Articles about Suffering
Abraham, Fear and Choice
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Abraham's life, among others, exhibits the impact of fear on our choices. The reward outlined by the Lord for those who persevere is His increased presence in our lives.
The Comfort of Position
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The reality of our position with our Heavenly Father is one that is filled with comfort and help during our difficult times.
Traumatic Loss and Uncommon Grace
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Utilizes truths gleaned from the story of the Good Samaritan to help families cope with traumatic loss.
Childlike Needs in Adult Losses
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Author's experience of a brother dying of AIDS portrays how Christ brings commfort through filling unmet childhood needs.
Trusting God in Trials and Sorrow
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article depicts, through a teenager's story, how Christ will not delay his provision, safety, strength, and love when we endure trials and suffering.
God's Presence in the Midst of Suffering
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Moving account of experiencing God's presence in the midst of horrendous suffering
Acute Stress
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Acute stress is the initial concentrated exposure to a traumatic event or events. Acute stressors might be a war, being robbed, experiencing excessive cruelty, a natural disaster, viewing human mutilation, etc. What happens to our bodies in acute stress is that the unexpected events put the body in a type of strain. After being exposed to trauma, the sense of feeling safe is hard to regain.
Moving From Shame To Respect
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Moving away from a sense of shame to self respect is very important to our mental and even physical health. Shame means to operate out of a "down deep" sense of not being good enough or that something is very wrong with us. This article gives great guidelines for healthy ways that combat a shame based way of living.
Affliction and Fear
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The healing process for each one of us requires ownership within ourselves of the behaviors and attitudes that often create our own daily battles. What has been discovered is that fear is often behind those patterns of thinking and acting. Scripture tells us that if we are afflicted we are to pray. Knowing what fears we face help us know where to begin in overcoming those core fears.
Things To Remember When Grieving
Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Following guidelines originally written in "How To Grieve" by KAIROS, these steps help the grief stricken person what to remember. Each of these ten statements move the grieving individual towards the strength of God and moving forward into the future with renewed focus.
Understanding Grief When A Child Dies
Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Reprinted in part from "Compassionate Friends", Copyright 1980, the death of a child has unique stresses that impact the remaining family members. Guilt, grief, depression, and strained relationships are not unusual. This handout is especially helpful for parents who have had to say good-bye to a child prematurely.
Suggestions For Clarity In Relationships
Author Unknown, Edited by Brenda Spina, M.S.,LMFT, LPC
This handout provides a list of specific response one can use when behavior in relationship becomes intrusive or offensive.
Morning Star: All Through The Night
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Poetry and scripture are inter-weaved in this article to proclaim one of the greatest Christmas truths: Jesus, the Bright Morning Star, knew earthly sorrow, so that we can have hope on earth and ultimate hope in heaven.
