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Chris Morris Christian Mental Health

Redefine Normal // Rediscover Hope

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Chris Morris Christian Mental Health: Rediscovering Normal

Chris Morris | Christian Mental Health

I spend my time writing about how to balance faith and mental illness. I have both mental illnesses and chronic illnesses, but I’m learning to thrive anyway. I guess that’s why Redefining Normal is part of the code here, because it’s been part of my journey.
My BooksMy Story

Redefine Normal

Rediscover Hope

Welcome to my Christian mental health website. This is a safe place for followers of Jesus dealing with depression, anxiety, and every mental illness under the sun. If you’ve asked yourself, “if I’m a Christian, why am I depressed?“ or, “where is God when my life is falling apart?“, or “How do I overcome depression biblically“, you’re in the right place. Everything here is written as Christian help for those in the mental illness community as we redefine normal and rediscover hope together. Let’s talk about these two things for just a moment. What does it mean to redefine normal? It means that nobody but you gets to tell you what’s normal and what’s abnormal. You are the arbiter of your own life, and you get to decide that.
For you, maybe a normal day is not getting out of bed until noon because of chronic pain, and having to carefully calculate where you spend your limited energy. If so, I honor your normal here. How about rediscovering hope? So many of us struggle to fell there’s any objective reason for hope in our lives, because, to be honest, our lives stink a lot of the time. It’s full of difficulty and complexity, hard conversations and unmet expectations. But we can find the keys to having hope despite all these setbacks. I spend a lot of time talking the nuts and bolts of hope from a biblical perspective, so it’s more tangible, meaningful, and applicable to real life.

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Is This For Me?

Found out more about this site and see if it’s a good space for you to hang out.
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Life with Psychogenic Seizures

Psychogenic seizures is one of my primary diagnosis, and it impacts me every single day. Learn how here.
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Two Things I Learned About the Church in the Psych Ward

I have spend time in a psych ward twice in my life. I learned a lot about myself and the church both times.
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What People Are Saying

Whispers in the Pews “Compassion is the antidote to stigma, and it only begins when we hear the stories of real men and women who suffer from mental illness. Chris Morris is doing the church a tremendous service with this book. It should be required reading for anyone who considers… Read more “David Edward Cummings”

David Edward Cummings
PhD, Professor of Microbiology, Point Loma Nazarene University, Host of the SoulCare Podcast, Elder at Pathways Community Church, Santee, CA
http://davidedwardcummings.com/
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Resilient and Redeemed “I ask my clients, ‘Has your faith, theology, or church experience been helpful or harmful?’ Chris vulnerably and courageously writes about how he has been harmed and most importantly how he has been helped, literally saved, by God and treatment. He shares how depression can affect marriages.… Read more “Sovann Pen (Resilient and Redeemed)”

Sovann Pen
The Courage, Coaching and Counseling Podcast; LPC, A New Day Counseling Center
https://www.sovannpen.com/
Rett Syndrome

Whispers in the Pews “I am ridiculously excited for the stories in this book to be shared. There is an incredible need to discuss the reality of mental illness and how the church can improve how it addresses this.”

Colleen English
President & Founder of Rettland Foundation
http://rettland.org/
boulware

Trekking Toward Tenacity “God’s word can teach you how to parent through mental health battles. Trekking Towards Tenacity opens your eyes to the power of scripture, self-reflection, and activation exercises that promote healthy change and breakthrough. Our world is saturated with new mental health cases daily. Chris focuses on pivotal points… Read more “Christy Boulware (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Christy Boulware
Author of Nervous Breakthrough, Founder of Fearless Unite, podcast host of Fearless Tips and Talks
https://www.christyboulware.com/
pwta

Trekking Toward Tenacity “This book has the potential to save lives and build healthy dynamics in homes across the nation. Chris Morris’s vulnerability about his own life and family is inspiring and a testimony of God’s relentless pursuit of His children. As a pastor’s wife, I hear how mental illness… Read more “Jessica Taylor (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Jessica Taylor
Co-Author of Pastors’ Wives Tell All and co-host of the Pastors’ Wives Tell All podcast
https://www.pastorswivestellall.com/
Mary Demuth

