'Under the Magnolias' with T.I. Lowe
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Meet T.I. Lowe – The Woman Behind the Words
Under the Magnolias with T.I. Lowe – A Powerful Story of Faith, Mental Health & Redemption
Welcome to Sunburnt Souls, where faith and mental health intersect in raw, real, and redemptive conversations. In this episode, I sit down with bestselling Christian fiction author T.I. Lowe to dive into her deeply moving novel, Under the Magnolias. A story that beautifully captures the tension between faith, family, and mental illness, this book has resonated with readers worldwide—especially those navigating their own struggles.
T.I. Lowe has written over 20 books that explore themes of grace, redemption, and resilience, and Under the Magnolias is no exception. Today, we unpack the heart behind the story, the inspiration for her characters, and the powerful role of faith in the midst of mental health battles.
Dave Quak:
Tonia, thank you so much for being here today
T.I. Lowe:
Oh, thanks for having me, Dave. It's quite an honour.
Dave Quak:
It's my pleasure, Tonia. And, you know, for two people who speak English as our first language, I don’t think you can get two more different accents than Northern Australian and the southern states.
T.I. Lowe:
Yes, I think we have our own language, right?
Dave Quak:
We do! You know, I loved it when I was reading the book—some of the explanations and even some of the little phrases you threw in. But do you remember what Paul said when Austin first fainted? I know that’s a very specific reference.
T.I. Lowe:
Oh my gosh, I don’t know. It’s been a while.
Dave Quak:
Well, he yells out, “What in tarnation?”
T.I. Lowe:
What In tarnation? Yes!
Dave Quak:
Now, what is “what in tarnation”?
T.I. Lowe:
I always say, “What in tarnation?!” It’s like saying, “What in the world? What on earth?” It’s just, “What is that? Are you okay?” It’s not like an “Oh my gosh!” kind of exclamation. So yeah, it’s funny you said that. My editor is in Chicago, so she’s up north, and of course, she has to keep checking, “Is this a typo, or is this one of your southern sayings?”
T.I. Lowe:
And when it got to the part where Austin was warning the kids about playing under the barn, she asked, “What does ‘getting on a snake’ mean?” I had to explain that to her. I said, “One time, my pop was in his shed, opened a drawer, and a snake was sitting in his toolbox.” I told her, “That’s getting on a snake. You come up on one you’re not looking for.” So I’m always having to explain these crazy southern sayings to my editor.
Dave Quak:
I love it! She must be getting used to you by now. Have you had the same editor for all 20 books?
T.I. Lowe:
Yeah, since 2018, I’ve been with her. She's amazing. Very blessed to work with her. She’s also Francine Rivers' editor, so I don't know if you've read anything by Francine Rivers, but she's incredible.
Under the Magnolias – A Story of Strength, Struggle & Southern Charm
T.I. Lowe is a Christian fiction author from South Carolina, passionate about sharing stories of grace, redemption, and faith. Raised in a non-Christian household, she found Jesus through friends and overcame anxiety following her parents’ divorce. Her struggles with mental health deeply influence her writing, inspiring stories of hope and healing.
Lowe’s novels, like Under the Magnolias, explore themes of love, grace, and God’s redemption. A devoted mother and church member, she seeks to share God’s transformative power through her writing, reminding readers that, no matter the struggles, God’s love is always present.
I was researching prominent women authors, and my wife got me onto Francine Rivers. Then I read something she wrote about mental illness and how it should be incorporated more into fiction. You came up in the conversation, and one thing led to another. I ended up getting your book, and I have to say, it was the best audiobook I’ve listened to. Whoever you chose to narrate it was brilliant! Who was that?
T.I. Lowe:
That was Susan Bennett! The company that does the audiobooks sent me some samples, and as soon as I heard her, I knew she had to do it. She’s amazing, and anytime I can get her to narrate, I do. She had to do a Polish accent for Mrs. Wise and a Louisiana accent for Foxy—she did a great job differentiating all the characters.
Dave Quak:
Absolutely! She really leaned in. And even just the way she captured the power of the characters was incredible. Honestly, this was my first southern fiction that I’ve read.
