[Ep 51] Who Can I Trust? Distinguishing Between Safe and Unsafe People When You Need Help

A couple of weeks ago, in episode 49, we talked about finding your stretcher bearers, those people who can carry you through difficult and challenging seasons like illness, grief, and depression. But how do you choose who to go to for help? Who do you choose as your stretcher bearers? Today, I want to narrow in on finding those safe people we can trust and depend on. What makes them safe? How do we discern who is safe and who is not? While there is no definitive answer, I want to suggest some guidelines that will help us pray through who to turn to when we are hurting. As you listen, I invite you to consider which characteristics are most important to you. Also, are there any that I didn't include that you want to be sure to add to your own list? Kari   >> Soul Care Group: Monthly email with soul care practices http://lovedoesthat.org/soulcaregroup   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Episode 49: Finding Your Stretcher Bearers: The People Who Can Help Carry You Through a Difficult Season Episode 7: 5 Things to Say When You Don't Know What to Say with Laura Howe Episode 11: How to Ask for Help When You Need It Free Guide: How to Ask for Help When You Need It   QUOTES AND BIBLE VERSES: "Over and over again, I am struck by the transforming significance and profound simplicity of the ministry of listening." (Jean Stairs, Listening for the Soul) "A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence." (Proverbs 11:13, NLT)   WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD GOES SILENT? As an introvert, silence is your strength. You cherish quiet moments. Time alone replenishes your soul like nothing else can. But what happens when God goes silent? When you raise your questions of grief and hurt and doubt—and He doesn't answer? Dear one, what if your very quietness has positioned you to experience the presence of God in a totally new way? What if in these seasons of silence, God is actually speaking to you louder than He has ever spoken to you before? If you ready to press into God in this season of silence, I invite you to fill out the form at lovedoesthat.org/apply. I use a modern-day letter writing style of spiritual direction perfect for Christian women drawn to quiet spaces and written words. Throughout our correspondence, I will compassionately listen to your story, gently ask questions that point you to God, and help you discover personal spiritual practices that invite you to stay close to Him. Start now at lovedoesthat.org/apply.