The Story of Restoration: Part I
The King of the Universe knows my hair and freckle count - He’s in the details.
The journey of Restoration reminds me of His faithfulness in the small and big, seen and unseen desires of my heart. When I can manage to get out of the way and allow Him to work in my life - I see the wrestling match wasn’t necessary. He will complete the work He started, “I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil 1:6
After undergrad, my husband, Tommie and I moved from my hometown of Lincoln, to Denver, CO for my graduate school. The most transformative part of my season in Denver was my clinical experience with Saint Raphael Counseling, a ministry under the Archdiocese of Denver. The team at Saint Raphael revealed the beauty of integrating authentic Christianity into the therapy process. I will always attribute my foundation to the guidance of Saint Raphael - it was here I felt steeped in Jesus Christ as the Divine Healer.
I adored our time in Denver. Yet, Tommie and I knew it was never entirely home. We prayed and hoped the Lord might open doors to return home to Lincoln.
There is power in seeking good counsel, thus I began to invite my community into the hope to return to Lincoln. I stood in my parent’s kitchen with dad and a fresh cup of coffee; I expressed heartache over leaving Saint Raphael and also the desire to elevate hope and healing in our Nebraska community. He smiled at me, “Okay - what if you build it?” I shook my head and took a long sip, “maybe in fifteen years, when I have more greys.”
I shrugged off that comment, yet the seed remained in my journey. As I invited others into my discernment, there was a consistent theme of confidence and support. Encouragement was not the only pattern I noticed - my confidants began to repeat themselves.
“You know who you should connect with? Ashley Montag.”
In my exploration, I desired an environment for transformative therapy that acknowledged authentic Christianity. There were countless organizations doing good work, and yet in these opportunities, I was not experiencing the certainty I had anticipated. Even in my confusion and disappointment - there was a peace I couldn’t shake about returning to Lincoln.
During this time, I found myself on long walks for reflection. On one of these wanderings, I processed my situation with a close friend. And for a final time, I heard that all-so-familiar invitation, “Wow - that dream is so necessary and good. I actually heard a similar desire recently... from Ashley Montag. Do you know her?”
I was prompted a half dozen times before I finally picked up the phone to contact Ashley. As I reflect back, my lack of faith and perfectionism had me stuck. The doubt was palpable and I felt inadequate in many areas - it didn’t feel fair to invite someone into that mess.
Not sure what clicked that day, but I’m sure the Holy Spirit was all over it. Trusting, I picked up the phone within the hour and contacted Ashley.
We talked the following morning. After a jumbled declaration of my desires, I’ll always remember Ashley’s response, “Katie, I think you just read my heart back to me.” I felt Jesus was leading us to a partnership in order to meet the desires of His heart - healing and restoration.
From there, until now. Prayer. Conversation. Vulnerability. Trust.
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Res•to•ra•tion: The act of putting something back into existence, to return to its original state.
Ashley and I believe this is the intent of our Lord - to restore us to wholeness through healing. We felt it necessary to honor this process by naming our practice accordingly.
Restoration Psychotherapy & Wellness is three months old. We are up and running with intent to offer greater hope and healing for our community. We are honored to be with you, on the way.
