ALLENDER: CHAPTER 6
Allender: Chapter 6
Taylor Harris
School of Behavioral Science, Liberty University
ALLENDER: CHAPTER 6 2
Allender: Chapter 6
Allender says that the themes that have been weaved into our hearts are our calling to
reveal God. It is expected of us to recognize the recurring themes and recurring patterns in our
lives that are now shaping our understanding of our calling. Sincerely speaking, I'm finding it
difficult to pinpoint how the themes from the past have related to my calling when I think back
on them. I am aware that my career goal has always been to assist people. In view of the
experiences I endured in my early years, I used to declare as a child that I wanted to become a
child psychologist. My ambitions about starting a career, faded as I approached early adulthood.
My self-esteem was low, and I believed that I lacked the intelligence to pursue a profession as a
child psychologist in college.
I started off in a job from which I could have easily retired as a professional. I worked in
the IT department for the county where I was hired. It was a fantastic job with good pay and
perks. However, after working there for around three years, I realized there was so much more I
could accomplish with my life. I was so unhappy at my job on computer systems that I really
contemplated changing careers. I instantly went back to my early fantasies about psychology.
After researching the schooling, I concluded that I wouldn't be able to complete the
requirements2for the schooling.2I nevertheless made the decision to return to school to complete
my BA. I explored numerous different majors, including business management, psychology,
early childhood education, and eventually psychology again.
Though at the time I was unaware of it, I think that God has always in some way guided
me toward the field of psychology. I began my master's program in mental health counseling in
September 2023 after receiving my bachelor's degree in psychology in December 2022. I had
always known what I wanted to accomplish; it was obvious. It took me some time to pursue my
ALLENDER: CHAPTER 6 3
ambitions, but I've always known that I wanted to work in assisting others. I think that before I
could commit to pursuing my aspirations, I needed to go through a significant amount of healing
and personal development. Even though I sometimes felt like I lacked the strength to push
myself, I believe that God provided direction and gave me the strength to keep going.
