Melissa Affolter | Story Companion

Hiker 🥾 | Bird watcher 🪶 | Creator of ReStoried groups | | Content + Equipping Director, Senior Counselor @ Fieldstone Counseling

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

@Anna_rWalker I've been reading a book recently and the author quotes Mecthild of Madgeburg (13th century mystic) in a way that's been helpful to me: "God, I will tear the heart of my soul in two and you must lie therein. You must lay yourself in the wounds of my soul." https://t.co/dswND6r717

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

@Anna_rWalker I was wondering this as well, Anna. For years in my support groups, women have expressed how difficult it is to consider the cross as "the greatest trauma." I appreciate the meaning behind the statement, but find it usually falls flat (or is met with frustration) in counseling.

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

This remains one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Langberg.

[Diane Langberg, PhD @DianeLangberg]

We damage the dignity of others when we refuse to wait for them—whether they need to tie their own shoes or they are struggling to find words for the indescribable. We bestow honor on another when we consider him or her worth waiting for.

[Diane Langberg, PhD @DianeLangberg]

We damage the dignity of others when we refuse to wait for them—whether they need to tie their own shoes or they are struggling to find words for the indescribable. We bestow honor on another when we consider him or her worth waiting for.

[Diane Langberg, PhD @DianeLangberg]

If you want the trauma survivor to understand that God is a refuge, then be one.

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

@jasonkovacs Does the preaching/teaching often focus on what the hearers are to do, or is it centered around the person and work of Jesus?

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

On my walk today, an older gentleman greeted me with, “Happy Mother’s Day." Sometimes God gives us the words we lack in the places we least expect them. Women, may you find a word here, whether you find yourself feeling empty or full this weekend. 🤍

https://t.co/kEr460w09E

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

Early spring looks like our lives in many ways. We emerge from seasons of darkness and despondency, desperately looking for signs of life. When we find ourselves surrounded by muddy earth and bare limbs, signs of decay all around, we feel disappointment.
https://t.co/K6BOMmYK8T

[Doug Wolter @DougWolter]

Your best years are not behind you. When you’ve been through some things, your roots are deeper and your branches stronger because of it. Like a weathered oak tree, God is still at work within you bearing the fruit of love in every season of life.

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

@JordanStoryline I've continued to work on some ideas, mostly at the research phase. I'm envisioning a resource for counselors who work with those whose consciences have been impacted by abuse (particularly spiritual abuse).

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

@JordanStoryline Yes, I just saw that you shared it yesterday and downloaded it. I also shared the link with our team at Fieldstone as we just discussed some overlapping themes at our team retreat. Thankful for you!

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

@kyleworley Thanks for inviting us in to your study. I don't have anything to add to the helpful feedback you've already received, but wanted to thank you since this theme comes up a LOT in my counseling work.

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

We often seek out a regimented program or accountability system to affect change, which certainly can hold value in the process. But we find the greatest help and hope for our troubles in a Person rather than a system.

[Doug Wolter @DougWolter]

Great article by @affoltermel on how we can release our plans and our very selves to the Lord. Thankful for the shoutout as well! https://t.co/IJYtndUo2e

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

So excited to see this resource getting into people's hands!

[Eʟɪᴢᴀ Hᴜɪᴇ @ElizaJaneHuie]

IT'S LAUNCH DAY!
May every page point you to tangible and loving ways to be aware of the impact of trauma and give you clear steps toward the hope and peace our God provides.

It takes a village to write a book of this caliber and you all are that village. Thank you!

[Doug Wolter @DougWolter]

Each day I try to remember:

I am his BELOVED
(Our Father who art in heaven…)

I BOW before him
(Your kingdom come, your will be done…)

I receive his daily BREAD
(Give us this day our daily bread…)

This helps me stay present to his grace each day.

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

“Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

@jasonkovacs Especially with those experiencing deep distress, we spend time describing colors and textures we see in natural elements. It seems to "wake up" the senses to beauty and guides them on doing it on their own. We often start by looking at a psalm to prompt those observations.

[Melissa Affolter | Story Companion @affoltermel]

"But most of all you taught us to love God,

And to let him love you."

https://t.co/RvbgwcrBKx

[Amanda Held Opelt @AmandaHeldOpelt]

The older I get the more I’m convinced that humility is the highest virtue…the foundation that makes all other virtues possible.

Humility isn’t always easy, but ultimately it is a light load. Hubris, however, is heavy; maintaining your own rightness is exhausting

[Diane Langberg, PhD @DianeLangberg]

By silencing victims, by rushing to protect our institutions and by striving for externally pristine environments that cover-up our great un-likeness to Christ, we are in fact missing God.  He comes to us through the little, the diseased, the crippled and the fearful.