Silently Bleeding

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Refreshing Retreat for Pastors’ Wives

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7

Treasure in Jars of Clay
An Invitation to Rest, Refresh, and Reconnect

You carry a heavy load between family and ministry life. You deserve a time to step away and be refreshed. There’s something special that happens when a pastor’s wife connects with like minded pastors’ wives—even for a couple of days.

A Different Kind of Gathering

A group of women who understand ministry life without needing long explanations.
A setting where you don’t have to hold it all together.
A place where you can simply be.

This is not a large, crowded conference.
It’s intentionally small.

What You’ll Find Here

You’ll find space to breathe.
Unhurried conversations.
Moments of quiet.
Encouragement that is real—not forced.

There’s no pressure to participate in everything.
No expectation to share more than you’re ready to share.
Just an open invitation to receive.

Why This Matters

Too often, pastors’ wives are the ones supporting everyone else
without having a place where they themselves are supported.

This retreat is one small way to change that.

A few days set aside to rest, reflect, and be reminded that you’re not alone in what you carry.

What Pastors’ Wives Experienced at Last Year’s Retreat:

Last year at the retreat, one pastor’s wife shared, “I loved that pastors’ wives came from different parts of the country and different denominations and we all bonded instantly.”

Another pastor’s wife said, “I was going through something heavy and the other pastors’ wives were able to pray for me, give me the wisdom I so desperately needed, and I felt no judgement.”

That’s what this space is for.
Not performance.
Not pressure.
Not judgement.
Just presence—with the Lord and with women who understand.

Click here for testimonial video.

This retreat was birthed from a deep desire to create space for YOU—the pastor’s wife. It’s time to tend to your own soul.

What Can You Expect:

Rest for your body
Cozy accommodations, peaceful mountain views, and unhurried time to simply breathe. (Everyone has their own bed and one to two women per room)

Refreshment for your mind
Honest conversations, biblical encouragement, and laughter with women who understand ministry life.

Renewal for your spirit
Worship, prayer, and quiet space to hear God’s voice.

Revival for your soul
A step away from responsibility so the Lord can meet you personally and deeply.

And yes… a little pampering
Because caring for others doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cared for too.

Whether you’re weary, lonely, or simply longing for a time to reconnect with the Lord, this retreat is for you. We’re preparing a safe, sacred space where you can be real, be seen, and be refreshed.

You don’t have to keep going on empty. Come away for a couple of days and let the Lord restore what life and ministry may have drained.

Details:

📅 Dates: September 17–19, 2026
🏞️ Location: Roan Mountain, Tennessee
👩‍🦳 Who It’s For: Pastors’ wives and missionary wives whose husbands are actively serving in ministry (This is an interdenominational ministry.)
🎟️ Capacity: 16 women
This is a small, intimate retreat designed for only 16 women—including our dedicated staff. We want this experience to be deeply personal, giving each attendee the chance to rest, reflect, and connect with others. If you feel called to be a part of this gathering, we encourage you to register quickly—spots are filling fast!

Cost & Payment

Total Cost: $165 (includes lodging and meals)
Deposit: $29 (non-refundable, secures your spot)
Remaining Balance: $136 due by August 19, 2026

Payment Options: PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle
➡️ Be sure to include: “Pastors’ Wives Retreat” in your payment note.

Transportation (Important)

You are responsible for your own travel to and from Roan Mountain

A Note About Food

If you have dietary restrictions (example: gluten-free), please plan to bring your own specialty items such as bread or snacks. We will have a few gluten-free options available, but not a full menu.

You are responsible for any meals before and after the retreat

Schedule Awareness

Arrival time estimate: 3:00 PM on Thursday, September 17
Departure time estimate 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 19

What the Schedule Feels Like

This retreat is intentionally balanced.

You’ll experience:

Meaningful worship and teaching
Space for connection and conversation
And unstructured time to rest, reflect, and be alone with the Lord, and spend time with friends.

No pressure. No over packed schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat denominational?
No. This is an interdenominational gathering. We will focus on the 95% we can all agree upon.

