September 1, 2024 • 39 mins
In this episode of The Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery interviews authors Ellie Limebear and Jane Kirby about their book 'Say Goodbye to Anxiety.' The authors discuss the prevalence of anxiety among Christians and the rising levels of anxiety in today's culture. They share their personal experiences with anxiety and the tools they have found helpful in managing it. The book is written in a short devotional style, with interactive elements such as journaling and suggested songs. The authors emphasize the importance of hope, gratitude, and seeking help from professionals and the Bible. They also discuss the dangers of comparison and the role of angels in overcoming anxiety. We also discover Elle's love of coffee and Jane's fondness for almond croissants, which cartoon characters they think fit them best and information about an upcoming new song from Elle that will be released soon.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Get a copy of 'Say Goodbye to Anxiety' from St Andrews Bookshop
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Elle Limebear's website ellelimebear.co.uk
Visit Jane Kirby's website janeelizabethkirby.com
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Takeaways
- Anxiety is a common struggle among Christians of all ages and demographics.
- Levels of anxiety seem to be rising in today's culture.
- Seeking help from professionals, using medication if necessary, and finding a support system are important in managing anxiety.
- The book 'Say Goodbye to Anxiety' is written in a short devotional style, with interactive elements such as journaling and suggested songs.
- Hope, gratitude, and the belief in God's protection through angels can help in overcoming anxiety
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:43 Understanding the Prevalence of Anxiety Among Christians 04:38 Personal Experiences with Anxiety and the Importance of Seeking Help 13:16 The Short Devotional Style of 'Say Goodbye to Anxiety' 17:34 The Power of Hope, Gratitude, and Worship in Overcoming Anxiety 23:53 The Role of Angels in Overcoming Anxiety 29:44 Balancing Writing and Personal Life: Insights from Ellie Limebear and Jane Kirby
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
This is Christian Book Blurb brought to you by author and songwriter Matt McChlery Get abehind the scenes glimpse into the lives of some of your favourite Christian authors, hear
about their books and faith.
Also, why not check out my website, mattmcchlery .com
Well, hello and welcome to another episode of The Christian Book Blurb where we like toencourage you in your discipleship one book at a time as we meet some amazing Christian
(00:28):
authors and learn all about their books, their lives and their faith.
I'm your host Matt McChlery and thank you for clicking over here and joining me on today'sepisode.
Now on today's show, I'm going to be talking about saying goodbye to anxiety.
with the authors.
We've got co -authors today and I'll be speaking with Elle Limebear and Jane Kirby.
(00:53):
So welcome to the show ladies.
Hello Jane.
Hi Matt, really pleased to be here.
Thank you for having us.
And Elle, thank you so much for joining us today.
Hello, thank you so much for having us Matt.
It's a joy to be here so thank you.
So let's start off with a fairly obvious question I suppose.
(01:14):
Your book
is called Say Goodbye to Anxiety.
Why write a book about it?
Is anxiety something Christians really struggle with?
They do.
Actually Elle and I were at a festival over the weekend and we spoke on a panel on anxietyand the room was absolutely packed and what struck me were they were all different ages.
(01:43):
So they were teenagers, they were young adults.
They're people of every different demographic and age.
So yes, lots of Christians experience anxiety.
And do you think levels of anxiety seem to be rising in our culture today?
(02:03):
I think that's an interesting question because people have talked over the youngergeneration say that there are
anxious generation.
But I just feel that a lot of people live with it and don't realize they've got it.
yeah, think it's, and that was again, was interesting.
(02:27):
Somebody came up to us afterwards and said, I actually didn't realize I had anxiety.
I had all these symptoms, but I didn't realize that's what it was until I came to yoursession.
So
she then is going to do something about it.
Yeah, it's interesting, isn't it?
(02:47):
It depends who you speak to about anxiety, because some people say, well, it's always beenthere.
And we just more aware of it now, we talk about it now, we feel able to express ourselvesand talk about it.
And then you have others who sort of say, well, you know, since COVID, things have gotworse, and people's anxiety has increased and
(03:10):
Well it might be a mixture of both really.
Yeah, I think I'd agree with that, honestly.
It feels like I remember being a teenager and having a friend who would, you know, wouldorganize to meet up, but she would kind of cancel every time and I'd be so confused.
I didn't understand why she was constantly canceling on me.
(03:33):
There was such confusion of, you not like me?
Do you know, what was going on here?
But now I look back, the bigger thing was that she was struggling with anxiety.
and no one knew how to communicate about that.
We didn't have the language.
We didn't know that this is what so many of us were going through.
(03:53):
No one knew how to talk about it, but now I'm so glad there's language and professionalsand knowledge about it that now we can actually talk about it and now, you know, get help
and talk and...
And now there's things in place that we know works, that there's things that we can doactively that really help.
(04:16):
And so I'm so grateful for now there's a conversation about it, even though it's not, youwe don't want to be having this conversation.
It's not like, yay, like, let's talk about anxiety.
we love this.
It's like, but this is kind of why we wrote the book too.
It's like, we want to help people.
Those who may be similar to me didn't even know that I was struggling.
(04:38):
But now we've got language for it.
We've both got tools that we want to kind of pass on to people.
It's like passing on the baton of like, this is what's helped us.
And this book now is full of things that we want to pass on to help you.
Men and women all over the world.
Do you know what mean?
This is not just for ladies.
This is for, we know that anxiety has a grip on so many of us, young and old, men andwomen all over the world.
(05:03):
That, and we need...
We need help.
We want to come together and say, let's get through this together.
And here is some helpful tools that have helped us.
So that's definitely, I'm glad the conversation is opening up for sure.
You both mentioned that you've struggled with anxiety yourselves.
(05:24):
So you are, you're well placed to write a book about it.
Can you share some of your story with us?
What did it look like when you were struggling or do you still struggle with anxiety?
How did you cope and kind of what sort of things got you through?
Yeah, I mean, I got in a very dark place.
(05:44):
I describe it as a pit of anxiety and I didn't think I was going to get out of it.
It sort of happened suddenly, really.
think, but I actually think that God just wanted to deal with some of the things I'd neverprocessed properly in my life and some of the wounds that I'd had and trauma I'd
(06:06):
experienced that had
affected the way I behaved, I suppose.
know, wounds have become infected.
And I don't think, I don't know whether people think God, you know, God allows certainthings.
(06:26):
I don't know theology behind it, but it happened to me and God used it for good.
So what happened was I was in a deep dark pit and the only way that I could look out ofthat pit was to Jesus.
and look at the promises in his word, believe that they were for myself, seek help.
(06:48):
I went to a doctor, I went on medication, I had counselling, I had a lot of prayer.
I used to go regularly to a prayer ministry near where I used to live in London.
And actually that is something that I really, really recommend is not to be afraid to goup for prayer after the church service.
I think...
I don't know, I feel like so many people are hesitant of sharing and letting people intotheir story.
(07:14):
I say don't because actually when something is out in the light, it loses power.
