Permission to Rest: Why Grace is the New Power Move

Women's Journal Staff on July 9, 2025

“Grace isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And rest isn’t quitting—it’s reclaiming your strength.”

— Ticki Favaroth

If you’ve felt the weight of the world lately—between rising costs, relentless headlines, and the invisible toll of emotional exhaustion—you’re not alone. July, designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, reminds us that for many Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other communities of color, the conversation around mental wellness is more than necessary—it’s urgent.

In a culture that celebrates nonstop hustle and rewards exhaustion, grace has become a radical, revolutionary act. That’s why this moment matters. And it’s also why I wrote Anchored in Grace—not as a spiritual luxury, but as a survival guide for me and women carrying heavy loads in silence.

The Struggle Beneath the Strength

For generations, we’ve worn strength like armor. We’ve been praised for pushing through pain, admired for never missing a beat, and conditioned to think that rest is earned only after total burnout.

But beneath our polished appearances, many are spiritually depleted and emotionally overwhelmed.

Statistically, the numbers are staggering. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

Less than 50% of Black adults with mental health conditions receive care.
Asian Americans are 60% less likely than white Americans to seek mental health services.
In 2021, just 25% of Asian Americans, 36% of Hispanic adults, and 39% of Black adults with mental illness accessed treatment.

And these numbers don’t even touch the spiritual burden many quietly carry religious guilt, burnout from caregiving and serving, questions about God’s presence during hard times. Too many are told, “Just pray about it,” or “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” But I believe faith and mental health are not in conflict—they’re companions on the journey to healing.

Therapy and prayer must sit at the same table. Jesus and your licensed counselor are not competitors. Seeking help is not a betrayal of faith—it is an act of faith. And sometimes, permission to rest is the most powerful prayer you can offer yourself.

Anchored in Grace

I didn’t plan to write a devotional. It was born in the still moments—between leadership meetings, late-night caregiving, and my own silent prayers for strength. God met me in that season and asked, “Now that you’ve lived your way, what will you do for the Kingdom?” That question stopped me in my tracks.

I knew I wasn’t alone. So many women—especially Black and Brown women in positions of leadership and responsibility—needed more than motivation. We needed space. A sacred pause. A soft place to land when the world felt hard.

And so Anchored in Grace began—not as a book but was my lifeline. A it’s a quiet invitation for others to come home to ourselves and to God, again and again.

Why Grace Works

Science is catching up to what the soul has always known: grace heals. A meta-analysis of over 80 years of research found that spiritual engagement consistently correlates with lower depression and higher life satisfaction. Specific practices—like gratitude journaling, prayer, and meditative reflection—have a measurable impact on emotional well-being. One study found that writing a gratitude letter increased happiness by 10% and reduced depressive symptoms weeks later.

But grace isn’t just a practice—it’s a posture. It’s how we speak to ourselves when we’re tired. It’s how we forgive ourselves when we miss the mark. It’s how we come back to the center when the world pulls us away.

A Summer of Grace: A Simple Practice Guide

Here’s how I invite women to walk in grace, especially during a month when the sun is hot, but hearts are heavy:

Morning Grace Ritual (5 minutes)
Before your feet touch the floor, pause. Breathe. Whisper thanks. Read a single scripture. Journal one thing you’re grateful for. Then speak this aloud: “Today, I’m covered. I am walking in the highest version of myself.”

Midday Pause (3 minutes)
Step away. Let the sun hit your skin. Take a deep breath. Say: “My steps are ordered. Show me how at this moment. “This breaks the cycle of stress and invites God into your present.

Evening Return (5–10 minutes)
Before bed, reflect. Where did you see God show up today? Write it down. Then say: “Thank You for giving me peace while I rest and clarity for the road ahead.” And then—rest. Release. Receive.

These aren’t dramatic rituals. They’re small, sacred decisions that keep us connected to grace.

Meet Ticki

Permission to Rest Why Grace is the New Power Move

Photo Courtesy: Cheryl Polote Williamson

As a CEO, strategist, and author, who leads HR&Co., is the VP&COO of the BOW Collective, and President of BOW Enterprises—all organizations dedicated to empowering people and legacy, especially women of color, in business and leadership. Collectively, the members of our network generate over $1.7 billion annually. But the work that fuels me most is soul work—helping women reclaim their spiritual identity, rest in God’s presence, and move through the world with intention and peace. Grace isn’t a break from the mission. It is the mission.

