I met with my spiritual director the other day. My focus on was discerning what and where God is inviting me to join him. I just wish he would tell me audibly! Do this. Stop that. Go here. But it doesn’t work that way. Sometimes God seems silent.
As I age, I want to ‘Pass on before I pass on.’ One of my passions is Not Alone. I know beyond a doubt that God has healed me of the shame I carried for years. My passion is to share my healing experience with others. I feel such joy when I see women trust God more, peel away layers of shame, and take their life back. Now, not only do I hope to lead a new Group starting March 31st, but I also want to raise up new leaders to pass this on to someday.
I have asked several women who went through Not Alone if they want to be trained, coached, or even come alongside me as a co-leader. One woman did and then led a group in her church. Another woman moved to Oregon, and now leading a Not Alone group. Several other women are interested; however, they said they are not right now. So I am discerning how to go about raising up new leaders.
My spiritual director said to notice the “Movement of God.” Where is he moving? Then join him there. So another passion is to train spiritual directors on how to accompany survivors of sexual trauma. Those trainings fill up fast and I enjoy “passing on” through teaching. Even some clergy are signing up for these. Sadly, sexual trauma is so common. There is a need here. And I feel the movement of God.
Since the training on Feb. 11th on accompanying survivors is full, I will offer another May 6th. I limit the trainings to 25 people.
I wonder if I should also offer clergy, ministry leaders, and family members training. So many survivors have shared with me all the hurtful things people have said to them when they finally share their story. Even in the church. Some even carry “labels” that deepen the shame. Nancy went through Not Alone. During a spiritual practice, God revealed to her that a boy from high school called her a “slut.” She suppressed it and yet carried it within her, deepening the shame. The childhood molestation resulted in her being promiscuous. Looking for love in all the wrong places.
When that label was brought to light, she could deal with it and release it.
Reach out if you are interested in a training to accompany survivors or Not Alone Group. Or if your church or community would benefit from a training.
In the meantime, I will continue to discern with God how, where, and when to pass on my wisdom, experience, and information. Since he seems silent now, I will trust God to tell me in the right time. I will do my part and then see where God is moving.
Practicing Patience is hard!
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