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.
Henri Nouwen
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The Catholic theologian Henri Nouwen wrote that; "...the minister is called to recognize the sufferings of his time in his own heart and make that recognition the starting point of his service. Whether he tries to enter into a dislocated world, relate to a convulsive generation, or speak to a dying man, his service will not be perceived as authentic unless it comes from a heart wounded by suffering about which he speaks."
Apology Rejected?
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Have you ever suffered because you have become aware that some close person in your life has not forgiven you? When our actions or inactions have harmed another person, usually a close friend or relative, we may literally suffer if they do not forgive us after our apology. The literal suffering comes in the form of rejection. Perhaps we have rejected them whether meaning to or not, then they, in retaliation, have rejected us. Research tells us that the loss found in rejection causes reactions in the brain similar to physical pain. Most times this can be resolved by, in your apology, letting the other person know that you “get” how they felt as well as how they were impacted by your actions
Suffering
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Suffering sorts out what we truly believe. (Inspired by Pastor Lee writing in Christianity Today 8/2013)
Standing Firm
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Suffering happens. Suffering is part of the “stuff of life.” Grieving this reality is tough especially when you lost home, job, children, or security. Standing firm in what you know is real becomes foundational. God loves me. God is for me. I am lovable and capable of loving. This too shall pass. Easy to say but difficult to live. Circumstances have nothing to do with God yet everything to do with God. How we respond in the face of this reveals one’s depth of integrity, depth of character and belief system. The phrase “On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.” (Hymn “The Solid Rock”) What are you standing on?
Down Days
Carrissa Pannuzzo, M.A., LMFT, LPC
We all have down days. Crabby days. Sad days. And even depressed days. Sometimes we just need to be kind to ourselves and ride them out. Other times we need to take a hard look at ourselves and see whether we are causing our own suffering. Ask God to help you know the difference. And either way, be sure to accept God’s grace for you.
Resilience: How to Bend and Not Break
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Resilience is a trait we want. Things happen in life that are hard. This article shares and guides us to healthy traits of coming back from life¹s trials. Many very helpful things are presented a sample of which are; being tough but tender toward one¹s recovery, not taking on suffering as identity, and seeking help when necessary.
