So Many Good Things 2

There are so many good things happened over the last two months. God used the mental health workshop to teach us how to heal our hurts caused by the people we love dearly. We often don’t know how to deal with these hurts and just set them aside, thinking they will disappear as we continue to be faithful to God. But the hurts never go away on their own.

Jesus endured immense suffering during His time on earth. The scars on His hands did not vanish even after His resurrection. These scars were the very proof Thomas needed to believe in Jesus's resurrection, leading him to trust and believe that Jesus is his lord and his God. (John 20:24-27). Jesus's scars remained, and even when we meet Him in heaven, He will be recognized as the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:6, 9, 12). So, as followers of Christ, we don't need to feel ashamed or hide our wounds.

The “Understanding Mental Health” workshop we hosted last month, offered us a chance to confront our hurts. Sharing with brothers and sisters seated next to us, we began to comprehend our pain through our emotions. Whether it was fear, anger, sadness, indifference, or anxiety from past wounds, we were given the space and time to address them during the workshop. Although the time was too short, those who shared would have a glimpse of how to process their emotions and hurts.

Our scars won't disappear; instead, they become opportunities for deeper healing. They also allow others to enter into our vulnerability. When we share our scars with someone we trust, we create a relational home to hold each other's hurts and emotions, providing a path to healing.

However, healing is a complex journey. Sometimes we feel like we are making progress; other times, we take one step forward and three steps back, or we get stuck, possibly dragging someone else into our struggle. There is much to learn and relearn about our mental health.

Many attendees responded that they were profoundly moved by Dr David Wang's knowledge, experience, and pastoral heart. He responded spontaneously to all the complex mental health questions raised, dedicating almost half his time to this. One attendee, also a counselor, commented that although the questions seemed distracting, he was able to connect the dots. As a counselor herself, she commended David for making complicated issues simple and applicable. However, those accustomed to a more structured way of learning might have felt lost amidst the questions and answers.

Our wounds, like Jesus's scars, are not marks of shame but testimonies of our journey and healing. They invite others into our stories and help us find community and understanding. Through shared vulnerability, we discover deeper connections and the strength to heal.

Too many good things have happened and are still happening. From the workshop and our shared experiences in our mission trips and church camp, we have learned that even in our brokenness, there is beauty and the potential for profound growth.

In Missional Spirt,

Pastor Forest