Where pain meets purpose. These posts explore the raw, unfiltered moments of ministry, burnout, and healing—offering hope through honest reflection.
Introduction: The Paradox of the Holidays The holiday season is often painted in bright colors—twinkling lights, cheerful music, busy gatherings, and the promise of joy. Yet for many, this time of year also carries shadows. The absence of loved ones, the weight of memories, or the quiet ache of grief can make the season feel …
Continue reading Holding Space for Both Joy and Sadness This Holiday Season
There’s a kind of pain that doesn’t show up in the pulpit. It’s not in the sermon notes, not in the budget meetings, not in the prayer circles. It’s the quiet hemorrhage behind the collar — the slow bleed of a shepherd who’s been tending to everyone else’s healing while silently losing his own. "The …
Continue reading When the Shepherd Is Wounded: Leading While Bleeding
The spiritual weight behind chasing success — and how to reclaim rest You were trained to pursue success with the same intensity you once used to survive the storms of your youth. That hustle built stamina. But now, the climb feels relentless — and every “next level” sounds more like pressure than purpose. And it’s …
Continue reading Unlocking the Dream: When Healing Is Greater Than Hustle
Nolan Ryan, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Pete Weber are four sports legends who reached the pinnacle of their fields through relentless dedication. Nolan Ryan’s 27-year MLB career, marked by 5,714 strikeouts, places him among the greatest pitchers ever. Michael Jordan, celebrated as one of the best in basketball history, dominated the NBA during his …
Burnout is real, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! It’s not something you want to experience, and if you’re currently in this season, I hope you’re seeking help and not trying to go it alone. Unsure who to ask? Counselors, pastors, and coaches can be great connections. Feel free to reach out to me at …
When the phrase “wilderness stories” is mentioned, what images does it conjure in your mind? Perhaps you envision hikers losing their way in dense forests, or campers having a startling encounter with a bear in the dead of night. Maybe your thoughts veer towards the extreme, like the harrowing tale of a rock climber who, …
What comes to mind when you hear the word “wilderness?” Do you think of desert, forest, backwoods? One of the meanings I found describes wilderness as: Wilderness or wildlands (usually in the plural) are natural environments on Earth that have not been significantly modified by human activity, or any nonurbanized land not under extensive agricultural cultivation. You might be an avid hiker and have experienced this environment firsthand. But …
Ever hear the following phrase? "you are the burning the candle at both ends." I have heard it a lot over the years and I just about always laughed it off, until now. But before I get into that let's look at the meaning of this "candle" phrase; to work or do other things from early in …
I was spending time with a good friend recently and he asked me why I was so tired looking. I laughed and simply said “ministry.” His reply was “can’t be that hard” I had to let that sink in for a bit and even repeated those 4 words – can’t be that hard. Then he …
Continue reading WARNING. Hurting and frustrated pastor ahead!
Fire Side Therapy 