T.I. Lowe:
I’m so honoured that you read my book. It blows my mind that you, of all people, read it!
Dave Quak:
It was a great experience! And I really appreciated how you painted so many verbal pictures. You know, it’s not often that a reader connects with a character who isn’t the protagonist, but I really resonated with David Foster. I thought he was brilliantly created.
T.I. Lowe:
Oh, well thank you. That story actually started with him, and for the longest time, I was going to write it from his point of view. But the more research I did, I felt like it needed to be told from the point of view of his family. But yes, the story definitely started with him.
Dave Quak:
Can I ask—because I read in an interview of yours that you don’t often base your characters on real people—was that the case with David Foster as well?
T.I. Lowe: It's always, I could tell people, I think authors are just natural-born observers, or paper people watchers. My characters are a combination of a lot of different people. But Dave, it started several years ago. This book's been out since 2021, but I wrote it for a few years before that. I kept seeing headlines—either on Facebook or in the newsfeed—about prominent men, like youth pastors or pastors, who were committing suicide. That really bothered me. I thought, why did they get to a point where they didn't think they could reach out for help? That just sent me down the rabbit hole of research.
The Bible is full of broken people
A lot of times, my books start with something I want to understand more. I know a lot of authors who start with a question they want to answer. For me, it was wanting to understand something more. And then, I prayed about it, went to the Bible because I always want to tie in Biblical themes. The more I read Psalms and looked into King David, I really think he struggled with his mental health. I’m no expert, but I feel like I’m a good observer. So that’s where my David came from.
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me”
Dave Quak: I absolutely agree. Just today, I was emailing a friend and we were sharing about one of the Psalms where King David says, "My tears are my food day and night." He spent the whole night grieving. He really experienced the full spectrum of emotions, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. I absolutely agree with you.
T.I. Lowe: He really did! In one Psalm, he’s dancing and praising, and in the next, he’s at the lowest of lows.
Dave Quak: Yeah, when I was reading it, I assumed you had someone like David in your life, because you were able to capture that intersection of being a man of God who absolutely loves Jesus while struggling with mental illness. You nailed it. It was spot on. We’d say in Australia it was "bang on." It was exactly right.
Dave Quak: Because that’s actually my journey. I’m a pastor, and I’ve been in ministry for 20 years, but I also have bipolar disorder. I could really connect with David’s struggle. There were so many moments when I read it, and I’ll make a confession—I cry about three times a year. So, I really have to plan these cries. And you took me by surprise in the shrimp scene.
T.I. Lowe: Yes! The shrimp scene.
Dave Quak: Yeah, it was so outlandish from Austin’s and everyone else’s perspective. But the first time I had a moment like that, I could resonate with what was going on in David’s mind during that night. It just clicked for me.
T.I. Lowe: Do you? Yeah. Explain what that is. Briefly explain it and maybe share when you've had an episode like that.
Dave Quak: When I’m manic, I get fixated on something, and I have to do it. It feels like it’s my world mission, like I’ve been designed to do it, and if I don’t do it, I won’t be able to sleep. Not only do I have to do it, but I have to recruit everyone to join me in my brilliant idea. I remember one time I gathered my family and said, "Okay, guys, I’ve got this great idea. We’re going to start buying outboard engines, fixing them up, and selling them again." They were like, "Dad, you know nothing about engines. You don’t like mechanics. This isn’t going to work."
But now, we've learned to manage it. If I come up with a crazy idea, they’ll just say, "Great idea! Let’s sit on it for two weeks." And usually, the idea passes. But that’s exactly what David was feeling. In his mind, he thought he’d solved the problem. It’s that same feeling of obsession when we’re manic.
T.I. Lowe: A lot of the research I did showed that people with bipolar can get obsessed or fixated on things, like shopping or hoarding. When I wrote the shrimp idea, I wondered, what would Dave do out there on the farm? A friend of mine, whose husband struggles with bipolar, read the book and called me to say, "You nailed it with the shrimp scene. That’s exactly what my husband experiences."
