Salam Alaikoam

Peace be with you

Would you agree that Education, Counseling and Consultation are key tools in our Inter Faith (Jihad) struggle to be the best people we can be?

Do you agree that Education is an Inter Faith means for raising the Station of Mankind from a life just making ends meet to a life of plenty.

Do you are agree that Counseling and Guidance are important tools from which we can learn skills such as good communication skills, listening skills, attention skills, parenting and relationship skills as well as effective conflict resolution skills.

Do you agree that consultation is a sound frame work from which to rebuild important structure within the family, community and Nation? 

Do you agree that by consulting trained personel or proffessions about our challenges we might find ready resolution for our challenges that give us all grace and dignity? 

Do you agree in consulting our Families, Community and Nations we may find ways to provide needed infra structure and community support agencies such as Mental Health Out Patient Services, Parenting Centers, Addictions Services, Crime Prevention Services and Training Centers?

Just curious to see how many of you support my theory on the Inter Faith Jihad idea and how many of you believe as I do that we are in a time where Peace is possible in all levels of our lives we just need to join together and share the burdens.  Inshallah may we have a great sorting out into groups.

Anne Marie Elderkin Habibi

Anne Marie,

Can I be blunt but have you understand I do this with sincere love?

Yes, in theory, Education is the answer to most of the worlds problems.  However, education in what?  I could give you a real education on the types of vodka that are good, the types of clubs where you can meet the best men in Moscow, which schools have the best parties.  Education is a very broad term.  Do you mean religious education?  Do you mean social education?  What social structure?  What values do you lift up and which ones do you discourage? 

Counseling...I disagree where everyone needs to see a counselor.  Not everyone is nuts.  There are some people who have healthy outlooks on their faith, their moral values and their families.  Why make these people feel like their must be something wrong because they aren't in counseling?  Perhaps the problem is too many people are turning to counselors and through them drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro.  People aren't turning their hearts and minds where they are supposed to be, the family and God.  People feel bummed and they rush off to someone they pay $100/hr to analyze what's wrong with them, when perhaps its just that they haven't stopped to kiss there wife before going to work.

Consultation.  While this is very good, your first counselor should be
God.  You should also becareful to not make this a crutch.  I know a few people who can't do anything without going to their Bishop first.  He's just a man, he might have responsibilities towards his flock, but he's fallible.  Its good to ask advice, but its bad to become reliant on that advice to live your life.  We are all humans with brains.  People need to learn how to use that mass of nerves tucked under their skull.

In theory, you're Mantra....Education, Counseling and Consultation are good.  However, you must understand that anything can be twisted and made to hurt society.

First thing people need to help them become more than what they are is to realize they have value and freewill.  Education can both give and take away self worth. 

Second thing, people need to understand that their set of values are not always going to mess with what other people believe.  Promoting understanding is also promoting diversity and understanding that people are not going to always agree.  Thus, Counseling may not work in every culture.  Meditation, prayer and action are all other options given to people, they promote self reliance.

Lastly, Self reliance builds self esteem and a willingness to work hard to effect change.  If you are in constant consultation, you could miss the opportunity to act.  I could have waited to see if my Bishop thought it was a good idea for me to open Women of the Book or go to Islamicity.  But, I acted and I have learned.

So, I hope I've been gentle in showing you though in theory your idea works, in practice it has no substance.  I think your intentions are good.  However, there are many things that look good on paper but breakdown when you enter the human element.  Communism comes to mind.

May God keep you safe and give you heart, Anne Marie. 

Peace

Thank you Angel for your thoughts, my presumption is that education be in topics that promote individual and social well being.

I realize it is a broad set of terms however I believe we can have an Inter Faith Education, Counseling and Consultation Jihad and to say we need counseling by far does not mean we have Mental Health Issues it means we have challenges such as relationship dinamics to contend with that we may need some encouragement and support to make them function better giving everyone grace and dignity.  Counseling is not a bad thing.

I feel your a little negative about my enthusiasm about Education, Counseling and Consultation as tools to peace.

I realize everyone may not be as entusiastic as I am but all I can do is get the word out. eh

Salam

Anne Marie

Its not so much negativity as it is a demand for real substance and planning. 

For example... Interfaith Education.  Anne Marie, my imaginary son comes to you as his teach...with innocent eyes, he looks up at you and says. "Who is Jesus?" 

