The blog series we’re running this week is aimed at those in the local church who have a heart to get alongside those who struggle. A blog isn’t a great place to offer pastoral care - the place for that is the church family - so we’re not setting ourselves up as a place for counseling or support. But I don’t want you to think that you’ve been forgotten.
I’m not just writing this series as someone who has done a little bit of thinking and writing in the field of pastoral care over the years. I’m writing this as someone who had a long battle with self-harm. I struggled for many, many years. And have been free for 10.
My experience will have been different to whatever you are going through now. But I know how hard it can be to ask for help and to persevere on the road to recovery. And I also know it’s worth it.
In the grace of God, change is possible. So do please ask wise, loving and biblical people in your local church for support. Together, and in the power of the Spirit, there is no reason why you cannot put self-harm behind you too.
So what role does self-harm play in people’s lives? It tends to function in one of 4 ways:
All these techniques help people keep on living in a world full of pain. But they are notgood solutions or long-term solutions to the effects on a fallen world. As Christians we have the awesome gospel message of the Son of God who took the punishment we deserve, to wash us whiter than snow so we can follow the loving, sovereign King of the universe and enjoy life and life in all its fullness. Over the next few posts we are going to explore how we can better understand those who self-harm and support them with these truths as they recover.
It can seem a bit unfathomable: the fact that rational, intelligent human beings at times choose to cause themselves harm. People often ask “why?” because on the surface it makes no sense. But the reality is that self-harm need not be a mystery. It is understandable. It is a privilege to stand alongside those who are struggling. And those who are currently hurting themselves can be confident that there is a way out.
So this week on the blog we’re going to dip a toe into what self-harm is, how it functions and how we as Christians can support the many people who struggle.... continue reading
We've been having quite an exciting time over the past few days!:
Huge congratulations to the Good Book Company's Logistics Manager, Tom Beard who tied the knot on Saturday to the lovely Katie. It was a fantastic, Jesus-centred service ... and a rare opportunity to see some of the Good Book lads wearing suits (so smart!).
The ladies of the company weren't looking too shabby either!
And just a few hours later, it was congratulations to one of our directors, Tom Seidler who got engaged to the wonderful Rowina!
And last but not least ... many congratulations to Senior Editor, Carl Laferton and his wife, Lizzie who are now parents of a beautiful baby boy.
What a wonderful time!
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. - Psalm 107:31
Your love, O LORD. reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love!
Psalm 36:5-7
This week we're doing Naked God at 50% off! This makes it even more affordable to give away. It's written for those asking the tough questions and wanting the truth about God. We think it's great but don't just take our word for it......
'Challenging, enjoyable and biblically faithful. I'm delighted that Naked God invites its readers to examine the naked truth behind their own beliefs, then moves on to a compelling and persuasive explanation of the person and work of Jesus Christ.'
- Rico Tice, Associate Minister (Evangelism), All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, UK
'I really like this book. Martin Ayers not only gives excellent answers to important apologetic questions but he also gives compelling reasons why the indifferent sceptic should think of asking them in the first place. He writes directly into the life and experience of a thinking unbeliever and commends Christ both by his attractive presentation of the gospel and his portrayal of the bleak consequences of an alternative naturalistic worldview. I am already thinking of people I could give it to.'
- Vaughan Roberts, Rector, St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, UK
Simply use the code ng50 at checkout to get the 50% off!
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Russell Crowe cast as Noah in Darren Aronofsky film
Archbishop of Canterbury to lose worldwide Anglican role under traditionalist plans
It's that familar story I'm sure we've all experienced: evil Norse legend teams up with equally evil alien race to attack Earth. Naturally, the U.S. government gathers a crack team of superheroes, monsters and scientists to thwart the tyrant and his hoardes. Okay, so the premise may be an unfamiliar and fanciful one, but the emotions, frailties and problems at the heart of this super movie are very human and recognisable...... continue reading
