Heart Change Counselling Services
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POWERFUL MESSAGE I just listened to Maya Angelou talking about her experience of being raped at age seven. She shared that it created cynicism, which she said is so damaging, especially in a child. ... The quote I found so important was that cynicism in a child is tragic because it reveals a child has gone from "knowing nothing to believing nothing." A child not believing they can have hope, optimism, safety, a voice, and support is COMPLETELY contrary to the NEEDS of the child for security, trust and consideration.

I've been thinking lately about the power of accountability versus the destructive nature of blame. Blame involves shame, fear, and degradation. It diminishes the recipient without allowing much room for mercy and change. Accountability, on the other hand, involves perspective, awareness, and hope. It brings freedom, conviction, and growth. It doesn't solely rely on the opinion of others, rather it is an expression (and builder) of inner strength. ... When I compare which is harder, in my opinion blame is harder because it's a life sentence. Whereas accountability is a part of the natural development of a healthy individual.

Please watch the complete video. Each of us is an "I ". But corporately, "I" is "WE". When I hurts, WE need to listen. WE need to listen to both what I's voice is saying as well as what their heart is saying.... There is both power and comfort in being heard. https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/260906765271221/

We are all impacted by the COVID 19 crisis. If you need to talk, please feel free to contact me through this Facebook page. It will be checked daily.We are all impacted by the COVID 19 crisis. If you need to talk, please feel free to contact me through this Facebook page. It will be checked daily.

Looking at this, if you did even 1/4 of these things on a consistent basis, your life would be pretty good!!

I am concerned that there's faulty reasoning in the Church. People think something is wrong with them and that they are displeasing God, because they experience struggles. By not understanding it is wiser to ask for wisdom and insight, we miss the blessings of working through something. We often ask God to "take it away", because hardship is seen as a flaw. We "place" challenges and worries "at the foot of the cross", not understanding we can walk through hardship and c...hallenges WITH God. In doing so we become stronger and grow in maturity. Do you think God is surprised by your need of Divine presence? Do you think God finds it distasteful and burdensome to care for the minutiae of your life? Why would God feel bothered by you after providing the only way you can know peace from the inside out? Don't you think it's better to let God indwell you so you can experience the Divine meeting you in your need? Don't you think God cares enough to stick around and walk WITH you? Why would the Divine indwell only to leave when there are problems? Why are problems considered as evidence of lack of blessings and ultimately as evidence of God's displeasure? The reasoning is counterintuitive; it's illogical given God's self-revelation. The turning point can be understanding this, did Jesus go through hardship? Yes. Did Jesus suffer? Yes. Did Jesus experience his father saying "no"? Yes (in Gethsemane, when his death had to occur even though it was not for HIS brokenness). Did Jesus fail? NO!!! You are in the best of company if you struggle, experience hardship, and would like the Father to "take it away". You are more like Jesus if you walk WITH God, even when you feel discouraged and frail. It's not easy, but it is infinitely better than feeling like you can't walk with God unless you're strong, consistently overcoming, and without sin or worry. Here's another little secret: the struggles with doubt, lack of courage, wanting perpetual blessings, and worrying about what others think isn't going to stop until you die. That's when the sinful nature stops. So enjoy the journey even with its struggles, challenges and hardships. They are all opportunities to experience God indwelling you as you walk through ALL the mountains and valleys of life. Here's a last word. What I'm referring to in the above paragraphs are thinking errors, not emotional/psychological issues. Depression, diagnosed or not, is a whole other matter. THAT requires finding someone who can truly help you both psychologically and spiritually. I mean no judgment or pressure to change your thoughts. I'm hoping to prompt another perspective on the realities of a faith walk. One that focuses on connection with God, not trying to do everything right and make God love you. Carol

It's been a few weeks since Easter. So was Jesus a winner or a loser? He triumphantly came into Jerusalem with crowds singing, a big rally; almost had a political tone didn't it? He spends time with those closest to Him - disciples, dedicated friends. Someone offers to let them use a room in their house for a meal. Jesus does the unthinkable - He (who is the darling of the public) washes the dirty feet of his disciples. There's discomfort and the obligatory "I should be... washing your feet!". His reply is deafening in its message and simplicity: I do this as one you call master, you also ought to do this and, the slave is not greater than the master - I am not greater than who sent me. Profound concepts. I am not greater than Father God. Washing your feet is not a debasement, it's a symbol of humility and humility ought to be the foundation of servanthood. By this time the political and religious leaders wanted Him shut down He was too popular and a serious threat of upheaval, and they didn't want their "balance " jeopardized. We know He was turned in by one of those whose feet He has washed: deliberate humility to one who would betray. We know he was twice questioned by political authority and, due to deliberate twisting of statements, was beaten and crucified. What a seemingly brutal fall from the heights of success!! In less than 10 days! Did He lose favour? Yes, but only from those easily influenced. Did His disciples fail? Yup, spectacularly. Was their failure His fault? Nope, He had spent 3 years training them and they had learned alot! But did He fail? A resounding NO!! He didn't do anything ANY thing ANYTHING wrong. His head wasn't turned by the acclaim. He didn't stop loving and being humble when rejected. He kept to the path it was His responsibility to walk - even if it meant He died. That, my friend, is more than you or I will likely ever do. And He chose that path knowing where it would lead. It hurt Him, we can see that in the Garden of Gethsemane, but it didn't dissuade Him. What a winner. Authority, wisdom, truth-speaking, humble, determined, and faithful. All of this done in love so we might have peace alive inside of us. WINNER every day of the week.