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What's in a Name? Part 3: Understanding the Academic Post-Nominals
Exploring the history, significance, and personal journey behind academic post-nominals, from their origins to modern professional impact
What's in a Name? Part 2: Understanding the 'Dr.' in My Title
Unpacking the 'Dr.' in counseling: Rev. Dr. Giddens on his PhD, its impact on therapy, research, and teaching mental health students.
What's in a Name?
Understanding the 'Rev.' in My Title and the Importance of Names For those who know me, I'm simply Steve. I like Steve. However, in...
Embracing Change: A Call to Action in Counselor Education
A call to action for counselor educators to adapt to online learning, address modern challenges, and prepare culturally competent profession
From Novice to Completeness: A Journey of Becoming
Teaching philosophy rooted in Greek concept of growth from novice to completeness, emphasizing collaborative learning and personal developme
Finding Welcome in a World of Rejection: Lessons from Jesus' Homecoming
Have you ever returned home after a long absence, only to find that people still see you as the person you used to be? I vividly remember...
The Gift and Mystery of Sabbath Rest
In a world that glorifies constant activity and productivity, the idea of pausing and resting can seem counterintuitive, even unsettling....
A Clarion Call for Compassion
"Praise the Lord who executes justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets prisoners free, and upholds the cause of the...
Drawing Near: How Embracing the Marginalized Transforms Faith
As an ordained minister, Army veteran, and counselor, I have witnessed the power of faith to sustain and transform people across all...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Feb 10, 2021
A True and Trusty Friend
There is a line in my Pastoral Prayer that I say every Sunday, “…and thank you G-d for turning us to a friend in a time of need…” it’s...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 22, 2021
Who are you?
Let’s begin this series of writings on myself here since it is common in our society that a person’s name tells us much about them. After...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
The Empty Cross
The New Hope During my first Easter service as a Pastor, I was giving a children’s sermon off the cuff, as in, ‘I hadn’t pre-planned it’....
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
"Your faith has made you well."
A Call for Inclusive Ministry Over the years a group of statements Jesus made has captured much of my attention. Throughout the New...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
Communion
No Matter Whom... Holy Communion has been a binding and centered theme in my own faith journey. Every time I have come back to the table...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
On Baptism:
Membership Universal I was Baptized in a Baptist Church at the age of 14 even though most of my friends were Catholic and I enjoyed going...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
A Reflection on Stained Glass:
Love and Light. While representing my church at PRIDE in 2016, I stumbled across a very beautiful piece of artwork. A vendor was selling...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
On the Trinity:
This is one of the more complex topics I have ever wrestled with. I can remember being aware of the Trinity as far back as age 6. I...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
On God
"I am Who I am" One of my favorite pieces of biblical literature is the drama surrounding Moses inquiring about God’s name in Exodus 3....
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
Stranger or Angel?
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. – Hebrews 13:2 In...
Rev. Dr. Steven R. Giddens
Jan 13, 2021
A Short Reflection on Others:
Who is the other? The parable of the Good Samaritan is one that I use often to remind others that God is in fact still speaking. The...
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