There are many kinds of helpers in our world, the caregivers among us. They are the social workers who serve the vulnerable, the nurses and doctors who treat the ill, the teachers who instruct the young, the first responders who rescue the imperiled, the faith leaders who comfort the congregation, the volunteers who support the community. And whether or not it is our professional calling, each of us is likely to serve as a caregiver at some point in our lives, as a parent raising a child, for instance, or as a loved one caring for an aging relative. These and many other efforts to serve are among the most noble pursuits we can imagine, but they come with a danger worth recognizing.
In their devotion to the well-being of others, caregivers routinely put their own well-being last and can unintentionally burn themselves out physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their self-neglect, paired alongside a deep desire to help others, has the potential to stir up feelings of anger and resentment, leading to a sense of guilt and shame. They often believe that if they were to grant themselves any rest or grace, they would be at risk of failing in their duty.
In The Soul of the Helper, Dr. Holly Oxhandler shows caregivers and fellow helpers a more self-compassionate way to cope with their overwhelming responsibilities and to attend to their own needs, particularly when it comes to their mental health and spiritual journey. She invites them to pause and realize that if they let their personal resources run dry, they cannot possibly care for others as fully as they wish. In fact, their efforts are likely to cause more harm than good.
With a background in spiritually-integrated mental health, Dr. Oxhandler teaches helpers a seven-step process to slow down and reconnect with the stillness within themselves. It is in this space of stillness that Oxhandler guides helpers to reconnect with the “sacred spark” within their soul. By allowing themselves to enter that stillness, caregivers will recognize that they, too, are worthy of care. And with that realization, they will see anew the sacred spark that dwells inside everyone else, especially within those they’re helping.
As a social worker, researcher, and person of faith, Dr. Oxhandler writes in a warm and welcoming style, shares many relatable stories, and widens her scope to include believers of all faiths and spiritual traditions. Her book is for caregivers everywhere who sense the sacred spark within them saying, in effect: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Links for Dr. Holly OxhandlerWeb Site: https://hollyoxhandler.com
Twitter: (@hollyoxhandler) · https://twitter.com/hollyoxhandler
Amazon Affiliate Book Link: https://amzn.to/3y8s4ce
Below are some trusted organizations that you can partner with to meet needs of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.
Fred Heumann's Article in Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/february-web-only/ukrainian-christians-church-worship-songs-war-and-peace.html
Serve Ukraine Web Link: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/serveukraine
Nazarene Compassion FB: https://www.facebook.com/nazcompassion
Caritas does great work in Crisis: https://www.caritas.org/2022/02/carit...
Mercy Corps is fantastic: https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/human...
A local Ukrainian non profit that has been serving traumatized children for years: https://voices.org.ua/en/
Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus
Tell your Senators you support meaningful bipartisan immigration reform
Urge President Biden Not to Leave Behind Persecuted Afghans
Project Alpha
Afghan Advocacy Resources
Protecting Ukrainian Refugees
https://alinoorani.org/
Rick Lee James Official Web Site
https://www.RickLeeJames.com
Shine A Light In The Darkness - The Latest Single From Rick Lee James
Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness
Music Video:https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa
Just for funSign Petition For Weird Al Yankovic Super Bowl Halftime Show
https://chng.it/FgrK2kFZ
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