In the Bleak Mid-Winter

The Rugged Pacific Northwest…. I enjoy its numerous fir trees, its lush landscape, and its crisp, clean air. I imagine myself living up in Seattle or Portland, basking in God's creation, and connecting with His people. What I CAN'T ENVISION is surviving numerous days of rain, cloudy skies, and overall gloomy weather. I forget that the lush landscape that I love is due to incessant months of "crying skies". In the short span of two weeks, sunny, southern California became very much like Seattle as we received as much rain in that time as what we will need year round. Celebrating the holidays became a bit of a challenge as I was hesitant to embark onto flooded streets to prepare for Christmas, was leery of strolling past neighborhoods glistening with Christmas lights, and was procrastinating on writing annual Christmas cards to friends and family. All I desired to do was curl up in a ball, listen to the pounding of the rain on my rooftop, and wait for the storm to pass.

I assume that this was what the world was doing at the time of Christ's birth…waiting, longing, and even groaning (as seen in Romans 8:22) for the coming arrival of its King. In the bleakness of night, Christ came to save US, to deliver us from darkness, and to bring us into abundant life. The writer of the classic Christmas carol, "Ol' Little Town of Bethlehem", summed it up with this penetrating lyric, "the HOPES and FEARS of ALL the years are met in THEE tonight." I have never dwelt much on the topic of fear and its correlation to Christmas. I realize that the insecurities and anxieties that plague my life on a daily basis are meant to be transformed into hopeful confidence and purpose because of the humble birth of Christ. Who could have imagined that one seemingly small incident in Israel could have impacted the world so profoundly?...All while the world was still, bleak, and silent.

Today as I bask in clear sunshine and gaze upon snow covered mountains, I anticipate the coming storms in both my physical and emotional worlds. More rain and flooding are headed into our forecast and I know that more of life's challenges are traveling in my direction. Though my first inclination is to run and hide under a familiar blanket, Christ's birth compels me to face my situations with strength and fortitude. As a familiar quote states, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain." May I continue to take dancing lessons from the true instructor, Jesus, and to develop my own unique routine, though rain drops fall and as storm clouds loom.

Thanksgiving

Fall colors shoot across the sky and a cool briskness is in the air. Golden leaves, with their amber hues, fall gingerly to the ground and scrumptious turkey is the chief item on each family's menu. Thanksgiving is here, a time to celebrate and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. The past few weeks have been especially difficult and challenging for me. Nearing the end of my funds for rent, and experiencing silence and rejection in the job market, had played havoc to my peace of mind. My old friends, anxiety and depression, began to replay their old negative tapes in my mind. Their lyrics and sounds were so familiar to me: "Julie, you will never get out of this pit..Julie, you are a loser… Julie, your husband did not want you and no one else will either… Julie, just give up!" I have struggled with anxiety and depression, specifically, for four years. It started with panic attacks and then erupted into full-blown obsessive thoughts. During that time, I had constant thoughts of killing myself, and I could not go to work or leave my house without medication. My journey with these overwhelming companions is a story for another blog, but, suffice it to say, that when one are going through challenging times, one's old fears creep back up to the surface of consciousness.

Being unemployed for over a year does not instill confidence in a person's talents, abilities, and value. I began to equate my WORTH with my WORK- a dangerous thing to do. I questioned whether I truly had anything to offer to the world, with its competitive, 'survival of the fittest' mentality. What does a DIVORCED PASTOR in MINISTRY have to contribute to her community? I was beginning to think, "NOTHING!"

All of this changed, however, when I received an offer of employment on Tuesday evening. Two and half weeks ago, I had interviewed for a position at a local non-profit organization, called "Living Stones Ministries", which assists families struggling with issues of homosexuality. I went into the interview with the ambivalence of the unemployed-wishing that I would get the job, but really thinking that I wouldn't. I had a long chat with the Office Manager and the Executive Director about the position being offered and I found myself strangely intrigued. They desired a qualified person to both run the office, and to assist in taking the organization to the next level. I was very clear with them regarding what I could and could not do, especially where accounting was concerned. I was also clear about my background, since this was a faith-based organization. My words and responses were treated with respect.

