I once heard a Christian counselor make this statement: “Ninety percent of counseling would not need to take place if everyone lived by this one verse: He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Cor 5:15). While I might differ with the percentage, I love where he was going with this. There are numerous compelling and encouraging truths that can be drawn from this one verse. Always remember, rejoice in, and be Continue Reading
Delivered From Fear + Anxiety
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