WayMaker Ministries-NOLA Blog

Battle Buddies by Beth Maillho

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:07:35 GMT

At the end of every appointment, I have my clients pick a Scripture verse, I call it their “anchor verse” for the week. They pull a random card from a deck of 100 with beautiful angel paintings on them, each with a unique Scripture verse on the other side. It's usually how the Holy Spirit puts the exclamation point on our time together. Well, this experience with the Scripture verses had me jumping out of my chair! It unfolded slowly, involving five of six clients in a row over two days. It started with a male client when he pulled his anchor verse.

“A friend is one who loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17

It confused me at first, trying to understand the difference between a friend and a brother. We talked about it a little bit and how it applied to his life.

My next appointment was with another man. He pulled the same Bible verse even though the deck had been shuffled. Interesting... I now understood the verse a bit more, that a brother born for a time of adversity is the person who enters into the battle with you. They are a next-level friend. They are your Battle Buddy , part of your army platoon. I feel like I am this client’s Battle Buddy, and even said to him in full excitement, “Let’s gooooooo!”

Appointment #3. I shuffled the deck, and yet, he pulled the exact same Bible verse! Holy Spirit, what are you doing?? I started paying closer attention. What are the odds of three in a row? This was the last appointment for the day and gave me much to think about.

The next morning, I came in early and freshened up my office. I shuffled the deck, chuckling to myself. Appointment #4 with a couple. Time for the verse. The client read Proverbs 17:17. Again! I couldn’t believe it. The Holy Spirit was clearly at work. I said, “I’m your Battle Buddy, you are each other’s Battle Buddy, and we are going to fight for this marriage.”

Appointment #5 was my first appointment with a new female client. It was time for her to pull a verse, and she… broke the streak. Her verse was the Bible verse for WayMaker Ministries, which is Jeremiah 29:11.

“For I know the plans I have for you … a future full of hope.”

It was the perfect confirmation not only for her story, but for my calling. I know these Scripture cards aren’t supposed to be about me, but God does speak to me through their verses at times.

Appointment #6 was a male. I didn’t expect anything at this point. Silly me. He. Pulled. The. Same. Proverbs 17:17 verse! I just couldn't believe it. I told him everything that had happened over the past two days and explained the verse. I was his Battle Buddy, and more importantly, another prominent person in his life was his life-long Battle Buddy. “Grief work!? Let’s gooooooo!” (My clients and I have a sense of humor together at times, even with grief work.)

Here’s another wild fact: four of the five who pulled that verse share a similar experience that specifically related to the Battle Buddy image. All five were men.

Holy cow! Or rather Holy SPIRIT!

What are the odds of that happening? Next to none. The odds of having five out of six clients pull the same verse out of a deck of 100 unique cards is 1 in 16.8 MILLION!!!!

Think back to the image of the Battle Buddy. Ultimately, Jesus is our true, life-long Battle Buddy. He walks with us in adversity, in grief, in confusion, in hope, and in love. I get the privilege of walking arm-in-arm with my clients into their battles BUT with Jesus as Captain.

But wait, there’s more!

Just when I thought the story was finished, God added one more confirmation for me.

The following weekend, I attended my annual Holy Spirit women’s retreat where a woman prayed over me. She hesitated before sharing what she saw, thinking she’d lost her mind…

“I see you on your belly doing an army crawl, arm over arm, under barbed wire. Does that mean anything?”

I almost fell over. Yes! It meant everything! She saw me in the battle!

I’m still processing what the Holy Spirit is doing not only in my clients but also in me. Watching the Divine Counselor at work is breathtaking. His love is fierce, intentional, and relentless. He is the ultimate and constant Battle Buddy.

Y’all, we hit the Jesus jackpot. We are Jesus millionaires!

Image Credit: Anne Neilson Home Scripture Cards

The Holy Work of Knowing Ourselves

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 20:34:54 GMT

Why Honest Self-Knowledge is the Doorway to God

One of the most honest spiritual questions we can ask is this: Does the way I see myself draw me closer to God—or quietly move me away from Him?

