Kyria

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Leadership, the AA Way

I used to think Alcoholics Anonymous was all stale prayers and smoky church basements. I considered myself a distant admirer of the program, but even as a counselor, I didn't want to get too close. AA was a good idea for some people, but surely it wasn't relevant to my busy life of "making a difference" in women's ministry.

Last summer my stereotypes were shattered through a course called "Substance ...

Related Topics: Accountability, Authenticity, Leadership

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When Trauma Strikes

On a cold Friday night, Shawn volunteered to pick-up a pizza for dinner. When he left the house he told Susan, his pregnant wife, and their two-year old son, "Hey guys, I'll be back in 20 minutes with the pizza." He never came back. Another driver slammed into his car, instantly killing Shawn. Susan was suddenly a widow, a trauma survivor, and a single mother.

Immediately after the accident, our church, ...

Related Topics: Abuse, Healing, Help, Suffering, Tragedy, Trauma

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Are We 'too' Plugged In?

My feet thwacked the pavement during my morning jog, providing a backbeat to my thoughts. I tapped out a rhythm of to-dos: the weekend plans, a voicemail to answer, emails to return. As I cruised past a playground, I glanced over at a dad pushing his son in a swing, cradling a cell phone to his ear. He anchored his foot close enough to keep the swing going, while stretching his body away to dampen ...

Related Topics: Availability, Computers, Connection, Relationships

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I Thought You Ought to Know That ...

Carl called me aside after Sunday school class. "You haven't seen much of Pete lately, have you?" he asked. Before I responded, he said, "I thought you ought to know that you offended him by something you said."

"Offended him?" I wondered what I could have done.

"One Sunday he tried to get into the church office and the door was locked. You came by and said, "That's the first time I ever saw you trying ...

Related Topics: Conflict resolution, Confrontation, forgiveness

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Personality Clash!

Although I hadn't yet spent much time with her, I admired "Sarah." I could learn a lot from her, since I was a new missionary and she'd served overseas for years. She was energetic, decisive, resourceful, and confident. Most importantly, she loved the Lord and wanted to make her life count for eternity.

I can't remember exactly when my feelings toward Sarah began to change, but as the weeks progressed, ...

Related Topics: Conflict, Enemies, Ministry Leaders, Relationships, Difficult