Can I come if I’m exhausted or struggling?
Yes. This is one of the reasons this retreat exists.

What should I bring?
Packing tips will be sent after registration.

What do I do next?

Fill out the registration form and then make your payment (below the form).

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Your registration form information has been sent.

Now that you’ve submitted your registration, please make your payment below.

First & Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Church Name & Denomination

Are you the wife of a currently active lead pastor, missionary, or associate, youth or worship pastor?(required)

Yes No

What is your husband’s ministry role? (Lead Pastor, Associate, Youth, Worship, Missionary?)

Emergency Contact Name & Phone Number

Can we text you with retreat updates?(required)

Yes No

Photo/video release (for social media and promotion): May we use pictures/ video clips from the retreat that you are in?(required)

Yes No

Detail Confirmation(required)

I understand that I am responsible for my own transportation to and from the retreat site. I also understand that any remaining balance is due must be paid by August 19, 2026.

How to Pay:

After filling out the registration form, click below or use the QR code to pay your deposit of $29 with PayPal, Venmo or Zelle. (If you want to pay the full amount of $165 immediately, you are welcome to do so.)

When submitting your payment, be sure to include “Pastors’ Wives Retreat” in the note or memo section.

Click Here to Pay with PayPal or Venmo

Use the QR code below to pay with Zelle.

Stay tuned for more info, packing tips, and sneak peeks! We can’t wait to share this experience with you.

With love and deep expectation,
The Silently Bleeding Team

Questions? JanMcIntyre@Silentlybleeding.com

Obedience When it Doesn’t Make Sense

I used to declare my days as busy. Now I say, they are full. “Busy” sounds like I’m running from one thing to another (which I seem to be at times), but saying my days are full makes it come across as more positive than negative. A full day sounds like I have many opportunities, while a busy day sounds like I’m reacting to every person and situation around me.

However, it’s all those opportunities that can get me in trouble because (and here’s the rub) I like to stay busy.

Stay with me . . . I like to stay busy helping people, working on projects that at the end of the day make me feel productive, and using the gifts God has given me to serve Him.

Joshua had to have been a busy person when he became leader after Moses. I like how the New Living Translation reads, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do” (Joshua 1:7 NLT).

I’ve had to learn to be more like Joshua by being obedient and intentional about following God’s Word and listening to the Holy Spirit as He guides me. I can fill my days with so many things I think are important that it can be easy to start turning to the right and the left. What I’m turning towards may not be wrong; it just may not be the direction the Lord wants me to be going—no matter whether I think it’s right or more important at the time. Yes, God knows best, and He knows the direction I need to move in because He may have something entirely different for me to do.

There was a time in my ministry that I had to be more like Joshua and be obedient to God’s Word and His leading. And believe me, it took strength and courage. Have you had to have strength and courage to obey what God was leading you to do? I think we all have.

Come along with me as I share my Joshua moment where I had to be strong, courageous, and most of all, obedient even when I didn’t understand.

Watch Beth’s story here.

Beth is an author, speaker, teacher, photographer, and pastor’s wife from SC. She writes for a variety of magazines and devotional sites and has had several stories included in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. She speaks at women’s events, conferences, and retreats and also teaches at Writers’ Conference. She recently released her debut devotional “The Potting Bench—60 Daily Garden Devotions with the Master Gardener,” which features all of her own photography and where she uses her horticulture degree and love of gardening to weave garden principles with Biblical truths. Visit her at www.bethfortune.com.

Jenni’s Story

A powerful testimony for pastor’s wives walking through ministry pain and overwhelming seasons—Jenni shares how God remained faithful through it all.

A Story of Ministry Pain and God’s Faithfulness

Some stories stay with you. Jenni’s is one of them.

If you are a pastor’s wife carrying more than most people see, Jenni’s story will feel familiar. She knows what it means to keep showing up while everything behind the scenes feels like it’s falling apart.

But she also knows the faithfulness of God.

