Holy Care for the Whole Self: Biblical Wisdom for Mental and Spiritual Well-Being

by Laura L. Smith

Learn how to have a healthy mind and spirit with a biblical approach. Whether you’re carrying emotional wounds from childhood or suffering from daily anxiety, depression, or intrusive thoughts, none of these are God’s intention for you. He lovingly knit you together in your mother’s womb and calls you to a life of abundance. He offers healing and freedom from these feelings of despair, and Laura L. Smith is here to help you receive them.  Join Laura as she guides you through tangible tools like prayer, health-care resources, exercise, Bible memorization, setting boundaries, breathing exercises, gratitude, counseling, and so much more. Experience the rest and restoration our God has to offer.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

Laura L. Smith lis a best-selling author and speaker. She loves Jesus, her husband, her four kiddos, music,books, coffee, France, and chocolate. Smith lives in the college town of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Reviews

[Cathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad to see mental health being addressed in the Christian sphere, but I didn’t come away from this book with anything profound. I can see it being more helpful if you were newly diagnosed.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There are stages and steps to healing, some big, some small. There might be pauses in between – discoveries and recoveries. But in the end Jesus is a healer.”

Because of my own experiences, I am passionate about books & teachers that present a balanced approach to mental health treatment, books like Holy Care for the Whole Self which talks about the value of counseling and medication (among other proactive & reactive strategies) AND the value of prayer and what Jesus teaches in Scripture. Because as believers, we get to use all of those things, giving us even more weapons in our mental health care kit.

“Prayer is not a substitute for medical care or self-care but a complement to them. Prayer is a weapon that continues to erode the walls that block us in.”

As with her other books, Smith’s writing voice helps you feel as though you are sitting down with a friend over a plate of warm cinnamon rolls with a Bible and a copy of this book open in front of each of you. She sensitively and honestly walks us through snippets of her own story and those of several other people, allowing readers more than one opportunity to personally relate to the struggles presented – from PTSD to addiction to panic attacks to grief and more. I loved the depth of topics covered and all the practical & Biblical advice to add to our toolkits including exercise, creativity, prayer, memorizing Scripture, getting outside, helping others, setting boundaries and the aforementioned counseling & medication.

“But taking care of our well-being isn’t all about fixing broken pieces, it’s also about reclaiming some beautiful parts of ourselves that we may have forgotten.”

Bottom Line: There are two things readily apparent right from the start of Holy Care for the Whole Self – author Laura L. Smith loves Jesus & His Word and she loves people. This combination makes the book warmly written and conversationally engaging, and the author’s use of story, research, and Scripture wraps around readers like a comforting embrace as we tackle some emotional themes together. The time given to medical treatment, therapy, and prayer/Scripture gives readers a whole picture of care, and I really appreciated the advice on these pages. This isn’t another fluffy book on self-care or an approach to mental health that purposefully overlooks valuable options; rather it’s a wonderfully helpful – and balanced – resource and encouragement for those who feel like they are all alone in the battle to get the help they need and continue to gain ground.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jillian B · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vanda Chittenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Betsy Amant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura L. Smith writes like a big sister on the phone with you, curled up in cozy socks and snuggling a hot cup of coffee. Her reassuring voice, encouragement, and love for people and Jesus shines through every chapter. Our culture today constantly seeks the next level of self care and promotes the importance of mental health, but often fails to provide any true, solid, lasting tools on said topics. Enter Laura L. Smith! With her wise, friendly, and approachable voice of reason, Laura gives empathy, advice, and sound Biblical guidance on these crucial topics. You'll want to get a copy for yourself, and one to give away to a friend.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold and Refreshing

I received an early copy of this fantastic manuscript. As a former pastor I am thrilled for a book on this topic. Too often we think of self-care as something worldly. The truth is, we can't fulfill the Great Commandment (Love your neighbor as yourself) without a healthy view of ourselves. As a former self-injurer I can attest to this. (It's tough to see loving your neighbor as yourself as a good thing, when all you have is self-hatred.) Laura shares a redemptive path for integrating Biblical wisdom that leads to Holy Care. Well done.

[Read-n-Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚••• BOOK REVIEW •••📚
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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.

[Maryanne Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the most page-turner mental health book I’ve ever read! Laura has a clear love for Jesus and the stories she tells are engaging and a perfect reminder in the gray months of winter that Jesus cares about our total health and personal journeys.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lisa Horne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

[Angie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such simple reminders that we all need. Wish I would have had this book in 2021 when I felt like everything was falling apart in my life.

[Glenn McKissic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written; both biblical and practical.

[Janiyah :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️