Living an Integrated Life with Jackie Angel

Jackie Angel, a worship leader, speaker, and author, joined Pushpay at NEC to discuss the concept of living an integrated life. Jackie shared personal insights from her journey of faith, family, and finding wholeness, speaking to the importance of integrating spirituality and psychology. Along with her husband, Bobby, Jackie has committed to building a Christ-centered family and life, and she shared how that focus guides everything they do.

Understanding Human Formation

Jackie began by talking about her passion for human formation, something she and Bobby, who works with CatholicPsych, have embraced in their family and ministry. They’ve worked to integrate spiritual, pastoral, and human formation, grounded in a view of the human person inspired by Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

“Living an integrated life means letting Jesus into the deepest parts of our hearts,” Jackie shared. She emphasized that true healing requires more than just spiritual practices; it involves recognizing our emotional and psychological needs as well.

Vulnerability plays a key role in this process. Jackie compared it to gold being refined, explaining how struggles and suffering bring impurities to the surface, allowing God to purify us over time. Her message was clear: being honest with ourselves and God about our wounds is the path to deeper healing.

Blending Psychology and Faith

One key point Jackie made was the importance of blending psychology with faith for holistic healing. She referenced Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist, who combines psychology with Catholic teachings on the human person. While modern psychology sometimes veers away from Catholic understanding, Jackie explained, there are approaches like attachment theory and internal family systems that align well with how God created us.

She also reflected on how the Catholic Church’s stance on mental health has shifted. Whereas past generations were often told to “pray it away,” there’s now more recognition that both spiritual and mental health need attention. Vulnerability, far from being a weakness, can lead to a deeper connection with God.

Building a Christ-Centered Family

Jackie and Bobby are now raising their four children in Dallas, Texas, where they homeschool and focus on cultivating a Christ-centered home. Jackie spoke about how they work to keep faith at the center of family life, whether through daily prayer, meaningful conversations, or enjoying the simple moments together.

One of the themes she touched on was the importance of shared faith in their marriage. While Bobby is her best friend and partner, Jackie noted that her heart still longs for something only God can fill. “Even when you’re married to your best friend, there’s still that ache for something more, and that’s Jesus,” she said with a smile.

Living as the Hands and Feet of Christ

Jackie reminded the audience that after receiving the Eucharist, we become the body of Christ in the world. She encouraged everyone to live out their faith wherever they go—whether that’s with friends, at work, or even in line at the grocery store.

Jackie shared some personal stories of how she evangelizes in everyday moments, like talking to Uber drivers or hospital nurses. These encounters, she said, are opportunities to share Christ’s love in a way that resonates with each person.

“We are all needed in the body of Christ,” Jackie explained. “I can’t do what you can do, but together we’re building up the Kingdom.”

Closing Reflections on Faith

Jackie ended the conversation with a reflection on integrating faith into daily life. She spoke about the power of prayer and fasting, especially when praying for loved ones who have drifted from the faith.

“Prayer is powerful,” she said. “Sometimes fasting is that extra step that makes the difference.” Her final message to the audience was one of joy and hope, echoing Mother Teresa’s words: “Joy is the net of love by which we catch souls.”

Staying Connected with Jackie Angel

To follow along with Jackie’s journey, you can find her on Instagram at @JackieFrancois, where she shares updates about her faith, family, and ministry. She also co-hosts the Conversations with Jackie and Bobby podcast, where they interview guests with remarkable stories of faith and miracles.