Some conversations feel sacred because of their honesty.
In this deeply tender 2 part episode, Jenny and Lee sit down with Jaeden Cook as she shares her story of living with mental health issues with remarkable vulnerability and faith. Together, they explore what it looks like to choose Christ in the middle of real-life experiences—where questions, struggles, and growth are all part of the journey.
As Jaeden opens up about her experiences—including navigating anxiety—she offers a powerful reminder that our challenges do not define us. Discipleship isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about trusting the Savior in the process of becoming and allowing His grace to meet us exactly where we are.
This conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen with your heart, and recognize the quiet, steady ways Jesus Christ is present in your own story.
Resources Used In This Episode:
Jeffrey R. Holland, Broken Things To Mend, April 2006 General Conference
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Jaeden's early life and background
01:45 - Recognizing early signs of social anxiety and family influences
04:19 - The moment she realized she was different and accepting her identity
08:25 - The influence of grandparents and family on mental health awareness
10:07 - Defining social anxiety: fears and real-life examples
11:35 - Childhood experiences with social and academic pressures
13:31 - The major turning point in 11th grade and seeking help
14:37 - How service on a mission transformed her perspective
16:18 - Seeing herself through God's eyes and shedding societal labels
17:34 - The impact of therapeutic relationships and healing tools
19:27 - Embracing vulnerability as a source of strength
20:50 - The role of faith and gospel principles in her recovery
22:14 - Overcoming the misconception of being "rude" or "emotional"
24:40 - Navigating relationships and accepting her imperfections
27:06 - How her mission and spiritual experiences reinforced her self-worth
33:40 - Pivotal moments that shifted her understanding of divine support
36:50 - Recognizing agency and trusting divine timing in healing
44:10 - The importance of joy and growth alongside struggle
52:42 - The significance of sharing her story to inspire others
58:20 - Reinforcing the truth that "Sunday will come" despite hardships
62:37 - Practical habits: gratitude, humor, and self-love
66:56 - The power of authentic vulnerability and kindness
72:36 - The importance of striving for progress, not perfection
81:26 - Facing fears in sacred spaces and restoring her relationship with the temple
84:56 - The courage of vulnerability and its ripple effect
91:56 - Reflecting on God's hand in her journey and trusting divine timing
94:55 - The ongoing nature of personal redemption and growth
102:37 - Christ's suffering as a source of hope in dark times
105:58 - A message to listeners: You are worth it, and your story is still being written
New episodes are released every Wednesday morning.
To invite Jenny and Lee to speak at your fireside, devotional, Relief Society activity or other event, email them at jennyandlee@thedentsinmyarmor.com. They love invitations to speak either in person or virtually, and speak on a variety of topics including divine identity, how to lean on the Savior in both good times and hard times, and preparing for the Second Coming, both spiritually and temporally.