Perfectly Abnormal “Perfectly Abnormal is one of those books that should be required reading for churches longing to provide a welcoming environment for all their members. And it should be required reading for any human who wants to love, empathize, and walk in the shoes of another. I so appreciated… Read more “Mary DeMuth (Perfectly Abnormal)”

Mary DeMuth
http://marydemuth.com
kathi lipp

Resilient and Redeemed “With deep compassion, Chris Morris shares his heartbreaking yet hopeful story. He navigates the often-misunderstood intersection of mental health and spiritual well-being with hope and wisdom that are desperately needed in today’s conversations about mental health in the church. I pray that Chris’s vulnerability starts conversations among… Read more “Kathi Lipp (Resilient and Redeeemed)”

Kathi Lipp
Author and Podcaster, Clutter Free Academy
https://www.kathilipp.com/
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Trekking Toward Tenacity “A wise and wonderful walk through Psalm 139, Trekking Toward Tenacity is the kind of book you’ll want to read slowly, marking it up and letting it soak deep into your heart and soul. Both conversational and honest in his style, Chris weaves Scripture and spiritual wisdom throughout… Read more “Susy Flory (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Susy Flory
New York Times bestselling author and coauthor, director of West Coast Christian Writers, and doctoral candidate at Houston Theological Seminary
https://susyflory.ag-sites.net/index.htm
morgan busse nlr 4

Resilient and Redeemed “If you are a Christian who battles with depression and suicide, this book is for you. If you have a loved one who struggles with these same elements, this book will help you understand their battle and how you can encourage and pray for them. Chris invites… Read more “Morgan Busse (Resilient and Redeemed)”

Morgan Busse
Award-winning Author of THE RAVENWOOD SAGA and SKYWORLD series, and pastor’s wife
https://morganlbusse.com/
Marty Kaiser

Perfectly Abnormal “I highly recommend this book to any person or family trying to deal with a chronic illness. In its pages you will find practical help to move forward, and hope to experience a life worth living. Over the past few years I have witnessed the pain and sorrow… Read more “Marty Kaiser”

Marty Kaiser
http://revealvineyard.com
Mary Demuth

Whispers in the Pews “I cannot imagine Jesus scolding someone with a mental illness, telling them to just get over it, try harder, memorize more verses. No, He would listen. He would love. He would be filled with compassion. And even He was deemed mentally ill in his time, his… Read more “Mary DeMuth”

Mary DeMuth
https://www.marydemuth.com/
pwta

Trekking Toward Tenacity “With anxiety and depression on the rise among children and teenagers, Chris Morris’s insight and strategies for combating the lies and misconceptions surrounding mental health are exactly what parents need in their parenting arsenal. Trekking Towards Tenacity provides parents with thoughtful discussion starters, enlightening Scripture explorations, and actionable steps… Read more “Stephanie Gilbert (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Stephanie Gilbert
Co-Author of Pastors’ Wives Tell All and co-host of the Pastors’ Wives Tell All podcast
https://www.pastorswivestellall.com/
screenshot 2024 08 19 at 11.11.47 am

Trekking Toward Tenacity “Chris offers us a unique gift in Trekking Towards Tenacity: part bible study, part meditation, part training for parents in how to form and shape the faith of their children. Many books do one or two of those well, but Chris skillfully leads the reader through all… Read more “Matt Tebbe (Trekking Toward Tenacity)”

Matt Tebbe
Co-Author of Having the Mind of Christ, Pastor at The Table Indianapolis
https://substack.com/@matttebbe
gno c

Resilient and Redeemed “In this book you will encounter Chris as a wise guide who shares his journey’s harsh and painful realities. As he skillfully unfolds his story, he encourages all of us to open ourselves to the beautiful possibilities for hope and healing in Jesus. May we all listen… Read more “Gino Curcuruto (Resilient and Redeemed)”

Rev. Dr. Gino Curcuruto
Pastor, The Table Philadelphia
https://thetablephilly.org/

Whispers in the Pews “Chris Morris has compiled honest and raw stories that give sight into the heart of many Christians who have battled, or are battling, mental illness. Whispers in the Pews brings to light that mental health matters and how it hasn’t always mattered in the Christian community,… Read more “Shawn Elizabeth George”

Shawn Elizabeth George
Inspirational Author, Writer, and Speaker
https://www.shawnelizabethgeorge.com/
marty kaiser

Resilient and Redeemed “Chris Morris is a voice the church needs to hear! By courageously sharing his story, Chris opens a much-needed conversation about mental health, weaving personal narratives, theological insights, and practical guidance into a topic that has long been left in the shadows of religious communities.”

