Clergy Reflections, Christine, July 6, 2025

A Message to Those Who Are Struggling (and Don’t Want to Say So),

Turbulent global times can call out all types of interesting responses in people. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve heard from many of you both with political sides and without, who are quite simply…tired.

Tired makes sense right now. Right when we think we can’t be confronted with more news, we are bombarded with more. It can feel heavy, disheartening, scary, overwhelming, numbing, etc. Know that whatever you are feeling, it is a normal response to an abnormal situation.

To those who are quietly struggling…maybe you smile at coffee hour, but slip out before anyone can truly check in with you. Maybe you show up a lot, or log into the livestream, or sit in the back…hoping no one will truly see you…half hoping someone will. You’re carrying so much and you’re scared of being a burden to others by sharing your journey, your fears, your grief, your hopes. Maybe what you’re carrying feels “too small” compared to the griefs of the world, so you continue to keep it to yourself.

If any of this is you right now, I want you to hear this clearly: You are not alone. You are not invisible. You don’t have to be “fine” or “doing great!” to belong in your church. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that we all make up the Body of Christ. Every single one of us. No one can truly “not belong,” because all the parts of the Body belong. Even when it doesn’t feel that way. We carry each other, not out of obligation, but because that is us at our best.

This is a space for people with wounds and doubts just as much as it is a place for those celebrating with great joy.

If you’re in a period of challenge, struggle, fear, or loss of hope, please let someone safe in. Sometimes, it can start with a simple, yet brave, sentence: “I’m not doing well and I don’t know what I need.” It can start with a text, call, or email to me. Or a prayer request slipped in the plate. Or even, continuing to show up, trusting that love will find you here.

Here is my reminder this week, for you and for me:
You don’t have to be joyful to be cherished.
You don’t have to be strong to be valued.
You don’t have to have answers to belong.

God is here. And so are we.
Even now. Especially now.

Reach out, my friend, and let someone grab hold of your hand.

In Christ’s Peace,