Comments on: Disconnect Unconnect Reconnect

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Fri, 08 May 2020 20:33:25 +0000

In reply to Janet Hitchcock. I love alliteration. Helps me remember my practices and to apply them. Farmers market though is life-giving for you so that may help. I can't wait to walk your grand labyrinth!

By: Janet Hitchcock

Janet Hitchcock — Tue, 05 May 2020 23:36:35 +0000

I love your 5 G’s. My re-entry will not be too gradual as I am about to be plunged into farmers market once a week and in June twice a week. But I hope to have the grace to back off if it doesn’t feel right – without feeling guilty. (Thank you for that.) As an introvert also, I am grateful for this time away. Time to set those things aside that for some reason often seem more important – or at least more demanding – than quiet time with my Lord. It has been delightful to spend time reading and journaling without dozens of options calling to me. That time in reflection has allowed me to grow deeper in my practice of my faith. And, yes, it has been a grand time, filled with grand planning for what comes next. A grand labyrinth is in the works – a prayer path for this introvert who can’t seem to sit still to use as a prayerwalk with God and offer that opportunity to others. Life will be different when this is over. Let us make it a quite grand different!

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Tue, 05 May 2020 21:50:57 +0000

In reply to Martha J Orlando. Thanks Martha. I tried to be honest, sharing this experience and my lessons. And yes we do need to know ourselves and be authentic in our transition to this new situration. yes yes grace for all.

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Tue, 05 May 2020 21:49:40 +0000

In reply to Lisa notes. Isn't that a creative word? yes too many meetings with too many people, said this introvert. LOL Our church has seen a surge in new people watching our worship on line. The question is will they attend in person or will others now want to stay home and continue to attend on line. will be interesting to watch how this unfolds.

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Tue, 05 May 2020 21:47:35 +0000

In reply to Cyndi Raines. Great Bible verse to cling to, Cyndi. Thanks. I am working on our local church plan and much will be different since collectively we need to protect our people the best we can. and yes I did see the report about killerbees, what is next? LOL

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Tue, 05 May 2020 21:45:57 +0000

In reply to Nancy Booth. I am glad I am not the only one. I think acknowledging that transition is a great first step and gives us hope and courage to do this.

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Tue, 05 May 2020 21:44:53 +0000

In reply to Denise Maryott. I love your reminder that we can see the smiles even with masks, so true!

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Tue, 05 May 2020 21:44:06 +0000

In reply to Nancy Ruegg. I know we will readjust; I was just surprised how it jarred my spirit. I sunk further into that cave than I realized. I hope we are all stronger as we emerged, learn and reconnect. love you, Nancy!

By: Jean Wise

Jean Wise — Tue, 05 May 2020 21:42:32 +0000

In reply to Linda Stoll. exhausted in more than one way is such truth! Thanks Linda!

By: Linda Stoll

Linda Stoll — Tue, 05 May 2020 20:52:15 +0000

I absolutely love the grace here, Jean. Truth be told, none of us is operating at full speed. Many of us are exhausted in more ways than one.

He understands ..

By: Nancy Ruegg

Nancy Ruegg — Tue, 05 May 2020 20:47:17 +0000

I’ve hardly ventured out at all since March 14 and have been wondering what it will feel like. I, too would characterize myself as more introvert than extravert. Will six weeks of isolation have altered my ability to interact with others?! Or is social interaction like riding a bike–you never forget how? Will we feel a bit awkward with one another, because of the masks, gloves, and ongoing threat? Or, will our relationships and connections with others be all the stronger because we’ll appreciate each other more? Thank you for your observations and advice, Jean, to take the path forward gradually–with grace and gratitude! Very helpful.

By: Denise Maryott

Denise Maryott — Tue, 05 May 2020 19:05:38 +0000

It certainly is so true and yet when we are wearing our masks we continue to smile and express ourselves with facial expressions that cannot be seen with the mask. We practice social distancing and I wonder how long this will be our way of life.
As we venture in this mode I also wonder how this will affect us moving forward. Will we ever again freely embrace and hug each other? Many things to ponder!

By: Nancy Booth

Nancy Booth — Tue, 05 May 2020 14:55:37 +0000

Jean, this is so helpful. I have had this happen to me and couldn’t put my finger on my reaction…. Being aware is the first step. I appreciate your encouragement for grace for ourselves as well. Thank you for a pathway as we emerge from this deep time of disconnection…

By: Cyndi Raines

Cyndi Raines — Tue, 05 May 2020 13:41:43 +0000

This really is food for thought, THANK you. As an extrovert, I had not thought about others feeling uncomfortable reconnecting. I had given thought about how will we interact at church (when we are allowed to return). Will we still shake hands, give hugs or not? Living in the country has allowed us to take walks and or visit with our neighbors at 6 feet + distances as we work in the yard and they walk their dogs so I haven’t felt as disconnected as some. Things have changed for sure though. Even at the grocery store you see the plastic barrier now between you and the cashier. Our car and truck are completely equipped with hand sanitizer, a box of face masks and disposable gloves. I have wondered will this be a part of our lives forever now ? On the news last night they reported the infestation of monster killer bees that are now in the state of Washington and can have a deadly sting. Talk about PESTILENCE! I am thankful we have a Savior who hears our prayers and understands our concerns. Each day we can pray I Peter 5:7 “Casting all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us.”

By: Lisa notes

Lisa notes — Tue, 05 May 2020 13:37:37 +0000

I find myself zoomhausted too. Who knew that would be a thing? Jeff and I have enjoyed taking more walks during this time. The weather has been so good lately here in Alabama. But cold weather is coming back tomorrow. Wish it wouldn’t.

“Mama bears wake up sluggishly.” I understand this exactly, Jean! I wonder what I’ll be like when this is all over. lol. I also wonder, when it’s safe, if our churches will refill with people eager to come, or if people will be out of the habit and not return at all.

By: Martha J Orlando

Martha J Orlando — Tue, 05 May 2020 12:09:35 +0000

Jean, this post is so thought-provoking. Yes, how will I reenter “normal?” Like you, an introvert, I may suffer from the Mama Bear syndrome, groggy and wary of getting too close to someone. I don’t like that feeling, but we do have to roll with who we are, and seek God’s help to navigate a brand new world of connection with others. May He give us the grace to do it well.
Blessings!