Who Can Help?

So, we’ve been working through a bit of a mini-series this week.

The first post of the series, What’s Up With Me? – looked at:
      •  the important role pain plays in our lives
      •  two signs of unresolved emotional wounds
      •  tracking your reactions

In the second post, Where Does It Hurt?– We explored:
      •  the effect of our beliefs on our reactions
      •  how our beliefs were created
      •  how our beliefs and reactions point to the source of our wounds
     
And today, after a bit of an unexpected delay, we’re finally going to look at what to do with any awarenesses you’ve gained.

This is the point where we need a little assistance. When we’re dealing with long-held beliefs and automatic reactions, an outside perspective is extremely valuable and, in fact, essential. We are well aware that the idea of talking to someone about these very private things can be absolutely terrorizing, but if you find the right confidante, it can accelerate your recovery by leaps and bounds. 

So, who can help you process the unhealed wounds that God is bringing to your attention? Three main possibilities come to mind:

A COUNSELOR – this may be a professional counselor or a pastor or other ministry person that acknowledges and understands the impact of old wounds on current behaviors. 

A CLOSE FRIEND – many people find it easier to talk to someone that they already have an established relationship with. 

In both of these cases, look for someone who . . .
     . . . is a solid Christian who loves God and knows how to pray
     . . . will listen and ask probing questions without judgment or an agenda 
     . . . will let you talk and doesn’t just lecture or spout scriptures or cliches
     . . . demonstrates patience with your healing process, even when it’s slow 
     . . . is able to handle your expressions of pain, frustration or anger
     . . . isn’t afraid to tell you the truth, but will do it in a loving way 
     . . . shows genuine care and respect and doesn’t just see you as a project

Or ???? – We’ll dedicate the whole next blog post to the third option. 

We know how uncomfortable the whole idea of talking to someone can be, but we encourage you to at least think and pray about it. As intimidating as it seems at this point, finding a safe person you can talk to about your awarenesses will begin to crack open the door to deep healing.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22