I left the interview feeling pleased with my responses, but really thinking that someone else would get the job. In the meantime, I had an interview at Lowe's for a part-time Cashier position. This opportunity was generously extended to me by one of the Board Members of the nonprofit that I volunteer with, "Stepping Stones for Women." However, I was ashamed to go to the interview. My dialogue with God consisted of the following, "Lord, I don't WANNA cashier at Lowe's when I have all these talents to give to you! How am I going to pay my bills? Also, the store is in San Dimas and I KNOW people would see me there…it would be so humiliating! Look how far I have fallen…" Well, I went and obeyed….I didn't want to, but I did.

Tuesday's call altered that job path. However, before Tuesday, my perspective had been changing. I had to be willing to do ANYTHING, to go through ANY door of opportunity that is opened, and to be grateful for EVERYTHING that God had given to me, no matter how small or seemingly "beneath" my expectations that I believe it to be. Though my emotions were still bleak, I knew that all I could do was ride out this wave of uncertainty, with humility and honesty, and still a smidge of whining thrown in for good measure.

Today, on Thanksgiving, I am thankful for that shift in perspective, for the friends and family who guided me to the truth of my situation, and for Living Stones Ministries, who saw something in me worth keeping.

The Gift to Myself

All moved in. Boxes have been unpacked. Pictures have been put up, linens put away, and the cupboards have been filled with household items. Truth be told, I had unpacked everything within a matter of 48 hours. Yes, you may remark, I am a diligent task-master who despises clutter. I am also a procrastinator and I know that if I don't put things away NOW, I am never going to do it. Thus, there is now a place for everything and everything has been given a place. I feel a sense of accomplishment, a peace that I now have my own sanctuary. I have not stayed alone in my entire 37 years of life. I have always lived with family, roommates, friends, and a former husband. I both am both eager and anxious about this new stage of the journey.

With my recent acquisition of personal space comes with it the stark reality of financial challenges. How am I going to pay rent when I only have a part-time job? (I have been looking diligently, but nothing is happening as of yet.) How can I afford to pay my bills, take care of myself, and pay off loans and credit cards on my current salary? Divested of my former nurturing, healing place, I am now surrounded with the possibilities of failure. Can I do this, Lord? Do I really have what it takes? I began this journey with a sense of adventure and boundless hope. I gave up my wedding rings and received help from my parents to make this move possible. Through a set of certain circumstances, I felt the Lord releasing me from my former place of residence and calling me to take a step out of my comfort zone. As all things are when they are beyond one's sense of security, I felt vulnerable and insecure. I assumed that God had a linear plan of change for my life, i.e. "A then B then C," rather than, "A, then B, then P." It unnerves me when God chooses to work this manner. Can't He just operate in ways that I understand and control?

For the first time since my divorce, I am forced to look to God SOLELY for my source of provision and comfort. My safety net is gone and I have nowhere to go but to HIM. Instead of calling me out and immediately attending to my perspective of urgent needs, He is slowly and painstakingly stripping me of my creature comforts and making me aware of loneliness, hunger, and desperation. This isn't what I signed up for. I thought that after everything I have gone through within the past few years, I would receive complete release and stability. I forget that the righteous (of whose group I include myself rather insecurely and whose membership is only through God's grace) are often persecuted, reviled, fearful, and uncertain. David lived in the wilderness for three years worried that King Saul would find him and kill him. Paul spent years of his ministry in chains, in sickness, and in fear of his life. Abraham was called to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, before it was thwarted by God's angel at the eleventh hour and Joseph was handed over to slave-traders and imprisoned before he became Egypt's second in command.

The quiet space of my little apartment surrounds me with both hope and fear. The hope is that this season "to shall pass" and the fear is that it might not. I give myself the gift of grace today to view myself through God's perspective, rather than through the world's eyes, and the freedom to see beyond present circumstances to the promise of a new day. This is what I can do at this moment…no more and no less.

