Easter is a Time to Reflect on Loss, Hope and Victory – (week of April 3, 2012)

Easter is a Time to Reflect on Loss, Hope and Victory – (week of April 3, 2012)
April 3, 2012 Lighthouse Network
News Release: Easter is a Time to Reflect on Loss, Hope and Victory
Dr. Karl Benzio of Lighthouse Network Says the Indescribable Loss of Losing a Friend, Jesus, on the Cross Blinded All Hope

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Christians have heard the Easter story over and over, and some very meaningful and emotional portrayals have helped us to feel the sadness, grief, anger and confusion that must have come with that time.

But imagine being one of Jesus’ friends or family members when he was crucified, especially since they had no idea a resurrection was ahead. No loss we can think of today would perhaps match the suffering felt that day.

Karl Benzio, M.D. is the founder, executive director and a psychiatrist at the Lighthouse Network, an addiction and mental health referral program that also provides the Lighthouse Addiction Helpline, a free, 24-hour counseling helpline. He says that loss of a loved one is often at the root of our mental, physical and even emotional difficulties, mainly because in our grief, we are unable to see the hope of the future, the plan that God might have through the death of a loved one.

Benzio says that Jesus’ friends and family were unable to see the victory during that very dark weekend. They most likely felt very far from God, separated from His love and protection, focusing on the past and perhaps what they could have done to change the present.

A Comment From Lighthouse Network Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Karl Benzio

“God promises that despite all these obstacles of life, you can have overwhelming victory through Christ,” he added. “Come to Him for help and forgiveness. If you let Christ in, nothing-absolutely nothing-can separate you from His love. No reason all that stuff from the past should steal another minute of your joy and happiness. A victory doesn’t just mean to win. It means a decisive win-a win that leaves no doubt.”

Benzio says that grief is a natural human emotion, and we are entitled to grieve when we experience loss, but that grief shouldn’t become the basis of how we look at life.

“Although it is normal to grieve our losses, it is easy to have this grief become the main lens through which we see ourselves, our future, and especially God,” Benzio said. “This distorted viewpoint will dramatically affect our functioning and decision-making. Instead, we need to choose to concentrate on the relationships, abilities and opportunities that are still ours. In all things, we should strive to view life and God through truthful lenses instead of emotionally distorted ones.”


Upcoming Events
Event: A Journey of Your Heart
Restoring the Heart Ministries and Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. A two-day healing event for those who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse and other types of trauma
Facilitator: Julie Woodley
Date: April 20-21, 2012
Time: 6:00-9:00 PM Friday & 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday
Where: Cambridge United Methodist Church
404 N. Cypress Avenue
Cambridge, MN 55008
Cost: $35 ($25 for Students)


Deadline for online registration is April 15th.


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This is a great gift to give someone who is struggling with hope. Or, if you are struggling, give the bracelet to someone so they can remember and pray for you.

Click here for more information or to order.

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