Marty Kaiser
Campus Pastor, Vineyard Church Reveal
https://www.revealvineyard.com/
Jeff Goines

Whispers in the Pews “Finally, someone is speaking out on a deep and important issue that simply does not get talked about enough in our faith communities. Thank you, Chris, for your honesty and bravery. May these words move us all to deeper and more compassionate action.”

Jeff Goins
Bestselling author of The Art of Work
https://goinswriter.com/
fitch

Resilient and Redeemed “Open this book and journey with Chris Morris in the struggle to make sense of mental illness within the Christian life. Read the stories, reflect on Scripture, and find hope. In these pages, Chris helps us see God as present in the struggle. Resilient and Redeemed is… Read more “David Fitch (Resilient and Redeemed)”

David Fitch
Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology, Northern Seminary, Chicago
http://seminary.edu

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Mental health author & speaker, breaking down poor theological frameworks for the church. Check out my books on Amazon and book me to speak for you!

Understanding why suffering exists starts with und Understanding why suffering exists starts with understanding that not all pain has the same source. 

When someone tells you “God allowed this for a reason,” they’re oversimplifying something incredibly complex.

As someone who grew up in an abusive household and now has a daughter with autism and epilepsy, I’ve wrestled deeply with these questions. 

The answer isn’t that God orchestrated these difficulties—it’s that He values free will so much that He won’t override it, even when it causes pain.

This doesn’t mean God’s hands are tied. 

It means He’s honoring something bigger: authentic relationship that can only exist when love is chosen, not programmed.

There is no middle ground here. 

God either honors free will or He doesn’t, and both have consequences.
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#christianmentalhealth #faith #depression #anxiety #healing #mentalwellness #christianity #jesus #mentalhealthawareness #christianauthor #hope #biblicaltruth #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #christianspeaker #godslove #prayerrequest #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #faithandanxiety #biblicalhealing #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #redefiningnormal #spiritualwellness #christianencouragement #tedxspeaker #rediscoveringhope
As a seminary graduate, I learned a lot about syst As a seminary graduate, I learned a lot about systematic theology. 

But nothing prepared me for sitting across from abuse survivors asking why a loving, all-powerful God didn’t intervene.

Here’s what I wish more people understood: 

Sometimes we experience pain because of the poor choices of others who are directly in our lives, such as child abuse. 

We haven’t done anything to “deserve” these things, but another person’s poor choices have directly impacted our lives.

God won’t superimpose His will upon another person’s will to accomplish His purposes—not even to prevent abuse. 

If He did, we would be automatons instead of human beings, and genuine love would be impossible.

Your abuse wasn’t part of God’s plan. It happened because someone chose evil, and God values free will enough to allow even terrible choices.

That’s not God being weak or absent. That’s God refusing to turn love into programming.

The most theological answer is sometimes: 

“That wasn’t God—that was a broken person in a broken world.”

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com
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#mentalhealth #anxiety #christianity #faith #depression #healing #mentalhealthawareness #jesus #hope #christianliving #mentalhealthadvocate #christianauthor #biblicalwisdom #godslove #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerwarrior #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #holyspirit #biblicalcounseling #faithandmentalhealth #christianhealing #mentalhealthsupport #christiananxiety #spiritualhealth #christianencouragement #mentalhealthministry #godsgrace #faithoverfear
Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s masterpiece. 

Other translations use the word workmanship, but I am enamored with the use of the word masterpiece. 

Think about the nuance of this word for a moment from the perspective of the creator of the masterpiece.

Imagine God as a painter, and God has his masterpiece in front of him. 

God knows that it’s a masterpiece and is proud of what’s been created. There’s no doubt in God’s mind that something special has just been created. 

God knows it’s his best work.

And there’s something else that’s true of a masterpiece too—it’s never hidden in a closet. 

No, the artist is proud of his work and wants to show it off. He wants everyone who can see it to see it because he knows it’s amazing.

