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It’s important to maintain spiritual self-care during a crisis. If you don’t regularly practice spiritual self-care, these self-care hacks will get you started.
What is Spiritual Self-Care?
“I think we should leave after church today,” I told Pedro. “Fifteen of our students are getting baptized.”
“Absolutely!” he said, “I didn’t realize so many had decided to follow Jesus!”
Pedro and I had missed most of the nightly services leading up to the baptisms. He missed them because he had a cold and needed to stay healthy for his upcoming surgery. I missed them because I had so much to do in preparation for taking three weeks off work to be with Pedro during his cancer surgery and recovery.
I knew what would happen during church that day, so I stuffed my pockets full of tissue. Most of the time, I feel ambivalent about church attendance. But sometimes, I feel a great need to worship with others. I also wanted to celebrate with my students. Song service started my tears, and each baptism brought a fresh stream of them.
Happy tears. Grateful tears. Tears of uncertainty. During Pedro’s first cancer journey 20 years ago, I learned the importance of spiritual self-care. I wanted to start this journey with a fresh commitment to take care of myself spiritually. By the end of the morning, my tissue supply had turned into a soggy mess. But my heart felt light and at peace, despite the travel and uncertainties of the coming weeks.
In today’s podcast, I share three hacks for spiritual self-care you can start when you stare your next crisis in the face. Or, you can start them now and build up your reserves for whatever life tosses your way.
Show Notes
You can check out these posts if you’d like more information about spiritual wholeness.
Sabbath rest is a huge part of my spiritual journey. You can find out more here.
You can find Catherine Marshall’s classic book on prayer here.
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Thank you for this post today, for me letting go is truly needed at the moment.
Sending love & prayers to you both Anita as you & Pedro traverse this road with the Lord together,
Bless you both, Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…Are you a Cheerleader or Naysayer in life?
I’m glad you were able to release some tears during the worship service and get bolstered for the journey you had ahead of you. Spiritual self-care is so important but often can get sidelined when seasons change if we’re not intentional about it. Thanks for your encouragement here.
Lisa notes recently posted…The Love Prescription {A Book a Day 28}
Relinquishing dreams can be trying to our soul, but life-giving to our spirit, Anita. When we draw near to Him, He is faithful to draw near to us, and He is so kind to provide for all our needs! Continuing to pray for you and Pedro.
Lisa Kay Blair recently posted…February’s Focus
When we went through my husband’s health crisis a few years ago, it was important to not put God in a box with how He would provide His “all is well” (2 Kings 4:26) solution. It sure does make a difference when all He asks is that you just be still with Him and trust Him with the solutions – instead of acting like I’m the creator of all solutions. Your insights are so spot-on – but then, you ‘ve been there with God in it all. Praying all is well for you and Pedro!
Powerful message, Anita. Liked how you said on the podcast that we don’t have to orchestrate the OK! What a relief! We were never meant to bear that burden.
Spiritual self-care is so important; yet it seems to get quickly shuffled to the back burner when a lot is going on!
Jerralea Winn Miller recently posted…His Love Reaches to the Heavens
Anita, thank you for sharing these thoughts about the importance of spiritual health, especially when we’re facing a crisis. I’m finding myself confronted with a repeat of a very painful, stressful situation from last year. I am praying and asking God to help me draw near to Him and not fall into the pitfalls I encountered last time around. I’m praying for you and Pedro, my friend.
Jeanne Takenaka recently posted…10 Important Points to Weigh Before We Commit to Something
Thank you for this wonderful message today, Anita. Letting go is always hard for me, whether it’s work, overthinking, or tears. Such a good reminder at the benefits of spiritual self-care!!
Donna recently posted…Beholding the Limitless Beauty of Christ
Anita, I love this message. I needed this. Continued prayers coming your and Pedro’s way. Thank you so much for hosting.
Paula Short recently posted…FMF— Reach
Thank you for thinking of self-care during a crisis! That is so far from my mind, but necessary.
I’m going to share this with my stepmother. Both she and my dad have been going through their own cancer journeys during the last year. Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned, Anita.