Why Counsel Hearts to Hope?
My ministry to counsel hearts to hope was born out of my own pain.
Among them, loneliness and isolation. I’d go to church desiring friendship with godly women, but it seemed everyone was talking to everyone else and they knew the secret handshake or the secret password or whatever and I didn’t. I was the wallflower, just another pretty daisy lost in the lobby.
Can you relate? Have you known loneliness? Felt out of place? Even in church?
Know this, my sweet sister: You are not alone in your emotional and spiritual struggles. You are not alone in the pain that tags along with your physical problems.
I encourage you to soak in God’s truth that you are valued, significant and loved. Our God is tender toward you, my sweet sister. He knows your name and has written it on the palm of his hand. He calls you. . .beautiful.
From Depression to Hearing God
Back in the early 1990s, I didn’t understand these biblical truths, even as a follower of Christ. Depression had darkened my mood. Anxiety had rattled my mind too. On top of this tough stuff, difficult memories jabbed me. Yes, there was my parents’ divorce but something even worse.
How could I tell anyone my pain? Especially women in the church who seemed to have it all together? Have you found a trusted Christian friend? Or are you still looking?
Fast forward to 2000, the year of God’s specific call on my life.
A summer day. Sunny, a soft breeze. Me alone, in prayer.
God whispered to my heart: “Lucy, comfort my sheep who are hurting with the comfort you’ve received from me.”
“Who me?” I asked
“Trust me, Lucy.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“Trust me.”
Like the fuzz of a dandelion, my arguments floated away and I said, “Okay, Lord.”
Since then I’ve ministered to hurting Christian women and to the people who love them. Fearful women. Lonely women. Abused women. Women caught in addiction: shopping, alcohol, pornography. Women who’ve committed adultery. Women with hard pasts. Women like me. Like you.
To Becoming a Biblical Counselor
Then the Lord led me to training in Pastoral Care to Women (Western Seminary, Oregon) and certification in biblical counseling from two certifying ministries and a third (in process) from Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
On staff as a biblical counselor at Biblical Counseling Center in greater Chicago, I reach even more Christian women with the loving truth that God cherishes you and wants to heal you. Counseling is in person and by Skype. Doesn’t the convenience of Skype appeal to you? Did you know Skype-to-Skype calls are free?
I invite you to check out my counseling page and set up a time to chat over the phone before deciding whether biblical counseling would bring you help, healing, and hope. To set up a chat, please contact me. Thanks.
Sharing Hope with Your Heart,