And that is such a powerful thing to do, to speak to someone, share it, and then you'renot alone.
That was so profound for me.
And just also the prophetic where people were able to speak into my life.
(07:36):
and give me words of knowledge that spoke directly into previous situations, things thathad happened as I was growing up, to show me that actually God was right there in the
pain, in the difficult things that I went through, but I just didn't know at the time.
So I'm able to now look back and see God's plan and purpose for my life and how he'sbrought me out of a dark place.
(07:59):
The other thing I would say about that dark place is I think we're afraid, I was certainlyafraid to go through
pain.
I just wanted God to heal me just like that.
I mean, I remember saying, Lord, heal me, heal me, just heal me, you know, heal me.
But he needed me to go through a process to actually cling on to him, to seek him with allmy heart.
(08:21):
That thing about seek first his kingdom and all these things will be added unto you.
I had to really seek him and that involved so many things.
But yeah, that's my story, but I'm out the other side.
But that's not to say that it doesn't try and sneak in, you know, like a rat up a drainpipe.
(08:43):
Tries to scurry its way in, but I've got the tools now to bat it away, to push it backdown and get it back in the drain where it belongs.
Thanks, Jane.
Elle, how about you?
Yeah, I think for me, it's been a different process and journey.
only...
really realized that it was anxiety, fear that had been gripping onto me only about fiveyears ago, I'd say.
(09:09):
And it was one evening in lockdown, honestly, when God just revealed to me it's fear thathas been eating you alive this whole time.
And then now I look back on myself even as a little girl and I can see that it has likesneaked in, it sneaked in.
(09:32):
into my life, into my being from a young age.
But again, like I said, I didn't have the language for it.
I didn't know what that was and the things that I was going through and the panic attacks.
so it's definitely been almost, yeah, these past five years of really understanding what'sbeen going on and really
(09:57):
I guess God's just been revealing to me so much what the spirit of fear does too.
And, it's that that's been holding me back, keeping me inside, stopping me from doing somuch.
And also just like the really little kind of not even big things that would terrify me,but it would be the things like going to the post office or riding my bike, things like
(10:20):
that.
That is for so many people so normal and easy to do.
But actually for me, it was a real battle to do almost the simple things, to leave myhouse at times.
I felt like I was kind of barricaded into my home because of fear.
And it's really just been a journey of claiming freedom, of him really renewing my mindtoo.
(10:46):
Like I really want to emphasize the fact that that isn't just a cute little verse in theBible that he renews our minds.
Like that truly is.
a profound thing that he can do.
Our God can renew our mind and rewire and do like gentle healing too.
And I think that is the horrible reality of anxiety is that it could be so loud and sooverbearing and so all consuming wraps you up that you feel like you have no choice and to
(11:23):
just to come under it.
And I think
It's so horrible that so many of us all around the world come under it, feel under it, andcan't see hope.
We can't see almost the future or the next thing because it's so overbearing.
And I think also in my process, honestly, in my journey with anxiety is that I didn't letanyone in for a really long time.
(11:47):
I almost kept it quite quiet, not even my family really knew, my friends.
my husband was still trying to understand what was going on.
Like, why else?
You could do that yesterday, why can't you do that today?
Or I look back and I didn't let anyone in and that was such a roadblock for me because themoment we let people in and we let, we be vulnerable with people, there's an instant
(12:09):
accountability.
There's an instant, yeah, guard down that people can check in and...
pray and declare things over you, but I think for so long I just kept it to myself.
The moment I let people in, that was such a huge turn for me.
And so it's been a process of claiming the freedom of really giving it all to God.
(12:33):
I mean, there's so much to talk about even in that, but I've, through prayer anddeclaration, definitely like the stronghold of anxiety has been broken, but I don't want
to lie and say it doesn't creep up now again, like I said.
but I know now how to kind of shut down as soon as, and know that the spirit within me isstronger than the spirit in the world and that we do live with the Holy Spirit and what a
(13:00):
beautiful gift that is.
And to tell fear to shut up again and again and again.
That's great.
That's great, Elle.
Thank you so much for sharing that with us.
You have written your book, Say Goodbye to Anxiety in a short devotional style.
Is there a reason why you did it this way?
Does it help someone who's feeling anxious to engage more?
(13:22):
Or what was the thought behind, you know, presenting it in a more of a short piecedevotional format, rather than writing a book and lots of detail on anxiety?
I think sometimes when you read a book, you can gain a lot of knowledge.
But when you read a devotional, it is about the heart.
(13:44):
And obviously,
books aren't all about head knowledge.
But you read a book and then you get to the end of the chapter and you think, okay, well,what do I do now?
I've got all this knowledge, but actually how do I put it into practice?
So by having a Bible verse, having a reflection, having a worship song, having somejournaling questions, it's interactive.
(14:09):
You're having to connect with the Bible.
You're connecting with your thoughts and what's going on inside.
and you're giving them to God and you're inviting him in.
it, and I think also when you're going through anxiety, you don't need a sensory overloadbecause there's enough going on already.
(14:29):
So just to have something that you can do each day in the quiet, in your quiet space, inyour place with Jesus, having that dedicated time each day to reflect, to rest.
listen to something is I think for someone going through, we think for something, someonewho's going through anxiety it's a helpful way to put it together.
(14:56):
Great and you also have a space for journaling and you suggest also some practicalexercises and you suggest songs to listen to that fit with the day's theme.
Why did you include some of these more interactive elements?
It really makes them a great by the way I think.
But why did you include them?
Thanks, Matt.
(15:17):
thank you, Matt.
Yeah, I feel like I guess me personally, I find those things really helpful is whenthere's an interactive part of it, not only the journaling, but the song to listen to for
all the senses sort of thing.
Like you're listening, you're reading, you're taking it all in.
But I feel we wanted to include a song for every day as just the soundtrack for the day.
(15:42):
you know, songs are so, I mean, I love writing songs anyway, but I know that songs can getin your head, truth can get in your head.
And so we really wanted a song for each day for those could, they could just have that andrepeat almost the rest of the day, going to work, put it in your car after you've read
your devotional or as you're cooking the dinner, as you're bathing your kids, whatever itlooks like to have that song.
(16:09):
that really coincides with what we've been talking about on that specific day.
Like it's specifically chosen the lyric lyrically, you know, for that day to just remind,to remind us of what we've been talking about the truth and for it to spark throughout the
day too.
Like we, we hope that it kind of resonates throughout the day and to have conversationsabout it, you know, with different people even.
(16:36):
So
We wanted there to be an interactive element and with the journaling questions, it's justhelpful to exercise that out.
I think, you know, it's when, when you write things out physically, I know we're not eventyping here.
It's like physically using your pen and writing this stuff out.
(16:59):
It's such a process as you do it, spending time with the Lord.
So we wanted it to be interactive for sure.
I mean the very first chapter you open with the statement God is the God of hope.
So how important is it for us to know this truth especially when we are feeling anxious?