When Ministry Became Heavy

Jenni stepped into ministry with a sincere heart to serve. But years in, her husband began facing serious health issues, including trigeminal neuralgia and chronic pancreatitis.

Instead of full support, there were moments of pressure and quiet criticism. Rather than feeling safe to share, they began to hide their struggles.

With seven children, homeschooling, caring for her husband, and helping her mother-in-law through cancer, Jenni was carrying an overwhelming load.

On the outside, she looked fine.
On the inside, she was silently bleeding.

“God Didn’t Ask Me to Carry This Alone”

Then came another crisis.

While her husband was away on a missions trip, Jenni and her son were hit by a drunk driver. The car flipped. Her son walked away unharmed, but Jenni fractured her back in three places.

In that moment, she cried out:

“I’m the only one holding this family together.”

It was raw. Honest. Human.

But later, she was reminded of something deeper—Jesus understands suffering. He sees. He knows.

She was not alone.

When Everything Fell Apart

As her husband’s health continued to decline, they were asked to resign from their church.

No savings. No home. Seven children.

Everything shifted at once.

Even then, God provided.

A small church opened their doors and gave them a place to live—no payment required. God used that season, and the people around them, to begin restoring what had been broken.

A New Season of Healing

After two years, God opened the door for Jenni’s husband to pastor another church—one that understood suffering and chose compassion.

Today, that church loves them well.

When her husband recently returned to preach after a hospital stay, the congregation stood and applauded.

Not out of performance.
Out of genuine love.

What Jenni Wants You to Know

Jenni now looks back and sees the hand of God in places where she once saw pain.

Her message to other pastor’s wives is simple and powerful:

Don’t give up.
You’re not alone.
There are still good people.
There is healing ahead.

Real healing began when Jenni stopped stuffing everything and allowed herself to process what she had been carrying through therapy.

If This Is You

If you’re a pastor’s wife carrying more than anyone knows…

God sees you.
He has not forgotten you.
He is still working—even here.

Your pain is not wasted.
Your story is not over.

And even when it feels like everything is resting on you—

He is still holding you.

▶️ Watch the Full Interview

Click here to watch Jenni’s full story on YouTube.

💬 Let’s Stay Connected

If you are a pastor’s wife and this story resonates with you, you’re not meant to walk alone.

Join our private Facebook community:
Silently Bleeding: Hope for the Pastor’s Wife

Or email me at: JanMcIntyre@Silentlybleeding.com

Breaking the Silence

Guest: Michele Jones, Christian Counselor and Survivor

Today on Silently Bleeding: Hope for the Pastor’s Wife, we welcome Michele Jones. She will share her journey. It is a story of endurance and abuse. Ultimately, it is a story of hope.

Michele was married for 27 years before leaving an abusive relationship. Married young, she soon faced emotional and physical abuse, including rage, manipulation, and controlling behaviors. She likens her experience to the “frog in lukewarm water” analogy. Abuse often escalates gradually. This escalation leaves one unsure of how to respond. It becomes difficult to recognize the harm until it has deeply affected the soul.

She explained the subtle forms of abuse that often go unnoticed: emotional manipulation, threats, aggression, and gaslighting. Even those outside the home—including church members, see a completely different, “charming” persona. Michelle also emphasized that abuse is not always physical. The mental and emotional scars can be equally damaging. Sometimes, they can be more damaging.

When asked about her courage to finally leave, Michele said it came when her children were directly threatened. She recounted the moment of realization: the abuse was no longer something she could endure silently. A friend’s prompt question—“Are you okay?”—served as a lifeline, showing her that God was already orchestrating a path toward safety and healing.

Michele also shared the challenges of marital counseling when abuse exists. Abusers can manipulate counselors, making it seem as though the victim is the problem. She stressed that before counseling can be effective, abuse must be acknowledged and addressed.

Michele’s advice to women in similar situations is clear: speak up and find someone you can trust. Abuse thrives in silence, and healing begins with being heard, validated, and supported. She encourages pastors’ wives to reach out and not feel shame. They should trust that God sees their pain and desires to help them.