Every interior assessment carries a direction. It either progresses us in the holy life through humility, or it pulls us toward pride. There is no neutral ground.

The ancient wisdom “know thyself” is not a call to self-absorption. It is an invitation to truth. To know ourselves rightly is to become aware of both our dignity and our limitations. It is to stand honestly before God without illusion.

Fr. Juan Luis Loraz once said, “The best business would be to buy men at their worth and sell them at what they think they’re worth.” That wry observation reveals how distorted our self-perception can be—sometimes inflated, sometimes diminished, but rarely grounded in truth. Humility is the virtue that restores accuracy.

John of the Cross taught that knowledge of self is the first step before the soul can reach knowledge of God. We cannot meet God in truth if we refuse to meet ourselves in truth. The two forms of knowledge are inseparable.

Jesus makes this startlingly clear when He tells us that the greatest in the Kingdom are those who become like little children. Children are not pretending to be something they are not. They know they are dependent. They know they need help. They are not yet burdened by the exhausting project of self-construction.

This is why humility is so often misunderstood. Humility is not thinking less of yourself—it is thinking of yourself less. It is freedom from the constant interior gaze. It is the quiet release of the need to manage how we are seen.

Paul puts it plainly: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).

Humility does not deny our gifts. It situates them rightly—received, not self-generated; entrusted, not owned.

Pride, on the other hand, is not merely vanity. At its core, pride is the desire to be independent of God. It is living as if God does not exist.

Scripture is unflinching in its handling of humility and pride: “Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor” (Ezekiel 28:17). Isaiah is even more stark: “Pride changed angels into devils; humility makes men like angels” (cf. Isaiah 14).

Pride isolates. It insists on self-sufficiency. It quietly says, I will manage my own meaning. And in doing so, it cuts the soul off from grace.

Humility, by contrast, creates space—space for God to act.

Many who sincerely seek humility carry a hidden fear: If I don’t promote myself, I will be overlooked. But Scripture tells a different story.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit” (Isaiah 66:2). “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1)—for where humility reigns, hypocrisy has no foothold.

John of the Cross said that God looks upon the greatness of our humility. Not our achievements. Not our reputation. Our humility. Augustine went even further: Humility is the foundation of all other virtues. There is no virtue in the proud. This means humility is not optional. It is not a personality trait reserved for the meek. It is the soil in which every other virtue grows.

The good news is that humility is not something we either possess or lack forever. It is something we can train. We can practice it. We can choose it in small, daily ways:

Telling the truth about ourselves without exaggeration or self-contempt
Allowing others to be seen without needing to be seen ourselves
Receiving correction without collapse or defensiveness
Letting God be God

Each act of humility is a return to reality. And reality is where God lives. To grow in humility is not to disappear. It is to become real. And in becoming real, we finally become available—to grace, to wisdom, and to God Himself.

Inspired by a daily meditation by Jeff Cavins on the Hallow app

Loved Much, Forgiven More

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 01:25:21 GMT

Loved Much, Forgiven More: Finding Freedom in Christ’s Mercy

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” — Luke 7:47

There’s something powerful about these words of Jesus. He was speaking to a woman known in her town for her sins, a woman who likely carried shame wherever she went. Yet instead of condemnation, Jesus saw her heart. She wept at His feet, poured out her costly perfume, and showed Him a love born out of desperation and gratitude.

For many women today, the weight of the past can feel overwhelming. We replay our mistakes, our regrets, the things we wish we had done differently. The enemy whispers that we are disqualified, unworthy, or too far gone. But Jesus speaks a different word: forgiven.

This woman’s story reminds us that forgiveness is not earned by perfection. It is received through faith and shown through love. Her “many sins” did not disqualify her from the grace of God; in fact, they became the backdrop against which His mercy shone even brighter .

