Read: 1 Peter 5:2
In 1995, Ray
Sherman Anderson wrote a book on Self Care: a theology of personal
empowerment and spiritual healing. The focus on self is important for
pastoral care and counseling. Knowing about the self and how
God empowers human beings into a divine image is key to effective shepherding.
Self-care has to do with experiencing self worth, building emotional health,
and embracing a vital faith. Henri Nouwen became known for his many works on
solitude. One of them geared especially toward priest is his work on The
Wounded Healer.
Both of these gentlemen point out from a protestant and catholic perspective, respectively, the reality of human hurt that is experienced in the lives of servants and shepherds. The works give insight into how healers serve through the pain of personal wounds.
Out of the experience of lost, hurt, and abuse may come a shepherd to attend to the flock appointed by God. It is done not in arrogance or sense of superiority. Rather in the discovery of authentic self experiences of wounds and the healing of wounds, pastors accept the empowerment of God to work beyond brokenness, so as to know the reality of healing, guiding, sustaining, reconciling and nurturing as defined by Howard Clinebell in the Basic Types of Pastoral Care and Counseling.
September 11th carries deep pain for so many people in the United States of America, especially in New York. As this blog is published, a few days have past from our gathering in Heckscher Park of Huntington, New York to remember the lives lost eleven years ago during the disheartened attacks in New York City. On that day, eyes were filled with tears, voices resounded from cries, and prayers uttered remembrance...
Both of these gentlemen point out from a protestant and catholic perspective, respectively, the reality of human hurt that is experienced in the lives of servants and shepherds. The works give insight into how healers serve through the pain of personal wounds.
Out of the experience of lost, hurt, and abuse may come a shepherd to attend to the flock appointed by God. It is done not in arrogance or sense of superiority. Rather in the discovery of authentic self experiences of wounds and the healing of wounds, pastors accept the empowerment of God to work beyond brokenness, so as to know the reality of healing, guiding, sustaining, reconciling and nurturing as defined by Howard Clinebell in the Basic Types of Pastoral Care and Counseling.
September 11th carries deep pain for so many people in the United States of America, especially in New York. As this blog is published, a few days have past from our gathering in Heckscher Park of Huntington, New York to remember the lives lost eleven years ago during the disheartened attacks in New York City. On that day, eyes were filled with tears, voices resounded from cries, and prayers uttered remembrance...
Prayer: "God of everlasting to everlasting, we remember the people
harmed and lives taken by acts of terrorism during our living in the world
divided into nations with differing ethical perspectives.
United on this day of remembrance we share in prayer that walls
of division will be replaced with Peace Walls, not only within our individual
hearts, but through each human community, symbolizing our commitment to
non-violence and fairness.
Holy One refresh our souls, so that someday of oneness is
realized in this day of hope with faith in our ability to love each person as
you love us.
Anoint the eagle to again carry our prayer for unity in
diversity with the power of love as assurance. Lead us to equip people, who are
red, yellow, brown, black and white with the armor of truth, righteousness, the
gospel of peace, and the shield of faith, so as to be crowned with salvation in
the proclamation of liberation for ambassadors protected by integrity and
godliness as we await your acts of restitution and reconciliation.
We have come to embrace and to be embraced. Today, heart to
heart in sincere search for peace. Peace, peace, peace... Let this be the
blessed moment, here and now, of healing peace.
In the powerful and blessed name of the Lord. Amen!"
Agape!
In the powerful and blessed name of the Lord. Amen!"
Agape!
