Reader Reviews
Readers are raving over "Anointed and Anxious; Discipled and Depressed"
Elaine J., Memphis, TN
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
“The combination of scripture, honesty, and history hit me so deeply. For the first time, I see how my mental health struggles aren’t just personal — they’re generational. And maybe I’m not defeated, I’m just wounded… and it’s okay to heal.”
“Every word felt like it was written for me. I’ve spent years thinking my anxiety meant I lacked faith. This resource finally gives me permission to be both spiritual and human.”
Antonio P., Baton Rouge, LA
Briah C, New Orleans, LA
Troy, M. Detroit, MI
From the dedication alone, it’s immediately clear that this project speaks to real wounds in the Black faith community — especially around mental health shame, spiritual guilt, and historic betrayal by the medical system.
Even without the embedded audio/video, the writing conveys compassion with prophetic weight. I can only imagine how powerful the audio dedication must feel when heard in the author’s own voice — it likely deepens the emotional connection and sets the tone of safety and validation.
"This book is more than a read; it's a profound and necessary conversation starter. The author, Linda F. Williams, M. Ed., M. Th., has masterfully crafted a work that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant to the Black faith community.
The Dedication and the Author's Story:
The audio dedication, read by the author, immediately sets a tone of authenticity and empathy. Her voice, described as inspirational, connects the reader directly to the heart of the book’s mission: to validate the struggles of those who have suffered in silence due to mental health stigma. The personal story she shares about her experience with a student and the subsequent eight months of silent suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, isolation, and fear is incredibly powerful. It’s a raw account that challenges the long-held belief that prayer alone is enough to fix a "bleeding mind". Her righteous anger and defiance when a relative tells her to "just pray" is a defining moment, underscoring the book’s core message that seeking professional help is not a sign of spiritual weakness, but an act of courage and wisdom.
Historical and Societal Context:
The book does an excellent job of rooting the mental health stigma in the Black community in a historical context. The inclusion of video content about the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment and the forced sterilization of Black women provides a crucial and sobering backdrop. These videos help the reader understand the deep-seated mistrust of the medical system within the Black community. The book explains how historical trauma, from the invention of "mental disorders" to justify slavery to the systemic racism of today, has been passed down through generations, making it difficult for many to seek professional help. The book’s discussion of the “Strong Black Woman” and “Stoic Black Man” tropes also highlights the cultural pressure to suppress vulnerability.
Relevance for the "Jesus me and Therapy" Conference:
This book is a perfect fit for a conference like "Jesus me and Therapy." It directly tackles the central tension that conference registrants are likely grappling with: the perceived conflict between faith and therapy. The book’s central argument is that faith and therapy are not enemies, and that prayer and professional mental health support are not mutually exclusive. By breaking the silence and providing practical strategies and resources, the book serves as a bridge, building a path toward holistic healing that honors both spiritual and psychological well-being. It provides a framework for how faith communities can become safe places for healing, where compassion and honesty are as common as Sunday sermons.
In conclusion, Anointed and Anxious; Discipled and Depressed is a powerful, eye-opening, and transformative book. It validates the pain of the silently suffering, challenges harmful stigmas, and provides a clear, compassionate path forward. It is a must-read for anyone in the Black faith community who has ever felt they had to choose between their faith and their mental health."
“This LIVE eBook felt like someone finally put language to what I've been carrying for years in church — the tension between loving God and still battling anxiety and depression. The historical context validated my fear, and the audio dedication felt like a personal prayer over my life. This isn’t just another Christian mental health resource. It's a balm.”