WEEKS 7 & 8 “TELLING MY STORY: I CAME TO BELIEVE”
STAGE OF CHANGE … Transitioning from preparing for change to actually taking steps for change. Making it happen!
STAGE OF GRIEF …. Withdrawal may begin to occur as the reality of loss deepens and the reality that past coping mechanisms have failed. However, this is where real change and transformation can occur! Rather than moving to withdrawal, reaching out for insight and empowerment from the Holy Spirit, when sought and chosen, brings hope and strength!
EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: “Wonderfully Made (Part 4) - Introduction and Making God’s Design Personal – Identifying our own Personal Triggers and Healings the Memories that Caused Them.” This is found at the tab at the top of this page. Part 4 will be woven into the study in Weeks 7 & 8. Also, due to its importance, it can also be found at the end of Week 8.
Focus and Goals for Weeks 7 and 8
Week 7 and 8: Helping people identify the events and personal memories that are associated with the loss of core needs. As a result, what beliefs were rooted and grew in their minds and settled in their hearts? Be sure to read the “Bridge” page at the very beginning of Week 7!
KNOWING JESUS...
Week 7: What is on His Palm?” We want to emphasize the reality of, and the new ability to receive, His personal love. Focus on the visuals in this reading and allow time for head knowledge to move to heart knowledge through the comfort of His truth which calms Spirit, Mind and Body.
Week 8: “A Man with a Shriveled Hand”. Personalize this reading and the emotion of Jesus in longing for this man to be healed. This longing is happening now, today, for each person in the group!
KNOWING OURSELVES:
Week 7: “Telling my Story – I Came to Believe”. Complete the Worksheet: “Must and Should”. Go deeper into actual events and the feelings experienced. For example, you may ask “At what age do you first remember feeling this way?” and “How does this “belief, such as 'I am not worthy', impact your feelings, thoughts, emotions and behavior today"? Focus on the process of thoughts that become “heart beliefs” and the Scripture encouraging us to “not trust in our own understanding”. (Romans 7:15). We want to focus on knowing Jesus, learning to hear His voice, rather than the voice of our own beliefs that are rooted in loss.
Week 8: “Telling My Story: I Came to Believe”. Complete the Worksheet: “Wounded Hearts Think Wounded Thoughts”. Encourage the members to consider this as a journey of reflection, with no time pressure; it is not an “assignment” to be completed. This work will probably not be able to be accomplished in one setting or even in one week.
Next: “Telling My Story: I Came to Believe”. Complete the Worksheet: “Identifying Personal Triggers”. The work of Week 8 is bringing an awareness and understanding of the personal triggers that can be identified in everyday life; these are associated with past losses. Encourage each member to write their story as well as the responses to the questions found at the bottom of this particular worksheet.
Click HERE to go to Weeks 9 & 10
Click HERE to return to the Facilitator's Guide Introduction page
STAGE OF CHANGE … Transitioning from preparing for change to actually taking steps for change. Making it happen!
STAGE OF GRIEF …. Withdrawal may begin to occur as the reality of loss deepens and the reality that past coping mechanisms have failed. However, this is where real change and transformation can occur! Rather than moving to withdrawal, reaching out for insight and empowerment from the Holy Spirit, when sought and chosen, brings hope and strength!
EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: “Wonderfully Made (Part 4) - Introduction and Making God’s Design Personal – Identifying our own Personal Triggers and Healings the Memories that Caused Them.” This is found at the tab at the top of this page. Part 4 will be woven into the study in Weeks 7 & 8. Also, due to its importance, it can also be found at the end of Week 8.
Focus and Goals for Weeks 7 and 8
Week 7 and 8: Helping people identify the events and personal memories that are associated with the loss of core needs. As a result, what beliefs were rooted and grew in their minds and settled in their hearts? Be sure to read the “Bridge” page at the very beginning of Week 7!
KNOWING JESUS...
Week 7: What is on His Palm?” We want to emphasize the reality of, and the new ability to receive, His personal love. Focus on the visuals in this reading and allow time for head knowledge to move to heart knowledge through the comfort of His truth which calms Spirit, Mind and Body.
Week 8: “A Man with a Shriveled Hand”. Personalize this reading and the emotion of Jesus in longing for this man to be healed. This longing is happening now, today, for each person in the group!
KNOWING OURSELVES:
Week 7: “Telling my Story – I Came to Believe”. Complete the Worksheet: “Must and Should”. Go deeper into actual events and the feelings experienced. For example, you may ask “At what age do you first remember feeling this way?” and “How does this “belief, such as 'I am not worthy', impact your feelings, thoughts, emotions and behavior today"? Focus on the process of thoughts that become “heart beliefs” and the Scripture encouraging us to “not trust in our own understanding”. (Romans 7:15). We want to focus on knowing Jesus, learning to hear His voice, rather than the voice of our own beliefs that are rooted in loss.
Week 8: “Telling My Story: I Came to Believe”. Complete the Worksheet: “Wounded Hearts Think Wounded Thoughts”. Encourage the members to consider this as a journey of reflection, with no time pressure; it is not an “assignment” to be completed. This work will probably not be able to be accomplished in one setting or even in one week.
Next: “Telling My Story: I Came to Believe”. Complete the Worksheet: “Identifying Personal Triggers”. The work of Week 8 is bringing an awareness and understanding of the personal triggers that can be identified in everyday life; these are associated with past losses. Encourage each member to write their story as well as the responses to the questions found at the bottom of this particular worksheet.
Click HERE to go to Weeks 9 & 10
Click HERE to return to the Facilitator's Guide Introduction page