A crisis is scary. It’s unpredictable and chaotic. In this article by Dr. Donna Hart, Ph.D., which appeared first here on her website, she lets us understand how a crisis feels, and shares how friends and counselors can help. A crisis is a crucial and sometimes frightening time in our lives. What has felt safe in the past is now unsafe; … Read More
A Daughter’s Eulogy for Dad
My dad died on Easter the year it was also April Fool’s Day. God picked the day. And it suited Dad. Ever the jokester, he’d think it funny that God chose this particular day for his homecoming. But none of this was funny at the time, of course. Grief is hard. And it’s personal and lonely and hard. Yes, I said … Read More
Called to Freedom
In some recent conversations some folks have said to me that they felt like there were some events and perspectives happening around them that were causing them to believe their freedom in Christ was being hindered. They were not sure if they were lacking confidence in their relationship with God or fearing what people thought of them. This post by … Read More
When a Christian Struggles with Doubt
When you’re a Christian and struggle with doubt, you may wonder what’s wrong with you. You may even think your doubts prove you were never a Christian in the first place or, at best, a horrible hypocrite. You might be tempted to give up, right? The truth is, struggling with doubt is lonely and overwhelming and discouraging. But your struggling can also bring you closer … Read More
Helping Churches Arrive at Healthier Place
You’re invited to our 3rd Annual Biblical Counseling Conference in greater Chicago! It’s been a rough year for many churches in Chicago this year. Scandals involving abuse of power, financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and cover-ups have all hit the news. Sadly, many are beginning to wonder if all churches are like this. “We have much work to do.” As a … Read More
Get in Condition to Pray
It is by trial and error, by frustration and dryness, that I have learned that I cannot order up a praying heart. I have had to learn how to get myself in the frame of mind and condition to pray. This article by staff counselor Donna Hart, PhD, appeared first here at her personal blog and is used by permission. It … Read More
Gun Control and Conflict Resolution: Learning to know your own heart
If you want to plunge a social gathering into chaos and hurt feelings, bring up the topic of gun control. While all sides agree that the horrific shootings we see are all too common, the preferred solutions couldn’t be further apart. Our perspective tends to reflect how and where we were raised on an issue like this. From birth to … Read More
Counseling the Wife of a Passive Husband (part 2)
Christian wives with passive husbands are hurting and need counsel in order to choose thoughts, words, and actions that are honoring to Christ. In part one, we looked at two counseling sketches and defined passivity in a husband. Today, we’ll consider how a counselor might best counsel the wife of a passive husband, including the outworking of anger, self-pity, fear, and loneliness as well … Read More
Counseling the Wife of a Passive Husband (part 1)
Married to a passive husband? We’ve all heard of the “perfect” husband. He’s attentive and understanding, a lover of the home. And you’ve also read sick stories of wife beaters and serial adulterers. Disgusting! But what if your guy falls has simply “checked out”? Life with him isn’t horrible but it’s lonely. What’s a wife to do? Let’s first see if … Read More
