Shannon's Corner

Our personhood matters. It comes from God because we are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). Personhood is defined as the state or condition of being a person – a human being that exists. In this article, we will look at personhood through the lens of our voice, power, and relationship. 1.       Voice is the expression of who I am.   2.       Power is self-control, having options, and choices.   3.       Relationship is being connected interpersonally and to my environment.   How is personhood impacted?   Have you experienced a time when you felt not seen, not heard, or misunderstood? Have you encountered a situation where you did not have any options, or the choice was made for you? Have you ever felt the need to withdraw, isolate or be alone?    If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, then your personhood has been impacted to some degree. Some common stressors tha...

  SHANNON’S CORNER Camp News! Cherry Run Camp is my green pasture and quiet waters where the Lord continuously restores my soul.  This camp was even more special as I was invited to be the missionary in residence for the nine days of camp. Sharing with all age groups about missions and how as believers and followers of Christ we are all called to go and make disciples by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was a week that was fulfilling to be with my family and the family of God as we fellowshipped one with another. As missionaries, we first need to make connections and build relationships with people before sharing the Good News. The youth were given the mission to level up: 1) make connection by introducing themselves to people and making them feel welcomed; 2) ask the person what they need prayer for; 3) the youth to pray with the person on the spot; 4) the youth to share their testimony; and 5) the person is asked to share their testimony.  The yo...

  Wherever there is change, there is loss, and loss takes you through the journey of grief. Most of us want to resist this journey of grief because it is painful, hard, and long “Loss is not the enemy, not facing its existence is…” – H. Norman Wright.    Losses reveal our heart of how well we love, our core values, and belief systems that defines us. Each loss has impacted our lives in one way, shape, form, or another which is why it is important to pause and reflect and grieve our losses.    Take time to acknowledge and name the losses by writing them down. Name the emotions felt with each loss. How has this loss impacted your thoughts and actions in moving forward? Find a friend, pastor, counselor who is a safe and healthy presence to talk about how your losses have impacted you.    The journey of grief is a gift and as you walk through it gives you permission to find a new place to live from. Where are you in the journey of grief?

  Transitional stress happens when there has been a change that has taken place in our lives.  Change is external and happens quickly. It is something that we can see. Change can be as common as the seasons of weather, the milestones of life, and our schedules.   Transition is internal and takes time. It can be messy and usually there is a rub happening inside us and brings us to a crossroad. Sometimes transitions can feel like we are stuck in a holding pattern and this waiting is a raw and an exposed place.   Transition is a gift from God to you. He walks with you to show you the things in your life that need to let go and to die for the purpose to provide space for something new to grow. Transformation is the true destination of transition. How can you navigate through transitional stress? 1) Identifying and stating where you are in transition can be very helpful to know, ‘ You are here.’   2) Call it hard when things are really hard.    3) Pa...