Ep. 133: Becky Keife on reframing anxiety.
Uncertainty is definitely not my favorite part of life.
In this episode of MercyCast, I had the joy of sitting down with the insightful and compassionate Becky Keife, author of A Verse A Day For The Anxious Soul, a hundred Days of Peace for the Calm You Crave, to talk about something that touches so many of us—anxiety. Whether it’s the tightness in your chest before a big decision, or a relentless mental loop that keeps you up at night, anxiety shows up in all kinds of ways. And yet, it’s something we often try to face alone.
But what if we didn’t have to?
Becky and I dive deep into the reality that mental health struggles like anxiety don’t disqualify us—they connect us. This conversation is all about vulnerability, emotional health, and learning to be honest about what we’re carrying. Together, we explore how anxiety isn’t something to hide from, but a signal—an invitation—to lean into community, faith, and even our own self-compassion.
We talk about what it means to live in the tension of being both anxious and at peace. About how calming our nervous system—through techniques like box breathing—can help us reconnect with the present moment and the God who is with us in it. We don’t gloss over the physical realities of anxiety, but we do push back against the lie that it defines us.
This episode is full of practical coping strategies, honest reflections, and reminders that your story isn’t over—and you’re not alone. Anxiety may feel overwhelming, but it can also be a surprising catalyst for personal growth, deeper faith, and greater compassion—for yourself and for others.
Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:
Anxiety is more common than we think—and we don’t have to face it alone.
Practice asking God, “what do you want me to know and what do you want me to do?”
Being honest and vulnerable is a powerful first step toward healing.
Anxiety shows up on a spectrum—from situational to clinical—and all experiences are valid.
The physical symptoms of anxiety are real and deserve attention.
Community support is crucial—we’re wired for connection.
Faith doesn’t eliminate anxiety, but it reframes it.
Simple practices like box breathing can help calm your nervous system.
Daily reflection can uncover patterns and paths forward.
Showing compassion to yourself empowers you to show compassion to others.
Anxiety can be a gift—drawing us closer to God and each other.
If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need it. Let’s keep normalizing these conversations around mental health, support, and the beauty of showing up as we are.
Thanks for being here.
—Raleigh
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For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.