Emotional and mental health have been taboo topics in many churches for too long. In this powerful episode of Stand Firm Parents, host Jake McCandless talks with Dr. Mark Dance—pastor, author of Start to Finish, and new Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention—to challenge that silence.

💡 What You’ll Learn

Why emotional health is a biblical priority, not a trend
The connection between Sabbath, boundaries, and resilience
How to talk about mental health at home with honesty and grace
Practical steps to build rhythms that sustain your soul and your family’s faith

Mark shares his personal journey with depression and the humility it took to ask for help, offering encouragement and practical wisdom for parents and leaders.

🌐 Resources:

💡 Key Takeaways

Emotional health is essential for discipleship and leadership.
Sabbath, hobbies, and boundaries are God’s protective rhythms.
Parents modeling emotional honesty create spiritually resilient homes.
Wise counsel and therapy are biblical strategies, not last resorts.
Healing your own wounds stops generational cycles of pain.

📖 Bible References

1 Timothy 4:16 – Pay close attention to your life and teaching.
Proverbs 11:14 – In an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.
Mark 12:30 – Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Isaiah 58:13–14 – Delight in the Sabbath.

Hello to Emotional Health: Can Christians Even Talk About It?