On any given week, BCC Counselors meet with people who are seeking help with relational dynamics. Truth be told, most of us have had some experience with each of these struggles to some extent, but it can be hard to know how to turn them around and begin to experience something healthier. The truth is you have the ability to make choices that can transform virtually any relationship.
The Power of Encouragement
In a culture of soundbites and sarcasm, the power of an authentic encouraging word has never been greater. Within our larger culture and sadly even within many church contexts, we have lost sight of the importance of being people of encouragement. We can tell the world what we think in 140 characters or less, post mocking memes, and spout self-righteous … Read More
Where is Your Focus?
In my post last week, I discussed how we are being pulled in many directions and it’s easy to lose sight of our priorities. Rather than choosing to cultivate feelings of sadness, madness, or guilt, God would have us choose to pursue our faith, our family, and to focus on the opportunities that God has made us for. However, what … Read More
Sadness, Madness, and Guilt Fatigue
Over the past few months in counseling and conversations, I’ve increasingly noticed a perplexing issue. Many people aren’t quite sure what to think about the world around them, and many feel overwhelmed even trying to decide how they should be feeling and acting in response to all that has transpired over the past six months. Should we be sad, mad, … Read More
3 Things You Can Do When You’re Feeling Anxious
This article is written by MicKenzie Crowley, M.A. from the BCC staff. If you’re experiencing anxiety – you are not alone! Everyone experiences fear. (Ps. 56:3b-4). [1] You may be used to anxiety and have experienced it for a long time. I have experienced anxiety throughout my life at different points, not understanding what I was experiencing! Sometimes anxiety sneaks … Read More
Changing to Be More Like Christ
Some days the world seems to want to squeeze us all into the same mold. Do we find ourselves eager to be like everyone else and use the right toothpaste, wear the right clothes, drive the right cars, have the same perspectives on success, and the same desires? Do we fear to be different? Are we so afraid of rejection … Read More
Afraid? A Method to Calm Your Fear
Where fear flourishes, there your heart will be also. [1] From a mild sense of unease to full-blown panic, fear is an emotion most of us would rather live without. It communicates that someone or something we care about is being threatened or that we might lose it. Fear shows us what we value most. Consider these three folks who … Read More
Facing Uncertainty in a Healthy Way
“Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God.” – These words from Isaiah 40:27 are describing the reality of God’s chosen people while in painful captivity in Babylon. Their way of life had been disrupted, their temple had been destroyed, and … Read More
A New Normal: Conversations That Matter
Church as we know it has changed drastically over the last few years. Churches have also recently seen more and more people dealing with marriages under stress, increasing addictions, growing anxiety, and loneliness. Many have experienced job loss and financial distress; students are uncertain in school; graduates are wondering when they’ll be able to find a job. How can churches … Read More