Sisters, our love for Christ grows deeper when we truly grasp how much He has forgiven us. Out of that love, we are freed—not to dwell on our failures, but to live boldly and generously. When we believe His words, shame loses its grip and love takes its place.

If you carry regrets, hear the words of Jesus over your life: “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” Let His forgiveness wash over you, and let your love for Him flow freely in response. Because the greater the love, the greater the forgiveness.

The Way of the Cross is the Way to Joy

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 01:13:33 GMT

The Way of the Cross is the Way to Joy: Embracing Hardship as the Doorway to Resurrection Life

We live in a world that constantly tells us to avoid pain at all costs. Discomfort is treated as failure. Suffering is seen as meaningless. And yet, the Christian story tells us something radically different: without the Cross, there can be no Resurrection.

When Jesus invited His disciples to follow Him, He didn’t promise a life free of hardship. Instead, He said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). This wasn’t a metaphor meant to inspire vague courage—it was a call to a way of life. The cross is heavy, inconvenient, and painful. But it is also the very path that leads to life.

Think of the garden before Easter morning. The women came to anoint Jesus’ body, grieving under the weight of loss. They could not yet see the glory of what God was about to do. Resurrection was coming—but it came through the Cross, not around it. The empty tomb only shines with hope because the crucifixion came first.

For us, this means that our personal crosses—whether they are struggles in relationships, health, finances, or deep wounds we carry in silence—are not wasted. They can feel crushing in the moment, but they are also the places where God’s power is revealed. As Paul writes, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed…struck down, but not destroyed, always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (2 Corinthians 4:8–10).

It is tempting to seek resurrection joy without walking the path of the Cross. But Easter joy without Good Friday would be shallow. Real joy comes not from pretending life is easy, but from discovering that even in the darkest valleys, Christ walks with us—and He leads us out the other side.

So, when you feel the weight of your cross, don’t despair. Instead, see it as a doorway. Because where there is no cross, there is no resurrection. And where there is a cross, resurrection is certain.

The Beauty of a Mother's Hands

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 01:08:29 GMT

What the Parable of the Prodigal Son Teaches Us About Self-Care

I was talking recently with a client* about the importance of self-care for moms with little ones at home. She hesitated for a moment, then confessed something almost sheepishly:

"I really like to have nice hands—pretty jewelry, polished nails, soft skin. But honestly, I feel embarrassed to admit that. It just seems frivolous... even a little vain."

Her words struck me, because I knew she wasn't talking about vanity—she was talking about something deeper.

I immediately thought of the parable of the prodigal son. When the son returned home, broken and humbled, his father ran to him, embraced him, and restored him—not only with words, but with symbols. He placed a robe on his shoulders, sandals on his feet... and a ring on his finger.

A ring on his finger!

That detail matters. The ring was likely the family signet ring—an unmistakable sign of belonging, identity, and restoration. It was a father's way of saying, "You are mine. You are home. You are loved."

As I shared this with my friend, her eyes filled with tears. She told me she had just heard a song about the prodigal son on the radio while praying with her husband that very morning. The timing was no accident—God was speaking to her heart.

And then I thought about a mother's hands.

Hands that prepare meals, wipe tears, clean messes, hold tiny fingers, fold laundry, and offer comfort. Hands that pour themselves out in service to their families. Hands that work hard, often unseen, to make a home a place of love and safety.

How beautiful are those hands!

Self-care for a mom is not about vanity—it's about honoring the body and spirit God gave her. When a mother takes a moment to nurture herself, even in something as simple as caring for her hands, she's not being self-indulgent. She's tending to the instruments God uses daily to serve and bless her family.

The ring on the prodigal's finger was a reminder of his worth. Perhaps for some of us, a bit of lotion, a favorite bracelet, or a fresh coat of polish can serve as a quiet reminder too: You belong. You are loved. Your work matters.

So, to the weary mom who feels guilty for wanting something beautiful for herself—remember this: beauty and restoration are part of God's heart for you. Even your hands, busy and tired as they may be, are worthy of a little love.

