From Your Minister of Congregational Care
Dear Folks:
Our theme for the month of September is “Resilience.” Resilience is not just a quality that involves bouncing back from an infinite number of life stressors. In fact, at times, there is absolutely no bouncing involved, but there are always stressors. Here are a few examples of things we’re expected to “bounce back” from:
Failure, Falling, Illness, Broken hearts, Job loss, Transitions, Broken limbs, Broken promises
Whether it’s a physical fall or a spiritual or emotional wound, resilience is the journey from being knocked down to rising back up again (and again)—literally and metaphorically. Sometimes resilience is just getting up, getting out of bed, and continuing to breathe. It’s typically a challenge and occasionally an adventure. At times it involves overcoming pride or embarrassment, and it always involves courage. Raw courage.
Resilience is about navigating our way to survival, to growth, and to peace. It’s not always pretty. Resilience can be difficult—especially when we seem to have more than our fair share of trials, and occasionally, it’s tempting to consider giving up. But we keep going, keep breathing, keep getting out of bed, keep looking out the window and venturing outside, and we keep our eyes and hearts fixed on something beyond ourselves as we are motivated by something from deep within. Resilience is a part of who we are, and I don’t know the formula for resilience, but if there is some sort of recipe or algorithm, I’m sure it includes intangibles like attitude, determination, and gratitude—as well as tangibles like possibly soup or chocolate and definitely plenty of water.
What comes to mind when you consider your own resilience?
Nelson Mandela said: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.” Take a moment to contemplate your goodness, your courage, your strength, and the memories of all the times you’ve risen strong from failures or pain. It is really quite amazing.
Reach out to encourage one another this month!
May we walk in love and kindness, inspiring one another’s resiliency.
~Rev. Mary Frances
