Tell Me a Story
Dear Chrysalis Friends,
As we find ourselves winding down from the hustle and bustle of our most sacred
seasons, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of finding rest and
solace, even in the busiest of times. It’s during these periods, filled with various
obligations and commitments, that we often forget to pause, breathe, and seek the
rejuvenation that rest offers.
In the midst of our fervent activities, it’s crucial to lean on the support of our friends and
fellow colleagues. Friendship is not merely a luxury but a necessity, especially during
times when our spiritual and emotional reserves may be running low. Let us remember
the beauty of keeping covenant with one another, standing by each other’s side through
the ups and downs of live, offering comfort, encouragement, and solidarity.
With that said, I wish to emphasize the profound significance of sharing our stories with
one another. Our journeys are not always paved with laughter, joy, and success; often,
they are fraught with challenges, setbacks, and moments of darkness. Yet, it is in the
sharing of these stories—whether they have found resolve or not—that we find
connection, empathy, and understanding. Each narrative, each experience, contributes
to the rich tapestry of our collective faith.
In light of this, I am excited to introduce you to the “Tell Me A Story” project—a venture
dedicated to collecting and sharing stories from clergy about their mental health
journeys. Mental health is a topic often shrouded in silence and stigma, particularly
within religious communities. Through this project, we aim to break down barriers, foster
open dialogue, and provide a platform for clergy to share their triumphs, struggles, and
reflections on mental wellness.
I encourage each of you to consider participating in this initiative by submitting your
mental health journey to [email protected] – 500-2000 words. All stories will
be included in a final book collaborative project. Together, let us create a space where
vulnerability is welcomed, where stories are honored, and where healing is nurtured.
May we all find moments of rest and rejuvenation amidst the busyness of our Holy
Seasons. May our friendships grow deeper, our covenant stronger, and our stories
richer through our shared journey of faith.
With warm regards and blessings,
Kelly
Trust the Story
Moving through the Lenten season draws us near to Easter and the story of the resurrection. On one level, this is joyful and exciting. On another level, especially for pastors, the nearing of Easter can bring pressure and anxiety. Holy Week is often filled with extra services. Easter Sunday can come with a higher level of expectation. What can we do in this midst of this crunch time to care for ourselves as pastors, shepherds, and congregational leaders?
Perhaps a good place to start is to remind ourselves that the story itself is where the power lies. The scenes of Holy Week—Palm Sunday, the Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest and trial, and Jesus’ crucifixion, are stories that are so powerful that they stand on their own in our Christian heritage. While we might have a homiletical and liturgical responsibility to bring these stories to life in a contextual way, the power really does lie in the stories themselves. Remembering this and leaning into the stories that shape our faith can relive some of the pressure from the pastor thinking that they have the responsibility of making Holy Week meaningful. Similarly, the same is true, maybe even more so, for Easter Sunday.
Another important consideration in this season is how pastors are caring for themselves as the intensity of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, ramps up. Because of the responsibilities at this time of the year are so intense it is absolutely critical to stay focused on the spiritual formation practices, healthy habits, and well-being essentials that allow us to lead in the way in which God would have us to lead.
Here at Chrysalis we are praying for pastors and church leaders in this holy time. We know how significant this season is, and we understand how difficult it can be. If you find yourself in need of support or assistance, please feel free to reach out to us.
With Hope!
The Chrysalis Team
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