Counseling Article - March 2010

Throughout my years as a counselor, I have noticed something that has always disturbed and has been much on my mind and heart recently. That is that people seem to run fom church and from God just when they need the body of Christ and the Lord most of all.

I have heard various reasons. Everyone knows about my sin. Guess what everyone is a sinner and who knows what that person right next to you has gone through. No matter, Jesus died on the cross in order for that sin to be forgiven. To deny that is to deny the power of the cross and the sacrifice He made on the cross. There may be those who may judge you in the church, but there will always be those who will embrace you and help you through whatever the circumstances. The pastor, in our case, Pastor John will pray for you and also the sermon on any one Sunday, may speak directly to your situation.

Another reason may be a tragedy has occurred in your life or some relationship has not turned out the way you hoped. I can tell you that I've experienced this situation in my life and in hindsight I can thank God He said no. We have had many tragedies in our family. If it had not been for my brothers and sisters in Christ, and faith in the Lord, I may have not made it through. He is faithful and we live in a fallen world.

Please, if you find yourself out of fellowship for any reason, stay connected. If you have not been connected, get connected. We need each other. That's the way God meant it to be. In your pain, there is someone who may need your help. If you need a shoulder, give me a call. If I can't spend time with you because of my schedule, the Lord knows someone who can. Bottom line is get connected, you'll be glad you did.

Donna Ridge