A Coffee with Friends
Because life is a journey and we all need a friend.
The Greatest Counselor and The Walls He Conquered
Years ago, Marc and I took a break from the work in Asia and vacationed to the Great Wall of China. The year was 2002 and traveling to foreign countries was new for us. We checked into our hotel and took off immediately to Tiananmen Square anxious to revisit history in a nation struggling with the outside world. It was fascinating but intimidating as we were surrounded by more people than I have ever encountered in an open park. As we gazed at the amazing architecture, I wandered further from the group ready to jump from a height to surprise them. But, confusion filled me as they never came around the corner. I waited and waited as minutes turned to half an hour. I realized I was lost, in Beijing, with no hotel address or money on me, years before cell phones were available. I held back the tears but panic filled my soul as I realized I was alone and hopeless. I ran in circles screaming Marc’s name with fear all over my face. I abandoned every thought of those around me staring at me as if I was crazy.
As I turned a corner, I heard him yell back. He embraced me and I didn’t want to let go. Fear had captivated me. This is the first time that I can remember panic coming over me but the walls of panic and anxiety have stood before me many times since. That’s what fear is a wall. Like the great wall of China, a barrier that often we put up or sometimes comes over us without our choosing keeps us from relationships or attaining or most adventurous opportunities in life.
Years later, I realized that all of us at one time or another need help such as good counseling, advice, wisdom to get us through difficulties. What makes a good counselor? The top 3 qualities is a good listener, trustworthy, and one who gives good advice. Could this be available to us here, now, and for free?! There is an ancient reliable manuscript written in 700 BC that promises that you and I today can sit with a perfect counselor:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah
Written 700 years before the first Christmas, this was written about a child who was born in poverty and devoted his life and death to love us all. So, how did I tap into this free counseling? Where do I get that app? Did I pay with a Paypal? How did I make an appointment? Of course I’m joking but sometimes its so simple that we tend to overlook it.
The truth that I found is that it was simple, naked, open to me even though I had nothing to offer but my voice crying out “please help me Jesus!”
I found myself in need of a counselor for the first time in my life. Suffering from depression, anxiety with panic attacks, and no professional nearby to help me for many months. I felt alone and in despair. I did cry out but the answer was not immediate as I would wish but I choose to remain, believe, be patient. Over 2 years, bit by bit, I was pulled out of a deep well of depression and anxiety by the Wonderful Counselor. He gave me the people in my life to love me, the book at the right time, and the heart changes that I needed. He whispered and didn’t yell. He accepted me instead of rejection. He tenderly held me when I cried. He healed my broken heart. This Christmas let him heal yours, tell him everything, and patiently wait as he delivers you from your pain. Is He enough? Comment here and let me know what you think.
Merry Christmas!
A Coffee with Friends 
There is so much hope in your post. Thank you for sharing your experience.
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Thank you Miriam! That’s exactly what I hoped to accomplish!
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Loved this post 🙂
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Thank you Makenzie! I love for photos!
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Loved this post 🙂
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