All posts of Christine M. Chappell

Finding God’s Peace with Grief Overwhelms

"What if your grief isn’t wasted — but held, used, and transformed by God Himself? In this Grace Conversation, I’m joined by Mrs. Christine Chappell for an honest discussion about what God does with your grief. We talk about the difference between stoicism and worship, learning to cry out to God from the depths (Psalm 130), and what it means to let Him become the center of our sorrow instead of ourselves. Together, we explore how Christ meets us in our affliction — 'how He can make us fruitful even in the land of our pain' (Genesis 41:52). Grief becomes dangerous when we stop running to Him as our refuge, but grace reminds us we don’t have to face it alone. Even seeking help is an act of faith — a reflection of Christ-like humility."
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5 hours ago

Hope + Help for Reproductive Loss with Tanya Flores

In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Tanya Flores, co-founder of Reproductive Loss Network . They discuss the profound impact of reproductive loss, including miscarriage, infertility, and abortion, and how these experiences can affect individuals physically, spiritually, and relationally. Tanya shares her personal journey and the importance of compassionate responses to those grieving. The conversation also highlights the need for Christ-centered counseling approaches and the significance of creating supportive environments within churches for those experiencing reproductive loss.
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4 weeks ago

Help for the Holidays: Virtual Event for Women

Embracing the joy of the season can be challenging, especially when fractured family ties or unfulfilled longings for companionship exist. What might it look like to navigate these difficult dynamics in a wise, God-honoring way? During this free 75-minute live webinar for women, authors and counselors Camille Cates, Christine Chappell, Julie Lowe, and Lainey Greer host a helpful conversation about experiencing relational tension, family estrangement, and singleness during the holiday season.
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2 months ago

Hope + Help for Setting Boundaries with Jim Newheiser

In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Jim Newheiser about his book, Do I Need Boundaries? Seeking to Please God by Learning to Say No. The conversation touches on the common struggles people face with boundaries in various aspects of their lives, emphasizing the importance of setting limitations in a God-centered way rather than a self-centered one. Listeners are provided a comparative analysis of secular and biblical views on boundaries and their practical applications in familial, occupational, and personal contexts. The episode concludes with reflections on maintaining joy and rest while managing commitments, along with closing encouragement for those struggling to say no to others’ demands.
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2 months ago

God is My Portion: Realistic Contentment in Anxiety & Depression

For sufferers of anxiety or depression, talk of contentment may seem unrealistic (or even offensive.) What woman is happy about feeling stuck in emotional instability? How can she be settled and satisfied with such life-disrupting inner turmoil? In this live recording from the 2025 Reformed & Renewed Women's Conference, Christine candidly explores Psalm 73 and offers a fresh perspective on what realistic contentment can look like in the midst of emotional hardships.
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2 months ago

Heart Talks Mini Conference for Women

If you've ever found yourself searching for the words to help a friend, P&R's Heart Talks series is for you. To kick off this new minibook series, authors Sara Wallace, Brianna Reeves, and Lauren Washer are sitting down with Christine Chappell on September 25th to unpack some of the challenges your friends may be facing—and to give you words to speak to the heart of the struggle. Join us for this free virtual event where you will be equipped to speak words of gospel hope in the conversations that matter most.
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2 months ago

Engaging Sorrow According to Ecclesiastes

As we read through Ecclesiastes, we see that sorrow is symptomatic of what we lost in Eden. It isn’t exclusively a fruit of personal sin—it’s also what we feel as we suffer the unavoidable effects of original sin. This category is key to engaging sorrow wisely. It explains why life is so hard to begin with and leads us to look to our Redeemer for hope.
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3 months ago

FamilyLife Today with Mark Vroegop and Dave & Ann Wilson

In this powerful FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with pastor and author Mark Vroegop and biblical counselor Christine Chappell to explore the biblical practice of lament. Discover how lament is more than just complaint – it’s a prayer language that moves you towards deeper trust in God, even in the midst of profound sorrow. Mark and Christine share insights from their own experiences and ministries, emphasizing the importance of a “theology of sorrow” and why sadness is a valid, even necessary, response to life’s brokenness.
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3 months ago

Hope + Help for Living Wisely with Zack Eswine

What does it mean to live wisely? Why is it important to "discern our companions"? What might a wiser work/rest rhythm look like, according to Proverbs? And how does meditating on God’s steadfast love encourage us on our pursuit of living wisely? Zack Eswine addresses these questions and more in this new episode of IBCD's Hope + Help Podcast!
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3 months ago

FamilyLife Today Interview with Dave & Ann Wilson

"What does it look like to follow God when the weight of life feels unbearable? In this deeply personal and hope-filled conversation, Christine Chappell shares her journey through depression—not around it—and how the Lord met her not with pressure to “get better,” but with presence. If you or someone you love is struggling to see a way forward, this episode offers honesty, grace, and a steady hand to hold."
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4 months ago

