The Comfort Branch Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC In the past 53 years, my husband Alan and I have moved 21 times. I used to refer to our moves as either Major Moves (moving from one city or state to another) or Minor Moves (moves within a city or town). Alan gently reminded me all of…

Keeping Our Families Safe Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC  This week, I talked about sexual trauma on Christian radio—offering ideas to help keep children, adolescents, and adults safe from sexual predators. I wish I could simply ignore this painful topic, but I know too much. I knew nothing about it when I first met a survivor…

Praying Courageous Affirmations for Tough Times Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC Father God, I accept your gift of courage.  Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Psalm 27:14, ESV). I can be at peace because You’re always with me.  Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or…

Courage for Tough Times Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC In Joshua 1, God repeats “be courageous” four times: Be strong and courageous….. Only be strong and very courageous…. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Only be strong and courageous…

A Return to Civility Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC The Bible says, Be kind to one another tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32, ESV). 1 Thessalonians 5:15 explains: See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. In this…

Be Alert Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC Recent news exposing the secret life of Ravi Zacharias* is heartbreaking, a grim reminder of what we already know: Christian leaders can fail. It’s time to focus more on God and less on people and avoid putting any person on a pedestal. There’s no excuse for abuse: anyone entrusted…

Facing FUD in Real Time Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC As a psychotherapist, I’ve been hearing from wonderful people on both sides of the political spectrum. Since none of us knows exactly what’s going to happen, many are experiencing confusion, an emotion that can emerge when one simultaneously experiences two or more emotions—ranging from joy, hope,…

The Adventure Begins! Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC May your 2021 be a magnificent adventure! According to Webster, the word adventure means several things. It can range from a dangerous or exciting incident to a delightful experience. Adventure also includes risk, being exposed to danger, or to venture. In 2020, our world faced unimaginable challenges, dangers,…

Choices and Changes Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC This holiday season looks much different from anything we could have imagined—with masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing—but we can still make it the best Christmas ever! Although none of us chose 2020’s trauma, we can make choices to transform what’s next. Here are some ideas. Being brave…

Loving Yourself Marti Wibbels, MS, LMHC Asked by Jewish scholars which commandment is the greatest, Jesus cited Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. What Jewish people know as the “Shema”—the quintessential Jewish statement of faith—is vitally important for Christians, too: God, the LORD is one. Jesus reiterated, And you…