Welcome to the In The Loop Blog. This is set up to allow discussion among clergy spouses regarding issues specific to us.
In the In The Loop newsletter, I suggested that you read an article that was published in The Circuit Rider and use this place for sharing opinions and advice.
If you haven't read the article, please click on this link to read it http://www.umph.com/pdfs/circuitrider/R104KeAp.pdf
I strongly suggest that clergy find a support group of other clergy and that clergy spouses do the same with the spouses of those in the clergy support group. Become comfortable with each other and use it as a place to share what is going on in your lives. When those tough times come, that support group will already be in place.
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2 comments:
Posted on behalf of Jacquie Reed:
I want to share my experience dealing with a challenging and personal issue in our family with our congregation. The last Sunday in April was designated as 'healing Sunday'. The theme of all four morning worshipservices was healing and the day concluded with a healing service open to anyone in the community at 6:00pm. I shared my story of healing from twenty-one years of physical, emotional and sexual abuse I experienced from my mother, father, brother and multitudes others. I was not afraid to 'bare my soul' (so to speak) in front of over 700 people because I knew that my story and God's intervention in my life at age seven would help others dealing with any situation involving wounding (and there are many). My husband had freely shared my struggles with his district superintendent for the past eight years and also with the staff parish committee. We have alsways been open with our difficulties with our ds and staff parish committee. One of our daughters had an eating disorder which, of course, is difficult to hide. In all of our sharing we have been surrounded with the deepest compassion and prayer support. I think that feeling as “if our personal struggles are shared, then it will result in a move” is antiquated and operating completely out of line of the gospel message of love and of Jesus' example of compassion toward all persons, especially those in need of healing. I was not ashamed to seek counseling which still continues twice weekly after nine years. In fact, many, many people have requested the dvd of my message and I have received many notes of encouragement and support. My goal in continued healing is to help others who may be any type of situation involving wounding, for God is at work in each situation. Please contact me if I can listen to your pain or share with you the way God accompanies me as I continue to heal.
Jacquie Reed - jreed@hotmail.com
Pamela,
I dont know if you will read this or not, since this blog is over a year old now. I was suprised when I googled my name (one of my kids said I should do this for fun) and the 2nd entry was your In the Loop with my Circuit Rider article! I am not, however, suprised that there was only one person who replied to your blog. It is my experience that clergy families, and particularly clergy spouses, are very difficult to minister to. It is so hard to admit that we have any problems, or to let anyone 'in'. I pray that you keep trying to make connections.
God bless,
Linda Hileman
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