Philosophy of life dominating problemsThere are a few things that I believe separate my philosophy of addictions from many other religious perspectives. Ultimately, I can sum it up with simply saying that I don’t follow the traditional Mental Health/AA/NA/Disease Model approach. By that, I mean this:
All of these organizations approach addictions and other problems as diseases that cannot be cured. Therefore, the sufferer is doomed. There is no hope for change, there is no hope for the future, or for freedom. AA and NA not only teach that a person is only ever one step away from their addiction, but they also teach a form of religion that is godless. The mental health system takes things a step further, by diagnosing and medicating rather than finding a solution. Unfortunately, much like AA, this system is really fueled by money: the more diagnoses a person has, the more medications they are on, the more funding the system gets. While I don’t necessarily believe that every person who works in the mental health field operates that way, it is certainly what is at the core of every organization. In addition, there is a complete and totally godless approach that is taken, and there is certainly no hope given. Instead most people are placed on medications marketed to help them feel better, but actually designed to make them feel less. I’ve had many people come to me for help who have been on more than 10 different medications for one diagnosis, simply because of tail-chasing the symptoms of their medications. This is just a brief overview, but here’s the contrast with what I believe: Rather than an integrated view, where many try to combine secular philosophies with a godly worldview, I take a strictly Biblical approach, believing that God has the answers for all of life’s problems. I believe that addiction is a choice, not a disease. I believe that medication can be a tool, but it is never a solution. The problems such as addiction, eating disorders, cutting, depression, anxiety, etc., are not the problems, but rather symptoms of a problem, and in many cases, a desperate attempt at trying to cover over the problem. Ultimately, this problem is a heart problem, and only God can change the heart. That is why my first goal with anyone who comes to me for help is lead them to Christ. I fully believe 2 Corinthians 5:17, that when a person surrenders their life to Christ they will experience a transformation that is drastic and permanent. This transformation is from the inside out, and it is what God does, not what we do. Therefore it stands in direct opposition to the way the world approaches problems, which is reformation, from the outside in, and what we do. Reformation is temporary because it only lasts as long as a person’s self-discipline lasts; and that only lasts until they get what they want. That is why so many people are caught in a cycle of destruction. God’s power, His gospel, His transformation, are able to give hope. He takes people who have been written off, who have been told that they are sick, incapable of being free, victims, and out of control, that they are not victims, that they are not incurable, not incapable, and that a new life is waiting for them, if they’ll just take the step. I have three core beliefs at the heart of my ministry: Personal Responsibility, the Gospel, and Accountability.
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GETTING PERSONALWho am I? In a word: passionate.
About Jesus, church, ministry, music, reading, family, friends, and sometimes even iced skinny soy mochas (don't judge me). Biblical counselor, teacher, and mentor to women of all ages. Music is wonderful, studying is fun, and relationships are the best. online classesAll of my classes are available on The Surrendered Life's Facebook page. Subscribe to get notified when we go live! |