T.I. Lowe: When I approach a topic like this, whether it’s bipolar or substance abuse, I want to make sure I respect those going through it. So when I get feedback like yours, it’s a confirmation that I’ve done my job. I really appreciate you reaching out.
Dave Quak: Tonia, you absolutely did your job. Thank you for being so thoughtful about it.
T.I. Lowe: Well, thank you.
Dave Quak: You know, in my opinion, being able to help people understand it is important, but what I think your book does is make people actually feel it. They really get into the headspace of what it must be like, not only to be a David, but also to be Austin and all the kids, trying to understand how to live with someone who's struggling with bipolar, or any mental illness for that matter.
T.I Lowe: When we sent it to the publishers to read it for the first time, there’s a scene where Peg smart mouths the man about strawberries, and then Dave takes them all back to the barn. They’re all holding their breath when Dave takes the belt off, thinking, “Don’t do it, Tonia.” They all thought he was going to go after Peg, but instead, he took it out on himself. The publishers said that moment really gave a new spin on how we view someone struggling with bipolar or other conditions like that. I said, “Dave wasn’t a bad guy. He was a good man, wanting God’s heart just like King David. He just had a mental condition and needed treatment for it.”
Dave Quak: Yeah, I thought that was great. What I really appreciated, from a personal perspective, was how he was dealing with the fact that he was still a man of God, leading a church and preaching with such passion. Sometimes, when that passion and mania mix, like in my case, it can be overwhelming for people. But you can appreciate how that might feel—hearing from God, yet having to sift through your own thoughts and emotions, especially the unhelpful ones. It can be such a confusing time, and I think that was illustrated really well.
T.I Lowe: Oh, thank you.
Dave Quak: How long was it? Because it covered a significant time span. How many years do you think passed in the book, from the shrimp incident to when David starts getting help?
T.I Lowe: Going back a little, even before the shrimp scene, Austen’s mom had passed, and she was helping Dave, trying to protect the kids from some of what was happening. So, he’d already been struggling. As for the shrimp scene, oh my goodness, how old was he? I had a whole timeline for each of the kids because, you know, there’s a bunch of them.
Dave Quak: You’d need to mind map the whole room just to keep track of that!
T.I Lowe: Yeah, I had a list of each child’s age and the progression over the years, from chapter to chapter. But the shrimp scene… I had to think for a minute.
Dave Quak: Even from the beginning, you can see it’s a long journey for him.
Dave’s Story – A Pastor’s Journey with Bipolar Disorder
T.I Lowe: Yeah, she’s 13 at the start, and by the end, she’s a young adult. So, what about you? How old were you when you first started feeling like something was off?
Dave Quak: I’m 43 now. I was diagnosed with anxiety about eight years ago, but it was more like depression at first, which was the start of the process. However, it was kind of a misdiagnosis because I only went to the doctor when I was feeling really down. When I was manic, I thought I was just being impulsive or over-energetic, not realising how much damage it was doing. I’d sleep only about eight hours a night for months, with racing thoughts. It took me a while to realise it wasn’t “normal.”
Dave Quak: Looking back, I can see the signs were always there, building and building, until it came to a head about six years ago when I finally saw a psychiatrist.
T.I Lowe: Do you feel like, as a pastor, it was harder for you to get the help you needed? Like it took longer for you to take that step?
Dave Quak: Yeah, it did. And I was surprised by that because if it were a friend or loved one, I’d be all in, supporting them. But because it was me, it felt like I had to separate the spiritual and mental health, even though they’re all part of the same person. We sometimes see them as two different parts of someone, but they’re not. We’re made in God’s image, struggling in different areas.
Dave Quak: I was okay with antidepressants, but when I was prescribed Seroquel, which is an antipsychotic, that hit me differently. The term “antipsychotic” has certain connotations that are a bit hard to swallow.
Dave Quak: Earlier, you mentioned noticing an increase in suicide among prominent men. Have you seen any shift in awareness regarding mental illness in your sphere, particularly over in the States?
T.I. Lowe: Well, after seeing those headlines and doing the research, I hope we're making progress. But we still have a long way to go. That was one of the reasons I set the book in the 80s, which made it harder. Back then, the treatments were different, and they didn't even call it bipolar—just manic depression.
