For mental health ministry
Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.
In the Church where I grew up, these words are written over the altar: “Come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). I saw it many times, but it was not until my career as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor that I realized why this Scripture matters so much. I encounter people who have been rejected for their distress, labeled weak, and blamed for their emotional struggles. Tragically that rejection happens too often by “church people” who admonish, “If you had more faith, you would be ok” or “You have not prayed about it.” Regardless of the specific slight the message is clear: “you are not spiritual enough for God to answer.” Yet our gracious God gave us the ultimate 24/7 hotline to connect with him in prayer no matter what the need. Our challenge is to stop struggling and use it. Sure, our Can-Do culture encourages independence and responsibility which are important, but how much can we do in our human strength? Not always enough. There is no failure in doing your best, then letting God do the rest. As a professional counselor, I walk alongside people in their darkest hours. I remind each new Client that “God is the healer; I am just his helper.” In that role, I have seen God “set a captive free” from a horrific past or destructive choices. When that blessed moment of freedom happens, I am privileged to be present for the miracle of a life revived. Mental Health Counseling is indeed a calling; it’s also a ministry for those of us who work in his name.
By Dr. Kathie Erwin
Dr. Kathie Erwin is a Professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Divine Mercy University, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and author of six professional books. She was team leader for Green Cross Academy of Traumatology in Trinidad, India and Romania, She also served as a guest faculty member at University of Iceland and International Institute for Postgraduate Education in Ukraine.