Whether it’s because we’re more aware of how often and to what degree people are being violated, or if the sexualized culture has dramatically increased the rate in which people are being abused and hurt—the fact is, it’s hard to trust people like we want to.
Whether we like it or not, our culture has shifted to accommodate the ever-growing need for people to feel connected. One of the shifts I’ve noticed is how more and more people are feeling increasingly lonely, depressed, and anxious even though we’re in a time when we’re more “connected” than ever before.
Although social work is unpredictable and stressful at times, the worry and fear that I experience as a parent is far greater.
I have found that true intimacy with others and with Christ is truly known and experienced when we have opportunities to unconditionally love and accept each other through the depth of apparent transgressions and pain.
Parenting has been one of the most humbling adventures I’ve ever been on. Whatever I learned in school and from the textbooks gets thrown out the window when my three-year-old refuses to let me buckle her in the car seat while my 9-month old is screaming for his bottle.
We are entrusted to walk alongside people during some of the most difficult and vulnerable times in their lives. It’s work that God could do without us but God still allows us to be a part of it. Social workers show up when abuse is occurring, when violence is erupting, and when homes are dirty. We are asked to meet families during times of loss, adoption, school problems, divorce, addictions, trauma, and relationship problems. We get to hear stories, play with kids, sit in team meetings, solve problems, and see people heal and get well.
