Are you a heart healer?

Published 11:20 pm Tuesday, December 23, 2008





A former patient recently took me off guard by saying, “John, you are a heart healer.”

I thanked the person. I had not been called that before. The expression has stayed with me and caused me to reflect on the process of heart healing.

There are many broken hearts in our community, as there are in any other community. Hearts are broken by many people and circumstances. Husbands and wives, parents, children, siblings, extended family members, lovers, friends, co-workers, et al, are capable of breaking hearts. Death, divorce, break-ups, arguments, natural disasters, illness etc… also contribute to hearts being broken. I would guess that most of us can both identify with having a heart broken along the way, as well as seeing others in that position now.

In the last couple of years, since I have moved to this area, I have had the privilege of working with clergy, various health professionals, law enforcement personnel, journalists and caring friends for the benefit of Lake Oconee area people with broken lives and broken hearts. As I look around, I am constantly seeing men and women of our community reach out and give of their time, talents and dollars to those in need. Often in our local newspapers we see pictures and stories of people giving service to those in need. Some examples would be the wonderful volunteers who are involved with the Senior Center, Circle of Love, the Dreamers, Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society — and many others.

My purpose in writing this is to say thank you to those who have privileged me while inviting me to assist in heart healing. And thanks to all you other heart healers who reach out with a generous and loving heart. If you are a heart healer, keep it up. If you have not been attuned to the needs and opportunities beckoning, please join in. Together we all can assist in the healing of wounded hearts in our community.

The holidays are an emotional time. Many of us are particularly blessed and our hearts are filled with love. Others are experiencing intense pain during this time. For all who celebrate Christmas in the spiritual sense, may we all learn from the person whose ministry we are called to emulate. Be a heart healer during this special time and may it carry forth and continue to be a part of your essence.

Happy holiday!



—Dr. Stathas is a counseling psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, in the Lake Oconee area. He is the founder of the Stathas Life Development Center. He can be reached at 706-473-1780. E-mail:Stathas@plantationcable.net. Web site: drstathas.googlepages.com