Hope + Help for Soul Refreshment with Heather Nelson

Why do we struggle to experience rest? How can we rest when tasks remain in a state of incompletion? What makes rest a “mark of freedom” for God’s people? And how is rest connected to our experience of Christ's grace and joy? Heather Nelson addresses these questions and more in this new episode of the Hope + Help Podcast!
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5 months ago

What it Means to Be God’s Beloved: Midnight Mercies Virtual Summit Session

How can we reconcile the labels we collect through life with the titles God gives us in Christ? Does our affliction mean that we've lost God's affection? In this live video recording, Christine explores the nature of our God-given status as beloved children of God and applies these reassuring realities to our experiences of depression.
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5 months ago

Walking with Your Teen Through Depression: The Homeschool Mom Podcast

Recently, I had the opportunity to join Janelle Knutson on her show, The Homeschool Mom Podcast, to discuss my minibook, Help! My Teen is Depressed. If you are a homeschooling mother in need of resources, biblical support, and encouragement, I recommend checking out Janelle's website and following her on social media!
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6 months ago

Hope + Help for Wayward Children with Stuart Scott

Why is the issue of wayward children one so difficult to talk about in the church? How might parents respond to the anguish they feel in response to their wayward child? What are some practical ways that can parents work against (or begin to reverse) relational disconnect? And what can parents be praying for as they wait on God with hope? Stuart Scott addresses these questions and more in this new episode of the Hope + Help Podcast!
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6 months ago

Navigating Teen Depression as a Parent: Shepherd Press Podcast

When your teen is depressed, it's common to feel helpless as a parent. In this conversation with show host Anthony Russo, we discuss the impacts of teen depression on the family unit as well as the importance of seeking God's wisdom and leaning into community as we care for our sorrowing child.
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7 months ago

Hope + Help for Preparing for Glory with Elizabeth Turnage

What happens to us when we die? What do sickness and death say about the strength of our faith? What is anticipatory grief? And how does prayer help to prepare us for entering glory? Elizabeth Turnage addresses these questions and more in this new episode of the Hope + Help Podcast!
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7 months ago

Hope + Help for Listening Well with Joe Hussung

Why is listening well an important part of loving people well? What makes it an essential skill for biblical counselors? And what Christlike characteristics do we mimic when we listen well to the people we care for? Joe Hussung addresses these questions and more in this new episode of the Hope + Help Podcast!
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8 months ago

Self-Harm & Teens: The Counter-Culture Mom Interview

I recently joined Tina Griffin on her show to talk about my past experiences with self-harm behaviors, the importance of family support, and the need to establish open lines of communication with children and teens who self-injure. We also briefly touch on my mini-book, Help! My Teen is Depressed.
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9 months ago

Battle the Blues: Stirring Words Podcast

I recently joined Judi Ulrey of the Stirring Words Podcast to talk about emotional distress and body stewardship. During this conversation, we discuss the crucifixion of Christ and his decision to face his suffering sober-minded, Elijah's willingness to accept physical nourishment and rest as a act of willful submission, the temptation to turn to false refuges for comfort/relief in the midst of emotional distress, and much more!
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9 months ago

WTS Books Winter Clearance Sale

Westminster Bookstore has announced a huge discount on my book, Midnight Mercies, for their winter clearance sale. Snag copies for less than $8 each—while supplies last!
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9 months ago

2025 Reformed & Renewed Women’s Conference

The 2025 Reformed & Renewed Conference will explore the theme of Biblical contentment. Together we will grieve the disappointments of this life and grapple with what it means to possess godly contentment in a world not yet made right. Our desire is that each attendee would be comforted by the promises of Scripture, convicted about the insufficiency of earthly treasures, and convinced of the sufficiency of Christ.
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10 months ago

Rethinking Nostalgic Postpartum Advice

Nostalgic postpartum advice is certainly permissible, though it’s not always beneficial or edifying (1 Cor. 10:23). But when we take care to know a mother’s world before speaking to it, we can help her feel seen and understood. We can better encourage and build her up in Christ—whether she’s enjoying the season or not (1 Thess. 5:11).
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10 months ago

Video: West End Baptist Church Women’s Event

Have you ever struggled to believe in God's goodness in the midst of your grief? Do you sometimes wonder how to understand your pain in light of God's promises? When disappointment and discouragement linger, it can be easy to lose hope. But there is mercy to be found and behold, even in our dark days.
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10 months ago

Christmas Hope and Your Suffering: Advent Devotional

Hope can feel hard to come by during the holidays, especially when you’re wracked with pain or weighed down with grief. Yes, it might be “the most wonderful time of the year” for some. But for others, it’s a season when wonderful times seem both far behind and far beyond them. Perhaps you fall into this latter category. If so, the incarnation may not seem like a relevant consolation. But consider this comforting truth as you weep and lament: Jesus wasn’t born to fail but to prove himself faithful.
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11 months ago

