BC-421 Week 12

Communicating Hope

Care and Counseling• Chapter 7 dealt with

issues of communication

• Chapter 8 dealt with helping people see hope through tragedy or pain

Communication Skills

• Be an active listener (Prov 18:13; James 1:19)• Be alert for cues• Be slow to speak. (Prov 15:22-23, 28)• Gather evidence (Prov 18;17)• Listen for learning styles (Prov 21:11)• Speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15, 25; Col 3:9)• Avoid arguments and disputes (Prov 17:14;

20:3,; Rom 13:13)

Communication Continued

• Avoid inciting emotional outbursts by responding in anger (Prov 14:29, 15:1, 25:15; 29:11; Eph 4:26, 31).

• When you are wrong, admit it. Forgive quickly as well (James 5:16; Eph 4:32, Col 3:13, 1 Pet 4:8)

• Do not criticize, blame or find fault in others. (Rom 14:13; Gal 6:1).

Steps for Healing

• Identify the facts• Set a realistic goal• Develop a practical plan and identify power

resources• Implement the plan• Have a support system

Source: Ian F. Jones, The Counsel of Heaven on Earth (Nashville, TN:

B&H Publishing Group, 2006), 145.

Finding Meaning in Loss

• Hope through the promise of eternity and God’s care for us

• Many ministries and organizations exist because of tragedy (start one, contribute to one, establish a fund, etc.).

All loses involve some grieving

Trauma and Tragedy

• Trauma and tragedy from external origins such as natural disasters and catastrophes.

• Trauma and Tragedy from within the family include incest, child abuse, suicide, or domestic violence.

• Trauma from society: in the workplace, through risky jobs, or from criminal activity originated by strangers.

• Children respond differently to losses than adults. Look for behavioral changes, tummy aches, headaches, become fearful, clingy, refuse to go to school, or regress.

• Adults respond uniquely to loss and these may include health problems along with mental distress, changes in temperament, flashbacks or other symptoms (see notes)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” (Ps 34:18, NIV). See the reading on the resurrection in the lecture notes.

We have hope in Christ and offer a ministry of care