A Reflection on Matthew 26:6-13 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,  a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. Matthew 26:6-7 In the intimate setting of a dinner with one of Lazarus’ neighbours, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, performs an act of extravagant worship. She pours out an extremely costly perfume—an amber-coloured essence of nard—upon Jesus’ feet, symbolising her deep love and devotion. Identifying with Mary: Sacrificing Something Precious As we contemplate Mary’s sacri ..read more

Introduction Social media is a bit like a two-sided coin for teenagers these days. It’s a great platform for teenagers to share who they are, make friends, and learn new things. It can also be tough, with lots of pressure to look perfect, dealing with mean comments, and feeling left out. Isn’t it? But amidst these contrasting effects, the role of counselling shines as a guiding light, helping navigate the murky waters of social media’s impact on mental health.  From boosting self-esteem to tackling anxiety and depression, let’s unpack the multifaceted influence of social media on our teen ..read more

The call to community remains an important aspect of the Christian faith, despite the emphasis on individualism and self-sufficiency in today’s world. Christian believers are urged to embody virtues such as compassion and patience, as outlined in passages like Colossians 3:12-17. Therefore, relationships within the body of Christ play a crucial role in the Christian journey.   Understanding Our Purpose: From the very beginning, humanity was designed for community. As Genesis tells us, we are created in the image of a God who exists in perfect relationship—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As ..read more

In the Book of Hebrews, we find a powerful testament to the resilience of individuals who turned their weaknesses into strengths, emerging victorious even in the face of daunting challenges. The verse states, “Whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle” (Hebrews 11:34 NIV). This profound insight serves as a timeless reminder that amidst our struggles and shortcomings, we have the potential to triumph through faith and perseverance. The Power of Biblical Resilience: The narratives of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets illustrate a comm ..read more

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32 Before you go any further in reading this, I would encourage you to sit down and  read Chapter 24:13-35 of Luke’s Gospel which gives the amazing and telling account of the 2 disciples walking along the road to Emmaus.  If you are a person who, by God’s grace, has come to faith in Christ, a vital part of your faith and walk with the Lord is to hear His voice. To have God speak to us. As the year 2024 gets underway, we look out on the year ahe ..read more

Life can sometimes become overwhelming, don’t you think? Especially when anxiety and panic attacks come into the picture, but you don’t have to stress! There are some valuable strategies. This blog post is all about simple tasks to help you deal with anxiety and those moments when panic pays a visit. Think of your mind as a busy playground that needs a break. Well, good news – we’re going to learn easy ways to make that happen. These tricks are like superhero moves to bring back calm when things get a bit crazy. So, take a seat as we explore these helpful tricks together. They’re like secret ..read more

For those working in ministry, the journey, though rewarding, can be a difficult path filled with challenges that often lead to anger, depression, fear, and alienation. A staggering three out of four pastors report grappling with these emotional struggles. The roots of these issues delve deep into the realm of unrealistic expectations, blurred boundaries, workaholism, feelings of incompetence, the dichotomy between leadership and servanthood, the reluctance to challenge influential parishioners, and the haunting spectre of loneliness. To navigate this delicate balance, one must avoid the pitfa ..read more

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and adversity. We all face challenges, but the key to overcoming them lies in our resilience and capacity to bounce back from tough times. It’s not about having some inborn gift; resilience is a skill we can nurture and build. Proverbs 24:16, For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again. Even the Bible acknowledges that life is not a bed of roses. It acknowledges that we may stumble or face setbacks but emphasises the strength in rising each time. This is proof that challenges are not the end of us. They come and must surely go if ..read more

Introduction   In the realm of mental health, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands as a complex and challenging condition. It is an emotional battle that many individuals who have experienced trauma find themselves grappling with. In this article, we will explore the concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), its symptoms, its causes, and the significance of counselling in its treatment. It is vital to bring attention to this disorder, not only to educate but also to diminish the negative connotations associated with it.    Defining Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ..read more

Taking care of our mental health is essential, especially in today‘s hectic world of work. Employers are realising this and figuring out how to make their workplaces more inclusive. Work can be stressful, and when employers care about mental health, it benefits everyone. Happy workers tend to perform better. Some easy things employers can do include offering flexible work hours, creating chill-out zones, and encouraging breaks. Openly discussing mental health is also vital. It‘s like planting seeds for a healthy work environment where everyone can thrive and feel good. Let‘s make our workplac ..read more