Relational Dynamics in Transition

Transition is hard. One reason why transitions are hard is because of our relationships. We become disoriented and disconnected with others, with God, and even with ourselves. We get knocked down in some transitions that penetrates deeply to our core identity causing us to doubt and question, who am I? It even causes us to wonder and question, where do I belong?

How often do we become disconnected to ourselves, to others, and to God when in transition when what we really need and want is connection?

I am in the midst of reading, The Expectation Gap by Steve Cuss which some of the concepts he writes about I believe can be magnified and illuminated when in a season of transition. Steve talks about four core relational dynamics, 1) assumptions, 2) reactivity, 3) stuck patterns, and 4) attempted solutions and how these dynamics can block our connection to self, to others, and to God.

In the following weeks, we’ll be diving deeper into these four relational dynamics to see how they may contribute and impact our transition experience.

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October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

August Newsletter

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...

September Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER I will be joining my team with Refresh & Resound International as we will be in Penang, Malaysia. Some of the team will be doing worship and the rest of us will be providing care and prayer for the spiritual leaders’ retreat and conference for around 220 global workers who work in translating the Scriptures in SE Asia. Please be in prayer for my team as well as for everyone at these events. I will share with you more next month so stay tuned. I have so enjoyed the slower pace this month and the opportunity to finish all of my nursing continuing education classes as well as some life coaching continuing education. The slower pace has also given me time to be able to pause and reflect on this past summer and check-in with myself. There have been some things that surfaced to the top of some transition losses that I needed to acknowledge, process, and grieve them. God gently reminding me that I am still in the season of re-entr...

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