What are you going to tell him?  I'm Mormon, so what I teach my son about Jesus is even different from what other Christians teach.  How would you answer my son?  You can't.  Not without getting me upset.

Interfaith Education is more of an awareness of differences than a push for unity.  Unless the ultimate goal is to have everyone believing the same thing.

I'm someone who stresses individuality and self reliance.  I believe there is not enough focus on the development of the individual mind. 

I think part of your education, couseling and consultation should first start with self awareness.  Again, you haven't really defined what you mean by these three things.

What kind of education/counseling/consultation are you offering?  What value system are you using as your basis?  What is your target audience? 

What kind of education/counseling/consultation are you offering?  What value system are you using as your basis?  What is your target audience?  Angel

Education:  Training in professions that up lift the individual and Mankind ie trades such as cooking, plumbing, carpentry, Careers such as Teaching, Counseling, Engineers, Nursing, Doctors, Lawyers, Office worker ie traing so we all have a means to provide for ourselves and our families that give grace and dignity to all.

Education also in things I have mentioned before relationship skills, good communication skills, effective conflict resolution skills, parenting skills, cross cultural education as well as education and training in how to cope with stress and frustrations.

Counseling can come in many forms and it does not mean everyone has Mental nHealth issues however if a person is having problems or challenges with relationships, parenting, addictions, grieving, has experience trauma or loss then there is help out there.  Good professional counselors do not do everything for the person they empower the individual to be self reliant and if need be draw on Community resources or infra structure so they can succeed in life and meet their challenges with grace and dignity.  Sure you may find the odd counselor that is unqualified but most of them at least in Canada are excellent at what they do.  I can speak of that from first hand experience.

Consulting:  When we have challenges we need places to get information and technical advice and this comes from agenices or community infra structures or networks that provide that kind of service.  If you want to build a house you would consult an arcetech, if you have medical problems you would consult a doctor, if you want to choose a career you would consult a career counselor, if you want to open a business you would consult a small business development branch, if you want to grow some flowers or a garden you could consult a garden center.  Basically I am encouraging people to reach out to community agencies and infra structures to get advice related to their particular challenges.  In others words I am also encouraging governments to make sure these needed infra structures and networks are there to assist people in being the best they can be.  Also I am encouraginbg each of us that we are not alone and there is hope.

I too am very much encouraging self development and self empowerment with my proposal of an Inter Faith Education, Counseling and Consultation Jihad.  I want to see all Nations with Community Networks and Infra Structures that people need to be empowered to be their best.

My value system is very basic, ie I believe if we are given the tools we need to live a good life we will be able to be there for others and ourselves on a daily basis.  I believe if we have the tools ie the education, counseling and consultation we will make better choices and resolve our challenges in more peaceful loving ways than in the past.  I believe that respect is something when shared grows.  The basic principle is that we should believe people are good unless they prove us wrong and if they prove us wrong then set boundaries for them so they have guidlines from which to learn the skill of being respectful/respected.

My target audience is everyone ie anyone who wants to see the world being a better place, anyone who wants to be a better person, anyone who wants their community to be a better place, anyone who feels they are being left out, anyone who feels the world is falling apart.

Basically I hope to inspire individuals and the world that we have what we need to have personal and world peace and what we need now is cooperation and participation in community to make life better for everyone not just some of the people.  This includes the seen and the unseen which translates to the importance of recycling for the environment.  There is hope we are that hope and inshallah we can and must make the world better for all beings.

Essentially I hope to build on infra strucutres already in place in most countries and encourage each of us to utilize them as the need arises and in some cases before the need arises.

I do my best with what I have and maybe my effort is too small, however I have to start somewhere so figured this is just as good as any place to start inspiring the masses that there is hope and there is help and not to give into dispair.

I am still working on channels for consulting government regarding the need to encourage further community infra structure building at home and in other countries.  Locally in my community we have many of the networks and infra structure I have reffered too though in some areas there still needs some work.

Maybe the task is bigger than I am but at the very least you have to give me credit for working at inspiring us that there is hope within ourselves and the world and we can build on it.

Salam

Anne Marie Elderkin Habibi

As for religious education I believe that learning about many Faiths helps us understand for ourselves what we really believe in and appreciate the similarities among many Faiths.

So the object when it comes to religion or faith is not to brain wash anyone but to give them the information from which to choose for themselves what their beliefs are.

