“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

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.