Selah.
Grief manifests itself in many ways, especially in isolation. And because grief is a necessity to good health, [some] isolation is as well. Though it is not wise to forcefully graft the bereaved into the company of others against their wishes, simply because of our discomfort with their darkness. If we are not willing to enter into their dark space - but for a moment, and sit with them, allowing ourselves to serve as an illuminating light, we stand instead as judgment bearers. Yes, [some] community is needed for a collective undergirding of love and support. However, integrate the bereaved into the wrong community at the wrong time, and the very same can be most harmful; causing a delay or stagnation to the process. More than being pulled into the space of others, what the bereaved need most is meaning-making time and personal God-Talk. They need God, space, time, and tough skinned persons with whom they can openly be and say without condemnation. If they don't join you in their social gatherings, that is okay. Join them where ever they are willing to meet you, on their terms and their on their turf.
Selah.
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It's a New Year and I sense the ability to breath again. Newness does just that; it expands our capacity to take in, but even more, to give out. What are you exhaling for this New Year?
Your Second Wind. 6/16/14: The Day After... With Father's Day behind us, it has left countless individuals with embittered emotion and downcast spirits. Whether Sunday's worldwide acknowledgment of Dads both present and remembered for their safe guidance and selfless care, invoked a sense of gratitude for you, for others, however, it stirred and did bring to the surface, hurtful feelings from a realistic void.
During my prayer time on yesterday, I intentionally focused on those whose history with their fathers was anything but safe. I was reminded of at least 4 women who were sexually violated by their biological fathers, and even more who were abandoned and rejected by yesterday's focal honoree. It not only reminded them of their deadbeat fathers, but the very men they've loved in a lifelong search for intimate surrogates. Oh, how the cycle persists... For this reason, I celebrate the survivors of "Fathers gone wrong," and pray God's healing touch (the safest love and touch known to humankind). With that said, relinquish your need for substitutions, retaliation, victimization, and self-condemnation. You are not to blame. Instead, find ways to harness strength from your suffering through your faith & future. For truly, God has a plan for you! IT IS SO - This seasonal weather reminds me of a delayed promise. You are reminded of the warm weather that is to come, yet you are constantly bombarded with the contrary. According to the calendar, we are closer to Spring than not. But if you measure this statement by natural occurrences, it will indeed discourage you, as the more you anticipate the promise of spring, the more you are confronted by chilling snowstorms. But the hope in it all, is no matter the compounded or reoccurring snowfalls or storms, Spring will come - It MUST come! This is the will of God. Likewise, the Promises of God are ye' and amen because they are as good as done. If God willed it, if God said it, if God promised it - then it is so!
Today's mantra is a reminder that Spring will indeed come, even as your 'Promise' will also show up sooner than later, is a simple, "IT IS SO!" Speak this while traveling through the inclimate weather today, while journeying through the hardships of your 'purpose-full' process. For this too, this prolonged chill is also a the Father's will. Therefore, it must be. So, be patient and praise God through delay, for IT IS SO! Dr. Kay Jenkins (C) 2014 Your Daily Wind, 2/8/14:
Things happen. Life happens. And in response to our living, there are gains and losses, joys and sorrows... all of which are inevitable to this phenomena called "Life." Remaining true to both God and self are precursors to learning the many lessons this life demands of our learning. So, recalculate and reflect on those particular life events that inevitably "happened," hitting you at the core, that your life-learning may prosper you rather than discredit you, and your living not be in vain. Be strengthened through your living- this day... #Your2ndWind2014. Dr. Kay Jenkins (c) 2014 Your 2nd Wind |
About the AuthorKay Jenkins is a native of New Jersey. She is a pastoral counselor and chaplain by trade, with a strong musical background. Dr. Kay completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, earning a bachelors in Sociology, and also holds dual Masters from Emory University, as well as an earned doctorate from The Ecumenical Theological Seminary of Michigan. Kay is most sought for her oratory, literary, and musical gifts. She is a published songwriter, author. freelance and ghost writer who writes under several pen names. Kay resides in Ohio. Archives
January 2018
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