Wow, what a week in Nashville for the American Association of Christian
Counselors (AACC) conference! There were so many great speakers and
singers, and most importantly, counselors, pastors and lay leaders. The energy
was contagious and inspiring. It was a great time for learning, growing,
sharing and worshipping. As promised in my post from 9/4, I will share with you as much as
possible about what I learned.
For all of us at different points in life, we experience pain and tragedy, and yet how we respond to those experiences can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. Throughout the conference, I got to hear from a wide range of therapists and pastors who approach helping people in many different styles. Despite their differences, there was a resounding theme to the healing process.
To find healing, start with your identity, as it can anchor the rest of your healing work. So, where should you do that? For many of us, we anchor our identity in work, family, possessions, money, drugs... and the list could go on. When we turn to Christ and understand that we are made in the Image of God (Gen 1:27), we form an immovable anchor - an anchor based on the Lord's promises to be our provider and sustainer.
However, when we are completely honest, it is hard to own our identity in God, especially when we feel uncertain about who God is. Or we may flat out refuse to align ourselves with God if we see him as distant, removed, harsh, condemning, or any other host of negative characteristics. Yet, when we gain confidence and trust that God is full of love and grace, then we can confidently anchor ourselves in Him. So, it is when we anchor ourselves in Christ that we are ready to begin the journey to restoration.
I look forward to sharing with you over the next several weeks many more lessons I learned from my time at the AACC conference. In the meantime, please share how your relationship with Christ has helped or challenged you....
For all of us at different points in life, we experience pain and tragedy, and yet how we respond to those experiences can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. Throughout the conference, I got to hear from a wide range of therapists and pastors who approach helping people in many different styles. Despite their differences, there was a resounding theme to the healing process.
To find healing, start with your identity, as it can anchor the rest of your healing work. So, where should you do that? For many of us, we anchor our identity in work, family, possessions, money, drugs... and the list could go on. When we turn to Christ and understand that we are made in the Image of God (Gen 1:27), we form an immovable anchor - an anchor based on the Lord's promises to be our provider and sustainer.
However, when we are completely honest, it is hard to own our identity in God, especially when we feel uncertain about who God is. Or we may flat out refuse to align ourselves with God if we see him as distant, removed, harsh, condemning, or any other host of negative characteristics. Yet, when we gain confidence and trust that God is full of love and grace, then we can confidently anchor ourselves in Him. So, it is when we anchor ourselves in Christ that we are ready to begin the journey to restoration.
I look forward to sharing with you over the next several weeks many more lessons I learned from my time at the AACC conference. In the meantime, please share how your relationship with Christ has helped or challenged you....
Feel free to give me a call to talk more at 980-275-1627.
Ed Coambs
Edited by Reena Arora of Arora Media, connect on Facebook
For all your communication needs, she is all you need.
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