Comments on: Why do so many Christians resist counseling?

By: journeyvision

journeyvision — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:04:52 +0000

Hi Dee,
You know, you are very much loved by me. You most definitely have my trust, because you follow and love the Lord.

journeyvision

By: Dee Brestin

Dee Brestin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:21:16 +0000

Journeyvision — we don’t want to lose you. I know you feared counseling — but please don’t back away from the Lord or us. Will you join us in The God of All Comfort study?

By: Jill

Jill — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:00:04 +0000

Thank you Dee!

By: Dee Brestin

Dee Brestin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:55:40 +0000

I’m going to continue Christy’s story in the next post — I’ve thought about Dawn’s question and do want to say again, counseling is not the only way to get unstuck, and is often one part of the equation. In my grief, it was part of it, the part that turned the light on — but it was strong teaching by Tim Keller everyday (I listen to him online at http://www.redeemer.com; singing hymns to my soul, the beauty of creation, and the love of friends that were huge components. Eating right and exercising too!

But let’s see how this counselor helped Christy.

By: Dee Brestin

Dee Brestin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:53:09 +0000

Jill — from what you tell me, your business has the signs that this is of the Lord:

1. It is something you have a passion for, are good at
2. People are confirming that it is blessing them
3. People are coming
(The fact that there are slow times may be due to our economy, rather
than anything else. If you can survive, and you have slow times, then God
may show you good ways to use that time for Him.)

Love to you

By: Jill

Jill — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:05:22 +0000

Browsing through different websites, I came across this one. Quite an interesting conversation. I know you Dee, not personally, but from your “Friendships of Women,” book – fabulous book – really touches many of the issues we face as women! Thank you for writing it!

Maybe you can help me out on a question I have. I am the owner of my own business, and God has really miraculously provided for me over the years. And really, I am quite shy by nature, and I only say that so you can understand how miraculous, I view the provision of God in this area. I have sought the Lord many times regarding this, somehow, He just miraculously takes care of me. But when my work gets slow, at times, I get “unnerved”. I start to question myself, I start to question whether this will be the time, when God doesn’t come through for one reason or another. I question whether I should even be doing this. I am not an extrovert, I don’t possess great salesmanship skills, and quite frankly, I wonder what the heck I am doing. I have a heart and desire to serve the Lord, and often, I have viewed my work, as just providing the money to go and do that, and people have told me, I have blessed them, and blessed their lives. I don’t view myself as an “irresponsible” person. I have not asked anyone for anything in regard to “taking care of myself.” I am not a lazy person, in fact, I like to work. But when my work is slow, I feel pressure from without and within, to “be more” to “do more”. And there are just some things, I don’t feel I can do. I understand this about myself, and cry out, oh God help me. Lord, show me what you want me to do! I try and think of things that I would be good at, but I don’t have alot of skills other than the one pertaining to my business. And that, I believe, God has given me, and I am good at that. And I believe you are a godly woman, and maybe you could just turn some sort of “light” on for me. My desire is to serve the Lord.

By: Jan Elizabeth

Jan Elizabeth — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:24:26 +0000

Hi Ms .Dee! Just wanted to say hi and I miss u all! Having computer issues so haven’t been able to keep up via email, but know that I’m continuing to “press in” and I’m praying for you and all your devoted listeners! Love you all and hope to speak w/you again in the near future!

By: Dee Brestin

Dee Brestin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:56:58 +0000

I’ve heard that testimony before, Jean. Often the fog clears with the meds and then they realize they need to get counseling too. Thanks for sharing.

By: Dee Brestin

Dee Brestin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:54:07 +0000

Good clarification, Dawn. I believe I’m speaking about the person who has gone to God, to Scripture, to strong Christians — and is still stuck –

Stuck in grief, depression, obsessive behavior, sexual immorality, addictions…

If they have tried other godly measures and are still stuck and don’t seek out counseling help, I do think that is a choice to stay stuck. But I don’t mean to imply that counseling is the only way to get unstuck.

By: Jean

Jean — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:51:18 +0000

Dee, I agree. However, in my case, I was so raw and so empty that I couldn’t see that I was making a ‘decision by default’. All I knew is that I was hurting so bad, something had to give. I finally decided to trust a doctor to get meds. I realized they weren’t going to ask a ton of invasive questions, only enough to determine if I needed the medicine. (I did!) I’m so thankful that I decided to make that choice because, once on the meds, I was able to clearly see how much I needed to sit down with someone and just talk and pour out my heart. I also realized that I needed some help in getting through that tough time in my life and I needed someone who had been trained to help people get through depression.