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Finding Strength in the Wilderness: How Modern Mental Health Challenges Resonate with Biblical Stories

Writer's picture: Arianna QuirozArianna Quiroz


In our latest episode of "More Precious Than Rubies," we dive into an incredibly heartfelt conversation with Rachel Burrows, someone who knows first-hand what it's like to battle mental health issues while maintaining faith. Rachel’s journey is packed with relatable struggles and inspiring moments, and we parallel her story with that of Hagar, a fascinating figure from the Bible who faced her own set of challenges.


Old Friends and Embarrassing Stories


First off, Rachel and I go way back—over 20 years to be exact! We share a fun story from when we were at summer camp, where I, in true Arianna fashion, mistakenly cheered for our team leader by the wrong name. Rachel laughs as she recalls,

"And this is just Arianna at her core, where she'll cheer everyone on with her whole heart."

Moments like these underscore the beauty of friendships where you can be your genuine self, even if it means getting a name wrong.


Rachel's Mental Health Journey Begins


Now, let’s talk about something more serious—Rachel’s battle with anxiety. She remembers her first major bout of anxiety kicking in around late 2018. What began as a vague feeling of unease soon transformed into a full-blown struggle, making social situations particularly tough. For someone who is naturally extroverted, this was a harsh contrast.

"Anxiety lives in your body for a long time,”

Rachel points out, and it’s true. The emotional weight of anxiety often lingers, affecting how you interact with the world.


The First Panic Attack


Rachel’s first panic attack happened just before a trip to Israel. The combination of personal fears and spiritual concerns hit her hard. Despite the anxiety, Rachel managed to push through and make the trip, marking an important lesson in resilience. Little did she know, this was only the beginning of a challenging journey that included a three-month internship in Poland.


Learning and Leading in Poland


That summer in Poland brought its own set of challenges, but it also taught Rachel valuable lessons. Leading a team and dealing with constant anxiety was no small feat. She recalls the struggle vividly, saying,

"It's so hard to battle the lies and the truth when you're in it."

But with each challenge, Rachel found ways to lean on her faith and persevere.


Facing Loss and Finding Strength


In the latter part of 2020, Rachel faced multiple losses, including two suicides within her circle. This experience amplified her fears about her own mental health. However, it also forced her to open up conversations with her family about the severity of mental health issues. These tough times were instrumental in breaking down communication barriers, especially with her parents, making them more attuned to her needs.


Parallel with Hagar’s Story


Rachel’s pathway through mental health struggles finds a striking resemblance to Hagar’s journey in the Bible. Much like Hagar, who felt abandoned and lost in the desert, Rachel had her own wilderness moments. But just like Hagar’s divine encounter, Rachel experienced God’s presence through the support of loved ones and unexpected, kind gestures.


Divine Moments and Community Support


Rachel recounts various instances where God’s hand was evident in her life, whether through community support or personal moments of clarity. For example, during an intense anxiety attack, she found solace in calling her dad, who is a fire captain, and going to a nearby fire station where she felt safe.

“Blake came to me, Blake cried with me, Blake prayed for me,”

she says fondly of her fiancé, highlighting the importance of having a strong support system.


Learning and Growing


Rachel’s journey didn’t just consist of battling anxiety but also learning how to manage it better. She speaks fondly of her therapy sessions and the support from her church, which preached on subjects like anxiety, providing her much-needed comfort and guidance.


Hearing God’s Voice


An especially touching moment Rachel shared was during a friend’s wedding in Texas. A casual conversation with another guest reassured her about some long-standing fears.

“God was like, here’s your healing balm,”

she recalls, indicating how divine interventions often come when we least expect them.


In Conclusion

Rachel’s narrative is more than just a personal story; it’s an uplifting message for anyone dealing with similar struggles. Her journey, much like Hagar’s, shows that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone.


If you’re navigating your own wilderness, remember Rachel’s journey and Hagar’s story: God sees you and will place people and moments in your path to guide and uplift you.


Stay tuned for part two of Rachel’s incredible journey, where we’ll talk about her passions like jewelry making and more insights into living with anxiety. Don’t miss it—subscribe to "More Precious Than Rubies" to keep up-to-date.


Take heart, the God who sees Hagar also sees you.



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