*Posted with Client's Permission

My Sister's Sister

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:11:19 GMT

My sweet big sister, Kitty Cleveland, invited me to be a guest on her "First Friday Friends" Morning Glory show to talk about God's lavish generosity and how he healed me of a lifelong "thorn in the flesh." Take a look!

Fostering Charitable Boundaries in Relationships

caroline@waymakercpc.com (Caroline Sholl) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:39:40 GMT

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Outcomes of Christian Counseling vs Secular Counseling

caroline@waymakercpc.com (Caroline Sholl) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:32:26 GMT

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What is an Evangelical or Charismatic Catholic?

caroline@waymakercpc.com (Caroline Sholl) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:28:01 GMT

What Is an Evangelical or Charismatic Catholic?

When people hear the word "Catholic," they often think of ancient rituals, solemn liturgies, and quiet reverence. While that’s certainly part of the beauty of Catholicism, there’s also a vibrant movement within the Church that looks and feels very different— Evangelical and Charismatic Catholicism .

So what exactly does that mean?

Evangelical Catholicism: A Heart for the Gospel

Evangelical Catholics are deeply committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ . The word evangelical comes from the Greek word euangelion, which means “gospel” or “good news.” Evangelical Catholics prioritize:

The sacraments
A personal relationship with Jesus
Regular reading of Scripture
Living out and sharing their faith
A heart for missionary work and evangelization

They don’t see faith as something passive or private—it’s something alive and worth proclaiming.

That being said, Charismatic movements must be grounded in and obedient to the authority of the bishops and the Pope. Without this grounding, there’s a risk of slipping into individualism or doctrinal confusion, which is a concern that’s arisen historically with some charismatic expressions.

Charismatic Catholicism: Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Charismatic Catholics place a strong emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit —including healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues—as described in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 12). Their worship often includes:

Contemporary music and expressive praise
Prayer meetings or healing services
A deep openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit
Laying on of hands and spontaneous prayer

Many people describe the Charismatic Renewal as a “personal Pentecost”—an experience of God’s love that brings renewal, joy, and boldness. The outward form of worship deeply affects the inward form of belief. If liturgy becomes too casual, theatrical, or focused on emotion, it can weaken reverence for the Real Presence in the Eucharist or the solemnity of the Mass.

Still Fully Catholic

It’s important to note: Evangelical and Charismatic Catholics are not outside the Church—they are fully Catholic . They attend Mass, receive the sacraments, and uphold Church teaching. They simply express their faith with a greater emphasis on personal encounter , joyful worship , and active evangelization .

Catholic spirituality is not only about high-energy worship or speaking in tongues—it also includes fasting, silence, sacred art, Gregorian chant, and reverence for the saints. These elements nourish the soul just as deeply and are a rich inheritance not to be downplayed.

A Bridge Between Traditions

Interestingly, many Evangelical and Charismatic Catholics find common ground with Protestant brothers and sisters—especially those from Pentecostal or non-denominational backgrounds. They may even say things like, “I’m Catholic, but I worship like a Baptist.” In this way, they serve as a beautiful bridge between Christian traditions.

While a personal relationship with Jesus and the experience of the Holy Spirit are important, Catholicism teaches that grace is most profoundly and reliably dispensed through the sacraments—especially the Eucharist. Faith must be rooted in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church, not just in emotional experiences.

Catholic worship is not merely a stylistic preference—it’s theologically rich and sacramentally oriented. While Protestant-style worship may feel vibrant, it risks overlooking the liturgical structure, sacred tradition, and Eucharistic centrality that define Catholic spirituality. Charismatic Catholicism can bridge the two.

Final Thought

Evangelical and Charismatic Catholics remind us that Catholicism is not just a religion—it’s a relationship with the living God . Rooted in tradition, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and passionate about the gospel, they bring a fresh fire to the timeless faith.

