Mindy's Blog


 

Don't Lose Your Soul 

By Mindy Caliguire - Monday, March 14, 2011

Was a privilege to serve at Encounter in California. Thanks to @lhahncalif for the inspiration and reminder.
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A New Leader Needs Some Rhythm 

By Mindy Caliguire - Friday, December 17, 2010
Today's post is from Lindsey Sherrod who serves with CreatePossible, where she provides directional leadership, as well as communication and creative consultation for CreatePossible and its clients. She can be found at www.twitter.com/LRsherrod, where she shares about the creative, soul care focused, and often random, life. 

I think I'm learning . . . slowly, painfully . . . at times, there is a place God has called me to, but the journey and direction is His—not mine.

My own "soul care" story is actually a bit similar to Mindy's . . . in college, much responsibility . . . much pressure . . . major collapse. The journey back taught me—breath by breath—what it means to let go of myself and live at the "soul care table" where God and I are both present. 

BUT, the new challenge? I have a somewhat firm grasp (although eroded by my own frailty at times) of my personal soul care rhythm. What about when you're leading a team? Helping others—in a professional context—develop their own rhythm? Remind, remind, remind that the emotional/spiritual/relational aspect of a team can either make or break? (And, an unhealthy environment not only breaks the team, but people.)

So, Step #1: Figure out a rhythm that gets my soul care leadership qualities in check, before I even attempt to help others. Words from Nancy Ortberg have been driving my thoughts here, "As a leader, you are responsible for carving out a life that has a rhythm that renews you. It’s not anybody else’s job."

Time for some rhythm carving. Hope you have the chance for some today too.

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True Today 

By Mindy Caliguire - Sunday, July 25, 2010

Yet, the Lord longs to be gracious to you;

therefore he will rise up to show you Compassion.

For the Lord is a God of Justice.

Blessed are those who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18
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Symptoms of the Soul 

By Mindy Caliguire - Tuesday, July 20, 2010

On Twitter this week, Team Soul Care (@SoulCare) has been RE-Discovering our soul care roots and today we’re focusing on the symptoms of the soul.

When your own soul has been neglected, what tends to emerge? We often hear:

  • Self-absorption
  • Shame
  • Apathy
  • Toxic Anger
  • Physical Fatigue
  • Isolation
  • Stronger Temptation to Sin
  • Drivenness
  • Feelings of Desperation
  • Panic
  • Insecurity
  • Callousness
  • A Judgmental Attitude
  • Cynicism
  • Lack of Desire for God.
On other days, when our souls are thriving from a deepening life with God, we find:
  • Love
  • Joy
  • Compassion
  • Giving and Receiving Grace
  • Generosity of Spirit
  • Peace
  • Ability to Trust
  • Discernment
  • Humility
  • Creativity
  • Vision
  • Balance
  • Focus
  • Energy for Work
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Conversations that Nurture the Soul of Leaders 

By Mindy Caliguire - Tuesday, April 27, 2010

This week a couple of Soul Care friends are "stopping by" for conversation that reminds us to step outside our own situations, think, pray and listen.

Today is a post from Mac Lake, who is the Development Pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, a multi-site church with thirteen campuses. You can find him blogging ideas and insights on leadership at www.maclakeonline.com.

Compelled by the grace of God spiritual leaders serve selflessly, love extravagantly, and give sacrificially. But frequently it’s their untiring efforts for the cause of Christ that bring exhaustion physically, emotionally and spiritually. Isn’t it ironic that serving the God we love can cause us to feel distant from the God we love to serve? That’s why it’s essential that the leaders greatest priority is the care of his or her own soul.

There have been plenty of times my spiritual tank has been so low I can’t seem to get myself back into a healthy place with God. It’s in these times I need someone else’s perspective, wisdom, and faith to boost my own. That’s why I value Soul Care Conversations as a vital part of my spiritual regimen. These discussions with trusted spiritual friends nourish my soul and keep my perspective in alignment with God’s perspective.

Even the most mature leaders need these types of conversations. King Hezekiah was the most spiritually mature king Israel had known in years, yet when the King of Assyria threatened to destroy Israel, he found himself under a tremendous amount of stress. As his soul began to weaken under the weight of the situation he sent word to Isaiah informing him of the situation. Hezekiah’s words reflect his concern, as he put on sackcloth and ashes he said, “This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the point of birth and there is no strength to deliver them.” (Isaiah 37:3)   

Sensing his weariness Isaiah spoke God’s truth to Hezekiah saying, “This is what the LORD says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. Listen! I am going to put a spirit in him so that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.” (Isaiah 37:5-7).  Isaiah’s words in this soul care conversation helped Hezekiah see the situation from God’s perspective and  infused him with the hope, faith, and courage he needed to move forward.

If you’re finding that your soul is weary maybe it’s time for some soul care conversations.  Here are a few questions that might help stimulate the discussion.

    • What’s the freshest thing God has been doing in your life lately?
    • How full is your emotional, physical and spiritual tanks? Empty, quarter filled, half, three quarters or full.
    • What theme does God seem to be emphasizing in this season of your life?
    • If you could see God do one thing over the next 30 days what would it be?
    • What’s God been saying to you through His Word recently?
    • What passion is God stirring in your soul recently?
    • What season best describes your spiritual life right now: Winter, spring summer or fall?  Why?
    • What’s exciting you the most in your spiritual journey these days?
    • What are you most excited about what God is doing in, through or around you?

This Weeks Leadership Challenge: Seek out a trusted spiritual friend and have a honest open soul care conversation.
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Are You A Candle-Lighter or Jet-Fuel-Drinker? 

By Mindy Caliguire - Friday, March 19, 2010

Mindy's also blogging at Renovaré! 

Light a Candle, and Fly...

I often tell people that I feel called to stand—to live—as a bridge between the “candle-lighters”and the “Jet-fuel-drinkers.” What do I mean by that?

Candle-lighters are the quiet, steady-paced, somewhat solitary, somewhat mystical, focused-on-the-now, Spirit-aware, Presence of God-sensing Spiritual Formation types.

Jet-fuel-drinkers are the louder, fast-paced, somewhat solitary, somewhat fanatical, focused-on-the-future, Spirit-aware, Presence of God-sensing Leadership types.

I love these two groups deeply; they have each formed me in their own way, and I deeply believe the cause of Christ, the Kingdom of God, the blessed community, depends upon them both. In fact, though they often speak very different languages, they need each other.

To continue reading on the Renovaré blog, click here.

Renovaré is a nonprofit Christian organization that seeks, "to resource, fuel, model, and advocate more intentional living and spiritual formation among Christians and those wanting a deeper connection with God."

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Invest in a Few Good Friends, Part 2 - How Do You Find Them? 

By Mindy Caliguire - Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Are spiritual friends, mentors, and relationships in short supply?

Recent conversations leave me wondering if this is true. Everyone is communicating, communicating, communicating . . . but are we listening, contemplating, and learning to walk through the journey together? 

At one point, Willow Creek asked Mindy to share why she believes spiritual formation, and connections with others, happens best in small groups. There's something there . . . happening . . . when a group of people commit to knowing God and living in grace and healing . . . together.

Grace & Peace,
Team Soul Care
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