Monthly Archives: September 2021

What’s Your Story?

23 Thursday Sep 2021

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Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

How often do you think about your story? You know, the bestseller novel about your life? I’m guessing, for most of us, we don’t think about our personal story that often. If we do, it’s probably just about the current events only. We forget about all the parts of our journey leading up to the moment currently occupying our thoughts.

I’m currently writing a book. And it’s all about the stories of people I’ve had the honor of knowing through my counseling practice. These are people of many different walks of life. Young, old, rich, poor. Each person has a very unique story. One of the aspects of my job is encourage people to tell their story and learn from it.

What story do you have to tell? I bet you’re thinking about it now. In fact, I would bet that right now you are thinking of moments and/or situations in your life which you haven’t thought about in quite some time. Why do you think that is? Why do we push down pivotal moments in our life which directly impact who we are today?

Well, some of these moments are painful. And most people don’t like to feel pain. In fact, that is why the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse is so incredibly high today; people want to avoid pain. There is a desire to just be numb as opposed to feeling pain. But, friends, it is through pain that we grow in our discipleship the most.

“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” — Romans 5:3-5

And that is why it is important to embrace your story… all of it. Of course it is easier to think of and talk about the moments of smooth sailing. But how often are we moved to a place of surrender to God when life is going well? For many of us, we don’t go to our knees during the good times. We should but we don’t. It’s during the trials that we find ourselves in need of strength that is beyond our abilities.

I think about my patients and their vulnerabilities when they sit in my office. Almost without fail, I see a sense of relief come upon them when they get to simply tell me their story. All of it… the good, the bad, and the parts tossed deep in the proverbial closet. And it is through the telling of their stories that they begin to heal. For you see, once you begin to see your moments… where you were, where you are, and where you are going …you can see exactly where God has been present the entire time. And that turns your story into a testimony to His glory and the healing He gives to those who believe.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” — 2 Corinthians 1:3

Take some time to sit for a while with God, asking Him to help you write your story. You will be amazed at the way His hand has always been upon you. Hopefully, you will then share your story so that others may find comfort in God’s healing mercies. You are modern day disciple. Go tell the world of the wonderful works He has done within you.

Heart-heavy but hope-filled

04 Saturday Sep 2021

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Kentucky Lake – by Janean

I don’t know about you but I’m feel pretty heart-heavy this week. I can’t really focus on anything. There seems to be so much hopelessness in the air. Let’s face it, life right now is challenging.

I’m currently sitting at the lake. It’s my place, my anchoring place. It’s where I go when I feel out of sorts with the rest of the world. So here I am, listening to the birds and insects chirp and sing. There’s a slight breeze, causing just enough of a ripple that I can hear the water lap on the bank. Occasionally a fish jumps, interrupting the calmness of the water with its chaotic splash. Even the dragonflies wings make a buzzing sound by my ears as they look for a place to light.

Peace typically finds me here. But not today. Instead, my mind can’t escape the pain that threatens to consume everyone. Just in the past month, I’ve had patients bring to me some of the most intense struggles I’ve ever worked with.

Homelessness, poverty, addiction, despair.

Loss of a child, loss of a job, loss of a home, abandonment.

Human trafficking, abuse, rape, suicide, murder.

Covid, death, Afghanistan, betrayal.

This is just in the past month!

I am a bit angry about it all, to be honest. I don’t want to see these people suffering like they are. I don’t want to know they are in a pain I can’t fix. I don’t want them to hurt.

And then God responds, “Neither do I.”

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10

It is so hard to not be afraid or to feel hopeless but God continuously tells us in scripture that He has not forgotten us. We are not without hope or healing. We are not without mercy and grace. When the world tells us that it is only going to get worse and that there is no hope to be found, God tells us that He is the hope. He is the reason we have to be joyful in the face of tribulation.

But still, I throw up my hands in frustration at the state of the world. I don’t want to be like the toddler, throwing a fit when I don’t get my way;I can’t help but wonder when it’ll all finally end. When will the pain and suffering cease? When are you coming back, Jesus? Is it now?

They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.” — Acts 1:11

How easy it would be to focus on the empty sky, just waiting impatiently for Jesus to return. But that’s not our job. Instead, be alert while boldly living the life each is given.

Yes, there is a tremendous amount of pain and sadness in the world. But much of scripture is being relived right before our eyes. And with all of the despair, it is such a comfort to hear God’s word and remember that it still remains true today.

For even if the mountains walk away
    and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won’t walk away from you,
    my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.”
    The God who has compassion on you says so.

“Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied:
    I’m about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
Lay your foundations with sapphires,
    construct your towers with rubies,
Your gates with jewels,
    and all your walls with precious stones.
All your children will have God for their teacher—
    what a mentor for your children!
You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness,
    far from any trouble—nothing to fear!
    far from terror—it won’t even come close!
If anyone attacks you,
    don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them,
And if any should attack,
    nothing will come of it.
I create the blacksmith
    who fires up his forge
    and makes a weapon designed to kill.
I also create the destroyer—
    but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged.
Any accuser who takes you to court
    will be dismissed as a liar.
This is what God’s servants can expect.
    I’ll see to it that everything works out for the best.”
        God’s Decree. — Isaiah 54:10-17

I’m thankful for my anchoring place. It helps me to escape the world, instead falling into the Holy Spirit’s unfailing guidance. I may struggle with carrying the pain of others but I will joyfully proclaim His healing for the pain.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps you’re exhausted with the world and just need a respite. Won’t you allow God’s Word to embrace you, covering you like a blanket? There is nothing you are going through that He doesn’t understand. Praise be to God, He always understands.