Introduction Each year between October 31 and January 1, one will hear many of the following phrases or similar phrases. "It's the most wonderful time of the year." "Friends and family make the season bright." “Happy Thanksgiving!” "Merry Christmas!" “Happy...
By Seth Shaver A new cancer diagnosis. A debilitating heart attack. An emergency surgery. The death of a beloved family member or friend. These are just a few events that cause a swell of challenging emotions within us. Often it seems like more than we feel...
By Michele Thompson, BCC Synopsis: This article will raise awareness of the impact of perinatal loss—the loss of a pregnancy. We will consider ways to provide spiritual support that acknowledges the depth of these losses. In addition, this increased sensitivity...
By Paul Riddle, D.Min., BCC Visiting a person in the hospital can be an intimidating experience, especially if you don’t do it very often. When I ask people who attend Lifeline’s workshops what they want to get out of the training, many of them say something...
By Tamara Thompson, BCC I recently listened as a patient shared how sad she was that her health issues prohibited her from doing the things that she wanted to do. Her sister, with whom she lived, would often chastise her for being sad and told her she needed to...
By Seth Shaver, M.Div. We often overlook how giving of ourselves when we care for others wears on us physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Not acknowledging these costs can lead us into care (or compassion) fatigue, and sometimes even caregiver burnout....
By Gabriel Fisher, D.Min., BCC Throughout my life, I have visited many churches. Some are warm and friendly right at the door. Others do not seem to notice you at all. Still others are friendly at the front end but do not make much of an effort to get to know you...
By Paul Riddle, D.Min., BCC All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is...