MYTH #3: A prospective care-receiver might think, "The crisis is over, I'm OK now so I don't need a Stephen Minister."

Yes, the crisis might be over. Yes, you might be O.K. in the sense that you can go on functioning in daily life. That is not proof enough that there is nothing worth "dealing with" anymore. Healing comes from dealing. A Stephen Minister might just be the way to most effectively and efficiently get that healing -- especially when there is no one nearby who can be there for you.

How do you know when there is healing to be done? Maybe the pit of your stomach tells you. Maybe your preoccupation with a concern is the clue. Other persistent emotions or intrusive feelings you don't want to harbor may be your sign. Just pay attention and don't ignore the urging from within to do something about it.

Doing something may be as simple as talking to the Pastors or other Stephen Minister team members to find out more about what a Stephen Minister can do. You may speak confidentially with them about how it could be a fit for you.

Glenn Wolfgang