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REFLECTIONS
by Bev Henry, LCSW
We at Focus on the Family said goodbye to a dearly loved colleague recently-actually an ex-colleague. Sam Kennedy retired a year and a half ago at age 85. He died in January at age 87. Shortly before Sam's death, I read a meditation in David Roper's book, Out Of The Ordinary, based on I Sam. 9:3-6. So much that was said about the prophet Samuel reminded me of Sam.
Roper writes "The old prophet had retired from his work and was no longer in the public eye, yet the fragrance of his life lingered on." He was known as "a man of God...highly respected." Samuel's fragrance was such that his hometown of "Ramah became known as 'the place where a man of God dwells'." Our Sam's life reflected the same fragrance. He was a man of God, and the fragrance of his life lingers on.
Isn't that what we all want - to be known as a man or woman of God and to have the fragrance of our life linger on after we're gone? Paul tells us in II Corin. 2:15 that we are the aroma of Christ. We have the privilege of spreading His fragrance. By the grace of God, let's stay close to Him so we don't staunch the flow of His aroma.
We hear all too often of Christians who have fallen. Let's not be among them. Let's line up on the side of those who can say with Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (II Tim. 4:7) Let's be like Samuel (and like Sam), "a man (or woman) of God...highly respected," whose fragrance lingers on.
____________  Bev Henry is a retired school social worker and therapist. She currently works part-time in the counseling department at Focus on the Family. For more about Focus on the Family and the many services they offer, visit www.family.org.
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HUNTING FOR HOPE AT EASTER
by Angie Witman, L.M.L.P., L.M.F.T.
During the Easter season, the word "hope" often comes to mind. When Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead three days later, He ushered in hope. Hope for the gift of salvation, hope for eternity in Heaven, and hope to get us through difficult situations. However, during these trying and disturbing times in which we are currently living, people seem to be losing hope. And during the Lenten season, this can become worse.
Stress and hopelessness are not uncommon for clients to report, but I see more depression, more suicidal ideation, more crises, and more serious problems in general during Lent than any other time of the year. I've questioned why March and April have more crises and emergencies than other months. Many professionals have offered their suggestions as to why this is the case, as they have recognized this pattern as well. Some of the explanations for this interesting phenomena includes stress from paying taxes, realizing how much debt has been incurred during the Christmas season, the discovery that even though Spring is here the depressed mood (thought to be related to the cold winter months) is not lifting, along with the ever popular full moon theory. However, the explanation that has made the most sense was presented by a former colleague. He believed Satan and his demons work overtime during the Lenten season because they are reminded of their defeat when Jesus arose. Thus they are angrier and more vindictive than usual, and they like to increase their oppression and harassment of God's people. This oppression and harassment result in more crises, emergencies, and problems.
To combat Satan's attacks, I often begin by telling my clients this explanation of why Lent can be so tough. I encourage people to put on the full armor of God, according to Ephesians 6:10-18, reminding them they are not battling flesh and blood but rather "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." I encourage much prayer. I caution them to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10: 5), especially since the enemy likes to work on people's thoughts, beliefs, expectations, and attitudes.
I refer to the story when Peter climbed out of the boat to walk on the water toward Jesus (Matt 14: 25-31). During this story, it's important to realize the waters were rough, not calm. This is much like the "waters" we are currently trying to sail, as there seems to be storms all around us. Peter was successful in staying on top of the stormy waters until he began focusing on them. Thus I encourage my clients to keep their eyes on Jesus. This is important to remember, especially when the media often reports stories that reflect "storms" as opposed to calm seas.
I also remind clients they are in the middle of their story. Take the story of Esther for example. During this story, Haman deceives King Xerxes into issuing a decree to kill the Jewish people, which will include the king's wife, Esther. There is much wailing throughout the land as the Jewish people await the day they will be executed. If the story was stopped here, in the middle, this would be like the ultimate bad ending to a good movie so to speak. However, the story doesn't stop here, and Esther and her people are saved and allowed to live.
Because clients are often in the middle of their stories and their situations look hopeless, they are encouraged to let God take them through to the end of their story which will likely turn out hopeful. "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." (Ps 32: 24)
Thus, during Lent and always, keep focused on Jesus for real hope, as He is the only one who can offer this during difficult times.
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 Angie Witman is a licensed clinical psychotherapist and a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist. She has worked for ten years at Meier Clinics in Goodland and Colby, Kansas. She has been practicing for over 17 years and continues to receive much fulfillment in helping people achieve happiness and wholeness. She is married to Travis, who is a high school social studies teacher and junior high football and basketball coach. They have been married for nearly 17 years, and they have a 13 year old son and a 7 year old daughter. They are all active in school, community, and church activities.
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EXPRESSIVE THERAPY AT TIMBERLINE KNOLLS
At Timberline Knolls, we combine clinical services, education, and expressive therapies that enhance the continuum of our life-changing care. We design individualized programs to meet each woman's needs.
One of the key elements to why so many women and adolescent girls have found success at Timberline Knolls is our expressive therapy program, which strives to provide our residents with the opportunity to integrate the creative therapies into their recovery process. Our program encourages residents to regain a sense of mastery over their creative identity through collaboration with the Timberline Knolls treatment and academic teams.
The comprehensive expressive therapy program includes art, dance/movement, and recreational therapies, which increases self-esteem, reduces stress, and promotes positive self-expression. The natural beauty and tranquility of Timberline Knolls provides a creative environment for residents and the campus is home to a historic art studio, which provides a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for residents to partake in art therapy.
Timberline Knolls is pleased to partner with Meier Clinics in providing Christian-based therapy options for residents requesting Christian counseling.
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Did you know that contrary to popular belief, spring is the season with the highest rate of suicide? The suicide rate typically peaks in May. Did you also know that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death, and it is one of the three top causes of death in adolescents and young adults? Suicide is often closely connected with hard economic times, such as was apparent in the Great Depression. So, we are heading into some very challenging Spring months especially with our current economic situation!
Did you also know that suicide is preventable? No money for research, with the hopes of a "cure" in the years to come, is needed as with many physical diseases. The "cure" is already here and available through mental health treatment.
Know suicidal signs. These may include: depression/sadness the majority of the time; a sense of hopelessness and/or helplessness; withdrawing from friends, family, and activities; sleeping too much or too little; gaining or losing significant amounts of weight; writing notes or poems about suicide; giving away prized possessions; feeling excessive guilt or shame; neglecting personal appearance; dramatic change in personal appearance or personality; inability to concentrate.
Seek professional help. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, seek out the help of a trained professional such as a mental health counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. They can help you determine what the underlying cause is for your symptoms and can recommend a course of effective treatment. This is nothing to be ashamed of; everyone needs help now and then.
Support others who are struggling. People dealing with suicidal thoughts need the encouragement and support of others. You can't solve their problems for them, but you can listen to them, offer to be an accountability partner, provide financial help so they can get treatment, offer to help with day-to-day living needs, pray with them, refrain from judging them. . .
As we go into these challenging Spring months, would you consider making a financial gift to Meier Clinics Foundation to help someone who is struggling but needs financial assistance in order to get counseling services? Your gift could save a life! All donations are tax deductible and can be easily made by:
Mail: Send checks or money orders to Meier Clinics Foundation, 2100 Manchester Road,
Suite 1510, Wheaton, IL 60187-4561
Website: www.meierclinics.org
Phone: 800-848-8872
Thank you for your continued prayers and financial gifts so that others might have life and have it more abundantly.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 |
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