bodies and our souls are intricately designed to work together, and the biopsychosocial approach to our mental health. Dr. Ioana shares about how we can hold onto truth, letting the gray things pass, and how we should view our identity. There is also talk about how our thoughts and feelings are intertwined, how and why contemplation and mindfulness can keep us from overthinking, how our different experiences do not define us, and so much more.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
Disclaimer from Dr. Ioana:
All information provided in this conversation is strictly for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor form a physician-patient or coach/consultant-client relationship. All information is provided as is, and is used at your own risk. Please speak to your medical provider or providers before about any information you hear in this show/episode.
About Dr. Ioana
As a Christian Spiritual Formation Life Coach & Trainer, Dr. Ioana coaches Professional Christian Women to regenerate on-the-go, move from burnout to joy, from grief to hope and to grow psychologically & spiritually in Christ, so that they can use and multiplying all their God given gifts to impact the world for the glory of God, and she does that through online courses, one to one coaching and her unique community program for Christian Women.
She is trained as a physician-psychiatrist, therapist, educator, nationally board certified life coach, spiritual care provider and theologian, and brings a unique, holistic and integrated perspective of science, psychology, spiritual care and Christian Faith. Her parish is St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cambridge MA.
On a personal note, Dr. Ioana loves to spend time with her husband and their 4 children, family and friends, and to read, garden, pray, exercise and practice contemplation.You can find her on Youtube, website and FB - search for Team For The Soul, Dr Ioana Popa
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FSR November 2023 - Nora’s Intro
FSR November 2023 with Jon
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Team For The Soul
Dr. Ioana Popa's Youtube
The Genius Zone - Gay Hendricks
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Jeremiah 29:13
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
2 Cirinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2-3
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.