Created for Belonging
Understanding the Longing to Feel Connected and to Whom
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Having a sense of belonging is a powerful motivating feeling that ignites a desire to excel, explore, and be creative. It also drives the desire to be in relationships. The core longing to belong and feel connected can produce healthy, long-lasting relationships or unhealthy, sporadic and abusive relationships. The difference between these polar outcomes is how the sense of belonging was either nurtured or neglected. All human beings are motivated to avoid two things – pain and rejection. The sense of belonging has a way of eradicating both. Pain often comes because of broken relationships or abusive relationships, which give the message of rejection, as well as pain. When a relationship is restored within a healthy, loving framework, healing can take place to relieve pain and bring meaningful connectedness.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Ultimately, we belong to God. He created us. He loves us. He provided the world where we live for our benefit. He desires for us to be in relationship, first and foremost, with him and then with one another. We are created in his image, where, if we truly examine ourselves, we find that we cannot find any other way to discover our ultimate meaning and connectedness outside of being connected ultimately to God. Sin separates. That’s why God hates sin. He is a relational God, and he hates sin because it separates us from him.
The study of psychology reveals to us the need in every human being to feel connected and significant, revealing that without them, the ability to thrive as an individual is hampered or may not occur at all. Coupled with God’s Word and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience some life-giving truths about our need for belonging.
About the Author
Dr. Robert B. Shaw, Jr. is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in both Virginia and North Carolina. He is a counselor in private practice primarily in North Carolina, and is a sought after conference speaker and radio host. He previously served as the Director of Professional Development for the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) in Forest, Virginia. Dr. Shaw is a part-time adjunct professor at Liberty University, online and a Clinical Trainer for graduate counseling intensives, as well as an adjunct professor in the psychology department for the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina. He is also a published author and an ordained minister, serving as an elder and executive pastor preaching and teaching in churches for over 25 years. He has also been a worship leader and a middle school and high school teacher and athletic coach in both the public and private school environments. Dr. Shaw has spent the several years counseling military personnel and their families near FT. Bragg, NC and specializes in abuse and trauma related issues, addictions, depression, anxiety disorders, life adjustment issues, loss and grief, counseling church leaders and pastors, and adolescents and adults. Dr. Shaw is a unique prophetic voice in the Kingdom caring for hurting people. Dr. Shaw has a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Wagner College, New York where he attended on a partial athletic scholarship in track & field; a Master of Divinity Degree from Christian International Theological School, Florida; a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, Virginia; and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Formational Counseling, a practical theology, from Ashland Theological Seminary, Ohio. Dr. Shaw is a member of the American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC), is a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC), and a Board Certified Professional and Pastoral Counselor (BCPPC). Dr. Shaw and his wife, Lorinda, a registered nurse, have been married since 1978, and have raised five children together, and they have several grandchildren. He enjoys running, the beach, sports, music, traveling to historical sites, and spending time with family.