When we feel like someone has hurt us or made life harder for us in some way, it’s really hard to show grace or exhibit patience in how we treat them. However, choosing grace and patience will impact our own heart for the better and will also be the best strategy for building a healthy relationship in the long run.
Relationship Transforming Choices (Part 1)
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
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
Being Angry in the Right Way (Part 2)
“I don’t have an anger problem” he repeatedly protested in my counseling office. “I don’t swear, break things, threaten harm, or even raise my voice. How can my wife say that I have an “anger” problem? Sure, I get frustrated like everyone but I stay under control – I do not have an anger issue.” Over the years, we have … Read More
Being Angry in the Right Way (Part 1)
Anger is what we feel when we could easily say with our words, “I am against that.” God created us as people who are capable of feeling, expressing, and acting in anger. However, many of us fear that our expressions of anger hurt more than they help. Many people make it their goal to avoid feeling anger altogether, by avoiding … Read More
Racial Reconciliation: Addressing the Sting of Racism
Over the past few weeks, racism has been brought into focus both in the church and the culture at large. Within both Christian and secular counseling organizations, there has been an increasing awareness of the need for racial diversity, sensitivity, and cross-cultural awareness in the ways we counsel and understand the human condition. How Can We Help Those Stung by … Read More
