Suitcases

Today, I was driving home, Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand (woohoo Fall is here!) and the Joy FM on the radio, when I heard Dara Maclean's song "Suitcases". I had never heard it before! She shares an incredible truth woven throughout Scripture.

So many of us walk around with "suitcases". In fact, the majority of people do one of two things: 1) they are aware that they have "suitcases", but they refuse to reconcile with them 2) they don't even know they have them. It breaks my heart. Jesus never intended for us to walk around with heavy, outdated, cumbersome hurts and pains.

The truth of the matter is simple. We choose this lifestyle of "heavy-lifting". It's scary to let go.  So many of us are defined by our "suitcases". My question is, "how will I live and love like Christ wants me to if I am still clutching my "suitcases"? How will WE, the Church, live out Isaiah 61:1-4?

"The Spirit of the sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom from the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."

Just recently, God made it very clear that I have some unresolved anger and bitterness. I strongly believe that when God reveals stuff to us He wants us to deal with it, not alone, but with Him. Why do we run then? Why is it so easy to run away from it when we KNOW that God will walk us through it and never forsake us? Personally, I think it is pride. I think that often times we act as though we are "too messed up" for God. This kind of thinking is often looked at as "humble". Is it? Hmm...I am not so sure. I believe that it's pride in the form of defiance. We put our fear where our Father should be. "I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4

Some of us like to "baggage our baggage". We like to zip it, put a little lock on it, one of those suitcase belts and pray like crazy that that thing never opens up! Often times when we do this, we take the hyper-spiritual route. With this type of luggage-carrying we say things like "God is so good", we quote Scripture, and say many other typical "Christian" things. But we aren't dealing with the issues. We are stuffing them. And soon, I PROMISE, we will blow up. I am not talking a cherry-bomb, I am talking an explosion that will leave ourselves and loved ones in the dust. This is typical of us who struggle with perfectionism.

Ok, let's take this a step further. Those of us who like to "baggage our baggage" often don't want others to know what we are really feeling. Remember the story of Job? He wasn't too happy with his "suitcases". God allowed Satan to take away everything from him. He went through anger, depression, and so much more! His heart was what mattered. He CHOSE God over everything even when he wanted to die. I say all of this to simply prove that God doesn't expect us to walk around and pretend that life is easy. He wants to use us to show his glory! What an honor! One way we show his glory is when we share with others our pains and our struggles. BELIEVE me when I say that if you are sharing your struggles with someone who knows your heart, then they know that you are giving it to God. There is no reason to be ashamed. Christ says that there is "no condemnation in Him". It aches me when people are sharing their heart with me and out of no where they start explaining that they aren't complaining, that they aren't angry with God, that they know that God is good. I want to look at them (I often have) and say, "Hey, I know your heart. I know that you love the Lord. You are struggling and I hurt for you. Please don't ever feel like you can't express yourself completely. I love you!"

How many times do we NOT want to voice our frustrations with God, because of fear that He will be angry at us, or that if we say it out loud to Him we will no longer be worthy? First, we aren't worthy. When we surrendered our lives to Christ, He stamped us with a "WORTHY" stamp! AND it is waterproof! Try rubbin' that sucker off! :) I say all of this to myself just as much as I blog it to you...God knows our thoughts! Telling God is freedom! He wants us to tell Him. That is how we become intimate with our Savior. He is all about relationships. He will listen and He will love on you.

Remember...

1." He is sympathetic."
2."He knows we are weak." >"Christ is NEVER intimidated by the depth of our need and the demonstration of our weakness." 

Here is Dara Maclean's song "Suitcases":

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYMM3FYPv30

Therapeutic Model

Recently I was asked, "What makes Mt. Moriah's therapeutic model so different from other therapeutic models?" A thought provoking question...

First and foremost, Mt. Moriah: Horses, Surrender, and Healing will focus on Jesus Christ and His power to heal. In Zechariah 4:6, God's Word says, "Not by might not by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts...". True healing can only take place when one has surrendered to Jesus Christ and knows that it is not by their power but by the blood of Jesus Christ that sets them free.

Secondly, Mt. Moriah will use Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. "Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. EAP is intense and effective.

           EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns.

            The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship. The focus of EAP involves setting up ground activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills.  Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.

             EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, famlies, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs."

The third important component of Mt. Moriah's therapeutic model is Natural Horsemanship. Because I study Pat Parelli's model of natural horsemanship, I find, so far, that Pat Parelli's model will be the easiest to teach and learn. He has assembled a phenomenal teaching method that has proven results. 

             " The Parelli Program of horse training teaches expertise and success with horses based on the way horses relate and communicate in their natural world – hence the term natural horsemanship. 

                 Based on respect for and love of horses – and understanding horse nature and psychology – the Parelli program enables anyone at any level to have fun with horses and achieve amazing results…naturally. Parelli horse training avoids using force, fear, harsh bits or mechanical training aids in favor of love, language and leadership or, said another way: relationship, communication and trustworthiness."

These three words, relationship, communication, and trustworthiness are the core of humans. We thrive on relationships. We must communicate to have strong, healthy relationships. And we must prove ourselves trustworthy to maintain those relationships. What an amazing opportunity God has gifted us with to learn about oneself with a horse at one's side offering unconditional positive regard! 

The collaboration of these three elements-Jesus Christ, EAP, and natural horsemanship serve to not only help people with mental health issues, but also people who are going through the everyday battles of life. In a world where we are often taught a "learned helplessness" we can change, take responsibility for our actions, and learn how to live a balanced life in this world of chaos.

I believe with all of my heart that this model can change the notion that addictions can never be truly recovered from, especially eating disorders. Well world, here I am to show proof that through hard work, dedication, and the three elements incorporated in Mt. Moriah's therapeutic model you CAN overcome...but I stamp it with JESUS CHRIST and His healing power!