One of the most challenging calls in ministry as a music and administrative pastor; came at a time when I was experiencing burn out and what professional counselors might diagnose as “functional freeze” – state of emotional and physical shutdown in response to overwhelming stress or trauma.

I remember complete exhaustion, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I had feelings of being stuck, numb, disconnected from life and at times, trouble making decisions. I had to work at staying motivated to accomplish my work.

I was able to emerge out of this dark period by:

1. Asking God to share the journey with me as promised in Matthew 11:29. The metaphor of a yoke and the Holy Spirit carrying the burden helped lead me to find rest for my soul.

2. In my brokenness, seeking a spirit of humility, openness and gratitude.

3. Professional and spiritual counseling.

4. Searching God’s word. Encouragement from Philippians 4:4-9

5. Reaching out to significant others in my life for support and guidance.

6. Exercise and diet.

To this day, I use this formula for life as I experience times of discouragement and challenge.

"Looking back, I see my faith and guidance in snapshots; like a tap on the shoulder or a push in the right direction or a turn towards a different path: singing 'Jesus Loves Me' with my aunt who had Down’s Syndrome; listening to my great aunt Bertha sing 'How Great Thou Art', a well worn copy of The Genesee Diary given to me by a couple from church; crossing paths with people of faith in my years as a social worker- their unwavering belief and trust in God during difficult times; the guidance of Paul, a WHPC member who advised me during my divorce; the light and love that is continually shown to me in the faces of children who pass through my classroom; a poem by Blakely Broaddus in 4th grade-'Girl, sitting on a bench, eating lunch, alone.' We may feel alone, but we never are. All of these snapshots are woven together into a beautiful, messy patchwork that reminds me that God is always there in some way or another."

“Both my husband and I have had lingering health issues over the past two years. Being the HUMANS that we are, our prayers to God were to spare us and have some, if not all, of the problems resolved. What a huge request! It was also one that God chose to answer differently than what we asked. My husband’s issues were modified and lessened with time, but I have experienced less to no improvement in my own. I struggle with a constant state of dread. I dread going to bed at night. I dread waking up in the morning. Dread, dread, dread. When will things get better? But through all of this, I have never been alone. I know God hears me. I know God is here. I feel His presence. I know things will improve and work out in the end.”