As part of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion 2024 retreat program, the Bishops’ and their Wives took part in a training facilitated by Ghanian Counsellor, Amos Kelvin-Annan. He taught explicitly on the topic “Our homes as a healing and hiding place”.
One important question he didn’t fail to answer is that of knowing what makes our home a safe place. A young person will consider the following as reasons for tagging a home safe:
- Being accepted for who you are
- Unconditional love despite the behaviour of the child
- Being valued (not numbered) and understood
- Feeling relaxed and comfortable to relate with one another
- Knowing that your relatives are trustworthy
- Living in an atmosphere of open communication
- Having my flaws accepted as part of the family unit
- Being able to open up fully in order to give and get (Do not manipulate)
Kelvin-Annan made reference to Psalm 32:18 as what people except from their homes. He also didn’t forget to add what homes need to heal from. They include:
- Bad manners
- Horrible Memories
- Unimaginable meanness
- Inconceivable Emasculation
- Emotions that are mixed
- Unexplained ‘madness’
- Dysfunctional motivation
- Unhealthy mindset
- Ungodly mission
“Many people in this age and time see abnormality as normal. When normal looks boring, abnormal looks attractive”. Kelvin-Annan encouraged all present to give ear to their children and family members in extension in other to help when need be.
Jennifer Jubril
