illumination

Falling back into old habits of not posting--this is not good! these are a few pics from back during the 4th of July when me, maria, and my parents spent the weekend in north GA enjoying some hiking and R&R with some great fireworks to top it off!

Things continue to be busy, this week has felt a little exhausting if i am honest but the semester is rapidly coming to a close (which is always hard to believe) and rest will soon be here. I had a 3 day class this past weekend on sexual trauma and abuse taught by one of the top trauma therapists in the country. it was really really good, full of valuable information, wisdom, and thought provoking discussion, but with it being such a heavy topic, it was pretty mentally and emotionally draining. it is hard, after hearing some intense stories of the darkness a person experiences to be sexually abused as a child (or adult) and the drastic changes that occur in the mind, brain, emotions, heart, spiritual life, just everything...and not feel like the world is such a terribly dark, evil place. it is easy to feel hopeless for such situations, especially when it can occur for 1 in 3 women throughout the world. it is hard work, but this class has certainly given me hope that it CAN be done, and having training to understand and work in the area is so so important. the light of Jesus is the illuminating force to that darkness and ultimately is the only hope that can transform such evil into redemption, healing, and wholeness. the very fact that wholeness and healing can occur after the damage of sexual abuse is a miracle in itself.

i am still reflecting on all we talked about, still processing, but it was a lot to bite off after 3 days so i am sure this process will continue for a while...

this weekend i am back in chattanooga for the 2nd half of my addictions course with just a week left of weekly classes before finals! that means 2 more weeks of clients before a glorious 2 week break. i have finally decided that after those 2 weeks off, i am quitting ridgeview!!!

(and the angels are singing in the background haha)

it is time.

even after this weekend all about trauma, we emphasized over and over taking care of yourself in the midst of this work. i HAVE TO be connected to Jesus and i have to have rest, enjoyment, things that are life-giving when so much of the work can be life-taking. at this point, i think quitting work is going to be more life-giving than anything...even if it means a little debt at the end of my program. it will be worth it, and i am looking forward to it.

Lord, you restore my soul. I love you for it.