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Every morning, we wake up and remember we live in “the now and the not yet.” The aches in our bodies and in our hearts remind us we inhabit a post-Fall world that causes pain, suffering, and brokenness. The pages of the Bible depict characters who experience loss and heartache, who willfully sin and harm those closest to them, and who walk through the literal and metaphorical deserts of this life. These stories remind us that we are not the only ones to travel through dark or lonely moments, even though the Enemy tempts us towards shame and isolation.

We often wonder, “If I tell her about this struggle, will she judge me? If he learns about this season, will he reject me?” When we choose to be vulnerable, to expose ourselves to the risk of rejection, we may feel shame or lose relationships. We can feel trapped in a cycle of rejection that dissuades us from seeking out others. Yet in a God-filled community, each one of us can wrap our arms around each other and offer support through seasons of suffering and healing.

As we orient ourselves vertically to God, we can then look horizontally and better listen and support others. Each of us has a story to tell, and many of us share similar suffering and sin struggles. In order to listen well and support others, we need to strive for healing in our own stories. This starts with remembering who we are as God’s children and where we fit in His Grand Narrative. If we acknowledge that the God of the universe loves us despite our shame or guilt, then we can begin to accept our worth in Him. He does not promise complete healing in this life, but He does promise comfort as we daily strive for final restoration. We cannot do the work of healing on our own, but we can demonstrate His love by listening well and standing shoulder to shoulder with those around us as we all lean in towards final restoration.

Season 7 of Conversational Counseling on “You Have a Story.”

To sign up for free visuals and discussion questions for this season click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Our theme music is by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠As Isaac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This podcast is made possible by engineer and producer ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shane Selby⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, executive producer ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meleah Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠generous donors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Known Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alex Kocher⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Brenda Payne.