Stronger Than You Think:
Becoming Whole Without Having to be Perfect

A Seminar for Women
Presented by Dr. Kim Gaines Eckert

 Are you worn down by life and overwhelmed by your responsibilities? Do you feel inadequate in your job or as a mother, wife, friend, or follower of Christ? Are you exhausted, depressed, afraid, discouraged, or stressed out? Do you feel like something is missing or fundamentally flawed within you? If you are like me, a broken woman in desperate need of healing and wholeness, then this seminar is for you.
 

Because of an internal sense of incompleteness, many of us search for wholeness in relationships, motherhood, perfectionist standards, a career, or even Christian service, only to be disappointed when we have reached the goal and still feel like something is missing. The truth is that we will never find the wholeness we long for in activities or relationships.

In this one-day seminar, you will discover: 

• why a broken world leaves you disappointed in your search for wholeness.
• Biblical and theological truths about wholeness and your true identity. 
• how to use your natural relational longings for good, for growth, and for healing. 
• practical strategies for growing toward wholeness in common struggle areas for women, such as self-esteem and body image.

Dr. Kim Gaines Eckert is a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s issues and a professor of psychology and counseling at Lee University. Dr. Eckert is an engaging speaker and has written for Today’s Christian Woman, Psychology for Living, and is the author of the book, Stronger Than You Think: Becoming Whole Without Having to be Perfect. A Woman’s Guide. (InterVarsity Press, 2007). She lives with her husband and son in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Why should we bring “Stronger Than You Think” to our church?

1. It is relevant – it addresses the real issues that women struggle with in their daily lives.
2. It is practical – participants are given the same kind of practical interventions and suggestions Dr. Eckert gives the women she counsels.
3. It is challenging – This seminar will push women to go further in their journey toward wholeness.
4. It is relational – We can not grow toward wholeness outside of relationship. Women (like all humans) are naturally relational beings, and this seminar will teach women how those natural relational longings can be used for good, for growth, and for healing.
5. It is uniquely female – this is a seminar presented to women by a woman, based on scripture and theology, Dr. Eckert’s training as a clinical psychologist, as well as her personal experiences and reflections.

What will participants learn as a result of attending “Stronger Than You Think”?

1. We are created in God’s image and restored by Christ’s love. Sin cannot undo what God has created and restored. As image-bearers of God, we are fundamentally created for relationship, and all of our growing and changing is done in and through relationships (with God and others).
2. We experience wholeness when we live responsively to God and his gift of wholeness and healing. Even if our feelings lead us to believe otherwise, Christ has already restored and healed us in relationship to himself– so at the root of our very being he has already made us whole. Living responsively means that we trust in this foundational truth and accept God’s gift of grace.
3. We also experience wholeness when we live responsibly, when we take an active role in being a good steward of the gifts God has entrusted to us. Empowered by Christ and rooted in our knowledge of who we are as children made in God’s image, we can make practical changes in our thoughts, behaviors and relationships to move toward health and wholeness.
4. Wholeness is not the same as perfection; rather, wholeness is a journey. It is both who we are and who we are becoming. And who we are is who we are becoming in Christ.
5. We can do something to grow and heal and change. All of the aforementioned points are foundational themes woven throughout the seminar which undergird and support the practical interventions, but participants will walk away with a number of very specific and practical steps they can take to move toward healing and growth in their personal lives.

How long is the “Stronger Than You Think” seminar?
The seminar is designed to last six hours, including breaks. However, the seminar can be adjusted for length if more or less time is allowed. A sample schedule is printed below:
9-11:30 a.m.
Searching for Wholeness:
Why a Broken World Leaves Us Disappointed
Wholeness is not perfection!
Who we are in Christ.
Who we are becoming in Christ.
(Lunch Break 11:30 – 1:00 p.m.)
1 – 3:00 p.m.
Growing Toward Wholeness:
The Myth of Never Good Enough
Doing Battle with Your Body

Dr. Eckert is a college professor – does that mean an all-day lecture?
No! Dr. Eckert is well aware that very few people learn well through straight lecture. As an experienced teacher and dynamic speaker, Dr. Eckert incorporates a variety of multi-media and personal reflection elements to her presentation. In addition, participants engage in active learning throughout the day through Growing in Community (GC) groups. When participants arrive in the morning, they are each assigned to a GC group – a small group of seminar participants with whom they spend the day. Small group activities and questions are provided throughout the day to assist GC members as they get to know each other and actively put into practice the ideas and suggestions discussed in the seminar. 

Fees
Please contact Dr. Eckert to discuss scheduling and fees at kimgaineseckert@yahoo.com