One thing this effort may do is to promote learning cross culturally and religiously so we can appreciate where others come from and have more respect for the diversity of Mankind and all that goes into making us all speacial people with unique beliefs and ways of doing things.

I am not sure about you Angel but aren't you tired of people making assumptions based on misinformation?  Or judging someone as bad just becuase they come from a particular race, religion or social statis.

You are right about me wanting more education...however, children should not be confused, a parent has a right to raise their children without interference from others.  I honestly believe that faith is something that should be taught only in the home.  I personally felt the confusion of growing in a multifaith home. 

But, I agree with pretty much most of this...

Anne Marie wrote: Education:  Training in professions that up lift the individual and Mankind ie trades such as cooking, plumbing, carpentry, Careers such as Teaching, Counseling, Engineers, Nursing, Doctors, Lawyers, Office worker ie traing so we all have a means to provide for ourselves and our families that give grace and dignity to all. Education also in things I have mentioned before relationship skills, good communication skills, effective conflict resolution skills, parenting skills, cross cultural education as well as education and training in how to cope with stress and frustrations.

These things are the goal of LDS services.  An organization within my Church.  Empowering people with the tools to get good jobs, healthcare and everything they need to succeed and be self sufficient.  We have couseling services, welfare programs, education programs, employment resources.  These are available to members of all faiths without obligation.  Fees paid for couseling services and adoption services are only to cover cost of operation that the church cannot. 

That is why I wanted you to spell it out...as it were.  There are programs out there like you're talking about....

Annie, you are speaking with Angela, not Angel.

Angela, why didn't you notice

Salam Alaikoam

I do not believe that the education, counseling and consultation I spoke of is by any means a barrier to Faith.  In fact I believe it is a bridge to Faith, especially Faith in ourselves, others and the world.

Faith is something that transcends religion and though religion plays a role it is not always something everyone wants to belong to especially seeing as there is so much division amongst them all.

I believe that we are all Muslims first or ie people who submit in degrees to the will of Allah, God, the Creator.  To me the foundations of Faith are being guided to be the best people we can be so we can provide for ourselves and our families with grace and dignity for all.  I believe a Faith filled Community is a Community that has excellent infra structures and networks so people can get their needs met as well as meet the needs of the Family, Community, Nation and World.

I believe part of this Faith building is being environmentally friendly and caring for the environment locally and abroad.  So recycling is a matter of Faith, Faith building for all being seen and unseen.

I believe that rather than point the finger at those who don't belong to a religion instead seek to empower them and education them about all religions so they can decide what they believe or do not believe and at the very least appreciate the diversity amongst all religions and their similarities.

It takes more than religion to build Faith it takes living prayers and a living a life as a pray answered.  ie being a good person and doing such things as volunteering with some agencies that helps people with issues such as poverty, hunger, senior care, the disabled as well as guiding people to services they need or at least encouraging them to go let's say to a counselor if they are experience spousal violence or abuse.

There is hope we are that hope.

amlhabibi2000 wrote:     Salam Alaikoam Peace be with you Would you agree that Education, Counseling and Consultation are key tools in our Inter Faith (Jihad) struggle to be the best people we can be? Do you agree that Education is an Inter Faith means for raising the Station of Mankind from a life just making ends meet to a life of plenty. Do you are agree that Counseling and Guidance are important tools from which we can learn skills such as good communication skills, listening skills, attention skills, parenting and relationship skills as well as effective conflict resolution skills. Do you agree that consultation is a sound frame work from which to rebuild important structure within the family, community and Nation?  Do you agree that by consulting trained personel or proffessions about our challenges we might find ready resolution for our challenges that give us all grace and dignity?  Do you agree in consulting our Families, Community and Nations we may find ways to provide needed infra structure and community support agencies such as Mental Health Out Patient Services, Parenting Centers, Addictions Services, Crime Prevention Services and Training Centers? Just curious to see how many of you support my theory on the Inter Faith Jihad idea and how many of you believe as I do that we are in a time where Peace is possible in all levels of our lives we just need to join together and share the burdens.  Inshallah may we have a great sorting out into groups. Anne Marie Elderkin Habibi

Dear Anne,

I emphatically agree with your post.  How can we expect to have peace, to raise people out of poverty, to decrease the crime rate, addiction rates, child and domestic abuse rate....IF we do not educate and guide those people who so desperately need professional help. 

