Root Level is not new terminology in the field of counseling, but different techniques for solving problems see the Root Level differently.
Through this series we have pointed out facts about problems in general such as:
Problems are solutions in disguise
There is no change if there is no change
Attack the problem and not the person
The latter, above, begs an answer to the question: “If you do not know what the problem(s) is/are how do you attack the problem?”
“Good question; I’m glad you asked.”
Throughout the history of this ministry every counselee who has cooperated with our counseling process, and followed these instructions, found the source of their unresolved problem(s).
The source has always, without exception, been found among one’s unresolved anger and/or unresolved resentments.
To capture my thinking follow this simple mental illustration.
I view counselees coming into my office weighted down by a 6” X 6” X 8’ oak beam on their shoulders. I see an invisible label thereon inscribed with the words anger and resentment. They carry this beam everywhere they go all the time.
Description of anger and resentment:
Anger has an agenda. Anger wants someone to pay. Anger says, “There is a payment due me, and I will not be quiet until I am paid in full with interest.”
Carrying unresolved anger and resentment is like drinking arsenic and waiting for the target person to die.
Early on we stated that in order to solve any problem it must be given a name: The Problem Is _____?_____. This is no different than seeing any medical attendant. This is no different than taking an ailing vehicle to your local mechanic.
To identify unresolved anger and resentments look for them where they are lodged. You will find them in one of the following seven areas that apply to you personally. List them don’t just say them to yourself. This is the first step to identifying and isolating the problem.
The Seven Areas where problems lodge are: Father, Mother, Family (Immediate/Extended), Childhood Experiences, Marriage (Yours or marriage generally), Job/School and God.
Keep your list private. Write as much as you need in order to fully state your feelings. Do not confront anyone on any issue until you have listed all the issues lodged in you – confronting, if necessary, is the last step to perform.
The mind has a mind of its own. It can hold a thought forever or bury it immediately seemingly never to be recalled again. However, the human mind cannot forget anything. This is by Divine Design.
As we develop cognition the mind serves us profitably in many ways otherwise we would forget useful information along with trivia. But the mind does not give up some stored thoughts readily – sometimes because it hurts too much to remember.
This is the key factor in what we will and will not recall. What we will not recall is where unresolved anger and resentments are lodged.
How, then do we gain relief from this self-inflicted mental and emotional bondage?
Through prompting and/or provocation we can recall everything. In writing our lists we are prompting and provoking our memory banks to release these stored memories.
This is not an easy task. As a counselor, I’m asking you to rip scabs off old wounds – wounds you have carefully nursed or begrudgingly carried for far too long. But this is also a part of your healing process.
I noted earlier you were not to confront people as the resentments surfaced. Why? This process, if performed prayerfully, will resolve most of the troubling areas internally and will never have to be verbally expressed.
Oh, and finally, I said list your resentments against God. Some hesitate to do this, but be reasonable; He already knows what they are and who will be the first to forgive you? God.
Next time: The Primary Resentment