A Word of Hope:
Even in brokenness, God can use your voice to help others. Michele’s story reminds us that while God calls us to be patient and forgiving, He also honors self-preservation. God values the protection of loved ones. Breaking the silence is not a betrayal of faith—it is obedience to the life and safety God desires for us.

If you are struggling, you are not alone. God sees you, and there is hope and help available. Reach out, speak up, and allow God to guide your next steps.

Would you like to hear Michele’s inspiring story and the hope she shares? Click here to watch the interview.

Hit By a Line Drive

by Julie Skulrod

In 1980, my senior year, I was chosen to play on a tournament fast pitch team. I had played fastpitch softball for years and was a pretty good pitcher. OK, that may have sounded mediocre, but I was better than that. I was very good. I loved pitching. I threw the ball fast. I learned to throw a curve ball, a change up, and a couple other pitches. This made it very difficult to hit the ball. Several weeks into the season, I was playing a game. I don’t remember a whole lot about the game. However, I can still picture the field we were playing on. I can see the following event clearly. I pitched the ball. The batter swung the bat, and the ball came back fast. It hit me in the chest … hard! I had quick reflexes and had never been hit like that before. I took a few balls to the shins but usually could field the ball without incident. This day was different. I can’t tell you exactly what happened, but when it hit me, it stunned me. It hurt, but it also took my breath away. I could not breathe, and it felt like my heart stopped for a moment. I don’t know if it did, but that is what it felt like. The back up pitcher came in and finished the game for me. I remember my coach urging me to get back in the game, but I refused. I was hurting, but mostly I was afraid. When the next game came around, I was up to starting again. Well, physically I was fine, but something happened emotionally. I had the “know how” and the strength to pitch well. I had done it for years, but something was different. It was the memory of being hit by that ball, not the physical impact. FEAR … that is what it was. Somehow every pitch I threw was different. My fear was causing me to not follow through correctly and I had no control of the ball. I did not make it far into the game. The coach pulled me out and replaced me with the backup pitcher. This happened for the next several games. At first, I was afraid of being hit by the ball. Later, I became afraid of failure. For several games, I had done exactly that, failed! When you think about it, it is crazy. One little thing, FEAR, could totally mess with me. I had played hundreds of games. I had pitched the ball thousands of times with no incident. But it only took one pitch coming back at me to totally mess up my game. The opposing teams, who were my enemies, had an advantage over me. This was because of my fear. I eventually got past it and trusted in what I knew to be true.

In life, fear can hold us back. We fear the pain we may face, we fear failure, or we fear what others will think. God does not want this for us. He created us to rise above our fears. Fear is an emotion God gave us. It’s there to protect us from things that can harm us. I know a stove is hot. I am afraid of what will happen if I touch it. This fear keeps me from touching the stove. However, we often take what God has given us for our protection and misuse the emotion. Our enemy, satan, the opposing team, wants to paralyze us from doing the things God wants us to do. He uses fear to accomplish this. It is our job to examine our fears and determine if they protect us. We must recognize if fear is controlling us and preventing us from moving forward.

I typed the word “Fear” in my Bible program. There were 275 matches that came up. Most of them were talking about the fear of the Lord. We should have a fear of the Lord, but not the kind of fear that paralyzes us. This fear drives us because it highlights his absolute power. With Him on our side, we can do anything that he sets before us. We should not let fear of failure hold us back. We should not let pain stop us. We should not allow fear of people to hinder us from doing anything that God has asked us to do. God put fear here to guide us away from harm. It is not meant to keep us from doing good things. 2 Timothy says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity. Instead, He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.” Does this mean that we should never fear? No it does not. Paul wrote this to Timothy and was regarding his fear in doing what God asked him to do. I don’t believe that Paul was saying we don’t need to have some fear when it comes to danger. Yes, I should fear touching a hot stove or driving a car on a narrow windy road. That fear makes me cautious of the danger. However, we should not fear the things that God has set before us.

