Chrysalis News

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Ash Wednesday: The Courage to Look Within

by Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks. LPCCFebruary 13, 2026 Uncategorized0 comments
Today’s reflection arrives at a meaningful threshold. Today marks the 100th Chrysalis Constant Contact posting—a quiet milestone that mirrors the spirit of the upcoming Advent season itself. One hundred offerings of reflection, invitation, and presence. Not to impress. Not to accumulate. But to create space—again and again—for honesty, healing, and holy reflection. Like Lent, Chrysalis has...
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Life Is Not Always What We Planned…

by Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks. LPCCFebruary 13, 2026 Uncategorized0 comments
Life is not always what we plan – this is a mantra and life wisdom which has proven to be true in my life again and again! In fact, more often than not, the carefully drawn maps we create for our lives are disrupted—by detours we didn’t anticipate, losses we didn’t choose, or invitations we never imagined accepting. From an early age, many of us are taught to equate success with control: set...
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When Plans Change

by Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks. LPCCJanuary 29, 2026 Uncategorized0 comments
Most of us are planners—whether we admit it or not. We sketch out timelines, set intentions, imagine how the story will unfold. Even when we hold those plans lightly, they give us a sense of direction, control, and hope. Plans tell us who we think we are and where we believe we are headed. And then… plans change. Sometimes the shift is dramatic and sudden—a diagnosis, a loss, a call we...
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Finding Our Collective Voice

by Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks. LPCCJanuary 22, 2026 Uncategorized0 comments
In recent weeks and months, the steady stream of headlines has felt relentless and left us breathless. Communities fractured by violence, policies that disproportionately harm the most vulnerable, and the quiet and systematic erosion of dignity that seems to have embedded itself in our day-to-day. For many of us, the weight of it all is suffocating. We feel the pull to stay informed and the...
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The Value–Action Gap

by Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks. LPCCJanuary 15, 2026 Uncategorized0 comments
This past week, I had the privilege of spending time with a group of clergy from across the United States—TX, AZ, CA, NY, FL, NM, KS, MI, WI, OK, and MT. During our time together, we talked about alignment: the alignment of who we are, where we come from, the stories that shape us, and how we move toward a fuller, more integrated sense of self. We talked about value—how values guide us best...
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Keeping the Soul Ajar

by Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks. LPCCJanuary 8, 2026 Uncategorized0 comments
There is a difference between leaving the metaphoric door wide open and keeping it ajar. An open door can feel exposed, vulnerable to every passing force. A closed door can provide a feeling of safety, but is sealed tight. Keeping the soul ajar, however, is an act of quiet courage—a deliberate choice to remain receptive without becoming overwhelmed. Life has a way of teaching us to shut...
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Life Is Not Always What We Planned…

by Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks. LPCCJanuary 1, 2026 Uncategorized0 comments
Life is not always what we plan – this is a mantra and life wisdom which has proven to be true in my life again and again! In fact, more often than not, the carefully drawn maps we create for our lives are disrupted—by detours we didn’t anticipate, losses we didn’t choose, or invitations we never imagined accepting. From an early age, many of us are taught to equate success with control: set...
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Transitions & a Cup of Coffee

I am a big fan of coffee – church coffee, boutique coffee, Starbucks. It does not completely matter to me if my coffee originates from an espresso maker crafted ever so carefully with beautiful artwork showing through the foam from the local coffee shop, or straight from the verismo tucked in the corner of my office. I just enjoy my coffee.

I am also a fan of sharing sacred conversations with those dearest and most important to me over something as simple or complex as a cup of coffee. Conversations that are light and fun that share in celebrations and excitement, and conversations that sit on the soul in a different way. It’s the conversations of life, and laughter, tears, frustrations, broken relationships, and reconciliation. I enjoy a full life of connection.

I find myself this season seeped in sacred conversations embodied by the topic of transitions. These sacred conversations are conversations I find myself having with others as well as with myself. Transitions that include relationship shifts, employment discernment, and faith community affiliations. And yes, these conversations often happen over a simple, yet complex cup of coffee which for me, serves as a reminder of that which is a constant in my life – a grounding if you will to what is present, now. 

I encourage each of you to find your grounding  – in the midst of simple and complicated and complex conversations which is what makes life so very rich. Seek out those whom you love and care for dearly, and share in this grounding wherever those moments take you. 

Grace & Peace,

The Chrysalis Team