Relationships Before Rules: Forming Your Family in Faith

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:30:53 GMT

Forming Your Family in Faith

When we think about raising kids in the faith, it’s tempting to focus on what we do : going to Church, saying prayers, following the commandments. But at the heart of our faith isn’t a rulebook—it’s a relationship.

Our God isn’t just a divine lawgiver. He’s a loving Father inviting us into intimacy, healing, and transformative relationship. As parents, our calling is to grow in holiness and raise godly children—but how do we do that?

Let’s explore three essential relationships that help form a strong foundation of faith in our children: with Jesus , with God the Father , and with us .

1. Relationship with Jesus: Introducing Our Children to Him

We are made in the image of God—reflecting His kindness, freedom, creativity, and love. But we’re also not God, and He knows our limitations. That’s why He gives us rules—not to restrict us, but to guide and protect us.

Hebrews 12:11 says,

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness…”

We all need structure. But it’s love that motivates obedience—not fear. That’s why one of the most important things we can do is help our children fall in love with Jesus.

In programs like Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, even preschoolers are introduced not just to Bible stories but to the person of Jesus —His heart, His kindness, His presence. When our children know Him, they’re not following rules out of obligation, but out of relationship.

2. Relationship with God: Modeling a Life of Faith

Our own relationship with God matters deeply to our children's relationship with Him. Children notice whether our faith is something we check off on a to-do list—or whether it's the source of our peace, joy, and direction.

Josh McDowell once said:

“Rules without relationship result in rebellion… or in outward obedience with inward arrogance, anger, or anxiety.”

Is that true?

We’ve all seen it—those who follow the letter of the law but lack the heart behind it. Without a deep relationship with God, rules feel rigid, cold, and authoritarian. But with Him? There’s grace. Friendship. Trust.

Like any relationship, it takes time: prayer, gratitude, the sacraments, seeing God’s hand in the little blessings—yes, even in a great parking spot.

The more positive encounters we have with God, the more we move into what psychologists call Positive Sentiment Override (PSO) . In other words, we assume the best about God—even when life gets hard. And that’s a relationship worth modeling for our kids.

3. Our Relationship with Our Kids: Parenting Through Connection

Here’s the heart of it: relationship comes before rules in parenting too.

We’re not just disciplinarians—we’re mothers and fathers made in God’s image, raising children who are made in His... and ours. They may inherit our freckles or our stubborn streak, our curiosity or our insecurities. And yes, they need structure. But what they need first is connection.

When our relationship with our children is strong, they’re more likely to trust us, listen to us, and follow our guidance—not just because they have to, but because they want to.

This comes through:

Affirming them
Accepting them as they are
Appreciating their gifts and humor
Being available —listening with our eyes, asking open questions, wasting time together
Showing affection
Holding them accountable with love

Three Anchors for Raising Godly Kids

So how do we “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6)? I believe it comes down to three things:

Foster your child’s relationship with Jesus.
Let them come to know Him and love Him. Teach them Bible stories with heart questions: What does this reveal about God’s love for you?
Strengthen your own relationship with God.
Live out a faith your kids can see. Let your trust in God shape how you handle stress, sorrow, and joy.
Build a real relationship with your children.
Be silly. Have family dinners. Go on adventures. Plot imaginary crime capers (yes, we do that). And when needed, make the hard calls with love and confidence.

Bonus Parenting Tools:

Surround them with mentors —youth ministers, godparents, grandparents, faithful adults who all affirm what you are trying to teach them at home
Invite them into spiritual opportunities : "Want to come to adoration and donuts?” “Confession and coffee?” "Slurpees and sacraments?" (Yes, bribery works!)
Explain your ‘non-negotiables’ lovingly. Like medicine they don’t like, some things are required for their good.

Final Thoughts

Raising kids in faith isn’t about creating mini rule-followers—it’s about forming hearts. When our children know they are deeply loved by us and by God, they are far more likely to follow His ways.

