Relationships - Week 10
Hi again from Winnipeg! AHHH the topic of relationships…..mushy gushy love notes, cuddling, flowers, the works… hahaha. Okay I’m bluffing, but seriously, our topic this week was Relationships. Unlike the previous statement, our discussions were not superficial and vague; rather, they were challenging, deep, and exciting. Our speaker, the caring, bright, and cheery Kara Thompson, is not only a founding member of YWAM Vegas, she is very insightful about this topic. I can remember a closing statement of “How can one be certain that a person is right for them - a.k.a. marriable? You can’t…you just have to do your homework.” As I think to myself….”GRRREEATTT, I’ve never been one for actual studying and effort…hehe. Now…it is time to marvel, gape, and smile at the lovely update about the inner workings of YWAM Winnipeg’s spectacular DTS!
Don’t settle for the bitter, wait for the sweet. Kara mentioned how many of us are starving for relationships, and we tend to settle for anything we can get, and not for what is best. I know this thought inspired me. God has honey for us…not stale bread. That is exciting. She proceeded to discuss several problems that effect the beauty/joy of all types of relationships. She outlined the characteristics and behaviors we have developed from our family relationships. Seeing how a foundation of security is formed during our childhood, and how identity is built upon this reveals why our foundations can be broken and/or filled with gaps. Being able to take responsibility for our own actions, knowing that we can pass on wholeness and not brokeness to our childern, and being able to empathize with others are tools we can use to mend family ties, and knowing that Christ heals and loves us. She also defined the fact that a healthy family relationship is defined by security and maturity.
The clinical aspects of brokeness (in relationships) were also discussed. This can be outlined as: Biological aspects: chromosomal issues; hormonal issues; and brain structure. Psychological aspects: setting; personal view; events and experimentation. Supernatural aspects: fallen nature; demonic influences; “offering ourselves to idols”; and generational sin. It was great to hear Kara speaking about facets of relationships that are hard, touchy, or practical. We also discussed sexuality which includes types of it, struggles with it, and a godly approach to it. More advice and dialogue occured concerning non-negotiable qualities in a future mate, how to prepare ourselves to be good friends, mates, etc., and principles that can be used in the recovery of ourselves.
Deep Thoughts by Kara Thompson: As I learned thoughout the week, I noticed that Kara stated profound advice using straightfoward statements. These are not exact quotes, but I feel they convey the overall idea as I understand them….yeah it’s goood stuff…so here is what I have gathered; enjoy!…or else…hehe:
Life with dependance on God is as good as it gets.
I think we as humans try to be perfect or say ‘we have to get over this sin’ so that we can be independant of God; this idea is insulting.
Do nothing for selfish and uncommited reasons
We are a complete and a whole person without a spouse/mate.
Our identity is found (ultimately built upon) Christ.
God will not change his mind on your calling, and he wouldn’t want you to marry someone who thwarts that calling.
Most things worth having have a cost…
God is commited to our relational wholeness.
Corkscrew growth IS moving forward. (meaning we can re-encounter problems/struggles/issues, but We can keep growing upward with Christ)
Emotional healing can be/is like peeling an apple slowly, most of us couldn’t handle facing all of our emotional hurts/issues at once.
We shouldn’t be living out of emotional garbage cans for survival…God has the best in mind for us.
God created us to have relationship with him, and he opens himself up to hurt with us because he gives us free will to choose. This is amazing…plus he is commited to us!
Daily decisions are going to be the sum of our lives.
The definition of prositution is to parade one’s self around in a sensual way, and the definition of pornography is any media that sexually arouses one…we really need to be aware and careful…
God only brings up stuff so that he can heal it.
When a thought ferments, it becomes sin.
Well…although I could not share the depth and fun of this week, I hope you could savor a taste of what we learned…take care!
God bless!
Stacie J.
