"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." ~Psalm 139:16
I have been reminded of these words so often the last few months. You know, sometimes life is equally scary and exciting. Exhilarating I guess you would say. Not because of some unexpected experience, but rather in the simple day to day events that make our world a little bigger.
I love excitement! My Mom once told me she should have known since I was a toddler that my life would not be boring. Well, I was afraid I hit boring two years ago when I started graduate school. But I was wrong. I have travelled less the past two years and been generally more stationary than usual, but have somehow still found myself in a mysterious adventure...LIFE. Granted I am starting to feel restless and the travel bug is itching me again. But who besides God knew what I would learn in these two years? (Three and a half by the time I am done) I have been amazed by three things: 1) Seeing God reveal more of his character and power 2) Discovering who He has made me to be 3) And experiencing the pain and beauty of human relationships.
"I have called you by name; you are mine." ~Isaiah 43:1(b)
I'm over halfway through my graduate school experience and wondering what's ahead as I find an internship site, graduate, and move on. But holy cow it's exciting! I know I can face the struggles that will come and I can enjoy the ride because I belong to One greater than myself. I hope you can do the same.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Book review: Healing for the City, Counseling in the Urban Setting.
I have never posted a book review, but I just did one for school and liked the book, so here you go...
Although written fifteen years ago, Healing for the City: Counseling in the Urban Setting, speaks to issues faced daily by today's city dwellers. Ellison & Maynard (1992) speak with expertise and passion about the beauty and hardship of city life. Although countless approaches could have been taken, Ellison & Maynard divide their work into three sections, making the task of their readers more than manageable. Section one looks at city life itself and the nature of counseling in the city. Section two introduces the reader to the people who live in the city. And section three ends the book by highlighting 11 pressing problems facing city dwellers.
'Urban life is a dazzling conundrum of contrasts' (Ellison & Maynard, 1992, p. 13). These are perfect words to describe city life. The beauty of diversity, energy, growth, and change is daily mixed with the effects of stress, economic hardship, prejudice, and crime. With these urban challenges in mind, Ellison & Maynard give a clear explanation of the nature, purpose, and possible forms of counseling within the city. Their grasp of psychology and theology allows them to validate several counseling formats (i.e. informal, discipleship, formal) as well as juggle the church's responsibility to believers and non-believers alike. Ellison & Maynard frequently use the word 'contextualization' as they challenge readers to assess the effect of culture and worldviews upon clients. In closing out the first section, a surprising but relevant chapter on evil and spiritual warfare pushes the reader to consider the greater spiritual battle at hand.
In the section titled People of the City, Ellison & Maynard (1992) explore the cultures of urban Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics respectively. The simple use of the word 'Black' gives a clue as to the age of the book but fortunately does not change the relevance of its content. Each ethnic group is fairly represented and the authors are wise in cautioning readers not to take their words as absolute truth in every situation.
The final section, Pressing Problems, introduces specific issues frequently plaguing city dwellers, including addictive behaviors, domestic abuse, AIDS, and victimization to name a few. For each topic Ellison & Maynard (1992) share case studies, along with case conceptualization formats, and basic goals for the counselee in each situation. These are helpful to lay counselors and professional counselors as well. The authors recognize the presence of each pressing problem in more rural areas as well, but believe them to present unique challenges within the city.
Healing for the City: Counseling in the Urban Setting, is a book I would highly recommend. That said, I do have a couple of critiques. First, I would have liked to see chapters addressing non-hispanic white and refugee populations. Speaking as one who lives in a major U.S. city, minority is quickly becoming the new majority and this calls for new ways of interacting and believing from all sides. The decade in which the book was written would not change the fact that urban caucasians face their own set of struggles. Refugees come to cities in large numbers and bring with them their own mix of culture and pain. As christians, Ellison & Maynard (1992) probably hold to the belief that God created all men equal in his eyes, but I wish I knew why caucasians and refugees were not included. Secondly, the goals of counseling in section three could be taken as cookie cutter solutions if one is not actively engaging in the reading. We must be cautious to remember Ellison & Maynard are offering general guidelines to be wisely followed, discarded, or modified.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised at the scope of this book and Ellison & Maynard's (1992) understanding and wisdom. I work, live, and minister in Chicago and was challenged anew as to how I view my surroundings and the people in them. I would go so far as to say it should be a must read for anyone considering a journey into city life and ministry. It is rare to read a book that is applicable for serving believers and non-believers as well as appropriate for clergy, lay people, and professionals alike. But this is one of them!
