Because I remember, I despair. Because I remember, I have the duty to reject despair. Elie Weisel, Holocaust survivor What is Despair? It isn't often that you hear someone say, "I am in despair!" A friend is more likely to admit depression than despair. Depression is a very real condition and clinical depression can be … Continue reading Despair is Not The Last Word
Jesus
Empathy A Sin? You’re Kidding, Right?
This site contains affiliate links to books. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Empathy has been getting a lot of press recently, and not in a good way. Past controversial statements by John Piper came to light recently concerning empathy. This occurred amidst the July resignations of staff members from … Continue reading Empathy A Sin? You’re Kidding, Right?
Toxic Christian Relationships
There is an intriguing story in the book of John. You'll find it in chapter 8:1-11. 2 Now [a]early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had … Continue reading Toxic Christian Relationships
Continuing The Conversation: PTSD After Sexual Trauma
This site contains affiliate links to books. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. In the late 90's, I began venturing into the early stages of my counseling education. In addition, I began a required semester of volunteer counseling. My first clients were women from the large church my family attended. … Continue reading Continuing The Conversation: PTSD After Sexual Trauma
Unsafe People: Knowing the Difference From Safe People
This site contains affiliate links to books. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Have you ever started a relationship with someone only to discover along the way - weeks, months, even a year later - that he isn't who he presented himself to be? The loving promises turned into defensiveness … Continue reading Unsafe People: Knowing the Difference From Safe People
Shame: Healthy Shame Versus Toxic Shame
This site contains affiliate links to books. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. There is healthy shame and there is toxic shame. I have known mostly toxic shame throughout my life, gleaned from dysfunctional parenting and religion... but I have ever so gradually learned that healthy shame is possible to … Continue reading Shame: Healthy Shame Versus Toxic Shame
Living Life Without Codependency…or at Least Less
Last week we talked about the types of homes that produce a codependent person. In addition, we began learning how to recognize the characteristics of codependency. Today, we are going to see how we can live a life without codependency...or at least with less codependent behavior. A Brief Review Unfortunately, codependents have low self-esteem. Due … Continue reading Living Life Without Codependency…or at Least Less
Codependency: Which is Me and Which is You?
This site contains affiliate links to books. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. The word codependency has been somewhat of a buzz word since the late 80's. Generally, we're referring to someone who is extremely clingy with her partner. However, codependency is much deeper than that. A codependent relationship becomes so … Continue reading Codependency: Which is Me and Which is You?
Abandonment: An Anxious, Overwhelming Fear
Fear of AbandonmentThere are many of us who struggle with fear of abandonment. This anxious, overwhelming fear that someone you love is going to leave you. It isn't a diagnosed mental health disorder, but it involves a high level of anxiety. Early childhood attachment wounds or some type of trauma are usually at the core … Continue reading Abandonment: An Anxious, Overwhelming Fear
Equality: According to People, According to God
Equality has been a social buzz word for most of my life. People want equality for various, usually righteous reasons. Through God's eyes, equality is less complicated than we've made it. For instance, Martin Luther King had a vision for equality that I believe was God-inspired. Sadly, politicians and others took his dream and used … Continue reading Equality: According to People, According to God