Toes

Many people that know me know that I am not too fond of feet. If you lovingly tease me about giving me a foot massage or playfully stick your foot in my face, I will respond-in a negative way. The truth is that most feet are not very attractive, unless kept properly cared for with nails trimmed, calluses removed, and, if you are a woman, with a nice coat of toe polish topped off on them for good measure.

The other day, I was shocked to discover, as I was staring at my own feet that are in much dire need of a pedicure, that they looked similar to other feet that I have seen recently-my mother's. I have my mom's feet! From the wide shape making it difficult to find cute and trendy sandals to the toenails, I realized that my feet were not my own, but, rather a product of genetics passed down from my mother's side of the family. If my feet were my mother's, in what others ways was I becoming like my mother?

As I looked at my body, I realized that I had my mother's wide, child-bearing hips, thick calves, and sturdy build. I believe that my family was made for hard, manual labor, out in the farming fields of Arkansas and Oklahoma. I am also seeing red skin tags begin to appear on my arms and neck…can I endearing call them red freckles? I also have my mother's beautifully smooth skin. From my Aunts to my Grandmother who is 90 years old, the women in our family possess clear, strong features and relatively wrinkle-free skin. I faithfully cherish this skin with sun-block but I don't think I will ever have the great skin that my mom has.

Aside from these physical characteristics, there are many other qualities that my mother has unwittingly passed down to me. For instance, when a party happens at my house, I spend the majority of it in the kitchen, making sure that the food is out on time, that everyone has what they need as far as food and drink are concerned, that dishes are being cleaned up and messes are being cleared, etc. My satisfaction during a party is when I hear the people around me laughing and connecting…the sound of this fellowship surrounds me and brings a comforting feeling to my spirit. My greatest joy is found in serving my friends and family and that is exactly what my mother is like. Her love is shown through acts of service, mostly occurring in the background, ensuring that the person she is helping is successful.

When I decorate for an event or for a home, it is my mother's creativity that works through me. I recently decorated my bedroom and my mother and I worked in tandem to make the room inviting, cozy, and luxurious. My mother decorated both of my childhood homes with style and grace. I remember her and my father working on plans to landscape the front and back yards, as well as the interior of the home. I believe that we had one of the best homes on the block.

Finally, I have always been an avid reader. One of my favorite childhood memories was watching my mom escape into the world of books to experience a few minutes of rest amid the clamoring environment of needy children. I can spend HOURS reading a book, leaving the dreary reality of life to enter into different worlds filled with adventure, romance, mystery, and excitement. I tell people today that part of my poor eyesight is the result of spending countless hours reading under poor lighting conditions (usually by the flickering light of an old flashlight) before bed. Without witnessing the love that my mother had for books, I wouldn't have survived undergraduate and graduate school, with its countless hours of study and reading.

Therefore, when you see my reading, serving, or decorating, thank my mother as these are the qualities that she has given to me. Toes that have stood for hours helping others, toes that were used for standing in the back of the line so that her children could have the best, and feet that bend down to pick up babies, and create beautiful spaces…these are the kind of feet I want to have! I am fond of these toes, MOM!

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

As many artists and poets lament, saying goodbye to persons, places, and things in life can be extremely painful and traumatic. One of my mentors told me that life is a series of events in which you are constantly letting go of what is in the past and replacing it with something new. But, what happens when you have to say goodbye to something that you dearly cherish and there isn't a new "hello" to embrace? You feel like you have jumped off of a cliff and have landed flat on your face. But, instead of dying or making it over to the cliff, you awaken from your shock to realize that your heart and body have been crushed. You are left to bleed and recover in the valley, seemingly alone and in great pain. What makes this experience even more devastating is that all of the memories from the past, good and bad, are not left behind on the cliff, but, rather, have jumped with you into the abyss, leaving you haunted by what could have been and what was.