As a pastor or wife of a pastor, I know we face criticisms no matter what we do. We cannot make everyone happy, and consequently sometimes people turn on us. Our goal is to please God and follow what he wants us to do. We have all known someone who always insists on getting their way. They want what they want, even when it does not seem right. When they don’t get it, they try to bring heat against us. God is faithful to bring us through, but it is painful. That pain can lead to fear which can paralyze, just like the line drive paralyzed me. It stops us from doing exactly what God has gifted us and called us to do. This should not be!

So here is what I see … When we fear God, we don’t need to fear satan and his schemes. When we place our fear in God and His ways, he chases all darkness away. When we fear God, we can rely on His strength to do the things that God sets before us. When we fear God, He uses the emotion of fear to protect us from danger. When we fear God, He wraps his arms around us and holds us. I believe that when we fear God He looks at us and says, “OK … now you get it. You know who I am and how powerful I am, but I love you so Fear Not” …. Confusing? Maybe … but very powerful.

“When was the last time fear stopped you in your tracks—and how did God show up in that moment?”

Overcoming a ‘Not Enough’ Mindset

I grew up in a pastor’s home where money was tight. When I wanted something—or even thought I needed something—I often heard the words, “We can’t afford it.” I wore hand-me-downs and rarely had anything new. Maybe you can relate.

That “we can’t afford it” mindset didn’t stop in childhood—it followed me into adulthood. My husband began ministry as a youth pastor, and like many starting in ministry, his income was modest. Before long, our daughters were hearing those same words from us: “We can’t afford it.”

But through it all, God proved Himself faithful again and again.

I remember a time when I was little girl, the only food left in our home was a partial jar of peanut butter and some bread. Out of the blue, a farmer came to our house with groceries. He had 13 kids of his own and not much to spare. He said God had told him to help us. What a miracle!

Years later, my husband had only one suit. It was the one he wore at our wedding. God used another stay-at-home mom with four children to bless him with two brand new suits. I can tell story after story of God’s amazing provision.

Yet, I’m ashamed to admit there were times I allowed a “poor me” mindset to take root. We can’t afford what others can, I’d think. That attitude soured my spirit and may have even closed the door to miracles God wanted to give. At times, I found myself being manipulative to get what I thought I needed.

Here’s what I’ve learned: when we compare ourselves to others, we lose our joy. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we start to see how faithfully He provides. He is our loving Father who delights in caring for His children.

Now that I’ve grown a little in maturity, I like to say, “He’s the God of the Then Some!”
When we walk in obedience and trust Him with every need, He not only gives. He often blesses us beyond what we can ask or imagine. We may not get everything we want. But He will supply everything we need and then some. We must be patient and wait on His timing.

Can I encourage you today? Whatever you need, don’t look to others. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Instead, take it to God and trust Him. He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider!

What about you? Do you have a story of God’s amazing provision?
I’d love for you to share in the comments below. Your testimony may be just what someone else needs to hear today.

Blessings,

Jan McIntyre

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

That’s Cause You’re the Pastor’s Wife

I NEVER ACTUALLY HEAR ANYONE SAYING THESE WORDS: “WELL, THAT’S ’CAUSE YOU’RE THE PASTOR’S WIFE” – YET AT THE SAME TIME, I ALWAYS HEAR EVERYONE SAYING THESE WORDS: “WELL, THAT’S ’CAUSE YOU’RE THE PASTOR’S WIFE”. I’LL EXPLAIN 🙂

Certain expectations are made of me because I’m the pastor’s wife – and that’s an observation, not a complaint! The design was not to be the pastor’s wife – the design was to be Michael’s wife, but the two came together and it’s been a pretty neat package deal! My life isn’t without the usual (and sometimes unusual) set of struggles, but it’s pretty happy overall! I’m rambling – sorry! Getting back to it –

Sometimes when I speak (whether from the pulpit or in conversation), I sense people thinking: “well, she has to say that – she’s the pastor’s wife” or “well, she has to read her Bible every day – she’s the pastor’s wife” or “well, she can’t cuss because she’s the pastor’s wife” or “well, she is supposed to” or “she could never because” fill-in-the-blank-with-your-own-expectation-here. That comes along with the territory. Everyone has certain expectations made of them – the doctor, the lawyer, the teacher, the garbage collector, it doesn’t matter what position one holds. However, expectations can be dangerous.

