All Health and wellbeing articles
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ArticleWhen faith meets fear: The hidden struggle of perfectionism
Perfectionism can look like a strength, but could our desire to get everything right actually be rooted in fear? Monique Thomas explores how Christian faith can sometimes reinforce unrealistic expectations and why God’s grace offers us freedom from the pressure to be perfect.
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OpinionI chased flawless skin – until my husband reminded me what makes a woman beautiful
When Samantha Bailie-McMurdock realised just how much value she had placed on looking young, she found herself spiralling into expensive creams, beauty treatments and anxiety about ageing. Here, she shares how an unexpected comment from her husband – and the wisdom of Proverbs 31 – reminded her where a woman’s true beauty lies.
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Opinion‘Would you read the label? Why Christians shouldn’t believe everything they see online’
We may know to check the ingredients on our beauty products, but are we as careful about the Christian content we consume online? Makeup artist and skincare expert Amy Dyas explains why reading labels has taught her an important lesson about biblical discernment – and why Christians need to check everything they hear against God’s Word.
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OpinionScientists have made an astonishing discovery about the human brain – but does it point to God?
A ground-breaking scientific discovery has revealed just how extraordinarily complex the human brain really is. Jenny Sanders reflects on the latest Nobel Prize-winning research and asks whether the intricate design of our bodies offers compelling evidence of a Creator.
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OpinionOlivia Colman has gone grey – what does our fear of ageing say about our faith?
Olivia Colman has swapped her signature pixie crop for long, tumbling grey curls – and suddenly everyone is talking about it. Jemimah Wright asks why a woman allowing her grey hair to show still feels like a statement, and what the Bible says about ageing, beauty and learning to embrace our grey.
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OpinionShe thought menopause might end her career – but God had other plans
Diane Kershaw reflects on the unexpected twists and challenges that shaped her career through midlife and menopause. From hot flushes and health scares to difficult interviews and new opportunities, she shares how she saw God’s faithfulness at work throughout it all.
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OpinionDisability is ‘cool’ now – but what does Christianity say about who we are?
Danielle Finch reflects on what it means to live as a disabled Christian in a culture increasingly talking about disability and chronic illness. Drawing on her own experience, she explores belonging, identity and joy, and asks how the Church can better welcome and support disabled people.
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OpinionThe tragedy of Cindy Crawford’s son: Why having everything still wasn’t enough
Following the death of Presley Gerber, writer Hope Bonarcher reflects on a young man who seemingly had everything the world could offer. Drawing parallels with the biblical story of Solomon, she asks where true meaning, wholeness and hope can ultimately be found.
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Opinion“ChatGPT offered to pray for me – and it touched my heart more than it should have”
Jacqui Braithwaite explores what happens when AI begins to feel less like a tool and more like a companion, asking whether Christians could be in danger of allowing technology to replace God and human relationships. After finding herself turning to ChatGPT in a moment of crisis, Jacqui reflects on where our true comfort, wisdom and help really come from.
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OpinionI thought my life was falling apart when I had to stop – then I realised God was redirecting me
Sally Williams shares how being forced to stop after a concussion left her questioning the direction of her life – only to discover that God was using the pause to redirect her. As she learned to slow down and listen, Sally found a new sense of purpose and the courage to build a business she believes God had been preparing her for.
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Opinion'Dancing Queen’ at 50: Can Christians indulge in nostalgia – or should we let the past go?
Writer Sophie Sanders reflects on the enduring appeal of ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ and the powerful nostalgia it can evoke. But as she looks back on her own university days, she asks whether our longing for the past might actually be pointing us towards something much deeper – and towards the future God has prepared for us.
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OpinionIf you think there’s no hope, please read this first
Today is Suicide Prevention Day, and Rachael Newham shares a powerful message for anyone struggling with hopelessness or thoughts of suicide. Drawing on her own experience and the story of Elijah, she reminds us that despair does not need to be faced alone and that God meets us with gentleness and care.
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OpinionWhat my post-holiday skincare routine taught me about getting back on track with God
After a summer of relaxation and perhaps a little too much time in the sun, make-up artist Amy Dyas found herself rethinking more than just her skincare routine. Could the same gentle, consistent approach we take to restoring our skin after a holiday also help us get back on track with God?
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OpinionBefore Botox: What ancient women knew about beauty – and what God says about it
Neve Hall is a Christian health and wellness content creator. She is passionate about helping women embrace who God created them to be and live healthy, wholehearted lives with Christ. Here, she explores what ancient women can teach us about beauty – and why returning to God’s design could change the way we think about our skin, health and appearance.
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OpinionThe Danish PM was offered plastic surgery. Her response made me rethink ageing as a Christian
When a hairdresser suggested Jemimah Wright might consider Botox, it prompted her to think about the pressure women face to look younger. The Danish Prime Minister’s response to unsolicited advice about her appearance offered a timely reminder that, as Christians, our worth is not found in chasing a face that never changes.
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ArticleIs the education system failing our children? What can Jesus teach us about doing things differently?
As the new school year begins, psychotherapist Monique Thomas speaks to educator and psychologist Emma Noel Pinnock about understanding neurodivergent children, and why creating places of belonging may be one of the most Christ-like things we can do.
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OpinionWhy are heavy periods still so overlooked? The shocking research gap affecting millions of women
Writer Jenny Sanders explores why heavy and painful periods remain so poorly understood, despite affecting millions of women. She looks at the shocking lack of research into menstrual health and considers what Jesus’ response to a woman suffering from chronic bleeding can teach us about how we should respond to women’s pain today.
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Opinion“I thought my wedding might never happen – then one Christian friend showed me grace.”
Just seven days before she was due to walk down the aisle, Hope Bonarcher found herself in a hospital bed after attempting to take her own life. In this deeply honest and hope-filled article, Hope shares how one Christian woman’s grace-filled response became a turning point in her healing, and how God later used her own pain to bring hope and comfort to someone else.
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OpinionAriana Grande’s ‘petal’ made me think about what it means to be truly seen
Hope Bonarcher reflects on Ariana Grande’s controversial new music video and the painful reality of her own experience with anorexia. Looking beyond the blood, fame and performance, she considers our deep longing to be seen, valued and known – and what it means that God looks beyond our outward appearance to our hearts.
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ArticleDoes God care if you get distracted? Rethinking ADHD, faith and following Jesus
Therapist Monique Thomas begins a new series exploring the intersection of neurodivergence and faith. In this first instalment, she challenges the idea that a wandering mind is a sign of weak faith and offers reassurance that God values relationship over flawless spiritual routines.
