Thursday, January 28, 2010

Julie's Journal

Well as you probably all know by now, there are some changes under way in the H.O.P.E. Program.  Cathy Lewis, who has been the group therapist and co-facilitator for over 5 years, is leaving.  I want to take this opportunity to thank her personally for her role in H.O.P.E. and for the years of service she committed to this program.  While change is never easy, and may not feel comfortable, it is an opportunity for growth for all parties involved.   It is my deep prayer that Cathy finds everything she is looking for in life.  I know that God will bless her abundantly and I look forward to a continuing professional relationship in the future.  I am just as fully convinced that God will provide the right therapist, who is a perfect fit with us, to take us into the next several years. 
I wanted to allow folks the opportunity to tell Cathy what she has meant to you personally, and to this program.  Please post your comments this week with that goal in mind.  Let's take the time to share with our fellow group member, our co-facilitator and our friend just what she means to us. 

Be mindful to feel what you need to feel about this upcoming change. If you need more information or just want to talk about it, I am always available for you ladies, always.  Thanks everyone, and have a great weekend.  Get your sled out, it looks like snow!!

8 comments:

Sandy Welfare said...

Cathy has been a catalyst for change in my life. I was stubborn, but she finally got me to see the verbal and emotional abuse I was living in without realizing it. I've learned to use my voice and I'm now learning to listen to my feelings. When I look at me before and now, I'm a totally different person. Thanks Cathy.

Gelina said...

Cathy,
I'm at a loss for words..I've worked with you in HOPE for many years, and the knowledge that you have shared with me has been life changing. You and Julie have led this group so well as a pair. I can't imagine HOPE without you. Saying that I wish you a happy and wonderful life. I will miss you dearly. Thank thank you -- I hold you dearly in my heart. With love, Angie

Yarbster said...

Cathy, It won't be the same without you! Thanks for helping save my life. You will surely be missed and I will be praying for your continued ministry in your counseling practice. If I could afford it I'd be in your office in a minute! I have great respect for you and thank God for how He used you as His tool to give HOPE to me and many others. Thank you. Yarby

kindra said...

Thank you,Cathy for your amazing contribution to making HOPE all that it is~a safe place to share and be loved unconditionally. Your wisdom and kind way of reflecting and teaching healthy ways to think and act have been life-saving for me! Not only have you been an incredible facilitator, but even more powerful than that: you exemplify everything I want to be like. You lead in a way that models what it means to live and relate in a healthy way. Thanks for sharing yourself. You are loved, appreciated and prayed for by me! You will be missed!

Anonymous said...

Wow. Just got back from Haiti and saw the news. I don't know the details, but I know God will use the path you have chosen. Thank you for the wisdom and love and donkey dances you have brought into my life and others through HOPE. May God bless you abundantly.

Karen Nivens said...

I attended HOPE for a time and appreciate this Blog. Cathy will be greatly missed. I found that what I keep with me from HOPE is that the past is just the past and should be kept there. The past should be kept in the past and not relived daily. The past cannot be forgotten only learned from.
I wish Cathy all the best and wish HOPE all the best with this new beginning.

KT said...

Thanks Cathy for helping me to learn about healthy living... especially about boundaries and using my voice. The entire Champion clan is feeling the ripple effect. You are an exceptionally skilled group facilitator and I wish you much success.

Antoinette said...

Cathy,
It just won't be the same without you. I'm so blessed to have met you. Your words of wisdom provoked deep contemplation and brought clarity to the truth of my life's unhealthy co-dependent relationships. Even though the reality hurt, your sense of humor/wit eased the pain. Thank you for your honesty and love.
Although I can't be there right now, please accept my long distance hugs, best wishes and earnest prayers for your future to be prosperous, healthy and successful. I hope our paths cross again. God bless!

Much love,
Antoinette