(17:20):
I mean it's absolutely foundational because anxiety takes away your hope.
You're anxious about tomorrow, you're anxious about today, you're anxious about all thethings you've got to do, you're anxious that you won't get better.
this is it.
that is actually, for me, that was one of the issues.
(17:40):
I thought I would never get better.
I thought that was it.
But that's not God's story for our life.
He's given us hope and hope is the anchor of our soul.
And I picture an anchor.
And when we were writing that, really sensed when you have, there's a warship and it usesan anchor.
And those anchors aren't small, they're huge.
(18:03):
The Bible talks about hope being the anchor and everything that God does is bigger thanbig.
speaks everything into being.
This anchor is huge and we can believe in it.
We can trust that hope is the anchor of our soul, that hope is our story, that things willget better.
(18:27):
And you just have to read the Bible and see the stories and the pattern.
of it that everybody goes through difficult times in their lives but they always getthrough.
They always get through to the other and God uses it for good and that's the hope we havein Jesus.
(18:47):
And you talk about the dangers of comparison as well.
Why is it so dangerous and how can we live differently or how can we stop this need to
compare ourselves to others all the time.
Yeah, I think comparison, they say, don't they?
(19:08):
Comparison really takes the joy out of everything.
It's the thief of joy, comparison.
And I know we can all relate to that.
There's not probably one person that has never compared themselves to anyone or to aparticular thing.
But I know in my life when that can creep up,
(19:32):
The most powerful thing to do is to celebrate the person or to celebrate the thing,whatever it is, and turn it around and flip it.
It's like we can sit in that place for however long.
Do know what mean?
If you don't deal with it, it just lingers, it grows, it festers, jealousy, bitterness,comparison just, it leaks, you know?
(19:58):
But I think if we don't act on it quick,
If we don't almost assess what's going on and kind of see from afar to celebrate thething, the person, it's so powerful to be grateful for the things that we have too.
think gratitude is a huge element with anxiety that again, it's not a little thing.
(20:22):
It's, know, in the Bible talks about give thanks, give thanks, give thanks.
And that's a lesson.
to us all is to give thanks.
Like that should be a daily thing anyway, to give thanks to God.
But when comparison arises, to give thanks for things is so powerful.
To realize what we've been given and to where we are is the right place to oursurroundings.
(20:48):
We're in the right place.
And actually if we were given the things that maybe other people were given, wouldn't fitus.
Joseph's coat was for Joseph.
You know, and if we were to put that on it, you know, too big too smelly.
I don't know too stripy It's like it's not for us so I think we got a really like givethanks to God for the things that we have received and The timing for healing is gonna
(21:18):
come, you know to not compare one another that that's happened for them then or that's Thetransformation has happened for them now.
It's like be patient
give thanks to God for what is happening in your life right now, what you're learning, therevelation, and get alongside people who are thankful, because it changes you.
Speaking of alarms and waking up, you also mention in your book about peaceful sleep.
(21:43):
Why is sleep so important and how can we sleep peacefully in the midst of trouble?
I love that question.
I've found a game changer for me.
is just saying the name of Jesus over and over again in my head.
Literally, it's been transformational because that's the only thing I can think about isJesus.
(22:09):
So I just say, Jesus, Jesus.
I mean, I don't speak it out loud because I'd wake my husband up.
But just saying it again and again.
And it might take a little while, but I get back to sleep or get off to sleep, even if myhead's whirring.
But I was also very thankful when I was actually
so unwell that I was able to sleep and that was a gift.
(22:31):
that's the other thing is, know, God gives us sleep if we ask for it and trust him that hewill give it to us.
Now you've got another chapter in your book called Angels.
It's an interesting chapter.
Why Angels?
And how can angels help with anxiety?
(22:52):
Yes.
I don't know about you, but I am just fascinated with angels anyway.
I just think they are real and how wild is that?
That angels are real and we don't talk about them, we?
We don't really often even like hear about them.
It's not in lots of like sermon messages, but I have just forever been so fascinated withangels.
(23:16):
And that verse, Psalm 91 that talks about, you know, God sends his angels concerning youto guard you.
and like it's in the Bible, it's truth.
I'm just like, wow, that's really cool.
And what that means for us when we're struggling with anxiety, whatever, know, almost fillin the blank really, that God sends his angels concerning us.
(23:42):
And I guess it's like it's an interesting chapter because yeah, people might know thatthey are.
they have angels concerning them, but I think it's a good reminder, honestly, that it'sGod who sends his angels.
And you know, all that verse that talks about, it's not against flesh and blood, is it?
(24:08):
It's what goes on, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers ofthis dark.
And there's a bigger thing going on than our mind right now.
Do you know what I mean?
that there's things that are going on in the spiritual realm.
God sending his angels to fight for us, you know, that it's pretty profound.
(24:33):
And as a Christian, as believers, to be aware of that too, that it's not just like littleus fighting on our own, you know, it's like God is sending his angels.
to fight for us too, to God to protect us and whether we feel that, whether we know thatit is true.
yeah, we wanted to include this chapter just to remind people like there's angels outthere.
(25:02):
Let us not forget, you know, it's a beautiful, beautiful reality.
Just before we go for a quick break, what top tips would you give to someone who islistening to this podcast?
and are struggling with anxiety right now.
I would say don't be afraid to go and see your doctor.
I went on medication and that was very helpful when I was really struggling to just eventhings up for me and put me in a position where I could actually sort of seek more help,
(25:35):
have counselling.
I would also say to find somebody that you can confide in.
have somebody who comes alongside you, who can pray with you.
But also know that people will put boundaries in place as well when you seek help, whichis a good thing.
So don't be put off if someone says, well, I can see you on Tuesday for half an hour.
(25:57):
Accept it because it's helpful, I think, to have that time as a focus, but also to knowthat we don't need to be reliant on people to get through this, as in totally reliant.
but they are there to come alongside us.
The other thing I would say is use your Bible, get it out.
(26:19):
I mean, I'm sure people are using their Bibles and they are getting them out.
I found it really helpful to keep repeating Bible verses, to ask God for Bible verses, tospeak them out.
Those are the things, I mean, there are lots of different things.
Elle will probably talk about a couple of others, but those are the things we're really
(26:40):
key for me is prayer, medication and the Bible.
For each of us there's so many different things that we, for all of us that help.
For me honestly, worship was such a huge thing.
I remember being not in a good place at all, but the only thing I could really do is justlike put on some worship music and just lie there and just have truth wash over me.
(27:06):
get in my head, there'd be times where I couldn't even have words, it would have to beinstrumental music, like worship music.
And so worship has been such an integral part of my life anyway, as a worship leader too,like knowing the power of songs, the power of truth in songs, the power of the spirit in
(27:26):
songs that actually, they're not just nice melodies, it's not just a nice tune, butactually it gets inside of us and...
tells our mind otherwise what's going on, know, the truth.
