Heart Care

"Psychological needs, not theological creeds, make people strident and judgmental.
Traumatic hurts create dogmatic hearts." 
So tweeted Rick Warren on December 30, 2011.

I tucked this away in my posts' drafts thinking I'd develop it a little further at a later date. Now, in the month of ♥♥♥, I revisit it. I've decided to let it speak for itself. (It really doesn't need any developing.)  It gives me insight into myself and into others. I recognize that without the grace of God and continual work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I am a strident, judgmental and dogmatic person. And when I bump into such a person, I am reminded to respond more compassionately, knowing that behind the stridency and dogmatism there may lie a deep need or traumatic hurt.

We dare not overlook psychological needs and traumatic hurts in ourselves and others.  To deny them is dangerous and destructive.  To use them as excuses is selfish and unproductive.  To refuse to come to the Healer and seek the help of skilled, Christian counselors is prideful and foolish.
...on our front porch...

Psalm 103

2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
   and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
   and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
   and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

♥Thanks be to God♥

8 comments:

  1. Hi Rebecca,
    what a great post, and I believe it is oh so true..............
    We all have wounds, hurts and traumas, but Amen to what you said about using them as excuses.....
    we so need the healing hands and nurture of our Lord, as He is not like all the kings horses and all the Kings men who couldn't put Humpty dumpty back together again. He can definitely put us back together again, if we will give him all the pieces, thru spending quality time with Him, and a lil counseling with a mature believer never hurt anyone..........
    Hope you are doing well my friend,
    and hope you are having a great week.
    Love and Blessings, Nellie

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  2. God puts us back together again, of course!
    And, the cracks are still there until we get to heaven. Sometimes, I think those cracks are there to help me remember Whose I am. I am not self-created...I am a child of the King, yet a mortal with flaws (sin.)
    Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing the Scripture from Psalm.
    Thank you Lord, for forgiving and healing and redeeming and satisfying. Thank you, Lord, for your Love and Grace.

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  3. Thanks for posting this. As you said, it gives me insight into myself and others - and really made me think! I'm thankful God is patient and loving as He helps us heal. Even if cracks remain, His light can shine brightly through them.

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  4. We are going through something in our family right now, so this is a very timely post for me! Thank you! A reminder to me to be more compassionate with one who is suffering and in the process of lashing out at so many others.

    And thank you for posting the Psalm, another nice reminder.
    Love and Prayers,
    Eileen

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  5. this is perfect for me today. thank you. I love your header! I adore the Lucky You box. Wanna arm wrestle me for it?

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    Replies
    1. Ha, ha! I've got about 10 years on you, Lady! It wouldn't be fair to arm wrestle!

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  6. Wow. Words you need to repeat a few times to gather the full power of! Thanks Rebecca.

    Blessings, Debbie

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)