The concept of God has been a subject of contemplation and interpretation for countless generations. The essence of God is love in its purest form. So if God is love what is love? The answer to that is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” God is absolute unconditional love. Absolutely no strings attached. Why is it so hard for us to except this as being the truth of who God is? The answer has always been right in front of us, we just have not been able to see it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss one of the biggest if, not the biggest reason - we project our parents face and roles as parents onto God.
 
The act of putting our parents faces and roles on God is actually a bigger issue than most of us realize within the religious world as we know it, whether that is a Christian faith, Buddhist faith, Mormon faith or any one of the many world religions. We must remember in many of these faith based practices, we look at God as our Father, Abba. A father that loves us unconditionally and forgives us of all our sins and wrong doings without questioning. The reality for so many is that they had a father here on earth that has fallen way short of these standards. Their love and forgiveness was conditional, contingent on certain conditions, or rules on them giving of their love.  A fathers love is supposed to simulate Gods unconditional love, no strings attached. Sadly, there is a very large number of us that grow up with a father that displayed the latter attributes I mentioned above.
 
When we grow up in a home where we may have been abused in any way, it can cause a deeply profound hurt, as well as confusion and dysfunction. Distrust can then be unleashed in a young person’s life in overwhelming ways. These things are ways the enemy, Satan, uses to pull us away from God.  These have nothing to do with who God is, yet we come up with a view of God that judges or punishes us based upon how we are meeting our fathers (parents) expectations and conditions. When such abuse does occur, the picture of a father that God the Father intended us as a child or young adult to see, one of a role-model, becomes skewed, shattered and confusing.
 
The good news about all of this is that you can overcome this dilemma. I have, that is why I believe this is a vital subject that must be talked about. For those of you that grew up in a home where the attributes of God the Father were displayed to you by your father or parents, you have been given a gift that many in this world only hoped for, cherish it. To those of you that grew up in a home where your father did not or did not know how to display Gods attributes, yet you have worked through the process and have developed a relationship with God the Father, I am proud of you. For those of you still struggling with this, I invite you to reach out to me at healandresorecounseling.com and I will be more than happy to journey with you on this quest. I would also encourage all parents to listen to the Heal And Restore podcast titled – A Message to Parents - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-l-boyd/episodes/A-Message-to-Parents-e29cjko

Get Your Copy of Our Book - How to Heal and Restore your Marriage by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2Y81W5


FOLLOW US ON:
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/heala...⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/healandr...⁠


VISIT US AT
www.healandrestorecounseling.com


 

In keeping the theme of our last podcast "Recovery Tools for Life" - my blog post this week will reflect on the same topic. 
​
​Recovery is a deeply personal journey, often marked by challenges and triumphs. Whether you're overcoming addiction, healing from trauma, or striving for better mental health, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. These personal recovery tools serve as pillars of support, helping individuals regain control of their lives and find strength in vulnerability. In this blog, we'll explore five essential tools that can empower your recovery journey.

1. Self-Reflection and Mindfulness

Self-reflection is the cornerstone of personal growth and recovery. Taking time to introspect allows you to identify triggers, patterns, and underlying emotions that may be contributing to your struggles. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and grounding techniques, help you stay present and cultivate a heightened awareness of your thoughts and feelings. By nurturing mindfulness, you can develop a stronger sense of self-control and a deeper understanding of your own needs.

1. Supportive Community

No one should have to navigate recovery alone. Building a supportive community can provide a safety net during challenging times. This community may include friends, family members, support groups, therapists, or mentors. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey, offer empathy, and encourage your progress can be invaluable. They serve as reminders that you are not alone in your struggles, and that seeking help is a sign of strength.

1. Goal Setting and Accountability

Setting clear, achievable goals is crucial for maintaining momentum in your recovery. These goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound. They act as roadmaps, providing direction and a sense of purpose. Additionally, establishing accountability measures, such as journaling, progress trackers, or regular check-ins with a trusted friend or mentor, can help you stay on course. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, as they represent steps toward a brighter future.

1. Holistic Self-Care Practices

Recovery is a holistic process that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Engaging in self-care practices that nurture all these aspects is essential. This may involve regular exercise, balanced nutrition, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques. Additionally, exploring creative outlets, cultivating hobbies, and spending time in nature can bring immense joy and fulfillment. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's a vital part of your journey toward healing.

1. Resilience and Acceptance

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and it's a quality that becomes a beacon of hope in recovery. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the process, and they do not define your progress. Cultivate self-compassion and learn to forgive yourself. Acceptance, both of your past and your current circumstances, allows you to let go of guilt and shame, freeing you to move forward with purpose and determination.
Conclusion
Your personal recovery journey is unique, and these tools are here to support you every step of the way. Remember that progress may not always be linear, but each day is a new opportunity for growth. By embracing self-reflection, building a supportive community, setting meaningful goals, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating resilience and acceptance, you are equipping yourself with the strength and resilience needed to overcome any obstacle. Trust in your own capacity for transformation, and know that you have the power to create a brighter, healthier future.

Get Your Copy of Our Book - How to Heal and Restore your Marriage by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2Y81W5

FOLLOW US ON: 
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/heala...⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/healandr...⁠

VISIT US AT 
www.healandrestorecounseling.com



​
Regenerate