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Episode 4: Learning From Your Anxiety

In this episode, Jami and Jamie speak with author and Bible teacher Blair Linne about her unexpected battle with debilitating anxiety. Blair recounts how a “buildup” of life stressors—moving for a church plant, postpartum changes, and a car accident—led to a season of panic attacks and a loss of identity. She challenges the stigma of anxiety in Christian circles and reframes weakness as a “portal” to deeper dependence on God. This conversation offers caseworkers practical “body-guarding” tools, such as box breathing and “stacking” time, to help navigate the heavy weight of secondary trauma.

About the Guest

Blair Linne is a Bible teacher, author, and spoken word artist based in Dallas, Texas. She is the author of several books, including Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith. Blair is a pioneer in Christian spoken word and co-hosts The Glo Podcast with The Gospel Coalition.

In This Episode

  • How “high capacity” individuals can be blindsided by postpartum and trauma-induced anxiety.
  • Reframing weakness as a teacher that helps us receive help and lean on God.
  • Identifying the “buildup” of stress that can lead to a tailspin from one final event.
  • The connection between anxiety and grief: Grieving the life and dreams you thought you would have.
  • Practical “body-guarding” tools: Box breathing, “blue spaces,” and the physiological benefits of dancing.
  • Moving from being “depleted” to being “dependent” on God’s strength.
  • How to avoid being “Job’s friend” by listening well to a person’s unique story of struggle.

Resources + Links

Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative

Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does

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