We are God’s Sistine Chapel. 

We are to God as The Marriage of Figaro is to Mozart. 

If God were Bono, we’d be Sunday, Bloody Sunday. 

We are worth everything to him.

The Church may have taught you otherwise, but the Bible is crystal clear: You are God’s masterpiece.
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#mentalhealth #depression #christianity #faith #anxiety #healing #mentalhealthawareness #jesus #hope #christianliving #mentalhealthadvocate #christianauthor #biblicalwisdom #godslove #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerwarrior #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #holyspirit #biblicalcounseling #faithandmentalhealth #christianhealing #mentalhealthsupport #christiananxiety #spiritualhealth #christianencouragement #mentalhealthministry #godsgrace #faithoverfear
It’s too easy to get caught up in the everyday a It’s too easy to get caught up in the everyday activities of life to forget how remarkable being a human is.

It’s just as simple to get lost in our dysfunctions and forget what works well for us.

What a powerful exercise to consider all the things that go right every day for us to be able to function - one that will stir up a sense of praise toward God for his amazing meticulous creativity.

Stop focusing only on what’s broken. 

Start marveling at what works perfectly every single day.
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#christianmentalhealth #faith #depression #anxiety #healing #mentalwellness #christianity #jesus #mentalhealthawareness #christianauthor #hope #biblicaltruth #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #christianspeaker #godslove #prayerrequest #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #faithandanxiety #biblicalhealing #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #redefiningnormal #spiritualwellness #christianencouragement #tedxspeaker #rediscoveringhope
We thank God for many different things, but I can’t think of the last time I thanked God for me. 

I don’t often thank God for the marvelous workmanship that he created in me. That feels somehow outrageous or prideful, but we see it right here in Psalm 139.

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex. Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” - Psalm 139:14

The psalmist says he knows well the way God’s workmanship is marvelous, but I wonder how well we know it today. 

God created something wonderful when he created us, and every day proves the majesty that is us.

Our primary identity is as a creation of God. 

Taking time to praise God for ourselves is worthy for two reasons: 

First, we develop fresh gratitude for God’s goodness evident in our lives every day. 

Second, we gain healthy appreciation for ourselves instead of focusing on what we don’t do perfectly.

What would change if you actually saw yourself as God’s masterpiece?
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#mentalhealth #anxiety #christianity #faith #depression #healing #mentalhealthawareness #jesus #hope #christianliving #mentalhealthadvocate #christianauthor #biblicalwisdom #godslove #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerwarrior #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #holyspirit #biblicalcounseling #faithandmentalhealth #christianhealing #mentalhealthsupport #christiananxiety #spiritualhealth #christianencouragement #mentalhealthministry #godsgrace #faithoverfear
A few years ago, I couldn’t see beyond my depres A few years ago, I couldn’t see beyond my depression, and I was very distant emotionally from God. 

I was going through the motions of my faith but couldn’t connect with God because of shame. 

I knew the Bible, but its power was lost on me because I was so tied up in personal battles.

One day, during a stay at a mental health facility, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me, “I still love you.” 

And I argued with him because I didn’t know how God could still love someone as messed up as me. 

I was sitting in a mental health facility following a suicide attempt, and I didn’t even love myself. How could God love me?

He didn’t engage me in the argument though. He just repeated himself, “I still love you.” 

This broke me in the best of ways. 

I realized that I could never make a mistake that would take me beyond the reach of God. God knew the broken parts in me and loved me anyway.

There is nothing that can sever the relationship that has been established through the blood of Jesus. 

Nothing we do, nothing we say, and nothing we think can change this powerful truth.

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com
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#christianmentalhealth #depression #faith #anxiety #healing #christianity #mentalwellness #jesus #mentalhealthawareness #christianauthor #hope #biblicaltruth #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #faithoverfear #christianspeaker #godslove #prayerrequest #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #faithandanxiety #biblicalhealing #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #tedxspeaker #spiritualwellness #christianencouragement #rediscoveringhope
I spend my time writing about how to balance faith I spend my time writing about how to balance faith and mental illness because I have both mental illnesses and chronic illnesses, but I’m learning to thrive anyway.

If you believe there’s more to solving mental illness than quoting a few Bible verses, then you’re thinking biblically. 