Although written fifteen years ago, Healing for the City: Counseling in the Urban Setting, speaks to issues faced daily by today's city dwellers. Ellison & Maynard (1992) speak with expertise and passion about the beauty and hardship of city life. Although countless approaches could have been taken, Ellison & Maynard divide their work into three sections, making the task of their readers more than manageable. Section one looks at city life itself and the nature of counseling in the city. Section two introduces the reader to the people who live in the city. And section three ends the book by highlighting 11 pressing problems facing city dwellers.
'Urban life is a dazzling conundrum of contrasts' (Ellison & Maynard, 1992, p. 13). These are perfect words to describe city life. The beauty of diversity, energy, growth, and change is daily mixed with the effects of stress, economic hardship, prejudice, and crime. With these urban challenges in mind, Ellison & Maynard give a clear explanation of the nature, purpose, and possible forms of counseling within the city. Their grasp of psychology and theology allows them to validate several counseling formats (i.e. informal, discipleship, formal) as well as juggle the church's responsibility to believers and non-believers alike. Ellison & Maynard frequently use the word 'contextualization' as they challenge readers to assess the effect of culture and worldviews upon clients. In closing out the first section, a surprising but relevant chapter on evil and spiritual warfare pushes the reader to consider the greater spiritual battle at hand.
In the section titled People of the City, Ellison & Maynard (1992) explore the cultures of urban Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics respectively. The simple use of the word 'Black' gives a clue as to the age of the book but fortunately does not change the relevance of its content. Each ethnic group is fairly represented and the authors are wise in cautioning readers not to take their words as absolute truth in every situation.
The final section, Pressing Problems, introduces specific issues frequently plaguing city dwellers, including addictive behaviors, domestic abuse, AIDS, and victimization to name a few. For each topic Ellison & Maynard (1992) share case studies, along with case conceptualization formats, and basic goals for the counselee in each situation. These are helpful to lay counselors and professional counselors as well. The authors recognize the presence of each pressing problem in more rural areas as well, but believe them to present unique challenges within the city.
Healing for the City: Counseling in the Urban Setting, is a book I would highly recommend. That said, I do have a couple of critiques. First, I would have liked to see chapters addressing non-hispanic white and refugee populations. Speaking as one who lives in a major U.S. city, minority is quickly becoming the new majority and this calls for new ways of interacting and believing from all sides. The decade in which the book was written would not change the fact that urban caucasians face their own set of struggles. Refugees come to cities in large numbers and bring with them their own mix of culture and pain. As christians, Ellison & Maynard (1992) probably hold to the belief that God created all men equal in his eyes, but I wish I knew why caucasians and refugees were not included. Secondly, the goals of counseling in section three could be taken as cookie cutter solutions if one is not actively engaging in the reading. We must be cautious to remember Ellison & Maynard are offering general guidelines to be wisely followed, discarded, or modified.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised at the scope of this book and Ellison & Maynard's (1992) understanding and wisdom. I work, live, and minister in Chicago and was challenged anew as to how I view my surroundings and the people in them. I would go so far as to say it should be a must read for anyone considering a journey into city life and ministry. It is rare to read a book that is applicable for serving believers and non-believers as well as appropriate for clergy, lay people, and professionals alike. But this is one of them!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Grand Design
Sometimes life just doesn't make sense. Try as we may to understand and plan for it, we are not in control of the Grand Design of our lives. Proverbs 20:24 says 'how can we understand the road we travel? It is the LORD who directs our steps.' And Proverbs 19:21, 'you can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail.' For those who do not love the one true God such a statement may seem constricting and harsh. But for those who follow after God and learn to love Him and be loved by Him it is a freeing and liberating reminder. I want to share a song with you that expresses the comfort of giving up control. The title is simple, 'Grand Design', written by Jill Phillips.