And there's the there was this one song that I would listen to over and over again, whichwas called praise before my breakthrough by Katie Torvald and Brian and it was that for
(27:52):
me.
It's just like praise before my break praise before I get better praise before I can seelike the other side is just I'm gonna I'm gonna be here Lord and I'm praise my way through
it praise before my breakthrough.
And again, that's not
like a worldly thing to do.
Do mean that's not what a pop set song says to do or but like that's what a worship songtells us and reminds us is that yeah, we're going to praise before our breakthrough.
(28:17):
We're going to praise before it even happens before the timing of our breakthrough.
But worship has been such a huge part of my story.
And even in my writing process is writing from that place of like, I push back this
darkness and I've got a song coming out called by fear and it talks all about that is likebye like get out don't come back anymore by fear and we're changing the locks here like
(28:47):
you cannot come back but it for me even writing about it writing the process of please donot come back again and I claim the joy claim the freedom peace make yourself at home
within me please so
Worship has been a huge thing.
Again, gratitude, but also practical things, letting people know, letting people in,telling people in that moment when I feel anxious is like just actually naming it as I
(29:16):
feel anxious today, or I feel anxious about this.
Just telling you because who knows how it's going to fester today, you know?
So I think actually speaking out loud as soon as you feel anxiety is really important.
Thank you.
Really helpful.
Thank you.
We're going to be coming back and speaking with Jane Kirby and Elle Limber again justafter this short break.
(29:44):
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(30:10):
Hello, welcome back to the Christian Book Blur podcast.
I'm speaking with Elle Linebaugh and Jane Kirby about their book Say Goodbye to Anxiety.
Now Elle and Jane, just before the break we spoke a lot about your book but this side ofthe interval we like to chat a bit more about the authors themselves, find out a little
(30:30):
bit more about your lives and what you get up to when you're not writing books.
What do you guys do for fun?
Well, we actually both live by the sea, but in different locations.
So I love swimming in the sea.
I love going to the beach.
And yeah, that's...
(30:52):
And going for walks.
That's what I love doing.
There's nothing better.
There's nothing better than being outside.
I love drinking coffee and going...
Just wandering around our town with my...
my family, I've got two little boys and my husband.
love honestly, just hanging out with people.
I'm such a people person.
(31:13):
if yeah, people come around, hanging out, chatting, deep chats.
but I love the sunshine.
So anytime the sun is out, I'm there.
but yeah, love, love food.
Brunch is my favorite thing in the world.
So yeah, that's, that's a bit about me.
I was going to ask, what, your favorite foods are.
(31:33):
So yours is brunch.
Jane, do you have a favourite food?
Yogurt, muesli and fruit, kind of girl.
I just love it.
I can eat it every day.
I love cereal and almond croissants and fish and chips.
(31:55):
My husband works in a Christian trust, Ashburn and Place, and they just had a bakery thereand they make the most amazing almond croissants.
They are the best.
They're worth traveling for, I tell you.
yum.
Lovely.
Lovely.
Sound amazing.
If you got to choose a cartoon character to be or that represented you perhaps, whichcartoon character might you pick?
(32:26):
Scooby -Doo.
Love it.
Cartoon character, that is such a good question.
One of the seven dwarfs or something.
I've got little legs.
So have you got any family at all?
(32:47):
Yes, I'm married to Tom.
We have been married for seven years now.
We've got two little boys who are aged three and one, but we live in Brighton and I've gotfamily down the road too, which is lovely.
I'm the eldest of six.
So the majority of us around the corner.
But yeah, so my little sister literally lives at the bottom of our road.
(33:10):
So that is wonderful.
But yeah, quite a big fam.
but try and see each other as much as we can.
How about you, Jane?
I'm the eldest of five.
I've got husband James.
I was going to tell you about my siblings, but I thought actually we'd be here forever.
(33:32):
I have got two grown -up sons.
One is 23 and the other is 20.
And they are great.
And is writing books all you do?
No, no.
I publish a magazine called Truth, which is, we've just achieved charitable status, sowe're called Truth Generation.
(33:58):
And our vision is to, well, I mean, it's in the name, shared truth, the rising generation.
So to help make disciples of those who come to faith, but also encourage and reach out topeople who aren't.
Christians and for people to know their true worth in Jesus.
So that's the other thing I do and speak at different events and in my church.
(34:26):
Yeah.
So quite a full, but a good life.
That's great.
And Elle, I know you've mentioned before your involvement in the music world.
What can you tell us about that?
Yes.
Just want to shout out Truth magazine though.
you're listening and you're curious, go get it.
It's amazing.
It's full of just amazing, amazing things.
(34:47):
So not only get the book, but get the mag, okay?
Thanks, Elle.
Yes, I lead worship, write songs, and it's really a joy just to kind of see what God isdoing all over the world, within the church, but also just in general, just get to
(35:10):
go to lots of different youth events, conferences, church gatherings, but it's a real joyto see the young people just going for it at the moment.
Gen Z is so inspiring, how they're leading, how they're seeking Jesus.
It's so inspiring, honestly.
I'm challenged everywhere I go at the moment, just by their hearts for Jesus, honestly.
(35:36):
So.
Yeah, I guess writing songs got new music coming out soon, but I love it.
I love being...
Yeah, that I get to do this.
So it's a real joy to collaborate with different people, different artists, and also justmumming a lot of the time.
A mum, that is my main...
My main role.
(35:57):
So juggling all the things, travelling a ton with my family, whilst also, yeah, raisingtwo little men.
So it's a full life, but...
grateful.
Wonderful, that's great.
And just before we wind up this episode, could you tell us where people can find out moreabout you, where people can get the book, have you got a website, all that kind of stuff?
(36:25):
You can find me on Instagram, for my own Instagram, which is Jane Elizabeth Kirby or RebelHearts Rebel Girls and that is the website as well.
And the book, you can get it from any online retailer, I think, bookshop or go into a realbookshop, St Andrews Bookshop Stocks It.
(36:47):
Yeah.
and a number of other Christian bookshops.
But yeah, if you were going to go online, could probably even get it in WH Smith's,wherever you get your books from.
Wonderful.
You can find me at Elle underscore Line Bear on Instagram.
I think it's the same on Facebook, but I'm mostly on Instagram and my website isellilinebear .co .uk.
(37:11):
But yeah, like Jane said, you can get the book in many, places, which is really good news.
And they can listen to your music on music platforms.
Spotify, Music, YouTube, all the places.
Really excited for Elle's new song to come out, Bye Bye Fear.
I did hear it some time ago and it's, I mean, I've heard her sing it a couple of times,but it is incredibly powerful.
(37:36):
And I feel that it's a chain breaker.
I believe it's a chain breaker.
Yeah.
It's amazing.
Absolutely amazing.
Thank you,
Well, thank you both so much for joining me today.
Elle Limber and Jane Kirby.
Thank you so much for coming and chatting with us here on The Christian Book Blurb.
Thank you.
Thank you for having us, Matt.
