Finding Hope For Life was a direct answer to prayer. I desperately needed help to face, and work through, a seemingly hopeless dental phobia. I also had other struggles I needed help with, but this one was more immediate because I needed to begin the process of having some pretty extensive dental work done. I was quite literally paralyzed by fear at the mere thought of this, which also led to panic attacks at the thought or mention of a dentist. I was also deeply grieved because I knew that I Continue Reading
Understanding Perfectionism
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1) Whoever first said, “Life is hard … and then you die” must have been a perfectionist (or a pessimist, or both). Yes, life can be exceedingly difficult, but—as a former(ish) perfectionist, and after decades of counseling perfectionists—I can attest that perfectionism is almost assuredly the hardest way of life. To put it another way, perfectionism is Continue Reading
Reasoning With The Unreasonable
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord. [ Isaiah 1:18 ] Have you noticed how increasingly difficult it has become to have a reasonable and reasoned discussion with others, at least with certain individuals? Do you have people in your life with whom it is essentially impossible to have a respectful and objective conversation (especially about religion and politics)? Have you lost friends, either by having to cut them off, or by being cut off yourself? Are there some people who now Continue Reading
How Do Wolves Become Overseers Of The Sheep?
Recently there was yet another report of a leader of a significant ministry being fired due to sin and mistreating and abusing others. This happens way too often, and it is always tragic. However, what makes this situation even worse is the fact that this heinous behavior was known and warned about. But it was minimized and ultimately ignored. Furthermore, as if things could not get any worse, those who did try to sound the alarm regarding these nefarious deeds were punished for doing so - Continue Reading