Associates in Christian Counseling

	Brokenness
	“The Gift of Brokenness” – Dr. Nathan O. Hatch
	“Unredeemed”
	Book Reviews
	Volunteer Opportunity
	20th Anniversary Celebration Banquet

Dear Friends,

As we renew our focus on the basics this year, it is time to look at the experience of brokenness. This will occur in every life and usually not in a time or manner that we would choose. Yet in God’s hands, this is the stuff of creation, new life, redemption. It actually sets us free, but it also makes us miserable. In time, the fruit will be seen and tasted and we will rest more deeply in God’s sovereignty and care. We hope you will be encouraged.

Grace and peace,
Dr. Joe Verga
Executive Director

Brokenness...

Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand…
Jeremiah 18:6

The image of God as the Potter is often written or sung about in Christian circles. When we think of God’s hands, the image is one of protection, caring or leading. But a potter makes pots. In order to create, he pushes, prods and pinches. Nothing would come of caressing or simply holding the clay.

I love pottery…beautifully shaped, each piece unique, the result of time and the intimate working of the potter. As with much of life, we all love the finished product but are not all that interested in what it took to get there.

The Gift of Brokenness -
Dr. Nathan Hatch

Dr. Hatch became President of Wake Forest University in 2005. More than 10 years earlier he wrote “The Gift of Brokenness,” where he poignantly describes how his “Dad’s brokenness, not his strength, gives him ready access into the interior rooms of people’s lives.” Buck Hatch passed away in 1999. Click here to read this tribute to redeemed brokenness.

Unredeemed by Selah (selected lyrics)

The cruelest world
The coldest heart
The deepest wound
The endless dark
The lonely ache
The burning tears
The bitter nights
The wasted years…

Life breaks and falls apart…

For every choice that led to shame
And all the love that never came
For every vow that someone broke
And every lie that gave up hope…

But we know these are
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

Book Reviews

Brokenness: How God Redeems Pain and Suffering
Lon Solomon
Purple Pomegranate Productions, 2010

Senior Pastor of McLean Bible Church in the DC area shares his personal journey of brokenness as he and his family journey with their daughter’s physical and mental impairment.

The Blessings of Brokenness: Why God Allows Us to Go Through Hard Times
Charles Stanley
Zondervan, 1997

Dr. Stanley helps those who are experiencing hard times by helping them make sense of why God allows us to be broken.

Volunteer Opportunity

Associates in Christian Counseling is seeking a volunteer to assist with the intake process for new clients. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution in the work of this professional counseling center. The position involves phone contact with prospective clients, gathering intake information, and interacting with our professional and support staffs. People skills and a team spirit are very important.

A commitment of 12 hours per week for a minimum of three months is required.

For information, email us at volunteer@christiancounseling.org , or call 896-0065, x203.

20th Anniversary Celebration Banquet

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
6:30pm
Benton Convention Center

featuring humorist
Jeanne Robertson

For information on business or
individual sponsorships, email
heather@christiancounseling.org

A Thought

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18