It's been an absolute privilege.
And thank you for all the great questions you've asked as well.
(37:59):
Yes.
Thank you, Matt.
See you soon.
And thank you for listening to this episode of The Christian Book Blurb podcast.
I pray that you've been blessed by what you've heard and that you've been able to takesomething away with you to help you with your own.
discipleship.
Do check out my newsletter, sign up on my website, mattmcchlery .com and every now andthen I send out a newsletter and give away some of the books that we've been talking about
(38:27):
here on the Christian Book Blurb podcast.
So do go check that out over on my website.
But that just leaves me to say thank you for listening and I look forward to the pleasureof your company once again on another edition of the Christian Book Blurb where I'll be
speaking
with more Christian authors about their books, their lives and their faith.
(38:48):
See you soon.
Goodbye.
This is Christian Book Blurb brought to you by author and songwriter Matt McChlery Get abehind the scenes glimpse into the lives of some of your favourite Christian authors, hear
about their books and faith.
Also, why not check out my website, mattmcchlery .com
Well, hello and welcome to another episode of The Christian Book Blurb where we like toencourage you in your discipleship one book at a time as we meet some amazing Christian
(00:28):
authors and learn all about their books, their lives and their faith.
I'm your host Matt McChlery and thank you for clicking over here and joining me on today'sepisode.
Now on today's show, I'm going to be talking about saying goodbye to anxiety.
with the authors.
We've got co -authors today and I'll be speaking with Elle Limebear and Jane Kirby.
(00:53):
So welcome to the show ladies.
Hello Jane.
Hi Matt, really pleased to be here.
Thank you for having us.
And Elle, thank you so much for joining us today.
Hello, thank you so much for having us Matt.
It's a joy to be here so thank you.
So let's start off with a fairly obvious question I suppose.
(01:14):
Your book
is called Say Goodbye to Anxiety.
Why write a book about it?
Is anxiety something Christians really struggle with?
They do.
Actually Elle and I were at a festival over the weekend and we spoke on a panel on anxietyand the room was absolutely packed and what struck me were they were all different ages.
(01:43):
So they were teenagers, they were young adults.
They're people of every different demographic and age.
So yes, lots of Christians experience anxiety.
And do you think levels of anxiety seem to be rising in our culture today?
(02:03):
I think that's an interesting question because people have talked over the youngergeneration say that there are
anxious generation.
But I just feel that a lot of people live with it and don't realize they've got it.
yeah, think it's, and that was again, was interesting.
(02:27):
Somebody came up to us afterwards and said, I actually didn't realize I had anxiety.
I had all these symptoms, but I didn't realize that's what it was until I came to yoursession.
So
she then is going to do something about it.
Yeah, it's interesting, isn't it?
(02:47):
It depends who you speak to about anxiety, because some people say, well, it's always beenthere.
And we just more aware of it now, we talk about it now, we feel able to express ourselvesand talk about it.
And then you have others who sort of say, well, you know, since COVID, things have gotworse, and people's anxiety has increased and
(03:10):
Well it might be a mixture of both really.
Yeah, I think I'd agree with that, honestly.
It feels like I remember being a teenager and having a friend who would, you know, wouldorganize to meet up, but she would kind of cancel every time and I'd be so confused.
I didn't understand why she was constantly canceling on me.
(03:33):
There was such confusion of, you not like me?
Do you know, what was going on here?
But now I look back, the bigger thing was that she was struggling with anxiety.
and no one knew how to communicate about that.
We didn't have the language.
We didn't know that this is what so many of us were going through.
(03:53):
No one knew how to talk about it, but now I'm so glad there's language and professionalsand knowledge about it that now we can actually talk about it and now, you know, get help
and talk and...
And now there's things in place that we know works, that there's things that we can doactively that really help.
(04:16):
And so I'm so grateful for now there's a conversation about it, even though it's not, youwe don't want to be having this conversation.
It's not like, yay, like, let's talk about anxiety.
we love this.
It's like, but this is kind of why we wrote the book too.
It's like, we want to help people.
Those who may be similar to me didn't even know that I was struggling.
(04:38):
But now we've got language for it.
We've both got tools that we want to kind of pass on to people.
It's like passing on the baton of like, this is what's helped us.
And this book now is full of things that we want to pass on to help you.
Men and women all over the world.
Do you know what mean?
This is not just for ladies.
This is for, we know that anxiety has a grip on so many of us, young and old, men andwomen all over the world.
(05:03):
That, and we need...
We need help.
We want to come together and say, let's get through this together.
And here is some helpful tools that have helped us.
So that's definitely, I'm glad the conversation is opening up for sure.
You both mentioned that you've struggled with anxiety yourselves.
(05:24):
So you are, you're well placed to write a book about it.
Can you share some of your story with us?
What did it look like when you were struggling or do you still struggle with anxiety?
How did you cope and kind of what sort of things got you through?
Yeah, I mean, I got in a very dark place.
(05:44):
I describe it as a pit of anxiety and I didn't think I was going to get out of it.
It sort of happened suddenly, really.
think, but I actually think that God just wanted to deal with some of the things I'd neverprocessed properly in my life and some of the wounds that I'd had and trauma I'd
(06:06):
experienced that had
affected the way I behaved, I suppose.
know, wounds have become infected.
And I don't think, I don't know whether people think God, you know, God allows certainthings.
(06:26):
I don't know theology behind it, but it happened to me and God used it for good.
So what happened was I was in a deep dark pit and the only way that I could look out ofthat pit was to Jesus.
and look at the promises in his word, believe that they were for myself, seek help.
(06:48):
I went to a doctor, I went on medication, I had counselling, I had a lot of prayer.
I used to go regularly to a prayer ministry near where I used to live in London.
And actually that is something that I really, really recommend is not to be afraid to goup for prayer after the church service.
I think...
I don't know, I feel like so many people are hesitant of sharing and letting people intotheir story.
(07:14):
I say don't because actually when something is out in the light, it loses power.
And that is such a powerful thing to do, to speak to someone, share it, and then you'renot alone.
That was so profound for me.
And just also the prophetic where people were able to speak into my life.
(07:36):
and give me words of knowledge that spoke directly into previous situations, things thathad happened as I was growing up, to show me that actually God was right there in the
pain, in the difficult things that I went through, but I just didn't know at the time.
So I'm able to now look back and see God's plan and purpose for my life and how he'sbrought me out of a dark place.
(07:59):
The other thing I would say about that dark place is I think we're afraid, I was certainlyafraid to go through
pain.
I just wanted God to heal me just like that.
I mean, I remember saying, Lord, heal me, heal me, just heal me, you know, heal me.
But he needed me to go through a process to actually cling on to him, to seek him with allmy heart.
(08:21):
That thing about seek first his kingdom and all these things will be added unto you.
I had to really seek him and that involved so many things.
But yeah, that's my story, but I'm out the other side.
But that's not to say that it doesn't try and sneak in, you know, like a rat up a drainpipe.