'I knew it all along that this day was coming
Even though I knew it doesn’t hurt any less
But somehow the suffering draws me to You
I could start running in anger
But then what’s the point of a Savior
I feel the pain but it still doesn’t change who You are
Nothing I feel is outside of the reach of Your arms
My whole world could crumble but all of the pieces remain
In Your hands that are waiting to put them together again
Just like I know You will in Your own time, in Your own wisdom
One day I’ll look back and see the grand design
Maybe it will make sense then, these questions I have
But with it all here front and center
Sometimes it’s hard to remember
I could start running in anger
But then what’s the point of a Savior'
Nothing I feel is outside of the reach of His arms. I feel the pain, but it still doesn't change who He is. Wow.
'I knew it all along that this day was coming
Even though I knew it doesn’t hurt any less
But somehow the suffering draws me to You
I could start running in anger
But then what’s the point of a Savior
I feel the pain but it still doesn’t change who You are
Nothing I feel is outside of the reach of Your arms
My whole world could crumble but all of the pieces remain
In Your hands that are waiting to put them together again
Just like I know You will in Your own time, in Your own wisdom
One day I’ll look back and see the grand design
Maybe it will make sense then, these questions I have
But with it all here front and center
Sometimes it’s hard to remember
I could start running in anger
But then what’s the point of a Savior'
Nothing I feel is outside of the reach of His arms. I feel the pain, but it still doesn't change who He is. Wow.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Two Face
"Within my earthly temple there's a crowd:
There's one of us that's humble, one that's proud,
there's one that's brokenhearted for her sins,
an one that unrepentant sits and grins.
There's one that loves her neighbor as herself,
and one that cares for naught but fame and self
From such perplexing care I would be free
If I could once determine which is me."
~Author unknown
There's one of us that's humble, one that's proud,
there's one that's brokenhearted for her sins,
an one that unrepentant sits and grins.
There's one that loves her neighbor as herself,
and one that cares for naught but fame and self
From such perplexing care I would be free
If I could once determine which is me."
~Author unknown
Friday, August 01, 2008
The Whole Armor of God
I've been reading the book of Ephesians to better follow our current sermon series at church. I reached the last chapter today, about putting on the whole armor of God, and something came to me. There are six parts to the armor: the belt of truth, the body armor of righteousness, the shoes of peace (to bring Good News), the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God). As I thought about each of these I realized each one is given to me. I have not created them myself, nor do they come from within me. They are given to me as gifts from God the Father, intended for me to put on and wear. I find it comforting to know that, once again, I can rely on One greater than myself to clothe and prepare me for all things, not only material but spiritual as well.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Hope
I'm told I worry a great deal and tend to carry the weight of the problems around me, and I know there's some truth to that. A feeling of helplessness and sadness came over me yesterday as I thought about how difficult life can be. Not just for myself, but every one of us.
My mind is my own worst enemy most of the time and it had gotten me once again. Aren't those the most frustrating times? Battling back and forth between cognitively knowing the hope I have in Christ and the joy that belongs to me as his child, and the overwhelming power of my emotions pulling me toward the cares of this world. It's exhausting and can often leave me feeling defeated.
Despite feeling defeated I knew I needed to work on preparing the music for this coming Sunday's worship service at my church. Our worship leader is out of town and it is my responsibility for the week. I had a few songs in mind so I pulled all my music out and started listening to songs and watching DVDs. Before too long I found myself worshipping God all alone in my apartment (in a closet actually, long story), wholeheartedly singing songs like 'My Redeemer Lives', 'He Has Made Me Glad', 'Hear our Praises', and 'Lord Most High' to name a few.