If you find yourself disappointed in what seems to be simple answers to complex problems in the church, but still believe there is a place for faith in the midst of these challenges, you’re not alone.

The church should be on the forefront of establishing inventive, practical, and powerful ways to include those with mental health conditions in all aspects of community. 

Much more than wheelchair ramps, the church is where the depressed can find a place, the anxious mom can lead a small group, and the person with schizophrenia is loved unconditionally.

Read more at resilientandredeemed.substack.com

What harmful messages have you heard about faith and mental health?
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#mentalhealth #faith #christianity #jesus #depression #anxiety #hope #healing #mentalhealthawareness #christianliving #godslove #christianauthor #mentalhealthadvocate #biblicalwisdom #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerwarrior #holyspirit #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #biblicalcounseling #faithandmentalhealth #christianhealing #mentalhealthsupport #christiananxiety #redefiningnormal #spiritualhealth #christianencouragement #mentalhealthministry #godsgrace
Too often Christian leaders communicate that it’ Too often Christian leaders communicate that it’s only once we’re cleaned up that God will really love us fully. 

The language is never that direct, but the insinuation is clear. And it’s harmful.

This thinking is based on 1 Peter 1:16: “You must be holy because I am holy.” But this verse is taken out of context.

When we look at verses 17-21, we see the true message: 

“God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life... It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.”

We’re judged based on our decisions about Jesus Christ. If we accept his sacrifice, we’re gifted his righteousness.

There’s no way we could reach God-level righteousness through our efforts. 

God doesn’t expect us to have everything together.

Context matters. This isn’t a checklist of perfection - it’s about the holiness we receive through Christ.

If you’ve been told you need to get your act together before coming to God, that’s harmful theology that keeps people from the relationship that brings healing.

What harmful messages have you heard about being “ready” for God?
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#christianmentalhealth #anxiety #faith #depression #mentalwellness #christianity #holyspirit #healing #mentalhealthawareness #jesusheals #christianauthor #biblicaltruth #godsgrace #hope #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerrequest #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #biblicalhealing #faithandanxiety #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #faithoverfear #spiritualwellness #godishere #christianencouragement
“What now, God?” We see this in the life of D “What now, God?”

We see this in the life of David in 1 Samuel 30.

David came to God in a place of total desperation, fear, and dependence. 

He was grieving because his family had been stolen from him, and he was afraid for his life because of the threat of being stoned. Then he sought and received guidance from God on what to do next.

We can do the same. 

We can come to God when there’s nothing left to even hope for and cry out, What now God? 

And he will answer us. Like David, we will be able to chase our enemies and regain what they have taken from us.

When faced with these dire circumstances, David chose to praise God in advance, amid chaos, because he knows the character of God.

He will answer. You will reclaim what was stolen.
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#christianmentalhealth #anxiety #faith #depression #mentalwellness #christianity #holyspirit #healing #mentalhealthawareness #jesusheals #christianauthor #biblicaltruth #godsgrace #hope #mentalhealthadvocate #christianliving #faithjourney #christianspeaker #prayerrequest #mentalhealthmatters #christiancommunity #biblicalhealing #faithandanxiety #christiansupport #mentalhealthministry #christiandepression #faithoverfear #spiritualwellness #godishere #christianencouragement
The Church taught me to “walk in the light” bu The Church taught me to “walk in the light” but never mentioned it might save my life.

After my suicide attempt, I discovered these weren’t just spiritual platitudes—they were survival strategies. 

That fellowship John talks about? It became my safety net of people who knew when I wasn’t myself. 

Those “short accounts” with God? They kept me from spiraling into shame cycles that fed my depression.

Walking in the light isn’t about perfection. 

It’s about refusing to do darkness alone.
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#mentalhealth #christianity #faith #depression #anxiety #mentalhealthawareness #jesus #christianliving #hope #healing #christianauthor #mentalhealthadvocate #christianspeaker #biblicalwisdom #godslove #prayerwarrior #tedxspeaker #christiancommunity #mentalhealthmatters #faithandmentalhealth #biblicalcounseling #christiandepression #mentalhealthministry #christiananxiety #redefiningnormal #rediscoveringhope #faithoverfear #christianhealing #mentalhealthsupport #christianencouragement
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