Have you ever experienced one of those seasons in your life when you know without a shadow of a doubt that you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be?
I am joyously experiencing one of those very seasons.
As I have started school again, it's amazing to me how quickly I've gotten back into the routine: study, eat, study, gym, study, sleep, study, have a small semblance of a social life, study, and repeat!
Many people have asked what exactly it is that I'm going back to school for. In a very uncomplicated and short response, I will receive many of the foundational skills presented in counseling so I can integrate it into a ministry setting. I want to be able to really help those I come into contact with, and this is a great place to start. It has already been completely enlightening and eye-opening. I have discovered so much more about myself and about the amazing God I serve.
If you want to get me on a forever tangent, just ask me why I think counseling is even important. I know in many Christian circles it has not always been well received. So, if I may, humor me (or just choose to move right on away from this page!) while I list just a few reasons:
1) Counseling is Biblical - Reading through my texts, the themes of redemption, reconciliation, and healing jump out from so many of the pages. That, my friends, is the whole point of counseling, and it's also all over the Gospel. Counseling is meant to be a place to really work through many of the hurts and difficulties people face and discover the redemption, reconciliation, and healing given to us on that cross over 2,000 years ago. Ephesians tells us to bear each other's burdens and let me tell you, people carry a lot of weight. We are meant to be in community with one another. There is something so encouraging about sitting down across from someone and knowing that they truly care about helping you find the healing God has for you. I am also reminded that this world (including the very people I wish to help) are so affected by the fall. People go through many hardships and not all of those are a direct result of someone's sin; sometimes bad things just happen because we live in a fallen world. However, as Christians, we have hope. Hope can be that glimmer of light when everything else seems completely dark.
2) Counseling is Liberating - Some of you are rolling your eyes right now, and that's okay. But, I'm telling you, counseling was one of the most liberating experiences I've ever had. As I sat across the room from a wonderful woman named Kerry at Evangel University, I saw the love of Christ in a way that was completely refreshing to me. As I discussed many issues (and oftentimes with shame), Kerry listened with love and helped me really believe that I could find freedom in Christ again. She showed me that shame was a tool of the enemy and that God wanted more for me. Does counseling have all the answers to all of life's hardest questions? No. But, we serve a God who does. I have read time and time again of the importance of being Spirit-led, and I'm telling you, healing can and does happen when Christian counselors allow God to work.
3) Counseling is a Tangible Expression of God's Love - Does God need humans to do His work? No, but He chooses to use us. It is no different in the realm of counseling. God has made us to be relational beings who long for connection. Counseling can open that door. We are taught (even in the secular realm of counseling) to be empathetic, to actively listen, and to show people that they are being heard. Does this mean we don't challenge and try to help uncover Biblical solutions? Of course not. However, there is something to feeling understood and genuinely cared about. One of my least favorite questions has to do with whether or not I've prayed about something. Granted, I need the reminder from time-to-time. But in that moment, I just want someone to listen and hear me out. I don't need advice. I don't need to be told what to do. I just need someone to believe that I am a capable human being who can let God help her discover the best for her life. It's easy to offer quick fixes but making someone feel understood requires an investment. I have friends that are also counselors, and every time I finish talking with them, I feel refreshed, encouraged, capable, and challenged to continue working towards God's best for me.
I'm not saying counseling is an end all to the world's issues. I'm also not saying that there aren't some flawed and not Godly concepts out there. But if the Church isn't willing to reach out to the needs of a lost and hurting world, who will? Tangible expressions of love such as giving and serving are vital and important. However, I think we forget that sometimes people also just need authentic love. Counseling can open that door. Does it need to be Spirit-led? Yes. Does it make me want to have a deeper relationship with God? Yes. I have discovered a new love of God and His word through this program. I know my heart is in counseling, but I'm not going to be as effective as I need to be if I'm not diligently pursuing my relationship with Christ. Counseling isn't just about feelings (even though it's an important part); it's also about action. I for one feel honored that God thinks I'm up for this. I want to be a person available to talk about the hard issues no one ever talks about. I've heard so many stories (myself included) of people being afraid to open up about what they're struggling with. We keep it in the darkness so no one has to know our garbage. Then, the enemy comes in and wrecks it. Satan can't distort things in darkness if we let the light of Christ bring healing.
I know this was quite the tangent, and if you read it all, props to you! I still have a lot to learn and nowhere near think I know it all. I just know this world needs some more ears. It's time to talk about the hard stuff and remind people that they are never alone. This world needs its counselors.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
In Him,
Em