As I alluded to in a past blog, not only did I have I to walk away from an abusive marriage, but I also had to say goodbye to a thriving women's ministry. That last weekend of ministry has remained fresh in my mind to this day. I had a wedding that I was officiating that Saturday morning, out of town, and I had to spend Friday night away from home for the rehearsal. This was the first wedding ceremony that I was facilitating and I was very nervous. However, my mind was focused on what I was going to tell my women's ministry team leaders later that Saturday night regarding my leave of absence. I was also reuniting with old friends at this celebration and I was self-conscious because I had put on a great deal of weight over the last two years. This wasn't a time where I wanted to draw attention to myself. In a way, I could not wait to get this wedding over with. My own marriage was irrevocably broken and I had to unite my friends in a new marriage covenant under God. Though I was tremendously proud of my friends, I was also terribly grief-stricken about my own set of circumstances. In addition, I had breakfast with my friend's parents right before the ceremony, and, in a loving but not so subtle way, they told me that I should probably go on a Jenny Craig diet because of my weight and, since I was SUCH a pretty girl, they didn't want to see anything bad happen to me. After thanking them for their concern, I quickly recovered, went back to my hotel room, changed and then got ready to officiate and sing for my friends and their families.

After the wedding was successfully performed and the reception was well under way, I immediately headed back to my house to prepare for the team meeting. I remember that, though my heart was breaking, all I could think about was ensuring that the ministry still continued in my absence. I desired to see these women continue to develop and utilize their talents and gifts to their fullest potential. I felt like a shepherd that was leaving her sheep alone in the pasture to fend for themselves. I did not want the ministry that God had allowed me to begin to be hindered in any way by my marital situation. I had already prepared a brief political-church statement to tell them that I hoped would build them up, edify them, and ensure that ministry would ensue over the next few months. My statement went something like this, "This brings me great sadness, but, for reasons having to do with my marriage, I am going to be stepping down from ministry for six months, in order to better deal with these issues, but you will not be left alone, as other staff members will be helping to oversee women's ministries. I want you to make me proud by continuing to do the work that God has called you to do. I want you all to know that I love you tremendously." This statement was not entirely true since I was being mandated to leave my job, women's ministry was being restructured, and things would not look the same after six months. However, my leaders told me, "Julie, we will make you proud," and I knew that things would be okay.

That Sunday morning, I had to announce my leave of absence to my entire team of 25 women and I was nervous again, wondering what their reaction and response would be. I didn't want to cry or break down in front of them because I believed that this display of emotion would betray my anger and shock at how the church leadership had treated me. However, I felt the support and love from these women, in the room, and I knew that God would carry them in the months ahead. Finally, after the meeting, I went to my office, and, with the help of friends, packed up all of my beloved ministry belongings, left my keys on my old desk, and left my job behind. At that point, I contacted the Executive Director, and updated him on the status of the weekend as far as my meetings, my packing up of my office, etc., was concerned. At that point, I was told that I had done a "picture perfect" job of leading my team through this leave of absence situation. He couldn't have done it better himself, and he was proud of me. I could barely get through the conversation without hanging up on him. I quickly cut off the conversation and I proceeded to let my guard down and weep over all of the events that has transpired not just over the weekend, but over the past few months.

I had jumped off the cliff and had submitted to the authority of the church leadership. I had done everything that had been asked of me, which included signing a contract whereby I would not disparage the church in any way, to any one, during the six month period, or the partial compensation that I would be receiving would be terminated. While God's presence was upon me in an incredible way as I said my farewell to the ministry I cherished so dearly, I was left, flat on my face, to grieve both my marriage and my life's vocation. I am still sore from the bruising and my heart is still mending. Though I can get up, rise, and walk a few paces ahead, there is no immediate, new, solid career opportunity to embrace. The memories of the past continue to haunt me-the comments from close staff members that told me that I would "never work in ministry again if I divorced,", or that, "I was being stubborn and hard-hearted regarding my marriage, " or that, "I should just resign from ministry and make it easy for the Elders"…or the comment, when I was holding another staff member's baby that I, "would be that way in a year(pregnant) ", when that person already knew about my painful divorce. I admit that these moments can cloud my vision as I move forward and that they affect my view of the church, on a universal basis.

