I have been pondering an issue that arises for me quite often with the work I do as a licensed mental health counselor. The issues of religion and spirituality come up almost daily. I was told in my training not to let my religious or spiritual beliefs enter my work. I try hard to keep those boundaries, but it’s so hard when what I do with people is to facilitate their journey inward. At the very least spirituality needs to be addressed, because it is concerning the human spirit or soul – the core of our being. I do ask my clients if they have a religious or spiritual preference during the initial interview. I haven’t previously disclosed my identity as a Christian unless they ask. As time passes with my clients, I learn who I can discuss Christian perspectives with and who I cannot. Upon my realization of it being ok for me to have an identity in my sessions, I will choose to disclose this information about myself in the beginning of our time together, so the client can decide if I am a good fit for them. I now know I can identify without any persuasion to the other person.
When I started blogging, I thought I needed to stay away from religious viewpoints, because I didn’t want to offend anyone. As I had a discussion with a mentor today, I realized I am stifling my creativity in my writing, because I am trying so hard to keep my core beliefs out of what I write. In all actuality, I need to be more forthright as that is what makes me who I am. I can’t live a fully authentic life if I’m trying to filter everything I say!
So, here’s a little of my story. I was born and raised in a rural Presbyterian church. It is the same church I attend and volunteer at now. My children are the 5th generation of my dad’s family to be members of the church. I have matured spiritually as part of the family of God in that church. I am currently taking classes to become a commissioned pastor in the church as well. I have volunteered the last several years in many roles. I am not going to lie, there were many years. In this current stage of my life, I find joy and fulfillment in doing the work of the church. I believe my relationship with God has grown deeper as each year has passed.
There are days I still doubt things, there are days I have unanswered questions and prayers, but those days draw me deeper into the teachings of the Bible, because there are so many lessons in the Word. Also, there is so much history in the Bible. I am so thankful I was taught to research what I am being told – not to take information at face value. Because I need to make sense of things, I spend time in the Bible and in commentaries. I look at the context of which things were written. Too many things are taken out of context and too many things are misinterpreted.
I still have so much to learn about different religions and the role of spirituality in the developing human! What I know for sure is that there are many different cultures that have many different belief systems. Many cultures have a higher power and it’s just labeled differently. I embrace all people who genuinely care about humanity. I don’t judge people for their religious/spiritual beliefs, and I hope not to be judged because I identify as a Christian. Spread love and kindness and you can’t go wrong!
A few questions….
- Have you hidden who you really are in your work? Do you wear a social mask most days or hardly ever?
- Have you ever been in a situation where someone has pulled away from you simply because of your beliefs, not your actions?
- Why do you think it is so hard for society to talk about politics and religion?
Growing word by word,
Jackie
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