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Stacey L. Lacik

~ Common Sense Christian Counsel

Stacey L. Lacik

Monthly Archives: July 2012

The Pain of Regret

25 Wednesday Jul 2012

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Behavior, Brain, Christ, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Common Sense Christian Counsel, God, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Spirit, Thought

Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote (Photo credit: BostonPhotoSphere)

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”      Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is so easy, at a certain age, to look back over your life with regret for choices you’ve made, and choices you didn’t know you could have made.  Sometimes the past comes up behind us, taps us on the shoulder, and says “Hey, I’m not as far away as you thought!”  And interrupts whatever mindless task we may be doing in the moment.  Having had a series of what I call ‘trained-monkey jobs’  I have had a lot of time to think;  too much time, if the thinking is always negative.  It takes a great deal of mental strength to change your thinking, especially once you’ve already headed down the wrong path.  Unfortunately, the beginning of that path is usually located in the subconscious regions of our brain, down with all of the stored memories and accompanying emotions.

This is why it says in the Word of God that there is a division between our soul and spirit, like a membrane, and if we strengthen ourselves spiritually, it will have a direct impact on our soul.  A membrane is not a solid wall;  it’s porous, like a filter, yet firm, like a boundary.  We are affected (or infected)  from the outside in;  we heal and grow from the inside out.  Our spirit is where we lay the foundation for outward change;  it’s why others get so impatient during our personal growth processes.  God is at work below the surface;  what people see are residual behaviors and attitudes.

Years ago, it was believed that we were hard-wired in our thinking at an early age, and there was little hope for change;  most therapy was aimed at behavior-management.  This gradually changed, as research discovered what we now call neuro-plasticity:  the regrowth of cells and the natural ability of the brain  to rewire itself, so to speak.  The myelin sheath, which protects nerve endings, can be regenerated; the regrowth of fibrin is critical to regeneration.  Nerve endings,  which is where synapses occur (transmission of chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, etc.) are repaired as the body utilizes proteins found in the blood stream.  If one part of the brain is destroyed, the remaining parts can be trained to compensate, to a degree, for the lost functioning of the part affected by trauma.

So, what does this mean on a practical level?  It means that while we now have cognitive-behavioral therapies aimed at changing our thinking, in order to produce socially acceptable behaviors, our spirit still gets neglected in most counseling sessions.  The world of evidence-based science has not considered the impact of a strong and healthy spiritual life, nor do they know how to measure it.  It means that when we go to others for advice, counsel, or treatment, we have to remember that a large part of our healing lies in how much time we spend in the Word, whether we understand it or not, and that study is essential to healing.  Time spent in prayer and meditation can do what traditional therapy cannot.  Over time, we will look back and realize we have less regret, our choices become wiser, and the result is evidenced in changed thinking, attitudes, and consequently, behavior.  We cultivate the mind of Christ and reflect the nature of God until we become more like Him, and more like who we were created to be.  This is what makes us a blessing to others;  it stabilizes us, and creates peace, in spirit, soul, and body.  It literally reduces inflammation and allows for the natural healing process to take place, within our spirits, souls and bodies, and eventually in our choices and even in our relationships.  And that, my friends, is what evidence-based practice should look like.  Have a blessed and thought-provoking day, people.

“For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;  it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  ~Hebrews 4:12

The Promise of God’s Supply

04 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by Stacey in Uncategorized

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Book of Proverbs, Christ Jesus, Epistle to the Philippians, God, Jesus, Syracuse New York, The New Believers, Thessaloniki

 

Ruins at Philippi.

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“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19

Paul wrote this word of encouragement in a letter to the Philippians  around 64 A.D.  The church contributed to his support while he was starting the church in Thessalonica.  He did not ask them for help;  he supported himself by working, in addition to building churches and teaching the new believers.

Any new ministry or program takes time to develop;  in the beginning, a need is identified, and a plan of action is formed in the heart and mind of an individual to meet the need.  We usually call this vision.  Then there’s a time frame , in which soil is prepared, and seeds are sown.  In practical terms, this is when we research the where, when and how of the vision.  We look at sites, consider whether to rent or own, assess needed equipment and supplies, and how we’re going to pay for those items.  And here is where it all falls apart, because in finding resources, we have to put our dreams on the table and let others sift our motives and intent.  This part can be humiliating. Visions and dreams hidden in our heart may help us weather a storm, but they don’t change the world.

For years, I have had a dream of a faith-based counseling center located in Syracuse, where people can come and find hope, help and healing.  In the beginning, there was no structure to this vision, and the only thing that kept coming to me in the initial period after my divorce was “first establish your work in the field, and then build your house”.  Which for me meant get a degree, get qualified, learn my field of ministry, and whatever is required for me to have access to needed resources.  It also, in very practical terms, meant pay off any outstanding debt, and repair the ravages of my credit history after the divorce.  (Still working on this ; it will take a while, as we lost everything.)  Over time, a plan of action unfolded, which included services to be provided, and programs to be implemented.   Accessibility is key, because transportation is a problem for many in this city.  Focus on biblical solutions to common mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, traumatic stress and other issues will be a priority.  Families, as the ‘secondary client’ will also be served, as many of our problems are relational in nature.

So, where do I start?  Wherever God provides a place.  And we’ll go from there.

“[Put first things first.]  Prepare  your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field;  and afterward build your house and establish a home.”   (Proverbs 24:27, Amplified)

 

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you truly believe." -Gustave Flaubert

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