(08:43):
Tries to scurry its way in, but I've got the tools now to bat it away, to push it backdown and get it back in the drain where it belongs.
Thanks, Jane.
Elle, how about you?
Yeah, I think for me, it's been a different process and journey.
only...
really realized that it was anxiety, fear that had been gripping onto me only about fiveyears ago, I'd say.
(09:09):
And it was one evening in lockdown, honestly, when God just revealed to me it's fear thathas been eating you alive this whole time.
And then now I look back on myself even as a little girl and I can see that it has likesneaked in, it sneaked in.
(09:32):
into my life, into my being from a young age.
But again, like I said, I didn't have the language for it.
I didn't know what that was and the things that I was going through and the panic attacks.
so it's definitely been almost, yeah, these past five years of really understanding what'sbeen going on and really
(09:57):
I guess God's just been revealing to me so much what the spirit of fear does too.
And, it's that that's been holding me back, keeping me inside, stopping me from doing somuch.
And also just like the really little kind of not even big things that would terrify me,but it would be the things like going to the post office or riding my bike, things like
(10:20):
that.
That is for so many people so normal and easy to do.
But actually for me, it was a real battle to do almost the simple things, to leave myhouse at times.
I felt like I was kind of barricaded into my home because of fear.
And it's really just been a journey of claiming freedom, of him really renewing my mindtoo.
(10:46):
Like I really want to emphasize the fact that that isn't just a cute little verse in theBible that he renews our minds.
Like that truly is.
a profound thing that he can do.
Our God can renew our mind and rewire and do like gentle healing too.
And I think that is the horrible reality of anxiety is that it could be so loud and sooverbearing and so all consuming wraps you up that you feel like you have no choice and to
(11:23):
just to come under it.
And I think
It's so horrible that so many of us all around the world come under it, feel under it, andcan't see hope.
We can't see almost the future or the next thing because it's so overbearing.
And I think also in my process, honestly, in my journey with anxiety is that I didn't letanyone in for a really long time.
(11:47):
I almost kept it quite quiet, not even my family really knew, my friends.
my husband was still trying to understand what was going on.
Like, why else?
You could do that yesterday, why can't you do that today?
Or I look back and I didn't let anyone in and that was such a roadblock for me because themoment we let people in and we let, we be vulnerable with people, there's an instant
(12:09):
accountability.
There's an instant, yeah, guard down that people can check in and...
pray and declare things over you, but I think for so long I just kept it to myself.
The moment I let people in, that was such a huge turn for me.
And so it's been a process of claiming the freedom of really giving it all to God.
(12:33):
I mean, there's so much to talk about even in that, but I've, through prayer anddeclaration, definitely like the stronghold of anxiety has been broken, but I don't want
to lie and say it doesn't creep up now again, like I said.
but I know now how to kind of shut down as soon as, and know that the spirit within me isstronger than the spirit in the world and that we do live with the Holy Spirit and what a
(13:00):
beautiful gift that is.
And to tell fear to shut up again and again and again.
That's great.
That's great, Elle.
Thank you so much for sharing that with us.
You have written your book, Say Goodbye to Anxiety in a short devotional style.
Is there a reason why you did it this way?
Does it help someone who's feeling anxious to engage more?
(13:22):
Or what was the thought behind, you know, presenting it in a more of a short piecedevotional format, rather than writing a book and lots of detail on anxiety?
I think sometimes when you read a book, you can gain a lot of knowledge.
But when you read a devotional, it is about the heart.
(13:44):
And obviously,
books aren't all about head knowledge.
But you read a book and then you get to the end of the chapter and you think, okay, well,what do I do now?
I've got all this knowledge, but actually how do I put it into practice?
So by having a Bible verse, having a reflection, having a worship song, having somejournaling questions, it's interactive.
(14:09):
You're having to connect with the Bible.
You're connecting with your thoughts and what's going on inside.
and you're giving them to God and you're inviting him in.
it, and I think also when you're going through anxiety, you don't need a sensory overloadbecause there's enough going on already.
(14:29):
So just to have something that you can do each day in the quiet, in your quiet space, inyour place with Jesus, having that dedicated time each day to reflect, to rest.
listen to something is I think for someone going through, we think for something, someonewho's going through anxiety it's a helpful way to put it together.
(14:56):
Great and you also have a space for journaling and you suggest also some practicalexercises and you suggest songs to listen to that fit with the day's theme.
Why did you include some of these more interactive elements?
It really makes them a great by the way I think.
But why did you include them?
Thanks, Matt.
(15:17):
thank you, Matt.
Yeah, I feel like I guess me personally, I find those things really helpful is whenthere's an interactive part of it, not only the journaling, but the song to listen to for
all the senses sort of thing.
Like you're listening, you're reading, you're taking it all in.
But I feel we wanted to include a song for every day as just the soundtrack for the day.
(15:42):
you know, songs are so, I mean, I love writing songs anyway, but I know that songs can getin your head, truth can get in your head.
And so we really wanted a song for each day for those could, they could just have that andrepeat almost the rest of the day, going to work, put it in your car after you've read
your devotional or as you're cooking the dinner, as you're bathing your kids, whatever itlooks like to have that song.
(16:09):
that really coincides with what we've been talking about on that specific day.
Like it's specifically chosen the lyric lyrically, you know, for that day to just remind,to remind us of what we've been talking about the truth and for it to spark throughout the
day too.
Like we, we hope that it kind of resonates throughout the day and to have conversationsabout it, you know, with different people even.
(16:36):
So
We wanted there to be an interactive element and with the journaling questions, it's justhelpful to exercise that out.
I think, you know, it's when, when you write things out physically, I know we're not eventyping here.
It's like physically using your pen and writing this stuff out.
(16:59):
It's such a process as you do it, spending time with the Lord.
So we wanted it to be interactive for sure.
I mean the very first chapter you open with the statement God is the God of hope.
So how important is it for us to know this truth especially when we are feeling anxious?
(17:20):
I mean it's absolutely foundational because anxiety takes away your hope.
You're anxious about tomorrow, you're anxious about today, you're anxious about all thethings you've got to do, you're anxious that you won't get better.
this is it.
that is actually, for me, that was one of the issues.
(17:40):
I thought I would never get better.
I thought that was it.
But that's not God's story for our life.
He's given us hope and hope is the anchor of our soul.
And I picture an anchor.
And when we were writing that, really sensed when you have, there's a warship and it usesan anchor.
And those anchors aren't small, they're huge.
(18:03):
The Bible talks about hope being the anchor and everything that God does is bigger thanbig.
speaks everything into being.
This anchor is huge and we can believe in it.
We can trust that hope is the anchor of our soul, that hope is our story, that things willget better.
(18:27):
And you just have to read the Bible and see the stories and the pattern.
of it that everybody goes through difficult times in their lives but they always getthrough.
They always get through to the other and God uses it for good and that's the hope we havein Jesus.
(18:47):
And you talk about the dangers of comparison as well.
