As a counselor, I often get asked, usually after one person has been deeply hurt by another person, “How can I know for sure if I can trust them again?” This is a great question—and a wise one—which, fortunately, comes with a lot of helpful answers. In fact, this is so important that our wellbeing and the quality of our relationships—and any possible reconciliation—depend on knowing and living according to the right answers. Therefore, with so much at stake, we should be relatively thorough in Continue Reading
One Last Try: Marriage Counseling
THE END OF OUR MARRIAGE? After several years of unhealthy communication, harmful coping, growing resentment and hopelessness, and so much more, our marriage seemed to be over. Pop-psychology and some religious leaders affirmed that it likely was over, that too much damage had been done. At the same time we were continuously told to “trust the process” and “give it time”—and that involuntary separation from each other without guidance could be healthy, even in parental alienation with our Continue Reading
Overwhelmed With Life (Testimony)
Five years ago I walked into Mark’s office. I had been a believer for over 29 years and married 24 years. I knew I needed better counseling from the Word of God. I was feeling so overwhelmed and disappointed by my home circumstances. Yet I also knew God’s Word gives us everything we need for daily living. I needed help! For months, I had been crying myself to sleep every single night. I had been sad for months. Grief had overwhelmed me. Disappointment and death surrounded us. My Continue Reading
Reasoning With The Unreasonable
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord. [ Isaiah 1:18 ] Have you noticed how increasingly difficult it has become to have a reasonable and reasoned discussion with others, at least with certain individuals? Do you have people in your life with whom it is essentially impossible to have a respectful and objective conversation (especially about religion and politics)? Have you lost friends, either by having to cut them off, or by being cut off yourself? Are there some people who now Continue Reading