I would like prayer for guidance as to direction for my life after my husband’s death as a result of a long battle with ALS/FTD which is now coming up to a year at the end of next month. Throughout my grief I have been processing my life before, during, and after my husband’s death all of which included a great deal of trauma. As a result, through the years, I have developed a closer walk with the Lord which has been the foundation of my healing as well as learned much about the affects of trauma and how it interferes with our early development and later coping skills which shape our relationships and life choices. As a result, I have always wanted to go back for an MA in counseling, but for various reasons especially over the past 10 years which included dealing with my mom’s Alzheimer’s and my husband’s illnesses, where I was the primary caretaker and caregiver, I was not able to. I am now in my late 60s and sense that with all of my experiences and accumulated knowledge I have an even stronger desire to help those struggling in these areas. I am seeking direction as to what course of study I should take in order to be able to fulfill my desire which I believe is from God. It may be that I pursue more of a coaching program rather than a MA degree which would still enable me to help through teaching and one on one mentoring/discipleship/coaching. I appreciate prayer for God’s timing and direction in this pursuit as well as His provision. Thank you!
Hi @pamlan0423. I understand ALS but I’m not sure what FTD stands for. My mother died of ALS some years ago. I would say that a year is perhaps not enough time to process grief or come to terms with all you’ve been through. I can’t advise you on what course to take. Listening is the most important thing when trying to help others. Listening and not giving advice because they’re not in a place to hear it. The Stephen Ministry course is a great one if your church offers it. You learn how to come along side those who are in a bad place and help them walk through it. As someone who’s been through so much, I would think you’d have a lot to offer even without special training. The other thing about Stephen Ministry is its stress on boundaries. That’s important or you can find yourself living their experience.
I hope you find what you’re looking for and I suspect you’ll be really great at it. God’s speed to you.