This July: Choose Grace

July is more than heat waves and holiday weekends. For many, it’s a season of overwhelm. But it can also be the season where we choose something different.

This National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, choose to make grace your strategy, not your fallback. Choose to rest without guilt. To seek help without shame. To walk slower. To say “no” more often. To honor the God within you by honoring the body and mind He gave you.

As I remind women every day:

You are not broken. You are beloved. And you are allowed to breathe.
Grace doesn’t just carry us through the storm—it teaches us how to dance in the rain.

Final Reflection

This month, as the world keeps spinning fast, you can choose to walk slower. To rest longer. To root deeper. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to make it through the day—Ticki Favaroth’s Anchored in Grace offers a quiet companion through the noise.

So, this July, don’t just acknowledge Minority Mental Health Awareness Month—honor it. With grace.

Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared in this article are those of the author and are intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. This content should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or spiritual advice. Always seek the guidance of qualified professionals with any questions regarding your well-being.

Why Crisis Education Matters

Research highlights the growing importance of addressing societal issues early. A report from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that 20% of students aged 12–18 report experiencing bullying, while the CDC observes that suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. These statistics underscore the need for preventative measures that emphasize education, awareness, and practical resources.

Crisis education programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage these issues. By including real-world scenarios, such programs help foster emotional intelligence (EI) and teach students how to approach adversity. Evidence suggests that students with higher EI are better able to make informed decisions, form healthy relationships, and lead with empathy—all qualities that could benefit them in future leadership roles.

The Role of Technology: Introducing the Smart Crisis Card

In addition to educational initiatives, technology can play a critical role in enhancing student safety. Tools like the Smart Crisis Card, developed by Naomi Riley, founder of Text Pledge, provide instant access to important resources, including emergency numbers for human trafficking, poison control, and mental health support. With her background as a brain injury survivor and mental health advocate, Riley developed the Smart Crisis Card as a resource to assist students during emergencies, offering quick access to support at crucial moments.

The card is designed to integrate seamlessly with mobile devices, ensuring it is available whenever needed. Drawing on her expertise in education reform and crisis prevention, Riley emphasizes the importance of tools like this in helping students bypass the brain’s natural fight-or-flight response, which can sometimes impair decision-making. Instead, the Smart Crisis Card offers clear, actionable steps that support students in managing crises effectively and with confidence.

Schools that have adopted this technology have reported promising improvements in safety outcomes. For instance, a pilot program observed a 30% reduction in crisis response times, providing some validation for Riley’s approach of combining education with technology to promote safer learning environments.

As Riley notes, “Empowering students with the right tools can help them not only manage immediate crises but also build the emotional resilience they may need to thrive in the future.”

Bridging the Gap: A Comprehensive Approach

Crisis education and tools like the Smart Crisis Card can be most effective when used together. This combination addresses both preventative and reactive measures, helping students act with both knowledge and confidence. When integrated into school curricula, these resources can contribute to building a culture of safety and resilience.

A comprehensive approach also requires attention to diversity and inclusion. Adapting programs to meet the needs of various communities ensures that all students feel recognized, understood, and supported. Whether it involves tackling cultural stigmas surrounding mental health or providing resources for students with disabilities, this inclusive approach helps foster empathy and awareness.

Action Steps for Parents and Educators

Incorporate Crisis Education: Advocate for programs that address relevant issues like bullying, mental health, and distracted driving in developmentally appropriate ways.

Leverage Technology: Consider implementing tools like the Smart Crisis Card to ensure students have easy access to important, lifesaving resources.

Foster Emotional Intelligence: Introduce EI training in schools to support students’ emotional resilience and decision-making capabilities.

Prioritize Diversity: Ensure that programs consider the unique challenges faced by diverse student populations.

Encourage Collaboration: Partner with organizations like Text Pledge to integrate proven solutions into educational settings.

The Path Forward

Students today face a range of challenges, but with the right tools and education, they can be better equipped to navigate them. Crisis education, when paired with innovative technology like the Smart Crisis Card, represents a significant step toward fostering safer and healthier schools.

Parents, educators, and policymakers all play an important role in providing students with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive. By focusing on prevention and making thoughtful use of technology, we can contribute to shaping a generation of resilient, emotionally intelligent individuals who are well-prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.