I have been incredibly blessed over the past several years to connect with other individuals who are doing similar work. Laura Howe is one of those people.
Laura and I met as part of a mastermind we were both in. Where I focus on helping individual women come alongside their loved ones who are hurting, she focuses on equipping the church to support those in their congregations and communities. She does this through her organization, Hope Made Strong.
Back in 2021, we were each other’s podcasts, and today, I want to share an excerpt from my interview on her podcast. Laura and I talk about the power of companionship for those who are hurting, plus how your church can minister to the grieving during the Christmas season by offering a Blue Christmas service.
Church Mental Health Summit
But first, I want you to know that Laura is also one of the hosts of the upcoming Church Mental Health Summit on October 10, which is designed to help churches support those in their congregations who are going through difficult situations. It’s a beautiful blend of practical tools and faith-informed strategies.
This year, there are six key topics being covered in more than 50 sessions. And I’m excited to be sharing about journaling and the many benefits it has to our mental health. Plus, I’ll offer specific ways you can use this as a ministry leader yourself when things are hard or stressful, or how you can use journaling with those you lead.
Again, the Church Mental Health Summit takes place on October 10, 2025, and it’s free to attend live. You can also upgrade to get access to the recordings. Just go to lovedoesthat.org/mentalhealthsummit to get your free ticket.
And now, let’s listen in to part of my conversation with Laura from a few years ago.
[Interview]
Conclusion
If you want to listen to my entire conversation with Laura, you can find the Care Ministry podcast and go to episode 11. I’ve also linked to several episodes and resources below, especially if you want to learn more about Blue Christmas services or supporting those around you who are hurting.
And remember, you can grab your free ticket to the Church Mental Health Summit at lovedoesthat.org/mentalhealthsummit.
Prayer
God, thank You for those who have stayed close to us during difficult seasons of grief, hurt, and hopelessness. We pray that You would help us do the same for those around us. Give us the strength and compassion we need to enter into their hurt with them and let them know how deeply they are loved. We pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES:
- 2025 Church Mental Health Summit – free ticket (affiliate link)
- Care Ministry Podcast, Episode 11 – The Power of Standing with Those Who Are Struggling with Kari Bartkus
- Episode 7 – 5 Things to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say with Laura Howe
- Episode 42 – Offering a Blue Christmas Service to Honor the Loss and Cling to the Hope
- Episode 95 – Blue Christmas Mini Service: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Suffering and Loss
- Advent resource – When Your Silent Night Feels Empty
- Courageous Care book, available on my website or on Amazon
You can do more than just read a Bible story; you can actually enter into the story itself and experience God.
And you don’t have to be a Bible scholar to do it.
In the Imagine devotional, you’ll dive into a different story in the Bible and get a taste of what a person’s life might have looked like as they encountered God through their specific circumstances.
God Cares About the Pace You Set
Are You Planting What You Want to Harvest?
Faithfulness in a Full Season
The Gift of Your Presence: Caring for Others by Being Interruptible