11 Recommended New Books from 2024

This past year, I issued endorsements for eleven new books specific to biblical counseling and Christian living. Not only did I personally benefit from reading these resources, but I believe they each make a valuable contribution to the respective topic they each address. I'm thankful to have had the privilege of previewing these manuscripts and am glad to commend the finished products to you.
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11 months ago

2024 Black Friday Week Book Sales

It's that time of year! Black Friday sales are abounding in the Christian publishing world, and a few of them are applicable to resources of mine. Here you will find coupon codes from New Growth Press and Shepherd Press for use at their respective online stores. Now is a great time to stock up on these titles if you use them in your counseling or discipleship ministry. The Buy 1, Get 1 offer from New Growth Press expires on Black Friday (11/29 at 5pm ET), and the Shepherd Press discount expire on Monday, December 2nd. Be sure to place your order before time's up!
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12 months ago

Hope + Help for Depression with Ed Welch

In what way does Jesus welcome those who are experiencing depression? Why is it true that "faith can feel good, and faith can feel horrible"? And how does the gospel offer hope to those who fear that they'll stay stuck in the darkness? Ed Welch addresses these questions and more in this new episode of IBCD's Hope + Help Podcast!
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12 months ago

God’s Grace for Mom’s Unmerry Holiday

While the reasons for these seasonal struggles will vary from family to family, the need to depend on God’s sustaining grace remains the same. Thankfully, he doesn’t begrudge your neediness but welcomes it wholeheartedly! God knows that holidays can be hard days—that you can only endure them if he daily bears you up. Here are three specific ways that God ministers his grace to you during your unmerry holiday.
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1 year ago

Hope + Help for Unanswered Prayer with Ste Casey

What makes unanswered prayer a "strange double sorrow" for believers? Why is it important to "fight for sight" in seasons where God seems unresponsive to our prayers? And how does Paul's testimony in 2 Corinthians 12 help us to process the fact that God is still good even when "he gives pain to those he loves"? Author, pastor, and biblical counselor Ste Casey addresses these questions and more as we discuss his book, I Prayed and Nothing Changed: What God is Up to in the Silence.
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1 year ago

Gospel Rest for Downcast Moms: 2024 CCEF Conference Audio

Audio recordings from the 2024 CCEF National Conference are now available for purchase! Get access to my session, "Mercy in Darkness: Gospel Rest for Downcast Moms," and explore the care and compassion of Christ for mothers who are walking through depression.
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1 year ago

Postpartum Depression: The Soul Care Podcast

In this episode, we explore the challenges of postpartum motherhood, and the need for grace and understanding in the face of struggles. We also emphasize the significance of acknowledging both physical and spiritual aspects of mental health, the impact of societal expectations, and the necessity of lamenting and grieving.
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1 year ago

A Dios no le sorprende tu depresión posparto

Cuando te sientas invadida por el dolor de la maternidad, es bueno recordar que Dios te ve y te rodea. Hay recordatorios muy necesarios sobre esta realidad en el Salmo 139. Mientras el escritor se maravilla ante la omnisciencia y omnipresencia de Dios, podemos ver por lo menos tres aplicaciones relevantes a la experiencia de la depresión posparto.
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1 year ago

Hope + Help for Children and Identity with Jonathan Holmes

How has the concept of personal identity evolved over the years? What are five different yet common areas where kids tend to struggle with their identity? And what positive role can parents or caregivers play in the formation of a child’s identity? Jonathan Holmes addresses these questions and more as we discuss his new book, Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids to Build Their Identity in Christ.
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1 year ago

God is Not Surprised by Your Postpartum Depression

When you feel overtaken by sorrow in motherhood, it’s good to remember that you are seen and surrounded by God. There are much-needed reminders about this reality in Psalm 139. As the writer marvels at God’s omniscience and omnipresence, at least three relevant applications to the experience of postpartum depression unfold.
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1 year ago

Now Available: Postpartum Depression Minibook

Many new mothers experience what some call postpartum "baby blues" a short period of feeling sad, irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed. But what happens when those feelings worsen as the newborn weeks go by? What help is there for you when sleepless nights, harassing thoughts, and unpredictable moods disrupt your life and drain your joy? Is there any hope to be had in such a hard season?
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1 year ago

Video: Grounded in Grace Virtual Parenting Summit

Recently, I had the opportunity to join Jonathan Holmes for his Grounded in Grace Virtual Parenting Summit. The GIG Virtual Summit featured 26 interviews with parents, pastors, counselors, and professors—all sharing some of the joys and struggles of parenting their kids. Each interview featured honest questions as well as practical counsel about how to help our kids and teens build their identity in Christ. I was grateful for the chance to share a bit of my own parenting challenges (and aspirations!) during our conversation together. Thanks to Jonathan's generosity, you can stream the entire 15-minute interview below.
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1 year ago