Meaning-Making Forum #5

What problem, perspective, paradigm, or perplexing people puzzle keeps you awake at night? In what way has the Holy Spirit used course materials to address a piece of junk?

While choosing Bruce as my care seeker, I didn’t realize I would identify myself. Much like Bruce when tragedy strikes, there is strong possibility that I would block everything and everyone out, only to focus on what I may feel is important. I have created distance with my family members at times I should have been drawing closer and loving them more. Something I took into consideration is Kollar’s (2015) “Do Something Different.” If what you are doing is not working, stop doing it and do something different. Sometimes we all get into unhealthy habits (Kollar, 2015). Now I wouldn’t say that this issue has kept me up at night, but I have put so much of this perspective into work, that it has brought me out of a loner’s space. Another great aspect that proves the holy spirit is working and through course material, is the acknowledgement of God always being active. There are capabilities within the counselee that God has already revealed in his past that will help him effectively manage a specific problem in a way that is pleasing to God (Kollar, 2015). This is the reminder that God is always with me no matter what stage I am in my life. Psalms 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” 24 “And see if there be any grievous ways in me and lead me in the way everlasting!” (ESV)

“Whats Best Next?”

Self-Care: Self-Care can be hard for any person but most difficult for those who take care of others. Some may even think that having others take care of them is just enough. Self-care consist of taking care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Resting is an act of faith. We rest because God says we should/can. Trust that He will continue to work and take care of things even as we are resting (Our Hearts Journal, 2012). One of my greatest worries is when I stop everything stops. Once I realized that God will always handle the beginning and the ending, rest will become inevitable. I love this revelation from Peterson (2015), “In the presence of thera-noxious folks, we feel less healthy and secure.” Although others may never acknowledge this factor about therapeutic people, the fact that we acknowledge that feeling, leaves us with the responsibility to take care of ourselves.

Self and Securing Relationships: Relationships and community is one of the healthiest aspects to a healthy life. A counselee should always feel safe and secure when encountering a counseling session or group counseling session. Working in the church community mostly, safety and security are most important. Most individuals see ministry leaders as one of the main resources for help when searching. A minister should make referrals for two reasons: (1) to provide the church member or counselee with competent care and (2) to safeguard the ministerial relationship with the layperson (Turner, 2018). When safe environments are created, and boundaries are established, healthy relationships are certain.

Further Training: Further education is always encouraged. Learning the different resources to further training within certification is one avenue that I intend on embark upon. Further training keeps your skills sharp and your self-awareness up to par. Refresher courses are always necessary as you grow throughout your career.