"Every girl deserves her own beauty, because she is unique." This is the personal motto displayed on Sister Shanshan's social media profile.
As a psychological counselor, she seeks to use her professional expertise to bring comfort and healing to the emotional and spiritual wounds of others, helping them embody the beautiful image bestowed by God.
Although she was raised on the rugged Loess Plateau, Shanshan is rather soft-spoken and serene, more like a southern river-town beauty than a blunt, hearty woman of her homeland. Wearing her hair short to her shoulders, she always smiles warmly.
Opening Her Heart to Divine Love
In 2006, Shanshan was admitted to a prestigious university in a coastal city for her outstanding academic performance. She arrived with her parents, full of anticipation. However, what greeted her was a newly constructed campus with only a few basic facilities—classrooms, dormitories, and little else. As part of the first cohort of students on the site, Shanshan felt like she had stepped into a barren construction zone.
After the registration process, her parents prepared to return to their hometown. Even after nearly two decades, Shanshan vividly remembers tearfully watching them leave, unable to stop crying.
Life on the remote campus left her feeling lonely and despondent. One evening, she noticed a small, thick book beside her roommate's pillow. Her roommate explained, "It's the Bible. I'm a Christian." When Shanshan asked if she could read it, her roommate handed it over without hesitation, saying she was welcome to read it anytime. Moved by her roommate's warmth, Shanshan thought, "So this is what a Christian is like—so kind and open-hearted."
Later, through the guidance of a passionate Christian sister, Shanshan was introduced to the faith and prayed to commit her life to God, deeply drawn by His love. From then on, she joined her roommate and a group of fellow believers in weekly Bible study every Wednesday evening, until graduation.
"All of my most cherished college memories involve my fellow believers," Shanshan recalled. "We studied the Bible together, went on seaside trips, climbed mountains, worshiped God, and participated in short-term mission work. I was part of every single activity."
Can an Unmarried Sister Counsel on Marriage?
Although Shanshan was an exceptional graduate, her career path was challenging. Eventually, she accepted the invitation from the church, joining the staff team.
At the time, the church launched a new initiative titled "Let Love into the Society," aimed at providing counseling services focused on marriage and parent-child relationships, which are common issues many families face. Shanshan was appointed to lead this program.
She prayed with a heavy heart, asking, "Will anyone be willing to listen to someone like me, who is unmarried, to speak about marriage and parenting?" After a month of persistent prayer, she received God's answer: "Do not be afraid; just believe."
To her amazement, once she committed to the role, she began to witness God's provision. Experienced and respected instructors came forward to give lectures, and several even offered to teach and mentor without charge, despite traveling by air. Along this journey, Shanshan also met a professional mentor who would go on to influence her future significantly.
"I Am Eager to Be Someone Like That."
During one training session, Shanshan's mentor shared her own calling from God, saying, "God told me, you must be someone who speaks on My behalf." That statement struck a deep chord in Shanshan's heart. With a sudden surge of emotion, she responded inwardly, "I am eager to be someone like that."
However, she was soon doubtful and prayed, "Lord, how can I speak for You? I won't be a minister—aren't only ministers called to speak on your behalf?"
In response, she felt God's clear reply: "Your message is not to preach sermons, but to speak on marriage and family, rooted in biblical truth." In that moment, Shanshan understood her calling was to use her professional expertise and the truth of Scripture to support those struggling with family and marital issues. She embraced this mission, taking on the identity of a "son of encouragement."
In 2015, she decided to step down from her position as a church staff member, seeking a new path through prayer and further professional training. Her mentor continued to support and guide her despite the time and effort.
Becoming "Son of Encouragement" to Many
As Shanshan continued her journey, she encountered the same inner struggle that her mentor had also faced. She repeatedly asked herself, "If everything I've learned comes from secular psychology, how does that align with God's calling for me to be someone who speaks on His behalf?"
In 2017, her mentor happened upon a course and encouraged Shanshan to enroll. Amid the intensive and fast-paced program, Shanshan juggled coursework while caring for her two-month-old daughter. She often attended sessions with the baby in her arms, soothing her when she cried, sometimes when recording virtual assignments with classmates. She would calm her child before resuming her work.
In her limited free time, she squeezed in daytime reading and stayed up late, often working on assignments until 11 or midnight. "I never thought of it as a difficult time," she said. "I was filled with energy back then, which laid a strong foundation for me."
The course finally resolved her long-standing doubts. As a Christian psychological counselor, she learned to engage her profession critically and thoughtfully, anchoring her methods in biblical truth.
(Shanshan is a pseudonym at the request of the interviewee.)
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by Poppy Chan