Crazy enough, research showed that people dealing with that were often put in nursing homes. It floored me to look back at the 80s. But I thought if I set it back then, people would see how far we've come. But the reality is, we're still dealing with it. So let’s talk about it. And I've had some great conversations about it. I hope that’s what the book does—open up conversations.
Dave Quak: It definitely does. I can assure you of that. I was looking at the reviews, and there are thousands of them. People are reading your book, which is amazing! It's out there and ministering to people.
T.I. Lowe: It amazes me too. I didn’t have a contract for this book. It was during the pandemic, and I just wanted to write it to understand something better. My agent kept asking, “What are you working on?” And I said, “Well, just this little story for myself.” She said, “Are you ever going to let me see it?” I said, “Maybe one day.” Then, when I finished it, she kept pushing me. So, I sent it to her during the pandemic, and she came back saying, “I don’t cry easily, but when I got to that church scene near the end, I cried like a baby.”
She said, “I’ve got to send this in,” and the next thing I knew, it just blew up. It’s amazing how this little story, which was just for me to understand, resonated with so many people. They keep talking about that church scene, and how it sticks with them. In my mind, that’s what God intended for the church to be—no matter your brokenness, no matter what you’re going through, the church should be a hospital. God’s hospital.
Dave Quak: Absolutely. Are you referring to the scene where Austin goes to the door, and she’s about to tell everyone to go home, but then they call her in? That one with Ida?
T.I. Lowe: Yes, that’s the one. Even though David was going through so many struggles privately, he still touched so many lives. It’s like you said earlier about grappling with taking care of yourself while still helping your church family. You keep doing it because those people need you.
T.I. Lowe: Do you openly speak about your struggles in your church? Do you go in and say, "I’m having a rough day today," or do you try to keep that to yourself?
Dave Quak: Yeah, I do. I’m open about it now. It grew progressively over time, and then when we launched the podcast, the first episode was “The Pastor with Bipolar.” I just ripped the band-aid off and sent it to everyone I knew. It really helped because in those moments when I was feeling frail and vulnerable, I was met with love and support.
People said, “I’m praying for you,” and “Thank you for sharing.” Since then, I’ve received messages from people in similar positions who feel like they haven’t had support in the past. It’s starting to grow a bit, but, like you said, we still have a long way to go—especially in faith communities.
Dave Quak: It's important to normalise it. In Australia, our latest stats show that 1 in 4 people will experience anxiety in their lifetime to the point where intervention is needed. That's 1 in 4 people in our congregations. They're sitting there in the church building, you know. So, we really need to address it.
T.I Lowe: Oh my goodness. And by you being open about it, it helps your congregation feel that it's a safe place to open up as well. I think that's fantastic. I listened to your first podcast, and wow—what a great, awesome ministry you're running. You've really opened doors for people to feel comfortable talking about it.
Dave Quak: Thank you, Tonia. I'm really honoured that you listened. I didn’t expect that. This feels like a God-ordained conversation for so many reasons. What I’ve been trying to figure out is how to articulate the importance of creating space for people's stories to come alive, which is exactly what you've done. I don’t know how you did it.
I love that you did the research, but now I actually feel invested in David's story. I want to know what happens next! It's strange, but I feel connected to the character, almost like I’m grieving for him. It's so weird. My mates are going to listen to this and be like, "Dave, that's not you at all."
But it’s true! I've never felt this way about a character before. I want to know how it goes, I hope there’s a sequel. I want to see milestones, kids growing up, all that. But I guess we can’t have that. Anyway, I haven’t read your other books, but you mentioned earlier that themes like abuse flow through your writing.
Grit with Grace – Why Brokenness & Redemption Go Hand in Hand
T.I Lowe: It's funny you mention that word from your first podcast, because I had a reviewer describe my writing from the very beginning, and I’ve taken it as my own mantra: "I write grace, I write grit with grace." The world is full of grit, in all sorts of forms.
But I think if you approach it with grace, it makes all the difference. When I start a book, I ask God to give me the story He wants me to tell, and I try not to get in the way of it—because that’s just me getting in the way of His plan.
