Found & Favored - A Gathering on Faith & Mental Health
On Sunday, July 27, we gathered for Found & Favored, the first event in Purposewell’s journey to create safe spaces where mental health is honored, access is expanded, and healing is fostered through community. From the moment the doors opened, the room carried a sense of expectancy, proof that conversations about faith and mental health are not only necessary but deeply desired.
We began with honesty: grief does not only come from death. It comes from lost timelines, broken dreams, and shifts we never saw coming. Purposewell was born from that truth and from the belief that we heal best when we do not have to choose between God and therapy.
Licensed Professional Counselor Marlena Strong joined us for a conversation that felt more like a heart-to-heart. She reminded us that faith and mental health are not opposites, and that seeking therapy is not a sign of weak faith but a step toward wholeness.
Here are a few key insights she shared:
“Even in Scripture, leaders sought wise counsel — therapy is one way we do the same today.” - Marlena Strong, LPC
Faith and therapy can work together. You do not have to choose one over the other.
Therapy is like dating. It is okay to meet more than one therapist to find the right fit.
Grief and anxiety need both spiritual and practical care. Combine prayer with grounding practices like deep breathing, journaling, and mindfulness.
Healing is not a solo journey. Community makes the process lighter.
Needing support does not mean you lack faith. Asking for help is strength, not weakness.
After the conversation, we paused for our “Release and Receive” activity. Each guest wrote one thing they were ready to let go of—fear, shame, or a limiting belief—and one thing they were ready to welcome, like peace or clarity. This practice reminded us that healing often begins with intention; when we name what we’re releasing and what we’re making room for, we take a powerful step toward wholeness.
A Personal Reflection
As I looked around the room that day, I felt both humbled and hopeful. Found & Favored was born from my own season of grief and questions, and seeing it come to life reminded me that we are never alone in our struggles. So many of us carry silent battles, and yet when we step into spaces of honesty and grace, something shifts. Healing becomes possible. My prayer is that this gathering is just the beginning — a movement of safe spaces where mental wellness is embraced and community is a lifeline.
Found & Favored was more than an event; it was the beginning of a movement to make mental wellness accessible, communal, and deeply human. Thank you for being part of this first chapter!
If you are looking for a therapist, here are a few trusted resources to start your journey:
Stay connected for more Purposewell gatherings, resources, and reflections. Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to be the first to know what is next.
We’d love your feedback!
Your voice matters as we plan future gatherings. Take a quick minute to share your thoughts: Survey
