Category: Community

Practice the Pause

In my wisdom years, I am learning more the value of the pause, and one day at a time, making every day count, which is really all we have, right? We live daily until our last breath, then there’s the afterlife.

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Only God knows what tomorrow will bring, much more each single day beyond that.

Here’s what I know: you are alive today. Your people need your love and full presence. When your time (or your beloved’s time) comes to leave this earth, let it be with love, knowing you did your best.

A final note: When a loved one departs, don’t make any big decisions for awhile, you will not be able to make wise choices so soon. Allow the memories to wash over you, along with some mixed thoughts and feelings.

You may feel alone in this necessary time of processing the great loss, and you will come through it. You are not alone, and will never be. God has you, and you have God.

Mental Health and Faith

Inspired and adapted through an article in “Rethink Church”

Depression… anxiety… inability to concentrate… mood changes… trouble relating to people… low energy… feeling hostile towards others… excessive worry… feeling unable to cope with stress… excessive drug or alcohol consumption…

An inability to deal with mental health symptoms is not always an indication of sin in your life. In some cases it might be an indication of illness–and may need to be treated as any other illness gets treated (with a doctor’s help).

“in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; until the destroying storms pass by.” [Psalm 57:1]

In many ways, we are bound to one another. So when one person suffers, we all encounter suffering. This passage is just one of many that remind of our connectedness: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.” [1 Corinthians 12:26]

If you or a friend need help, please take that step and reach out to someone you trust.

Psychology Today offers a referral site. If you have suicidal thoughts call a suicide hotline number. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use its webchat on suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.

When Someone Passes Away

As a Chaplain, I read this good article written by a grieving mother, about what was helpful and what was not, for her. Maybe it will help you too.

What To Say When Someone Dies – 8 Sympathy Messages To Replace “I’m Sorry”

2019 UMC General Conference

This is my personal response to some who asked for my take on things.

We knew that however it ended up, a large number of people would feel hurt, scarred, betrayed and disillusioned.  Another large group would feel those exact same things, and relieved.  Everyone involved feels war torn.  A sad state of affairs.  It is not yet over.

As God is my witness, I try to surrender to God and not my own will, compulsions, nor changing societies, values, and trends.  Jesus said He only did the Father’s will, and I want to be like Jesus, unashamed of the gospel.

My favorite uncle was gay, I have parishioners who are lesbian, and friends with other lifestyles and I love them as friends.  We mutually understand that love does not always mean agreement in all matters.

Scripture says, “As far as it is up to you, be at peace with all.”  We all need God.  We all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.

My foundation and continuing guidance must be God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as revealed in scripture, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, discerned in study and groups of faithful Christians.  For those among us who feel compelled to answer to God above all else, our hearts and minds must align with God.

My friends, even though I love you, I cannot agree with attitudes and actions of unrepentant, open disobedience and intentional disruption as experienced in public spaces, conferences, and social media.

Parts of scripture may be difficult to accept and apply in this time of socio-political upheavals.  Still, it is disrespectful to God to misuse verses out of context to support popular ever changing opinion.  Even Jesus set boundaries, and as the prime demonstration of love, He said, “Go and sin no more.”

Grace, truth, and peace be yours.  RevDonnaH

They Are Not Like Me

It is good to value authentic and respectful dialogue between those with different faith traditions, beliefs and practices.  With that in mind, in your daily life, what kinds of interactions / opportunities do you encounter – to hear and be heard by those who are different (a little or a lot) from you?