One thing I do know, though, is that I am in close company with the many spiritual fathers of Christianity. Abraham was called to leave his familiar homeland and become an alien in a new country and, though his wife was barren, was told that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. He had to wait decades to see the promise fulfilled in the miraculous birth of his son, Isaac. Then, as his son was thriving, God called Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and, not until his fist was raised to plunge the knife in Isaac's chest, did God provide Abraham with a ram to substitute for his beloved son. God's power was also displayed in a mighty way through his prophet, Elijah. In fact, Elijah engaged in a tremendous battle against King Ahab, which resulted in God showing his glory before the followers of Baal. However, right after this miraculous event, Elijah ran into the wilderness- distraught, distressed, and fatigued. King Ahab, with the assistance of his Queen, Jezebel, ordered him to be killed because he had defied their authority. The Lord was with him, however, and provided a ministering angel to attend to his needs. Once strengthened, Elijah continued about his business of allowing God to work through him. There were also many other prophets, such as Jeremiah and Habakkuk, that were told that Israel would be brought into captivity because of their corporate sin. There was nothing that the prophets could do except tell God's story, listen, and weep over their beloved people.

God's servants seem to have a penchant for waiting, wailing, grieving, and suffering from depression. In a way, I guess I am right where God wants me to be. I have had to break up with the familiar and comfortable past and I have to continue to wait for a promising new "hello" to life. May I be ready to extend my hand in confident greeting to whatever God has ahead of me-broken, but not destroyed, bruised but not abused, tired, but not defeated.

Ruined for Life

I have the best Dad in the whole world. When I was a child, I remember engaging in the popular "my dad is better than your dad" debate with other children on the school playground. In all objectivity, however, as an adult, this saying STILL holds true. I have many relatives and friends who would agree with me on this statement, with a mixture of both admiration and envy, of what I and my siblings have.

Like any daily family dynamic, though, I did not realize how marvelous my father was when I was growing up. I thought everyone had a dad who said, "I love you" to them on a daily basis. Didn't all my friends have a dad that wrote, "Foxy Lady" on their lunch bag? I thought that being smothered in hugs, kisses, and positive affirmation was a consistent reality for most families. I believed that every child had a parent that stated to them, 'I believe in you and you can do anything that you set your mind to do." I was sure that my friends had a dad who tucked them in at night and read stories to them, right? As the years passed, I realized that I was sadly mistaken.

I remember having a particularly difficult time in high school. Raging hormones, coupled with crippling insecurity, acne, thick glasses, braces and obesity, did not make for a smooth transition for me into the teenage years. Let's just say that I wasn't going to be on the cheerleading squad, dating a football player, or going to prom. I could even get into a size 12 pair of pants! I came home from a day that was especially painful, for reasons that I cannot fully remember, and there was a card waiting for me on my bed. I opened the card and, on the front of the card, was a pair of two hands, cupping each other. Inside the card, it read, "From the first touch, I knew you were mine. I love you, Dad". I burst out crying and flung myself on the bed with all of the emotional angst that a teenager could muster. This was just like one of those scenes out of a sappy Hallmark commercial, except that this was real and it was happening to me! Though I didn't realize the full impact of that card in that moment, years later, I realize that I both belong to and am known by my dad in a way that no bond could ever break.

Not only did Dad provide me with emotional support as a needy teenager, but Dad continues to be one of my spiritual role models today. When I was eight years old, my Dad baptized me into the Christian faith. When I was 10 years old, Dad took me out on a date and showed me what it was like to be treated like a woman after God's own heart. When I was ordained as a pastor, Dad's simple speech about my character was authentic and powerful, bringing many to tears. As a bride, Dad walked me down the aisle and symbolically transferred his protection and provision of me over to my husband with pride and dignity. Finally, when I was going through my divorce and undergoing painful discussions with my church leadership, Dad was in attendance, supporting my best interests and ensuring me that someone truly cared about not only my ministry position, but my emotional health as well. After one disturbing meeting that finalized the details of my leave of absence, Dad looked me in the eyes and said, "I am so proud of you and what you have done. You are brave." When all the men in my life had abandoned me, Dad was there to validate my emotions and my experience. Dad has been "Jesus with skin on."

