Picture this scenario: David, an elder in the church, walks into his pastor’s office, lips pressed in a thin line, raking his fingers through his hair. “What’s up?” Pastor Greg asks. “I just don’t get it! It’s like my son Josh has completely ignored everything I’ve taught him. He talks back to me; he doesn’t do his chores until I practically force him to; and this … [Read more...]
Helping people who’ve made their suffering worse
In the midst of pain, people are vulnerable and more susceptible to making choices that make their current suffering even worse. The problem is, they don’t realize this. They’re preoccupied with the immediate pain and finding relief. They are hurting, they react to the hurt, they make choices in an effort to relieve the hurt, and they can get stuck in the cycle of troubling … [Read more...]
Why is my grief lasting so long?
Even with a solid belief system, a person’s grief can be long and intense. Sandy: I am a Christian, and I was surprised that my grief was so long-lasting and strong. I knew where Mother was, I knew she’d gone to heaven, I knew she was in a better place, and I guess I felt that my faith would get me through. Surprisingly, most of my grief lasted a good two years after … [Read more...]
Living out of a car: Helping the mobile homeless
“I know the hardships of being a working man [on a low income] without drug problems,” shares Tony, “and there’s really no housing situation out there for someone like that. If I had drinking and drug issues, then I could show up at shelters and participate and have a place to sleep. But I’m paying my child support; I’m not causing any problems.” “I was homeless for two … [Read more...]