Masks

Ministry women, whether it is a pastor’s wife or woman in ministry, often feel not just alone but have deep feelings of loneliness. Ever been there? What an unhealthy way to live!

Why are we afraid to admit that we are not perfect? Why do we hesitate to admit to our girlfriends that we have shortcomings and fail at times? Why are we so determined not to be transparent with our closest friends? If we would only realize that there isn’t a ministry woman on the face of this earth that has it all together 24/7!

When we begin to share our flawed life with our friends we give them permission to remove their masks. It isn’t an easy task but necessary in order to develop close relationships. Solid friendships are built on a foundation of authenticity, trust and commitment. Obviously this process takes time but if we refuse to never step out and attempt to remove our masks the relationship may never happen.

If you are lonely and feel like you don’t have a friend you can share the struggles of life with over a cup of coffee, I encourage you to seek God’s face and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in finding that person or persons. Ministry is a lonely place full of obstacles and discouragement at times but we must be a friend in order to find a friend. I don’t believe that God ever intended for us to travel this journey alone. That is why my passion is so strong for developing pastor’s wives/ministry women growth groups in our district. We definitely need one another. Relationships are crucial and it is a process that takes time to cultivate.

The Chocolate and Coffee Ministry groups I have created on FB also serve as a great source for ministry women to encourage one another. If you have never participated in the discussions I encourage you to check it out. There has been some great insight share during many of the discussion topics.

Have a great week friends. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry in an awesome and powerful way! Be a friend and begin to remove those masks………………………..

Loneliness of Pastor's Wives

It was a very late night at church last evening doing pre-marriage counseling. When the alarm clock began making that annoying noise at 5am I did not want to get out of bed!!!

Ministry is exciting, challenging and often very tiring.  I can remember when our children were small and I was working full-time outside of the home, how chaotic our lives were.  Our kids are now grown adults, married and have children of their own.  How quickly time passes......

If you are not connected to the group on FB for pastor's wives and ministry women I encourage you to check it out.  It is a resource where ministry women can connect with one another, encourage and pray for others who are facing challenges in their lives.  The group is called Chocolate and Coffee/Pastor's Wives and Ministry Women.

I receive many emails from other pastor's wives and ministry women who are dealing with a number of challenges.  Loneliness seems to be number uno for so many pastor's wives.  Many do not have any friendships in the church and some don't have friends with other ministry wives.  The ministry can be a very lonely place and we need others who will pray and encourage us when the challenges become overwhelming. 

Do you have friends that allow you to be open and honest about the struggles you face in ministry?  How do  you deal with the challenges of the profession?

Love to hear your feedback girlfriends.

Many blessings,
Debbie