Dear Fellow Leader,
I’m writing this to you today because I really felt that we all need to hear it:
“It is okay to admit if you’re not doing okay.”
There, I said it. I said it because it is true. We often tell those in our care that it is okay to be transparent. We tell those in our ministries that they can admit when they need help.
Leader, life will be hard for you at times too, and it really is okay for you to admit it.
This past year was hard on everyone, but it was especially hard on leaders. You had to navigate changes you probably never thought you would. You had to adjust plans time and time again. On top of the difficulties 2020 brought you, hardships outside of those didn’t stop. You still faced struggles and difficulties of living in a fallen world. Family members fell ill. Finances got tough. Leading wore you out. And the list goes on.
I can’t promise this year will be easier, but what I can promise you is that you’re not going to have to navigate it alone.
God is with you. We receive that promise all throughout Scripture. One reference that always comes to mind when I need a reminder is Joshua 1:9, which says, “‘Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” He is with us on every mountaintop and through every valley. Ask for help from the One who always gets it right.
Your brothers and sisters in Christ are with you. This is why having a church home and community are so important. We are to be in unity with one another. We are to support one another. Romans 15:5-7 says, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” When we come together to lift each other up, we bring praise to God. We glorify Him. Ask for help from your brothers and sisters in Christ.
The SBC of Virginia is with you. The SBC of Virginia (SBCV) aims to make sure you never feel alone. The SBCV Women’s Ministry Team launched a new ministry in 2020 called Women’s Ministry Care. This ministry seeks to connect Women’s Ministry leaders with a member of the team who will listen and discuss your current ministry situation and guide you to potential next steps, offering a fresh perspective and relevant resources. They are also available to pray over you. Having people to pray for you and with you is so important. Ask for help from those who are here to support you.
Despite how you might feel during your most difficult time, I want to remind you that with Christ, you are strong. With Christ, you are capable. And with Christ, you will make it through the most difficult of situations, because He is strong. He is capable. And He walks with us through every single thing we go through.
It is okay to not be okay all the time. Let those around you help you. Let those around you support you.