So start with relationship—with Jesus, with the Father, and with you. From there, the rules don’t feel like restrictions. They feel like a roadmap to the joy-filled life God designed them for.

Thanks for reading. I’d love to hear your thoughts—comment below or reach out!

Restored in the Stillness

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:20:39 GMT

I was so moved by the readings at Church three consecutive days this week...

In the Gospel on Sunday, Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the better part to sit at his feet and be still. The following day, in the first reading, Moses says to the Israelites who were being pursued by the Egyptions, "The Lord himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still." It's such a clear call to be still and know who our God is!

The following day, the reading quotes St. Paul saying, "Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old has passed away; behold, the new has come." What does all of this tell us about the heart of Jesus?

These three powerful scriptures—spoken by Jesus, Moses, and Paul—reveal something profoundly beautiful and consistent about the heart of Jesus:

1. His Heart Desires Relationship, Not Just Activity (Luke 10:38–42)

“Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.”

Jesus gently reminds Martha that her service, while good, is not the better part. The better part is found in stillness, in presence, in relationship. This tells us that Jesus doesn’t just want our work—He wants us. His heart is tender, inviting, and relational. He delights in those who choose to sit at His feet, to be with Him.

2. His Heart Is Protective and Strong, Even When We Are Still (Exodus 14:14)

“The Lord himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”

When the Israelites were terrified and trapped, God didn’t tell them to strategize or run harder—He told them to be still. Again, be still. They didn't need to do anything for Him to protect them. This reveals a heart that fights for His people, that defends, protects, and saves. Jesus doesn’t expect us to win our own battles; He wants us to trust that He will go before us. His heart is full of mercy and might, and He longs to carry our burdens.

3. His Heart Brings Restoration and New Life (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

The heart of Jesus is not content to leave us broken or burdened. He transforms. He renews. He breathes life into what was dead. His heart is creative, restorative, and full of hope. In Him, there’s always a new beginning as we sit at his feet, sit in the stillness, and learn from Him.

So what does this tell us about the heart of Jesus?

The heart of Jesus is:

Tender enough to invite us to rest in His presence
Strong enough to fight on our behalf
Powerful enough to transform us and make us new

He doesn’t ask us to strive but to be still , to trust , and to abide . His love is not transactional—it’s relational, redemptive, and deeply personal. To be near Him is the “better part,” and His heart is always drawing us there.

Comparison Is The Thief of Joy

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 20:56:42 GMT

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Temperament Talk

caroline@waymakercpc.com (Caroline Sholl) — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 02:33:46 GMT

"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"

I recently had the privilege of speaking on temperament at my Church parish, Mary Queen of Peace! If you'd like to check it out, here is a link to the video . It's zoomed too far out to clearly see the slides, so you can follow along with the slideshow here . Below is the graph that I reference throughout the video.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

How is a Pastoral Counselor different from a therapist?

caroline@waymakercpc.com (Caroline Sholl) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:17:23 GMT

Why Christian Counseling?

Finding the right counselor for your needs has the biggest impact on whether counseling will be successful for you or not. Many Christians want a Christian Pastoral Counselor in particular because every facet of their lives is informed by their faith.

Advantages of Pastoral Counseling

There are several reasons why you may choose a Pastoral Counselor or Christian Counselor as opposed to, say, a Social Worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, LFMT (Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist), or LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). Each of these mental health professionals has significant strengths, and many clients enlist the services of more than one at the same time (say, counseling and psychiatry for medication management).

There are many benefits of choosing a Christian Pastoral Counselor. The main benefit is that your Christian faith is not just respected but it is deliberately incorporated into your counseling sessions. I will never suggest that you do anything that goes against Christian principles. Much of what I do is help my clients identify the lies that they believe - lies that come from the pit of hell. An effective strategy in rooting out these lies is to identify an undeniable truth. As Christians, what greater source of Truth do we have than the Word of God! Every lie that my clients believe can be countered by Scripture. We find a verse that resonates with them and I encourage them to commit that verse to memory.