So, I am happily ruined for life. No man on earth can ever compare to my father. While this is a wonderful predicament to have, it also leaves me feeling conflicted. How will I make a better choice in a relationship the next time around? What expectations are unrealistic and what expectations are normal and healthy? God is going to have to help me sift through my high standards, and distorted ideas of husbandly roles through His discerning and perfect sieve of truth. I trust that He will show me what I can live with and what I can live without.

In the meantime, I happily settle back into Dad's provision. Who doesn't want to be told that they are beautiful, wonderful, and amazing every day? I thought not. I am one lucky lady.

 

 

Jane Eyre I Am!

As a little girl, my great passion was reading. You would not find me outdoors, running and playing with the neighborhood children in the streets, or riding my bike around the block. NO! I would be holed up in my bedroom, escaping into the exciting worlds that various writers had created for me. My parents had to literally make me go outside for fear that I would have a vitamin D deficiency later in life. I was more comfortable in the fantasy worlds of romantic, classical literature, than in the mundane reality of my life as a socially awkward nerd in the 1980's.

One of my favorite novels of all time is Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte. As an introverted, bookish young woman, this novel appealed to me for various reasons. There was a plain, intelligent, kind governess as the heroine, whom I identified with, and a dark, brooding English gentleman, Mr. Rochester, as her chief love interest. I could easily picture myself as Jane Eyre, because I believed that I was plain, overweight, and really only had my intelligence and kindness to offer others. Someone saw her true beauty, Mr. Rochester, and I longed for someone to see and respond to that same inner beauty inside of me.

The character, Jane Eyre, was also quiet and still on the surface, but possessed deep passions and insights into human nature, which she kept hidden from the world around her. When she is teased by Mr. Rochester, who threatens to send her away to another governess post when he marries, she states,

"Do you think I am an automaton? — a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal — as we are!" – Jane Eyre, Chapter 23

Her response to Rochester's teasing, as he really intends to marry her and not send her away, is both emotional and violent. One wouldn't think that she experienced the world in such a way, just be looking at her. In fact, if she existed in this world, she would most likely be overlooked in favor of someone more attractive and gregarious. In fact, when it turns out that Mr. Rochester is already married to an insane woman that he has kept locked up in his house (remember that ,this is fiction?) Rochester remarks, "This young girl who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell." Jane Eyre, Chapter 24. Only later would she mourn and grieve, alone and with incredible abandon.

This novel has resonated with me over the years. I was raised in a reserved household. Both of my parents were quiet people, not prone to express the full range of their emotions on a daily basis. They were consistent and expressive in their love for me and my siblings, but were unfamiliar with voicing fear, pain, anger, etc. As such, it was difficult to learn how to express my own emotions to others. By nature, I am prone to introspection and I find that I have to "go inward" to analyze my emotions before I can express what I am feeling to the world around me. I often felt stifled and imprisoned by my personality because I didn't know how to fully release all that was going on inside me. It has taken much life experience, therapy, and intentional, safe pockets of community for me to learn how to be authentic and passionate in my expressions on matters of my heart. However, I will always tend toward deep analysis and stillness in my responses rather than quick reactions to most situations (unless I am in my car when someone cuts me off, and then I will automatically express a colorful array of words!).

As the saying goes, "still waters run deep", and many of us that are still possess insights that can be overlooked in a busy, chaotic world. Proverbs 20:5 states, "A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out." I encourage you today to be a person of understanding, who draws out the deep waters of the lives of those around you. You will be pleasantly surprised in what you discover if you take the time to delve into those "depths".

I am proud to identify with this heroine, Jane Eyre, as she has been a pleasant companion to me over the years. Though I no longer pine for a moody, emotional hero to save me from a bleak existence, I am grateful that a character was written in whom my heart identifies with, in its passionate yearnings, quiet expressions, and intelligent insights. Charlotte Bronte, who lived in the mid-1800's, was well advanced in her wise observations of the female condition. Next time you are around a quiet person, think of them as a "Jane Eyre' in whose person is a storehouse full of wisdom and authenticity. You rock, Jane Eyre!