Resources & Updates

I Am Not Ok. Now What? 

The aftermath of the July 4, 2025, flooding disaster in the Texas Hill Country has left our community reeling. Some have faced the devastation firsthand, while others have watched in horror as reports of the flash floods unfolded. How do we process the haunting images we've seen and continue to see? What do we do with the profound sadness we feel? Our hearts are heavy, and our souls are fatigued, making it easy to slip into a state of depression.

Flood Relief Efforts Information

Scripture offers us hope and perspective, yet the pain may persist. By the grace of God, we serve a Savior who can handle our doubts, anger, despair, and the inevitable question of “why.” As stated in John 6:68b, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” He remains our ultimate solution, providing tools for us to lean on during times like this.

The FPC Mental Health Team is here to support you as an extension of pastoral care. We are eager to walk alongside you, offering companionship, direction to applicable services, mental health education and awareness, a vetted referral list, and, when appropriate, assistance with the cost of crisis care. We are committed to loving our congregation and community well through the gift of presence during a mental health crisis or ongoing care.

Steps You Can Take to Find Relief:

Excerpts from Mill Creek Christian Counseling (Content modified for the current Hill Country crisis.)

Cry out to God.          

God desires all of you, even the sad and broken parts. Cry out to Him for help, healing, and hope. The book of Psalms can guide your prayers during this season. As you read through the Psalms, express your hurts and frustrations to God. He can heal your wounds and provide comfort and encouragement.

Don’t just “suck it up.”          

In the face of others moving on and who seem joyful, you may feel guilty about your depression. This may prompt you to stuff your feelings and paste on a smile. Denying your emotions can be harmful in the long run. It’s important to find a safe place to express your true self. Journaling and counseling sessions offer good outlets for releasing sadness.

Lean into grief.          

It’s common for those experiencing depression to shy away from their grief, fearing it will overwhelm them. However, it is healthier to lean into your grief so that you can move through it. You can schedule specific times for grieving, just as you do for other appointments.

Take time to grieve before God, letting the tears flow in front of Him. Then go about the rest of your day, reminding yourself that you’ll have time to grieve again. By reserving time for grief, you’ll improve your mental and emotional well-being.

Work against isolation.        

One of the hallmarks of depression is a desire to isolate. But this is one of the worst things you can do, as it will only deepen your depression. Put connection times on your daily schedule. Reach out to those who lift you up via regular Zoom calls, FaceTime, or old-fashioned phone calls. These points of connection with others will lift your spirits and give you something good to anticipate.

Give yourself the gift of counseling. 

One of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself is a series of counseling sessions. There is no shame in reaching out for help. It’s one of the best ways you can care for yourself. For those who may be new to counseling, you’ll find that a caring, objective perspective from a Christian counselor can be a crucial step in overcoming depression.

Spiritual Direction.

Another available resource to process trying times is Spiritual Direction. Its goal is to bring people into greater alignment with God and to recognize His presence in their lives. The Holy Spirit can bring healing as a byproduct of this method of spending time with God.

The mind and soul are intricately connected. When the soul, the center of your being, is wounded, the mind can be a help or a hindrance in its healing. Special attention and care are needed for both to bring holistic healing. Some people opt to utilize both counseling and spiritual direction to address inner struggles and traumatic seasons.

Contact the FPC Mental Health Team.

Please reach out to our team if you have any questions or need help connecting to available resources. You can call our message phone at 210 271-2708 or fill out the contact form. If you prefer to speak to someone directly, reach out to Jenn Borges at 707 372-3228.

Contact the Mental Health Team

Continue to seek solace in Scripture, discovering words that matter and heal.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” - Psalm 40:1-3