Nashville Counselors Reach Out to Asheville After Devastating Floods
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It’s always heartwarming to see people come together, especially in tough times. Recently, a courageous group of counselors from Nashville stepped up to lend a helping hand to families in Asheville, North Carolina, impacted by the catastrophic floods that hit the area back in September. This group from Daystar Counseling Ministries spent about four days in Asheville working tirelessly to provide emotional support and facilitate healing for around 100 children and their parents.
A Helping Hand in Tough Times
Don Logan, one of the dedicated counselors, shared some insights about their mission. He explained how they initiated several group therapy sessions focusing on exploring deep-seated trauma, resilience, and future aspirations. “We wanted to create a space where they could feel safe to express what they lived through and to contemplate their journey ahead,” Logan remarked. It’s easy to understand that after facing such overwhelming challenges, many people often forget to check in with themselves amidst all the chaos.
“As we engaged with the families, we noticed that many of them were out there volunteering, helping to pick up the pieces of their community,” Logan continued. “It became a conversation about how they could care for themselves while being the helpers.” It’s a beautiful reminder that self-care often needs to come before we can be there for others fully.
Sharing Strength Through Adversity
The beautiful mission of Daystar Counseling Ministries isn’t limited to the floods in Asheville. The community-focused organization has also been pivotal in assisting families affected by the tragic Covenant School shooting. In a heartwarming twist, students from the Covenant School wrote words of encouragement for the counselors to deliver to the children in Asheville. Logan highlighted how uplifting it was to see the resilience of those students reflected in the cards, stating, “Many of these messages came from adolescents who have themselves faced trauma.”
“It was a powerful moment to witness their understanding and compassion,” he said, referring to cards that read heartfelt messages like, “I know what change feels like, but I also know what God’s love feels like,” and “There is something I learned to do when I feel sad. Breathe in through your nose and think about something good.” The sincerity and empathy displayed through these young voices serve as a beacon of hope for both the senders and receivers alike.
A Commitment to Continued Support
Understanding that healing is a long-term process, it’s comforting to know that Logan and his team didn’t just leave families to fend for themselves after their visit. They made a commitment to help connect the families with full-time counselors in their local communities, emphasizing the importance of continuity in therapeutic support. “It’s vital that their needs are addressed beyond our brief time there,” Logan shared.
The visits to Asheville remind us all of the strength we can find in one another, especially after experiencing hardship. For families affected by the floods, having a moment to share their struggles and engage in dialogue about their experiences and feelings is invaluable. Through the work of compassionate counselors like those from Daystar, communities can begin to rebuild not just their homes, but also their spirits.
As we reflect on events like these, let’s take a moment to appreciate the resilience of individuals and families and remember that sometimes, a little bit of help goes a long way in restoring hope.
