"So, Don, what was your main takeaway after our first meeting, and from what you read?" This is a common question, and often the first one I ask in subsequent counseling meetings regarding the homework given; in this case Don had finished reading our Overcoming Anxiety booklet. "Well, the main thing I learned is that I'm not stuck!" Don replied. "Stuck? What do you mean?" I asked. Don explained: "Frankly, I was convinced that there was no way out of this anxiety and depression. It’s Continue Reading
False Accusations
False accusations are as old as sin itself. In fact, the devil—who is defined as the "false accuser” and “slanderer”—falsely accused God right before the original sin occurred (cp Gen 3:1ff). Nevertheless, this has not stopped humans from frequently imitating Satan in this well-practiced scheme of our evil enemy. Furthermore, not only do these harmful sins continue to happen, they seem to be on the rise. Yet, for our purposes here, we must understand that false allegations not only Continue Reading
Enablers of Abuse (In The Church)
THE GOOD OL' BOYS CLUB | Those who enable abusers often have just as much responsibility as those who abuse. And those who enable abusers in the church have even more to answer for. The Good Ol’ Boys Club is the tendency to circle the wagons for friends—for those in the “in” group (those in power)—rather than seek the truth, no matter who might be guilty. The mentality here is usually along the lines of: “Friends protect friends, no matter what … no matter what the truth is;” or “Friends Continue Reading
Forgiveness And Trust
FORGIVENESS DOES NOT EQUAL TRUST | Forgiveness has nothing to do with what a person deserves. Which is what grace, mercy, and forgiveness are all about. None of us deserve these things. Trust, on the other hand, has a great deal to do with what a person deserves (e.g., “worthy” of trust). Perhaps that is why we have the word “trustworthy,” but there is no such word as “forgiveworthy.” --from Mark's new book on Forgiveness & Trust (coming soon!) Continue Reading