There's a reason God created us to worship, and that's to give Him all the glory, reverence, and honor He deserves. By singing or speaking of his attributes and his truth he is given the highest place in our hearts. The great side-effect of worship though is that God Almighty rewards us in turn with renewed hope and strength.
So I'm learning that before, during, and after all else fails...worship.
"O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love." ~Psalm 59:17
"I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good." ~Psalm 54:6
My mind is my own worst enemy most of the time and it had gotten me once again. Aren't those the most frustrating times? Battling back and forth between cognitively knowing the hope I have in Christ and the joy that belongs to me as his child, and the overwhelming power of my emotions pulling me toward the cares of this world. It's exhausting and can often leave me feeling defeated.
Despite feeling defeated I knew I needed to work on preparing the music for this coming Sunday's worship service at my church. Our worship leader is out of town and it is my responsibility for the week. I had a few songs in mind so I pulled all my music out and started listening to songs and watching DVDs. Before too long I found myself worshipping God all alone in my apartment (in a closet actually, long story), wholeheartedly singing songs like 'My Redeemer Lives', 'He Has Made Me Glad', 'Hear our Praises', and 'Lord Most High' to name a few.
There's a reason God created us to worship, and that's to give Him all the glory, reverence, and honor He deserves. By singing or speaking of his attributes and his truth he is given the highest place in our hearts. The great side-effect of worship though is that God Almighty rewards us in turn with renewed hope and strength.
So I'm learning that before, during, and after all else fails...worship.
"O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love." ~Psalm 59:17
"I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good." ~Psalm 54:6
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
If only I were a bird
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not." ~Matthew 6:25-27
This verse came to mind today when I spotted a bird gliding its way around trees and rooftops. I thought what an easy life it must be to be a bird, and in fact any animal or even a tree. There are no big decisions to be made. No real worries about what to do next, what to eat, or where to go. They probably never get bored. They certainly do not have to battle against sin and doing the right thing. Yeah, I know I'd like that kind of life.
But yet, Jesus says I am more valuable to Him than that bird. Okay. Except that today I'm thinking that if I am so valuable God, couldn't you have made my life as simple as the bird's life?
That is more of a rhetorical question folks. I know better and I can give myself all the right answers in fact. But sometimes I have questions, and I bet you do too.
As the song says, 'life goes on'. And as it does I keep learning how to trust my Provider for all the big and small things alike.
Jehovah Jireh!
This verse came to mind today when I spotted a bird gliding its way around trees and rooftops. I thought what an easy life it must be to be a bird, and in fact any animal or even a tree. There are no big decisions to be made. No real worries about what to do next, what to eat, or where to go. They probably never get bored. They certainly do not have to battle against sin and doing the right thing. Yeah, I know I'd like that kind of life.
But yet, Jesus says I am more valuable to Him than that bird. Okay. Except that today I'm thinking that if I am so valuable God, couldn't you have made my life as simple as the bird's life?
That is more of a rhetorical question folks. I know better and I can give myself all the right answers in fact. But sometimes I have questions, and I bet you do too.
As the song says, 'life goes on'. And as it does I keep learning how to trust my Provider for all the big and small things alike.
Jehovah Jireh!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Since when do we call the shots?
"I believe more in heaven. Because there is hope in heaven and there is no hope in hell." These are the words of a Chicagoan recently interviewed by the Chicago Sun-Times for an article on religion, heaven and hell. I read this article during a break at work and later found myself in an interesting conversation with two of my co-workers, one Catholic and one Muslim. The three of us agreed that both heaven and hell must exist, although I was the only one truly believing 'good' people could end up in the latter.
What struck me most about this article was the use of individualistic and opinionated language. 'I think', 'I believe', 'I was taught', etc. We ask someone whether or not they believe in heaven and hell, but does their opinion matter? If I choose to believe in heaven rather than hell, will hell cease to exist? If I dislike the rain, can I pretend it isn't touching me and watch it disappear? I suppose I could, but those watching me would have some questions about my sanity and I would still end up wet. The laws of nature, morality, and spirituality are not up to me. They were decided long ago.