Why is it so dangerous and how can we live differently or how can we stop this need to
compare ourselves to others all the time.
Yeah, I think comparison, they say, don't they?
(19:08):
Comparison really takes the joy out of everything.
It's the thief of joy, comparison.
And I know we can all relate to that.
There's not probably one person that has never compared themselves to anyone or to aparticular thing.
But I know in my life when that can creep up,
(19:32):
The most powerful thing to do is to celebrate the person or to celebrate the thing,whatever it is, and turn it around and flip it.
It's like we can sit in that place for however long.
Do know what mean?
If you don't deal with it, it just lingers, it grows, it festers, jealousy, bitterness,comparison just, it leaks, you know?
(19:58):
But I think if we don't act on it quick,
If we don't almost assess what's going on and kind of see from afar to celebrate thething, the person, it's so powerful to be grateful for the things that we have too.
think gratitude is a huge element with anxiety that again, it's not a little thing.
(20:22):
It's, know, in the Bible talks about give thanks, give thanks, give thanks.
And that's a lesson.
to us all is to give thanks.
Like that should be a daily thing anyway, to give thanks to God.
But when comparison arises, to give thanks for things is so powerful.
To realize what we've been given and to where we are is the right place to oursurroundings.
(20:48):
We're in the right place.
And actually if we were given the things that maybe other people were given, wouldn't fitus.
Joseph's coat was for Joseph.
You know, and if we were to put that on it, you know, too big too smelly.
I don't know too stripy It's like it's not for us so I think we got a really like givethanks to God for the things that we have received and The timing for healing is gonna
(21:18):
come, you know to not compare one another that that's happened for them then or that's Thetransformation has happened for them now.
It's like be patient
give thanks to God for what is happening in your life right now, what you're learning, therevelation, and get alongside people who are thankful, because it changes you.
Speaking of alarms and waking up, you also mention in your book about peaceful sleep.
(21:43):
Why is sleep so important and how can we sleep peacefully in the midst of trouble?
I love that question.
I've found a game changer for me.
is just saying the name of Jesus over and over again in my head.
Literally, it's been transformational because that's the only thing I can think about isJesus.
(22:09):
So I just say, Jesus, Jesus.
I mean, I don't speak it out loud because I'd wake my husband up.
But just saying it again and again.
And it might take a little while, but I get back to sleep or get off to sleep, even if myhead's whirring.
But I was also very thankful when I was actually
so unwell that I was able to sleep and that was a gift.
(22:31):
that's the other thing is, know, God gives us sleep if we ask for it and trust him that hewill give it to us.
Now you've got another chapter in your book called Angels.
It's an interesting chapter.
Why Angels?
And how can angels help with anxiety?
(22:52):
Yes.
I don't know about you, but I am just fascinated with angels anyway.
I just think they are real and how wild is that?
That angels are real and we don't talk about them, we?
We don't really often even like hear about them.
It's not in lots of like sermon messages, but I have just forever been so fascinated withangels.
(23:16):
And that verse, Psalm 91 that talks about, you know, God sends his angels concerning youto guard you.
and like it's in the Bible, it's truth.
I'm just like, wow, that's really cool.
And what that means for us when we're struggling with anxiety, whatever, know, almost fillin the blank really, that God sends his angels concerning us.
(23:42):
And I guess it's like it's an interesting chapter because yeah, people might know thatthey are.
they have angels concerning them, but I think it's a good reminder, honestly, that it'sGod who sends his angels.
And you know, all that verse that talks about, it's not against flesh and blood, is it?
(24:08):
It's what goes on, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers ofthis dark.
And there's a bigger thing going on than our mind right now.
Do you know what I mean?
that there's things that are going on in the spiritual realm.
God sending his angels to fight for us, you know, that it's pretty profound.
(24:33):
And as a Christian, as believers, to be aware of that too, that it's not just like littleus fighting on our own, you know, it's like God is sending his angels.
to fight for us too, to God to protect us and whether we feel that, whether we know thatit is true.
yeah, we wanted to include this chapter just to remind people like there's angels outthere.
(25:02):
Let us not forget, you know, it's a beautiful, beautiful reality.
Just before we go for a quick break, what top tips would you give to someone who islistening to this podcast?
and are struggling with anxiety right now.
I would say don't be afraid to go and see your doctor.
I went on medication and that was very helpful when I was really struggling to just eventhings up for me and put me in a position where I could actually sort of seek more help,
(25:35):
have counselling.
I would also say to find somebody that you can confide in.
have somebody who comes alongside you, who can pray with you.
But also know that people will put boundaries in place as well when you seek help, whichis a good thing.
So don't be put off if someone says, well, I can see you on Tuesday for half an hour.
(25:57):
Accept it because it's helpful, I think, to have that time as a focus, but also to knowthat we don't need to be reliant on people to get through this, as in totally reliant.
but they are there to come alongside us.
The other thing I would say is use your Bible, get it out.
(26:19):
I mean, I'm sure people are using their Bibles and they are getting them out.
I found it really helpful to keep repeating Bible verses, to ask God for Bible verses, tospeak them out.
Those are the things, I mean, there are lots of different things.
Elle will probably talk about a couple of others, but those are the things we're really
(26:40):
key for me is prayer, medication and the Bible.
For each of us there's so many different things that we, for all of us that help.
For me honestly, worship was such a huge thing.
I remember being not in a good place at all, but the only thing I could really do is justlike put on some worship music and just lie there and just have truth wash over me.
(27:06):
get in my head, there'd be times where I couldn't even have words, it would have to beinstrumental music, like worship music.
And so worship has been such an integral part of my life anyway, as a worship leader too,like knowing the power of songs, the power of truth in songs, the power of the spirit in
(27:26):
songs that actually, they're not just nice melodies, it's not just a nice tune, butactually it gets inside of us and...
tells our mind otherwise what's going on, know, the truth.
And there's the there was this one song that I would listen to over and over again, whichwas called praise before my breakthrough by Katie Torvald and Brian and it was that for
(27:52):
me.
It's just like praise before my break praise before I get better praise before I can seelike the other side is just I'm gonna I'm gonna be here Lord and I'm praise my way through
it praise before my breakthrough.
And again, that's not
like a worldly thing to do.
Do mean that's not what a pop set song says to do or but like that's what a worship songtells us and reminds us is that yeah, we're going to praise before our breakthrough.
(28:17):
We're going to praise before it even happens before the timing of our breakthrough.
But worship has been such a huge part of my story.
And even in my writing process is writing from that place of like, I push back this
darkness and I've got a song coming out called by fear and it talks all about that is likebye like get out don't come back anymore by fear and we're changing the locks here like
(28:47):
you cannot come back but it for me even writing about it writing the process of please donot come back again and I claim the joy claim the freedom peace make yourself at home
within me please so
Worship has been a huge thing.
Again, gratitude, but also practical things, letting people know, letting people in,telling people in that moment when I feel anxious is like just actually naming it as I
(29:16):
feel anxious today, or I feel anxious about this.
