Counsel...

 Advice.  

Problems are seldom whisked away poof.  They get worked through.

Some have been placed in position to counsel troubled folks.  A privilege.  A responsibility.

Some advised cops and pastors as well as many others.  It just so happens connections gravitated to those jobs.

In college, I confided with the head of the Sociology department about my association with cops.  I almost became one.  Also, I was a student minister.

He suggested I explore becoming not just a chaplain but a therapist for the police department.

This became part of my training.

I unofficially did counsel several cops.  It was of course confidential and since I wasn't hired, it was off the record.

There is a terrible stress involved.  On the streets one sees the downside of people.  It wears and affects all of life.

I was fortunate to help several folks.

The same can be said as a student minister.  I was indeed on the streets and ministered in the twilight world.  There was obvious evidence of the war between good and evil and thank God I shared Light.

Also, since my student status allowed me to counsel some of the pastors also confided in me and I was able to bring Light and healing to those entrusted to do so as leaders.

I served several churches and helped parishioners as well.

These are unsung efforts and except for this, my experiences counseling remain only in my memory.

Soli Deo Gloria!