Why is it a mistake to focus on retreating, advising, or empathizing while attempting to provide SoulCare? Which of these three mistakes are you personally more likely to make as you attempt to engage in SoulCare? What do you think predisposes you to make that mistake?

[Austin]

Focusing on these three actions is a mistake because this focus indicates my self reliance. My ruling passion is exposed as not being the will of God and not relying on God through His Holy Spirit. I have been a solutions focused person all my life and especially since my educational focus as I pursued degrees in social work was always on solutions. My own back story, foolishness and education predisposed me to make this mistake.

[Austin]

When we back away, offer solutions or try to feel what the person feels the thing that can be accomplished is rearranged behavior. This doesn’t get to the interior world or move someone closer to God.
I’m more likely to retreat. The reason is two-fold. Learning to keep peace, leave a difficult or uncomfortable situation as a child is still a battle I fight as an adult. As a result, when I feel confused or like I may not be able to contribute in a positive way I back away. So this has become a habit that I need to break.

[Austin]

All three of these things, retreating, advising, and empathizing are attempts to stay comfortable. True soul care is often uncomfortable. There is tremendous power in having someone stay instead of retreating when I share a painful and shameful experience.
My tendency is to give advice, because that’s often what people ask for with their words. I want to learn to hear what their hearts are asking for- God!

[Austin]

Self centered
No dependence on the spirit

[Austin]

It will be a mistake as we will then look at our own offerings and experience and try to provide the immediate solution or comfort to the person being care for. We will rely on ourselves instead of the guidance of the Holy Spirit, looking from past happenings for both of us and will restrain us from seeing the potential of what can be achieved under God’s provision.