The truth is, I don’t “cuss” – but it’s not because I’m the pastor’s wife. I don’t cuss because I’m a disciple of Christ, and the Bible says that “dirty stories, foul talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, remind each other of God’s goodness, and be thankful” (Ephesians 5:4 TLB). The truth is I do have to read my Bible everyday, but it’s not because I’m the pastor’s wife. I have to read my Bible every day because I actually have to – it’s my lifeline, it’s where I find instruction and my identity and my healing. Jesus was right when He said, “the Scriptures tell us that bread won’t feed men’s souls: obedience to every word of God is what we need” (Matthew 4:4). What came to your mind when I said fill-in-the-blank? Yeah, I probably don’t do that either – but want to know something else? Maybe you shouldn’t do these things either. (sorry – did I write that out loud?)

You see, it isn’t people’s expectations of me that keep me faithful to God. It’s God’s expectations of me that keep me faithful to God. The Bible didn’t offer different sets of rules for different types of people – there isn’t a rulebook for the pastor’s wife and a separate rulebook for the lawyer and a separate rulebook for the garbage collector and a separate rulebook for the stay-at-home-mom or any other fill-in-the-blank-that-describes-you-here. The rules are the same for all of us. The Bible says, “he who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John 2:6 NKJV).

Just as He walked. Just is an adverb here, a descriptive word describing the action word walk. You know what just means, but let’s say it out loud anyway: exactly, precisely, absolutely, completely, totally, entirely, perfectly, utterly, wholly, thoroughly, in all respects the same. Anyone (the pastor’s wife, the teacher, the doctor, the cashier) who says they follow Jesus ought to do life just as He did. That doesn’t make it easy, but it does make it simple – much simpler to understand and to follow than a different set of rules for every individual.

Sometimes I miss it (lots of times, to be honest), but just like everyone else, I’m trying my best. Not because I’m the pastor’s wife, but because I am His child.

St. Augustine is quoted as saying, “ let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good.” Let the root of love be within you, no matter what your position is. Realizing that you don’t have to live up to the expectations of people – that’s a relief. Realizing that it’s possible to live up to the expectations that God has of you – that’s a treasure. All He wants is for you to be His and accept His love. Praying you will live in this freedom today!

Jennifer 🙂

For more from Jennifer, check out her blog.

Click here for an interview with Jennifer. “Can the Pastor’s Wife Have Friends?”

Check out Jennifer’s podcast.

Behind the Scenes

The Importance of Being You

Do you ever struggle with being yourself? As a pastor’s wife it’s easy to feel the pressure to conform to certain expectations. This often leads to a loss of personal identity. Yet, embracing who God created you to be is crucial for genuine ministry and personal fulfillment.

Biblical Perspective

Scripture reminds us of the beauty of being ourselves. Psalm 139:14 declares, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This verse emphasizes that each person is uniquely crafted by God. Embracing this truth allows us to fulfill who who God intended for us to be.

“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.
― Brené Brown

Practical Steps to Embrace Your Authentic Self

Self-Reflection: Take time to understand your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and gifts. Reflecting on these aspects can help you align your life with God’s purpose. If you aren’t sure about your strengths or weaknesses, ask God to show you.
Set Boundaries: It’s essential to set boundaries that protect your well-being. Saying “no” when necessary helps you serve more effectively in areas where you’re truly called. Down through the years I’ve struggled to say no. But now, I usually say no if I don’t feel that I am the one for the job. I say, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m going to have to say no.”
Seek Support: Surround yourself with trusted friends or mentors. They should encourage you to be your true self. They also offer guidance along the way. Pray for a mentor from God. This mentor will help you grow as a pastor’s wife and as a woman of God.
Engage in Prayer: Regular communication with God helps you stay grounded and adapt to His will for your life.

