It is not easy to discern whether she is simply responding to a question or reacting based on something that happened to her in the past, said Roberts. “That’s the kind of work that just have you out here eating cake,” she joked. But it is essential to do that work instead of trying to escape negative feelings, no matter how unpleasant they are.
Roberts gave another personal example, saying that she recently went through a difficult time with her oldest son and as a result felt a lot of shame related to being a mother. But instead of trying to escape the tense feelings, she “sat in them, and it was from that place that I asked for connection with God.” It’s challenging to trust God with the difficult parts of life, but Roberts encouraged the audience that as they pursue God through their struggles, they will build a habit of trusting him.
In addition to therapy, the Roberts promoted medication, worship, community and setting boundaries as helpful mental health practices. And once people have the right tools, said Touré, it is important to consistently put them into practice.
Sarah Jakes Roberts closed the session with her apology on behalf of the church. Whatever harm people have suffered, that was not “a reflection of God’s heart toward you,” she said, inviting listeners to “look beyond God being held in the hands of man.” Said Roberts, “If you have to bypass the church to get to God, I get it. I get it. We’re not here to force you into something that hurts you. But I would just encourage you to not give up on your ability to remain connected with God because God still wants to be connected to you.”
Charlamagne tha God posted a clip of Roberts’ apology on Instagram, commenting, “This type of truth from faith leaders is what’s going to bring so many people back home to GOD and I know somebody out there needs this word this morning…has the church ever made you feel like this??? Let’s Discuss.”
