Hi everyone! My post a few weeks ago was written on the day the WHO declared COVID-19 over as an international public health emergency. In real ways, I wrote that post as I was processing what that meant and how that felt to me. It was like I was experiencing a “closure” to a really difficult part of all of our lives. To me, it was like I was telling my soul it was ok to let go of some of the pandemic in a way - during that time, we went through profound personal losses - we left a church and lost a faith tradition we built decades on, I lost dear friends and family because of what I wrote, our family was attacked and threatened in ways I don’t think I want to fully talk about yet, I became “viralish” in gaining an incredible community (that’s you all here!) but that also meant gaining some non-incredible people (my choice words for them, especially if you came against my kids, are much more forceful than that), and…the list goes on. (BTW, I detail lots of this in my upcoming book, so I don’t want to rehash it all here).
This is lovely, Emily. I want to be known as a person who "stops and notices." I suppose a lot of my life has been spent that way (nursing assistant while in school, pastor, chaplain, EMT). I don't know of another way to live as a Christ follower. He stopped and noticed me and calls me to do the same. So your post will preach! Praying for safe travels for you and the family. Blessings and peace.
I have been reading your wise and informative words throughout the pandemic and am incredibly thankful for them. I am a Lutheran pastor who has been trying to lead three congregations through this mess. You’ve helped me immeasurably. Thank you.
You remain a steadfast, wise and brave guide for me as I also continue to process the trauma and drama of COVID-19. I am a nurse and was the sole health professional in a private Christian school (evangelical 😳) through the pandemic and it was a bloody battle (I was bloodied) to follow best practices and follow the state law (Illinois). Needless to say, I left there in June 2022 and have taken a year to heal and re-center my purpose and mission as a nurse. Thank you for always saying what I was thinking, and providing the ACTUAL DATA that continues to help me dig deep and hold fast to my convictions. Blessings on your trip…… and your healing.
You’re writing a book? I’m so excited!!! I am a Christian primary care physician and following your posts helped me SO much when I felt like there was no room for my career in my faith community.
I recently listened to a podcast with the founder of The New Evangelicals. Reminded me a lot about your story with the church. He mentioned loving your neighbor and basically being kicked out of his church. But I'm glad to know there is a community of loving, caring New Evangelicals. Thanks for your continued inspiration!
Thank you so much, Emily. This really helps me to understand where we are now, and encourages me to remember my struggling and vulnerable neighbors near and far. I pray that your trip to Africa will be fruitful and refreshing. Love in Christ🩷
This is lovely, Emily. I want to be known as a person who "stops and notices." I suppose a lot of my life has been spent that way (nursing assistant while in school, pastor, chaplain, EMT). I don't know of another way to live as a Christ follower. He stopped and noticed me and calls me to do the same. So your post will preach! Praying for safe travels for you and the family. Blessings and peace.
I have been reading your wise and informative words throughout the pandemic and am incredibly thankful for them. I am a Lutheran pastor who has been trying to lead three congregations through this mess. You’ve helped me immeasurably. Thank you.
You remain a steadfast, wise and brave guide for me as I also continue to process the trauma and drama of COVID-19. I am a nurse and was the sole health professional in a private Christian school (evangelical 😳) through the pandemic and it was a bloody battle (I was bloodied) to follow best practices and follow the state law (Illinois). Needless to say, I left there in June 2022 and have taken a year to heal and re-center my purpose and mission as a nurse. Thank you for always saying what I was thinking, and providing the ACTUAL DATA that continues to help me dig deep and hold fast to my convictions. Blessings on your trip…… and your healing.
You’re writing a book? I’m so excited!!! I am a Christian primary care physician and following your posts helped me SO much when I felt like there was no room for my career in my faith community.
I recently listened to a podcast with the founder of The New Evangelicals. Reminded me a lot about your story with the church. He mentioned loving your neighbor and basically being kicked out of his church. But I'm glad to know there is a community of loving, caring New Evangelicals. Thanks for your continued inspiration!
Thank you so much, Emily. This really helps me to understand where we are now, and encourages me to remember my struggling and vulnerable neighbors near and far. I pray that your trip to Africa will be fruitful and refreshing. Love in Christ🩷