Holy Care for the Whole Self

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the perspective the author gives us as a reader. A great reminder of how precious life it. There are so many ways to participate and make self care an importance in our lives. So happy to have had the chance to read this title.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a good read and I liked the thought provoking questions in each chapter. Jesus cares about what we’re going through.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into the pages of "Holy Care for the Whole Self" by Laura L. Smith, and I must say it was a transformative journey that left an indelible mark on my perspective towards holistic well-being.

In a world where self-care has become a buzzword, Smith's approach in this book is refreshingly authentic and deeply rooted in spiritual wisdom. The title itself, "Holy Care for the Whole Self," speaks volumes about the author's intention to guide readers on a sacred journey of self-discovery and nurturing. What sets this book apart is its seamless blend of practical advice and spiritual insights, creating a harmonious tapestry that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of our lives.

Smith's writing style is both engaging and compassionate. As I turned each page, it felt like she was speaking directly to my heart, offering not just guidance but also companionship on the path to wholeness. The anecdotes and personal stories shared throughout the book add a relatable touch, making the principles she discusses more accessible and applicable to everyday life.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was Smith's emphasis on the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Instead of compartmentalizing these aspects, she beautifully weaves them together, illustrating how caring for one facet positively influences the others. This holistic approach resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the idea that true well-being encompasses all aspects of our existence.

The book doesn't shy away from addressing the challenges we face in our journey toward wholeness. Smith acknowledges the complexities of life and offers practical tools and spiritual insights to navigate them with grace and resilience. It's evident that her guidance is not just based on theoretical knowledge but is infused with a genuine desire to see readers flourish in their entirety.

In a world that often encourages quick fixes and superficial solutions, "Holy Care for the Whole Self" is a beacon of wisdom, reminding us to invest in the sacred art of self-care. Laura L. Smith has crafted a masterpiece that goes beyond the surface, inviting readers to embark on a transformative expedition toward a more profound, integrated, and spiritually fulfilling life.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend "Holy Care for the Whole Self" to anyone seeking a holistic approach to well-being. Smith's compassionate guidance is a gift to the soul, and this book has the potential to be a cherished companion on the journey to embracing the fullness of our selves.

Weaving together personal stories, scripture and quotes from interviews with experts, this book gives practical strategies for Christians wrestling with trauma and mental health issues. I think it would be best suited for those just embarking on their mental health journey, as many of the strategies it suggests are probably well known to those who’ve been working on their mental health for a long time. It dispels a lot of mental health myths that are still common in many churches. I appreciate that this book endorsed both spiritual and secular solutions, and repeatedly stated that it’s not shameful to take medication for mental health conditions. I pray this book finds its way into the hands of people who need it, because I think that it would offer them great solace.

Laura Smith offers a refreshing Christian take on caring for your mental health. Her book is a helpful corrective against harmful theology that suggests medication and therapy are not appropriate for Christians. Rather she invites Christians to consider their spiritual and mental health holistically, seeing prayer, healing, the love of Jesus, counseling, and medication all as gifts of God.

This book skillfully intertwines personal narratives, scripture, and insights gleaned from expert interviews to provide practical strategies for Christians grappling with trauma and mental health challenges. While it may be most beneficial for those embarking on their mental health journey, as some of the suggested strategies might be familiar to those with more extensive experience in this realm, the book effectively dispels common mental health myths still prevalent in many churches.

A commendable aspect is the inclusive approach, endorsing both spiritual and secular solutions. The book consistently emphasizes that seeking medication for mental health conditions is not a source of shame. My hope is that this valuable resource finds its way into the hands of those who need it, offering them solace and guidance on their personal journeys.

This was an interesting book that talks about mental health from more of a Christian perspective. The author touches on many subjects ranging from prayer to exercise. Many of us who struggle with mental health issues and exhaustion know the things everyone recommends; sleep, a good diet, quality sleep, etc. But from a Christian perspective, there are many other things we can and need to do for our self care. The author talks about many of these things including pray and memorizing scripture. Overall it’s good basic guide for Christian’s on self care, both physically, mentally and spiritually.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book.

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I really liked this book on mental health. How Jesus cares for us even if you have no one else. Smith really knows what she’s writing about and I believe, truly cares for each and every one of us that she’s writing to. If you need some encouragement and inspiration with your mental health issues this book is a great book to read and I believe, it will truly help you.