So many people from all races, religions, cultures, and genders are desperately in need of help in many areas of their lives.  This does not mean they are NOT to pray and to seek God.  Indeed, they are to be encouraged to seek their God and to come to Him for comfort and guidance.

But I believe that God/Allah gave us colleges and universities to train professionals....who in turn have the skills necessary to help those advance in their own lives.  They, the professionals, are able to help those without the necessary skills for a successful life, train and through education lead them to their God-given talents which had been unknown, or lying dormant previously.  With a good education in any number of trades or professions, formerly uneducated people are able to provide adequately for themselves and their families.

It is a fact of life, that many millions of poor souls out there are in desperate need of counselling.  Many DO require medications to help them function normally throughout the day.  Take a schizophrenic off Haldol or Thorazine and see what happens.  Or take a bi-polar off Lithium and they often commit suicide.  Clinically depressed persons suffer from a chemical imbalance in their brains, they do not produce the necessary levels of Seratonin and are therefore very depressed....a terribly disabling illness.  Of course they benefit from counseling.  As do those with tendencies towards violence.

It is a very sad, but well known fact, that many mothers (and fathers) do not automatically possess good parenting skills.  They benefit greatly from this service, as of course, do their children and babies.

I believe all of our clergy, no matter what the religion, must be available to ALL those who are seeking help with their faith, who have questions concerning their religion. 

I am in total agreement with your ideas, and thank you for a wonderful post, Anne.

Alaikoam Salam Patty

Glad to know someone understands what I am trying to encourage here.

Though not all people who need counseling require medication.  Sometimes counseling can be simply how to deal with relationship problems, anger management, stresss, budgeting, parenting .  Recieing counseling does not mean everyone has a Mental illness by any means though there are many it is true who have Mental illness and many who are untreated due to fear of being oppressed because of it.

I have seen first hand the benifits of education helping people provide for themselves and thour families, I have a journeyman in Cooking and worked in that feild for twenty some years and now I am trying another feild because I gained too much weight while working as a Cook.

I have also experienced the benifits of counseling to deal with abuse issues from my past, as well as stress.

I have also benifited from consulting community infra strucutre and networks and have had the pleasure of being part of the network myself helping others create resumes, design portfolios, job hunt and assisted them and myself with getting funding for small projects or self employment funding.

Maybe people find me too positive about the world however thinking it is only a place of sorrow is depressing and I choose to see and build on the positive rather than the negative and I believe building on the positive in myself and others makes more positive things happen in the world, my family, community and Nation.

Thank you

Salam

Anne Marie Elderkin Habibi

Good works done without obedience to God is like bailing out a leaky boat.  It looks good, but does nothing to solve the real problem.

There is hope, and God is that hope.  Not us.


I guess it all depens on how you look at the situation, not all people believe there is a God and who is to say they are any less of a person.  In the end we find out the truth don't we?

Judge and be not judged.

Yes there is hope and we are that hope and yes we are very much a part of Allah, God the creator we are extentions of Him.

Dear Anne,

You are right...there are many types of counselling which benefit those who have no need of medications.  They need to have an unbiased individual who has outstanding insight into their problems, so they are able to "talk it all out".  And in return, they can benefit from some excellent advice.  Many people do just need someone they can discuss their troubles with.

I majored in Psychology and worked with autistic and retarded children.  For 18 years I worked with schizophrenics in a VA medical center.  Also, for many years I volunteered in a 24/7 Crisis Center, so I do realize how very important it is for people who are really "down on their luck" or sad and depressed over a failed relationship, etc., need someone with a sense of compassion and a sympathetic ear to talk with.

It is for the more seriously mentally ill that I was indicating the need for medication....usually for the remainder of their life.  But I truly dislike the stigma which is still attached in many instances to mental illness.  The brain is just another part of the body, and at times it doesn't function properly and becomes "ill"; hence, the term mental illness.  I wish people would learn more about these illnesses.  Certainly no one wishes, or chooses to have this devastating illness.

Well, you have had an interesting life!  You must have been a WONDERFUL cook, if you left because of gaining weight.  I would have loved to tasted some of your cooking!

I am happy to learn your life is full and you are helping so many people turn their lives around for the better.  You have said so elequently everything I also believe.

God's peace to you....

Alaikoam Salam Patty

I know too well the implications of Mental illness in our communities, Nations and World an have experienced some of it myself though I feel a little bold in saying so.

