I am preparing to take a renewal leave for the month of November. I have some things planned and days with no plans. I will take a social media fast. I will see friends and visit the beach. I am so grateful for the women who have taken Sabbatical and renewal leave. So many have been encouraging both from their example or non-example: “I wish I would’ve taken more rest.”
Stories
An Encouragement for September
As summer gives way to fall, I’m reminded of the transitions that occur in both nature and life. On my recent journey to Yellowstone National Park, I witnessed the striking shifts in the landscape—from forested, rugged mountains to the deep, glacier-carved valleys, all within minutes. These dramatic transitions in the terrain reflected the changes we experience in life—often unpredictable yet breathtaking in their own way.
An Encouragement for August
We’ve come a long way since the days of Sheerah. However, it is still difficult for women to receive the credit they deserve in the workplace and even within our churches. Women are doing the building and the rebuilding even now – within our families, our churches, and our governments!
An Encouragement for July
A few weeks ago, the ACLAMEN Association (Asociación de Clérigas Latinas Metodistas Nacional) organized an online webinar for clergywomen featuring Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño and Bishop Lizette Gabriel Montalvo. They shared valuable advice on practicing self-care while holding demanding leadership positions. They emphasized the importance of having a community of siblings in Christ who journey with us, taking regular retreats, prioritizing family, maintaining a prayer life, practicing meditation, exercising, and eating healthily. They also addressed the challenge of managing people’s expectations, advising us to consider God’s expectations in each situation.
An Encouragement for May
After spending a couple of days as an observer during the second week of General Conference, I arrived back home to the high-pitched, high-decibel buzz of the cicadapocalypse. The emergence of the Brood XIX nymphs from their 13-year maturation period underground had begun, and the newly hatched adult cicadas were singing in the sun. I was struck by the parallel of this phenomenon to the historic events unfolding at General Conference.
An Encouragement for April
The #MeToo movement that began across social media platforms in 2017 raised awareness of the many ways women have been silenced throughout history. In Mark’s account of the resurrection narrative, we see the women flee the empty tomb in fear and they do not tell anyone about what they have encountered. I have to wonder if this is because women have been silenced for so long and are usually not believed.