By Becky Sukach and Roxanne Smith
Everyone needs help at times. Most of us like to think we have our lives fairly well balanced. But there are times in everyone’s life when storms rock our foundation.
You may feel completely out-of-control…
Of your finances – suddenly your job is gone. Sure, you knew the company was cutting back. But you’ve worked there for over 20 years! How will you pay your bills?
You may feel completely out-of-control…
Of your son – suddenly it’s like you don’t know who he is. He had planned on completing his degree at a college close to home. But then he met a girl. Now he is going to another school out-of-state to be with her! What’s worse, you never heard a word about this until he had already transferred his enrollment. How do you reconnect with him?
You may feel completely out-of-control…
Of your future – you had planned on staying in your house until you retired. But due to recent health problems, you can no longer maintain the house. You need to move to something much easier to keep up. How do you begin to sort this all out?
You may feel completely out-of-control…
Of your faith – it seems so weak right now. You are usually able to focus on God through a rough time. But right now you can’t even find Him, and you feel abandoned!
Each of these scenarios describes a situation that has reached crisis proportions for the individual involved. The base that they thought was rock has crumbled. They feel as if they are at a crossroads and don’t know which direction to take.
The base that they thought was rock has crumbled.
Something like this can happen to any of us at any stage of life. We feel as if the way we used to cope with problems is no longer working. We don’t know how to find new ways to cope. Even worse, sometimes we feel this way even though the situation may not seem that serious to those around us. They can’t really understand our feelings about it.
At times like this, a Stephen Minister can help you. Sometimes all you need is someone to listen to you. Really listen. Not half-heartedly or while checking their phone. A leaning forward, all eyes on you, attentive listening session. No judgment. No blabbling to anyone else about your private affairs. Stephen Ministers observe confidentiality.
At times like this, a Stephen Minister can help you.
Talking about your crisis may help you define your priorities and discover ways to get your life back. Back to what? Stephen Ministers can help you get you life focused back to the true foundation of Christ.
Stephen Ministers can help you get you life focused back to the true foundation of Christ.
A Stephen Minister can help you do all this. He or she can offer Christian care and support until you feel more in control. Most importantly, a Stephen Minister will pray with you and be your sounding board. During whatever crisis you may be facing. For as long as it takes.
Stephen Minister will pray with you and be your sounding board.
We have served as Stephen Ministers at St. Luke for over 10 years. During that time we have been privileged to walk beside and to comfort many people in crisis.
If you would like more information about Stephen Ministry at St. Luke please contact Becky Sukach at 434-6539.
Stephen Ministry is hosting a workshop to support those dealing with a loved one struggling with dementia on Saturday, April 26 from 9-noon. Read Learning the Dementia Dance and Alzheimers and Eldelwiess to learn more.
