by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Mar 5, 2016 | forgiveness
What experiences in our lives inform one’s faith and practice of it? And is it any different for clergy as opposed to laity? Episcopal Priest Underwent Abortion to Finish Divinity School, Later Tanked Parish This is a disturbing report of a parish priest...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Feb 23, 2016 | emotions
“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27 My penchant to rise to anger has given satan a foothold for sin many times (and not just in me, but also in those who found the...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Feb 23, 2016 | Covenant
What does being in “covenant” with someone mean to you? Answering one another’s calls or emails? Being available to assist or provide guidance in times of need? Offering concerns about one another’s conduct promptly? Being willing to help seek...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Feb 23, 2016 | action
Today in our Sisters in Christ Bible study on Acts, we were discussing how Paul was often well received at first, then had the Jews turn on him (not unlike the experience of Jesus himself in the synagogue in Nazareth and elsewhere during his ministry.). Several verses...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Feb 21, 2016 | Uncategorized
I have been an advocate for others for many years in one role or another, sometimes stridently so, some would even say bullyingly so, persistent to the very end when I believe I am on the right side of an issue. When called to speak truth to power (or even truth to...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Feb 19, 2016 | Calling, Career, change, churches, conflict, culture, decisions, desiring God, Disciples, evangelism, Ministry, missions, Uncategorized
Many times when women come into our program and are required to attend church, they are squeamish. One had an absolutely horrible panic attack the first time she walked in with me, she said she was afraid she’d be struck dead by God for daring to set foot in a...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Feb 17, 2016 | action, communication
Who do you trust? “One reason we rely so heavily on ____(a particular resource) is because (this person) is willing to question the status quo—and to acknowledge that he might not have all the answers.” (from an article on a medical specialist who is...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Feb 16, 2016 | healing, Mental Health, Uncategorized
Greek philosopher Hippocrates has been considered the “Father of Medicine”. His tenets have been embodied in the oath that new physicians recite upon graduation from education to practice of medicine. The Hippocratic school lists this as part of its...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jan 30, 2016 | attributes of Christ, Comfort, conflict, consolation, counselors, courage, Depression, disappointment, emotions, experiences, God's attributes, grief, healing, Ministry
There is a lot of conversation around the issue of trauma-informed care these days for counselors, pastors, and others. My own experience of a traumatic event led me to discover some key principles in dealing with trauma in those I counsel. It is always the case that...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jan 22, 2016 | Bible Study, Uncategorized
One commonly referenced verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” What are the “all things” that one can do when in close relationship with Christ? I would suggest that they are the proclamations, prohibitions, promises, and...