“You are you. Now, isn’t that pleasant?”
― Dr. Seuss

Join the Conversation

We recently discussed this topic in depth on our channel, “Silently Bleeding: Hope for the Pastor’s Wife.” You can watch the full interview here:

The Importance of Being You

We’d love to hear from you. How have you embraced your authentic self in your personal life or ministry?

Have you learned how to say no? Share your experiences in the comments below to encourage and inspire others on this journey.

Remember, being true to who God made you to be honors Him. It also enriches your life and the lives of those you serve.

“Talk to yourself like you would someone you love.”
― Brené Brown

Angie’s Story: Breaking Protocol

Angie is a pastor’s wife who is “walking through Hell and not smelling like smoke.” This is a story of loss, faith, and resilience.

Covid19 brought unexpected loss to Angie and her precious family. She never dreamed her beautiful daughter, Rachel, would die, leaving her husband and precious little girl behind.

After the Celebration of Life service and burial, Angie went back to the church and went into the sanctuary and knelt down where Rachel’s casket had been and cried out to God, “God, I will die, I can’t do this without you, please help me.”

How do you go back to church where your daughter and son-in-law were the youth pastors and your husband is the lead pastor, after such loss? It wasn’t easy, but Angie, with God’s supernatural strength, eventually went back to church and not only attend, but started leading worship again.

I had the privilege of interviewing Angie for our YouTube channel. Not only does Angie talk about the difficulty of grieving, but she talks about the “God winks,” miracles, and how He has carried her through these last three years.

There is so much more to Angie’s story. Feel free to watch the interview here. Be sure and stay tuned to the very end to hear what God has done in Angie’s son-in-law’s life.

For more from Angie go to: Rachelsvoicelive.com

WOUNDED NO MORE! The Benefits of Being Healed from Church Hurts

We are honored to have Connie Czepiel, the author of Wounded No More!, share this guest post with us today.

Sometimes we think it is easier to bury our wounds versus facing the pain and allowing God to heal us. Truth be told our hurts affect us more deeply than we realize. But we typically won’t deal with them until we see some benefit in doing so. Allow me to share just a few.

You will gain peace and rest for your body, soul, and spirit. We tend to go over and over in our minds what happened. That can destroy our peace. Unfortunately, all the ruminating in the world can’t and won’t change what happened. Take responsibility for what is yours and bring it to God. But don’t take responsibility for what is NOT yours. God will deal with them. This hurt has extracted enough of a toll on you already. Don’t let it sabotage your entire life. Be healed and be done with this. Your peace will be restored and you will sleep better. It will free up time and energy for more positive and constructive things. Fulfilling your dreams will be one of them.

Blockages to spiritual and emotional growth will be removed. Think about your spiritual and emotional growth since this has happened. Have you progressed at all? Hurts are like clogs. Think of a clogged drain in your kitchen. Once removed, the water can flow more freely. Let the river of life flow through you again. Your joy will be restored and you will begin to flourish and grow once more.

Your children will benefit. Your children are watching you go through these problems. What are they learning from you about how to deal with difficulties in life? Your hurt may have taken time away from them-physically or emotionally. Your capacity to be there for them may have been compromised. They need you. And once healed, your capacity to love them and engage with them will be restored and re-energized.

Some relationships may be restored. And if not, you will gain healthier and more positive ones. You will be able to open your heart to the right people and for the right reasons. The lessons you learned from
this problem will serve you well.

Your capacity as a leader will grow. You will take the lessons learned and avoid the mistakes perpetrated by leaders who have wounded others due to their own hurts. We need leaders with healed hearts. You will be able to serve others in a kinder and more respectful way. Because of your own healing, you will be able to comfort those who have gone through similar difficulties.

Ask God to show you any hidden hurts so that you may be healed. Not only will you benefit, but those around you will as well. God bless you on your healing journey.