By Ty Morgan, LISW-S, Spiritual Care & Education Coordinator
I serve as an educator, counselor, and spiritual director. Employed by Cornerstone of Hope and Youngstown State University; I have been afforded many opportunities to utilize my spiritual gifts. I first joined Cornerstone of Hope in 2009 and have been with YSU since 2016. I have experience leading educational sessions, facilitating support groups, and counseling individuals on their healing journey. I have accepted a calling to specialize in healing the wounds of trauma, nurture spirituality, and provide education on holistic health. As a professional counselor, I have developed a passion and unique skill set to provide hope and healing to the broken. As an educator, I have found joy in fostering enlightenment and understanding about life’s journey. I received my B.S. in Human Development and Family Science from Bowling Green University and completed my graduate work in Social Work at Cleveland University. Post graduate work I completed a certification program in Formational Counseling at Ashland Seminary. I am also a devoted husband and proud parent of 3 children.
The Bible is full of promises and invitations that enable a meaningful healthy life. One of my favorite invitations is found in Galatians 6:2 which says, “Bear one another burdens, and so to fulfill the law of Christ.” This is a strong reminder that we have been called to support others on their journeys to wholeness. It is also a reminder that we are not meant to live our lives alone. Simply put, we need each other. We need support, guidance, encouragement, and fellowship.
We are designed to rely on others and for others to rely on us. No matter how strong and smart we are we only function at our best in community with others. Research from the University of Washington states that our brains are at their best with strong social connections. In other words, we are biologically wired to require relationships for optimal health. We cannot do it alone but all too often we try. This is especially true when we are grieving. It is important to remember we are not capable of holding all the pain of grief alone and need others to bear the overwhelming burden.
For some, finding and accepting support is easy. For others, it is a challenge, and some struggle to make meaningful connections amidst their pain. Often pain drives us to unhealthy behavior such as isolation. Isolation is never good and often compounds the pain. The tendency towards isolation is in all of us and we all at times withdraw. In addition, research from the National Association of Social Work states that men are more likely than women to withdraw. The research goes on to say that men are more likely to refuse help and less likely to seek it out. Often men resort to stoicism and hold everything inside. We have learned that in general men grieve differently than women. These differences are not good or bad they are just different.
These facts and God’s invitation have led Cornerstone of Hope to create a unique group just for men. Our Men Grieve Too support group is designed with God’s calling in mind and to meet an essential human need. Men need support from others specifically from other men. Together as men, we want to embrace God’s invitation to bear one another's burdens. We want to create an environment that nurtures the biological and psychological need for connection. We want to encourage and support each other on our individual journeys. We invite you to join us for support, encouragement, and fellowship.
Learn more about our upcoming Men Grieve Too events at cleveland.cornerstoneofhope.org/events/men-grieve-too.
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