Just telling you because who knows how it's going to fester today, you know?
So I think actually speaking out loud as soon as you feel anxiety is really important.
Thank you.
Really helpful.
Thank you.
We're going to be coming back and speaking with Jane Kirby and Elle Limber again justafter this short break.
(29:44):
If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you can help keep it on the web.
All you've got to do is buy me a coffee.
Head over to buymeacoffee .com slash Matt McChlery to make a donation.
There is a link in this episode's show notes.
So go on, buy me a coffee today and help this podcast to keep supporting Christian booksand authors.
(30:10):
Hello, welcome back to the Christian Book Blur podcast.
I'm speaking with Elle Linebaugh and Jane Kirby about their book Say Goodbye to Anxiety.
Now Elle and Jane, just before the break we spoke a lot about your book but this side ofthe interval we like to chat a bit more about the authors themselves, find out a little
(30:30):
bit more about your lives and what you get up to when you're not writing books.
What do you guys do for fun?
Well, we actually both live by the sea, but in different locations.
So I love swimming in the sea.
I love going to the beach.
And yeah, that's...
(30:52):
And going for walks.
That's what I love doing.
There's nothing better.
There's nothing better than being outside.
I love drinking coffee and going...
Just wandering around our town with my...
my family, I've got two little boys and my husband.
love honestly, just hanging out with people.
I'm such a people person.
(31:13):
if yeah, people come around, hanging out, chatting, deep chats.
but I love the sunshine.
So anytime the sun is out, I'm there.
but yeah, love, love food.
Brunch is my favorite thing in the world.
So yeah, that's, that's a bit about me.
I was going to ask, what, your favorite foods are.
(31:33):
So yours is brunch.
Jane, do you have a favourite food?
Yogurt, muesli and fruit, kind of girl.
I just love it.
I can eat it every day.
I love cereal and almond croissants and fish and chips.
(31:55):
My husband works in a Christian trust, Ashburn and Place, and they just had a bakery thereand they make the most amazing almond croissants.
They are the best.
They're worth traveling for, I tell you.
yum.
Lovely.
Lovely.
Sound amazing.
If you got to choose a cartoon character to be or that represented you perhaps, whichcartoon character might you pick?
(32:26):
Scooby -Doo.
Love it.
Cartoon character, that is such a good question.
One of the seven dwarfs or something.
I've got little legs.
So have you got any family at all?
(32:47):
Yes, I'm married to Tom.
We have been married for seven years now.
We've got two little boys who are aged three and one, but we live in Brighton and I've gotfamily down the road too, which is lovely.
I'm the eldest of six.
So the majority of us around the corner.
But yeah, so my little sister literally lives at the bottom of our road.
(33:10):
So that is wonderful.
But yeah, quite a big fam.
but try and see each other as much as we can.
How about you, Jane?
I'm the eldest of five.
I've got husband James.
I was going to tell you about my siblings, but I thought actually we'd be here forever.
(33:32):
I have got two grown -up sons.
One is 23 and the other is 20.
And they are great.
And is writing books all you do?
No, no.
I publish a magazine called Truth, which is, we've just achieved charitable status, sowe're called Truth Generation.
(33:58):
And our vision is to, well, I mean, it's in the name, shared truth, the rising generation.
So to help make disciples of those who come to faith, but also encourage and reach out topeople who aren't.
Christians and for people to know their true worth in Jesus.
So that's the other thing I do and speak at different events and in my church.
(34:26):
Yeah.
So quite a full, but a good life.
That's great.
And Elle, I know you've mentioned before your involvement in the music world.
What can you tell us about that?
Yes.
Just want to shout out Truth magazine though.
you're listening and you're curious, go get it.
It's amazing.
It's full of just amazing, amazing things.
(34:47):
So not only get the book, but get the mag, okay?
Thanks, Elle.
Yes, I lead worship, write songs, and it's really a joy just to kind of see what God isdoing all over the world, within the church, but also just in general, just get to
(35:10):
go to lots of different youth events, conferences, church gatherings, but it's a real joyto see the young people just going for it at the moment.
Gen Z is so inspiring, how they're leading, how they're seeking Jesus.
It's so inspiring, honestly.
I'm challenged everywhere I go at the moment, just by their hearts for Jesus, honestly.
(35:36):
So.
Yeah, I guess writing songs got new music coming out soon, but I love it.
I love being...
Yeah, that I get to do this.
So it's a real joy to collaborate with different people, different artists, and also justmumming a lot of the time.
A mum, that is my main...
My main role.
(35:57):
So juggling all the things, travelling a ton with my family, whilst also, yeah, raisingtwo little men.
So it's a full life, but...
grateful.
Wonderful, that's great.
And just before we wind up this episode, could you tell us where people can find out moreabout you, where people can get the book, have you got a website, all that kind of stuff?
(36:25):
You can find me on Instagram, for my own Instagram, which is Jane Elizabeth Kirby or RebelHearts Rebel Girls and that is the website as well.
And the book, you can get it from any online retailer, I think, bookshop or go into a realbookshop, St Andrews Bookshop Stocks It.
(36:47):
Yeah.
and a number of other Christian bookshops.
But yeah, if you were going to go online, could probably even get it in WH Smith's,wherever you get your books from.
Wonderful.
You can find me at Elle underscore Line Bear on Instagram.
I think it's the same on Facebook, but I'm mostly on Instagram and my website isellilinebear .co .uk.
(37:11):
But yeah, like Jane said, you can get the book in many, places, which is really good news.
And they can listen to your music on music platforms.
Spotify, Music, YouTube, all the places.
Really excited for Elle's new song to come out, Bye Bye Fear.
I did hear it some time ago and it's, I mean, I've heard her sing it a couple of times,but it is incredibly powerful.
(37:36):
And I feel that it's a chain breaker.
I believe it's a chain breaker.
Yeah.
It's amazing.
Absolutely amazing.
Thank you,
Well, thank you both so much for joining me today.
Elle Limber and Jane Kirby.
Thank you so much for coming and chatting with us here on The Christian Book Blurb.
Thank you.
Thank you for having us, Matt.
It's been an absolute privilege.
And thank you for all the great questions you've asked as well.
(37:59):
Yes.
Thank you, Matt.
See you soon.
And thank you for listening to this episode of The Christian Book Blurb podcast.
I pray that you've been blessed by what you've heard and that you've been able to takesomething away with you to help you with your own.
discipleship.
Do check out my newsletter, sign up on my website, mattmcchlery .com and every now andthen I send out a newsletter and give away some of the books that we've been talking about
(38:27):
here on the Christian Book Blurb podcast.
So do go check that out over on my website.
But that just leaves me to say thank you for listening and I look forward to the pleasureof your company once again on another edition of the Christian Book Blurb where I'll be
speaking
with more Christian authors about their books, their lives and their faith.
(38:48):
See you soon.
Goodbye.
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