Two more things: 1) I am amazed at Satan's ability to deceive. By preying on the goodness of mankind he has helped twist the truth so far that we can convince ourselves some things do not exist. 2) When did everything become about us?
Although I do not agree with Catholicism in many respects, my congratulations go to Cardinal Francis George for his comments in the Sun-Times article. He hit the nail on the head when he said that "religion is about conversion, self-surrender as opposed to self-righteousness. That's hard in any culture but particularly our own."
What struck me most about this article was the use of individualistic and opinionated language. 'I think', 'I believe', 'I was taught', etc. We ask someone whether or not they believe in heaven and hell, but does their opinion matter? If I choose to believe in heaven rather than hell, will hell cease to exist? If I dislike the rain, can I pretend it isn't touching me and watch it disappear? I suppose I could, but those watching me would have some questions about my sanity and I would still end up wet. The laws of nature, morality, and spirituality are not up to me. They were decided long ago.
Two more things: 1) I am amazed at Satan's ability to deceive. By preying on the goodness of mankind he has helped twist the truth so far that we can convince ourselves some things do not exist. 2) When did everything become about us?
Although I do not agree with Catholicism in many respects, my congratulations go to Cardinal Francis George for his comments in the Sun-Times article. He hit the nail on the head when he said that "religion is about conversion, self-surrender as opposed to self-righteousness. That's hard in any culture but particularly our own."
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Yes, I realize it's been a LONG while since I posted any thoughts. I really should return to this more often. I am certainly not lacking for material what with all the work my brain cells get in graduate school.
The last several months I have felt increasingly weighed down by the brokenness in our world. Whether it hits close to home or far away it seems my heart is sensitive just the same. People are hurting. I mean really hurting. Death, disease, addiction, divorce, adultery, lying, stealing, corruption, apathy, despair, hunger, poverty, and murder. These are just a few words that come to mind and as I've just typed them my question is this: am I numb to these words? Do I stop to consider the implications of each of them to someone else's life? Or do I casually express sadness and move on?
I realize we are only human and no amount of sympathy, empathy, or care on my part can turn the world upside down. But it should make me indignant and cause me to ask what in fact is my role? I can cry out to God who became flesh, dwelt among us, and felt our hurts. He did come to turn the world upside down and inside out.
We had communion at church this morning. As I closed my eyes to pray a picture immediately came to mind. I saw Christ standing in front of a crowd of people. Nothing fancy, in fact I was just imagining my own church. And one by one we freely and peacefully knelt before him, felt his touch, and moved forward to stand behind him. Healed and forgiven. The line of those coming to him never ended but no one cared because of the beauty of what was happening.
Lord, I pray for renewed compassion, interest in, and love for your most prized creations: people. I would say especially the hurting, but we're all hurting somehow if we're honest, aren't we?
The last several months I have felt increasingly weighed down by the brokenness in our world. Whether it hits close to home or far away it seems my heart is sensitive just the same. People are hurting. I mean really hurting. Death, disease, addiction, divorce, adultery, lying, stealing, corruption, apathy, despair, hunger, poverty, and murder. These are just a few words that come to mind and as I've just typed them my question is this: am I numb to these words? Do I stop to consider the implications of each of them to someone else's life? Or do I casually express sadness and move on?
I realize we are only human and no amount of sympathy, empathy, or care on my part can turn the world upside down. But it should make me indignant and cause me to ask what in fact is my role? I can cry out to God who became flesh, dwelt among us, and felt our hurts. He did come to turn the world upside down and inside out.
We had communion at church this morning. As I closed my eyes to pray a picture immediately came to mind. I saw Christ standing in front of a crowd of people. Nothing fancy, in fact I was just imagining my own church. And one by one we freely and peacefully knelt before him, felt his touch, and moved forward to stand behind him. Healed and forgiven. The line of those coming to him never ended but no one cared because of the beauty of what was happening.
Lord, I pray for renewed compassion, interest in, and love for your most prized creations: people. I would say especially the hurting, but we're all hurting somehow if we're honest, aren't we?
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