It may look like a client who, every time she messes us, says to herself, "You're such an idiot." As her Christian Counselor, I help her identify the lie ("I'm an idiot") and identify the truth ("I am capable"). Then we turn to Scripture to confirm this undeniable truth with a verse like Philippians 4:13 which states, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." In session, whenever that lie comes out, I encourage her to stop and state the truth in Scripture. We are creating new neural pathways. It can be a difficult process, and it can take some time, especially if the paths of the lies are well worn. But it can be done with discipline and practice, and it has tremendous impact in helping clients progress toward wholeness.

As we work through the lies, we invite God, the Divine Physician, the Wonderful Counselor, to be with us. And that makes all the difference!

Disadvantages of Pastoral Counseling

The downside to working with a Christian or Pastoral Counselor is that I am not credentialled with insurance. Insurance companies will not credential faith-based pastoral counselors, so my practice is entirely cash pay. That being said, if you have a Health Savings Account, you may be able to use those funds for my services.

Another downside to working with a Pastoral Counselor is that my training did not include as many years of education or supervision as other mental health professionals. I have completed my Masters in Clinical Pastoral Counseling at Colorado Theological Seminary. My program has been intense and efficient, designed to equip me to help my clients in the most effective ways possible. I didn't take classes on diagnosis codes or treatment codes for insurance and billing because it simply isn't necessary since I don't bill to insurance. I didn't spend semesters learning the details of all of the theories that have evolved under Freud and Pavlov and Skinner - although I did learn about all of them. In my classes, we got to the heart of providing clients with excellent care rooted in Christ so that we could get out into the community to provide much-needed Christian counseling. To ensure that I provide the best care to my clients, I pursue continuing education in relevant topics year-round and have a stack of books that I am reading to further my education at any one time.

If you have any questions about Christian Counseling or if you would like to arrange for a complimentary phone consultation to see if I would be a good fit for your needs, please email me at caroline@waymakercpc.com or text me at 504-559-8076. Thanks for reading!

What is legacy work?

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 08:02:32 GMT

I have a love for the edlerly. And I have a love for the dying. So I began volunteering for hospice - it seemed like a perfect fit. I have since been trained as an End of Life Doula. In my training we talked about “life review” and “legacy work.”

Life review is a method of creating closure for those facing the end of their lives. I facilitate life review by encouraging story-telling and asking about pivotal moments in life. It can be a formal process that is recorded for loved ones or it can be more informal and organic and happen over the course of many conversations. The beauty is that it’s healing and therapeutic for everyone involved!

My Mom is in her late 70s and is in good health, but I asked her if I could do a life review with her. It was a little uncomfortable and there were several jokes about, “Do you think I’m about to die or something?” I told her that I wouldn’t regret doing it with her now but may regret not doing it with her later. I came up with a few questions to keep me focused before we spoke and downloaded the StoryCorps app to record it.

It wasn’t as special as I had hoped. My Mom was frazzled by her day and didn’t really have the energy to “go there.” I learned a really important lesson: for this to be impactful it’s important that the person being interviewed is ready to put the energy into doing some work, especially if they’ve lived a long life! I recommend setting aside at least an hour in a quiet space where the interviewee is most comfortable, and I would consider breaking it up into multiple sessions if they have a lot to say.

Legacy work tends to be tangible, something that engages the senses, that is created or initiated by clients with their loved ones in mind. We are only limited by our imagination in creating a legacy project! Imagine how meaningful it would be to have a simple bracelet or pendant made by your loved one after their death. Scrapbooks, letters, audio recordings, time capsules, donations to charity, having trees planted in the local park… there are limitless options! The challenge is to find something that is feasible and that fits with the legacy that the clients want to leave. As a doula, I am able to help clients realize their legacy project from the smallest craft to one that impacts an entire community.

*I originally learned about Life review and Legacy work from Colleen Wright.