T.I Lowe: And for some reason, with Under the Magnolias, I just didn’t get in the way at all. It was like God gave me that story, and I didn’t worry about a thing while writing it. Maybe because I wasn’t nervous about sharing it with an editor or agent; I was just writing what came to me. I feel like God has really blessed it. It’s crazy—last June, it hit number one in Sweden.
Dave Quak: In Sweden?
T.I Lowe: Yeah, I know! How does that happen? It still blows my mind. And it wasn’t just number one in Christian fiction—it was across the board, in all fiction categories.
Dave Quak: That’s amazing! It’s everywhere. If you Google it, it’s just everywhere.
T.I Lowe: Yeah, it’s insane. I can’t believe it.
Dave Quak: God has a way of using imperfect people to teach us. He didn’t put just the shining parts of people’s stories in the Bible—He showed us the grit, but He also showed us the grace. In my books, I don't write perfect characters, because they don’t exist.
T.I Lowe: Exactly. And I think people can relate to that. Just like you being open to your congregation, they can relate to that too. What you're doing is a wonderful service for your people, creating a space where they can come to you with their struggles and know that they won't be judged.
Dave Quak: Thank you.
T.I. Lowe: So many emails I received, people just opening up and sharing their stories. And that's always my favourite part of the writing process or the book process.
Dave Quak: Tonya, one thing I really appreciated when I read your book is how the grace narratives shine through. You can tell it comes from a place of real relationship with Jesus. Tell us about your journey with Jesus. How did you meet Him, and what’s your faith like over there in Carolina?
T.I. Lowe: Well, where I live, we have a church on just about every corner, so it would have been ridiculous for me not to find Jesus. But He definitely found me. My family didn’t go to church growing up, but I had friends whose families did. If I stayed with them, I had to go to church with them—otherwise, we couldn’t do anything on Sunday afternoons.
They weren’t a perfect family, but they had something that my family was missing. I started to hunger for what they had. So I went with them, and I remember secretly wanting to be a writer, though I didn’t pursue it until I was 38. But one of my biggest dreams was to be a writer and to have a family that would go to church, just like the family I stayed with.
At 21, I gave my life to Jesus. I struggled a lot with anxiety, especially after my parents divorced, and I had anxiety attacks. I had to be put on medication in my young adult years. It’s amazing that God helped me through that. I didn’t think I could handle it until I was 21, but since then, even though I still struggle, having Jesus in my life and focusing on Him has been incredible. We’ve been going to church ever since.
I’ve raised both my children in church—my 23-year-old son lives in Charleston, a couple of hours away, and my daughter is almost 18 and about to graduate high school. We’re not perfect, but we’ve tried to raise them with the love of God. Even from the very beginning with my writing, I wanted it to be from God. I’ve stayed in the Christian fiction world, and I write with grace.
The more I study the Bible, the more I realise it’s full of people just like me—flawed and struggling. God put those people in the Bible for us to learn from. I just want to keep sharing stories like that.
Dave Quak: That’s amazing, and I love how, even through your own anxiety, it hasn’t stopped you from being usable for the Kingdom. I think one thing I want to champion is that people with mental health struggles are very much usable in God’s Kingdom. You mentioned the Bible—was your own anxiety a bit of a motivator behind writing Grit with Grace? Was it the idea that people living through tough stuff, like anxiety, need to know they’re not alone?
T.I. Lowe: For sure. And to be honest with you, social media was also a motivator. So often, people paint a perfect picture on Facebook or Instagram, and I’m like, that’s not real. Behind those pictures, there’s a lot going on, and I just wanted to remove those perfect images and share what people really go through.
Dave Quak: While you’re doing that, Tonia, is there anything in the pipeline we can be looking forward to? Without giving away too much, of course.
Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again.
As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.
T.I. Lowe: Well, we have a new book coming out in September. I’ve got an advance copy here that I need to send out to bookstores. It’s about an abandoned town in South Carolina—a ghost town. This woman, who has a lot of ghosts in her past, is going to come in and redevelop the entire town with her company. While uncovering the town’s secrets, she’ll also explore her own issues and past.