I will say that I could not have come through the issues I have had to deal with without the benifit of professional counseling.  Mental illness can be devistating for families but it does not have to mean the end of haveing a full life.

As you mentioned medication is key for those who have Mental illness and unfortunately sometimes it takes awhile to accept a person needs medication and therapy.

Fortunately for me my family though dumb founded stood by me and supported me through my ordeal.  In the end we have developed a richer relationship and as strong and as supportive as ever.

One thing that was troubling for my family was accessing information on the illness and especially what to do.

In Canada there is the Mental Health Association and in the Mental Health Out Patients office there are phamphlets with info on particular illnesses and what to do.

One thing family members can do is they can speak with the Mental Health Professionals regarding the care of their loved one or friend.

The best thing to do for persons with Mental Health issues is to be there for them and have clear boundaries as well as let them know if you available if needed for a chat or two.

Myself I did not believe I had a Mental illness I believed it was a spiritual problem and I caused myself and my family a whole lot of grief by not taking my meds and dealing with other health related issues such as diet and exercise.

With my history, education, counseling and consultation I have experienced this makes me want to promote these things with others and the world because though I and my family have suffered through many rough times, these things brought me through the dark times.

As I see it Education, Counseling and Consultation are key tools for restoring Peace within each of us and the World.

Salam

Anne Marie Elderkin Habibi

I am so happy to hear that you are receiving the proper medication and care you need to be mentally stable.  You would probably be surprised to know how many people right here have gone through the same thing....but there is still such an unjustified stigma attached to any mental illness (cruel jokes, abandoning the mentally ill, etc.) that much education remains necessary.  It is absolutely essential that the various mental health agencies educate and inform people of the importance of treatment and care for the suffering patients.  There IS NO SHAME in this illness, and that is what people must somehow learn.

I am very proud of you for having the courage and intelligence to seek the help you needed.  So many people refuse to seek this care, and live their lives in misery.....and also cause great misery for their families and friends in the process. 

It is a topic very dear to my heart.  I have lost three friends and one young, 16 year old cousin to suicide because they did not get treatment for their depression.  They mostly tried to hide their illness. It is very sad that persons with depression are so unhappy and miserable they see only death as a way out.  They have "tunnel vision", and it is very important that they are shown that they do have other options, and that they can be well again.

Bless you, Anne!

Hence my passion for the Inter Faith Education, Counseling and Consultation Jihad.

My enthusiasm comes after great suffering and struggle and it is my hope to inspire others that there is hope and help.

I also am trying to encourage this Inter Faith Jihad so people lay down their weapons of distruction and choose better ways to communicate, solve problems and have relationships.

Life is so short however we have all the time in the world to choose healthier ways of doing and being.

There is hope and we are that hope.

Anne Marie Elderkin Habibi

Everything is a good idea in general.  The whole issue of humanity is for them to identify the problems in oneself.  Take my mother for example. She lived the life of what is called a "dry alcoholic." Her methods of escapism were  the same as an alcoholic though it was not through alcohol. It was through reading, watching TV, tuning it all out. By then the damage was done. She is a woman of faith so to speak.

I am certainly in favor of parenting classes.

Hayfa wrote: Everything is a good idea in general.  The whole issue of humanity is for them to identify the problems in oneself.  Take my mother for example. She lived the life of what is called a "dry alcoholic." Her methods of escapism were  the same as an alcoholic though it was not through alcohol. It was through reading, watching TV, tuning it all out. By then the damage was done. She is a woman of faith so to speak. I am certainly in favor of parenting classes.

Dear Hayfa,

You mother sounds very much like my own.  I can certainly relate to what you are describing.  It's very sad, isn't it? 

And, yes, parenting classes are VERY important!

Peace be with you....

Alaikoam Salam

Certainly people can be dry alcholics and have the mannerisms of an alcholic even though they never drink.

Self identification that we have a problem is important.  It is also important to reach out to community for education, counseling and consultation on these problems or issues for solutions and training.

No one need feel alone as there are many people with similar challenges.

Growing up with parents that are unprepared for the role of parent is frustrating and in some cases devestating.

However there is always hope and if for some reason we cannot find that hope in our families we need community infra strucutres and supports like parenting classes, relationship education, communication skills training, angermanagement training, training in how to cope with stress and frustrations as well as career training.

Sorry to hear Hayfa you had difficulties.

Anne Marie