Healing

I thought I had "heard it all" when it came to horrific stories of childhood abuse, but recently, a client came forth with such a terrible story that I litterally felt physically ill. I've been a counselor for over 20 years now, and over the years, I have learned how to detach myself from the pain which my clients are experiencing yet still remain empathetic and compasisonate. I have learned how necessary it is for me to leave what is said within the safe confines of my office there, and not bring it home with me. I have learned how to absorb my clients' pain, but not internalize it and hold onto it so that it becomes my own.

But last week, there was this young woman who touched me so deeply that I wanted to bring her home. I wanted to give her the unconditional love that every child should be given as a birth-right. I wanted to take the pain away and fill up that void and show her God's love for her. But all I could do was listen. And pray silently in my heart.

I don't think she's ever had anybody to just listen to her before, because as she was leaving my office, she smiled and said "It is SO good to have somebody to talk to who just listens and is kind".

She will have a long journey in front of her - healing all those wounds inflicted on her by her family and "friends". And I will be right there next to her, helping her all the way. For this is my vocation - what God has called me to do. And I am so humbled by this calling - to be an instrument of God's healing.