Dave Quak: What’s her name?
T.I. Lowe: Her name is Avery. I thought it was a great southern name!
Dave Quak: I love it. Sounds perfect. So, for your books, do you prefer people buy them from Amazon or where do you like them to get them?
T.I. Lowe: Anywhere books are sold—Amazon, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, or your local independent bookstore. I really love supporting independent bookstores.
Dave Quak: Have you heard of Koorong? It’s one of the largest Australian Christian bookstore chains. I was wondering if it might be there too.
T.I. Lowe: How do you spell it?
Dave Quak: It’s Koorong. I grabbed my copy from Amazon because it was easier, and then I got the audiobook as well—it was really affordable.
T.I. Lowe: The audiobook for Under the Magnolias turned out excellent. They did a great job.
Dave Quak: You know, your voice would be perfect for it too, Tonia. You’ve got that great southern tone.
T.I. Lowe: See, the more nervous I get, the more I slur my words, and I’d make a mess of it! I can write, but I can’t talk like that!
Dave Quak: You’re being too hard on yourself. But hey, the Australian accent is pretty rough. First thing in the morning, I bet you’re thinking, "I need some coffee before I listen to Dave."
T.I. Lowe: No, I love it! I was actually looking forward to it.
Dave Quak: Well, Tonya, it’s been a real pleasure, and I sincerely appreciate your time. Before we wind up, would you be comfortable praying for our listeners? We’d really appreciate it.
T.I. Lowe: Of course, let’s pray.
Dear God, we thank You for this morning, for this evening, and for allowing me to meet Dave. I’m so honoured that You’ve allowed my book to be in his hands and that we could share it with so many today. I ask that You bless his ministry and continue guiding people to his podcast, opening up conversations about our struggles. Thank You for giving us platforms to speak. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Some frequently asked questions
It’s OK (and Encouraged) to Ask Questions About Faith! Faith is a journey, and asking questions is a natural and important part of growing in it. Whether you’re exploring Christianity for the first time or have been following Jesus for years, there’s always room to ask, wrestle, and discover more. God isn’t afraid of our doubts, and neither are we!
What Does the Bible Say About Mental Illness and Faith?
The Bible acknowledges the struggles of mental illness through figures like King David, Elijah, and Job, who battled despair and anxiety. Verses such as Psalm 34:18 (“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”) affirm that God is present in our struggles. Christian faith does not dismiss mental illness but calls believers to seek support, healing, and community while trusting in God’s grace.
Can a Christian Have Bipolar Disorder and Still Be a Faithful Leader?
Yes, Christians with bipolar disorder can faithfully serve as pastors, leaders, and mentors. Many biblical figures, including David and Paul, experienced extreme emotional highs and lows yet remained steadfast in their calling. Faith and mental illness are not mutually exclusive—God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Seeking medical treatment, therapy, and spiritual support can enable Christians to lead while managing their mental health.
How Can the Church Support People Struggling with Depression and Anxiety?
Churches can support those with mental health struggles by fostering a culture of openness, offering pastoral care, and partnering with Christian counselors. Practical steps include creating mental health ministries, hosting support groups, and encouraging honest conversations about struggles. James 5:16 calls believers to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed,” emphasizing the power of community and prayer.
Why Do Some Christians Feel Guilty About Taking Medication for Mental Illness?
Many Christians struggle with guilt over taking medication for depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder due to misconceptions that faith alone should be enough for healing. However, just as insulin helps manage diabetes, medication can stabilize brain chemistry for those with mental illness. Luke, a physician in the Bible, reminds us that seeking medical help is not a lack of faith but a means of stewardship over our bodies (Colossians 3:23-24).
How Can Faith Help in Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts?
Faith provides hope and purpose amid despair. Turning to Scripture, such as Psalm 42:11 (“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God”), reminds believers that they are not alone. Seeking pastoral counseling, prayer, and professional therapy can be life-saving. The church must create safe spaces where people can express their struggles without shame, reinforcing that God’s love is unshakable, even in the darkest moments.
This is a sample of the many epic books by T.I Lowe. There are plenty more! Check them out on Amazon!
