Lesser Known Nuggets from the Luther Seminary Student Handbook, or Hey You're Friggen Right, I Should Read That Through
by brian
I was recently made aware of something very disturbing here at Luther Seminary. Students can receive reimbursements for up to $300 per academic year for professional counseling services. Deep within the Student Handbook is a message from our Dean of Students, Patricia Lull, in which she lays out the details of the plan.Check it out for yourself: http://www.luthersem.edu/student_services/handbook/student_services/counseling.asp
“Great,” one might say. “Harumph,” I respond. Apparently, claims Dean Lull, “health and wholeness as real human beings is a necessary asset for ministry.” Not only that but Student Services encourages students to “make use of such professionals when you are ready to address more complicated issues in your life as a seminarian.” As someone who struggles with depression I know the best thing to do is grin and bear it, pull up my bootstraps, think happy thoughts, give smiles a chance, read more positive bumper stickers, think about tomorrow, fantasize about gumdrops and whiskers on stray cats, give a little whistle, buy some new merchandise, view a series of happy emoticons...better yet send some out, and stay on the sunny side of life.
Access to a faculty adviser, seminary pastor, Student Services staff and myriad peers is enough of an insult to my ability to handle all this stuff on my own, now they go and connect students without prior counseling connections with a qualified, reputable agency (Westminster Counseling Center) and abet all engaged in counseling with funds to make it more cost-effective. Where does Luther get the nerve? Churches of the ELCA deserve rostered leaders and educated lay-persons adorned not with humanity and an honest awareness of one’s own struggles but rather strong examples with the grace to not admit vulnerability, the courtesy not to ask for help, and love that knows oneself doesn’t matter. For years, over-eating, substance abuse, and internet porn have been serviceable alternatives to counseling for clergy. Why should that change now?
Again, that link is: http://www.luthersem.edu/student_services/handbook/student_services/counseling.asp).
If I hadn’t mentioned it before, that link can be accessed here: http://www.luthersem.edu/student_services/handbook/student_services/counseling.asp).
posted by brian at 11:39 PM
9 Comments:
How do we get a blogger fired?
I'm so glad that we have a one well adjusted student on this campus.
I wish Brian's style of humor (well suited to verbal exchange) translated well to the printed word.
Because I know Brian, I know that he's trying to draw attention to healthy options for leading a balanced life (whether as a seminarian or not). Humor, sharing your own experiences, and reaching out to others are all good options.
However, some people, especially persons burdened with depression, addictions, and the myriad of life's events that do not contribute to joy, may miss the humor and only see another word of judgment.
That said, PLEASE don't miss the message.
The existence of these many options for support are a great credit to Luther generally and Student Services in particular. I was recently made aware that the counseling support was not as widely known as I thought it should be. I am a grateful recipient of many of those services listed in the blog entry and in Judy's comment.
I've eaten in that cafeteria of yours on several occasions. I love such healthy options as the garden burger or naked juices but have observed most students lined up at the grill for a few sliders. I don't know about you, but if we had slimmer, better looking pastors, maybe more people would go to church.
Brian needs to be made aware (if he isn't already) that sarcasm does not translate well to the written word. I find his entries gross, mean-spirited and negative. Perhaps he could try to just blog about what life is like at Luther...
I enjoy Brian's sarcasim normally (as we all need some from time to time), but as a person who has and still is strugging with depression I found his comments insulting. I know he was trying to bring humor and awareness to what Luther offers students and families, but the way his post was written was extremely offensive.
I got it, Brian. And rather enjoyed your blog. And have been a recipient of aforementioned services, which I applaud Luther Sem for supporting.
Brian... after reading the post i would have to tell you. You have a sense of Humor. Your sense of humor translates to the written word well i feel. however the dude Anonymous does not think so. so maybe you should add pictures for the less developed people. a comic strip? however i am scared about what these people who can not read something sarcastic will do when they read Paul? will they cut "it" ALL off or have they? is the school nurse aware that after a Galatians class "Anonymous" may be half the man he was before?
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