As we respond to COVID-19 as a ministry, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called for people to love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus recognizes the importance of love of self. This invites each of us to reflect on how we care for ourselves. One way to care for self is through practices of resilience. Resilience is our capacity to persevere through adversity. This activity promotes practices to increase this capacity.

Extending the compassionate caring of Jesus calls for resilience.

Jesus experienced adversity in his ministry. He met resistance from political and religious authorities who were threatened by his proclamation of the reign of God. When his message was not accepted in one town, he would journey to another town to preach about God’s reign. His coworkers often misunderstood him and were not always there for him when he needed them. When this happened, he entered into dialogue with them and forgave them. Crowds followed him, bringing their needs for healing to him, even when he needed quiet time to rest and pray. He responded both to others’ need for healing and his own need for rest and prayer. Jesus models resilience in his ministry. We can deepen our own capacity for resilience through our practices.

The Greater Good Science Center article “Five Science-Based Strategies to Build Resilience” highlights practices to foster resilience:

·       Change the narrative

·       Face your fears

·       Practice self-compassion

·       Meditate

·       Cultivate forgiveness

The Harvard Business Review article “How Resilience Works” highlights the importance of:

·       The search for meaning

·       The ability to respond creatively

Practices to Deepen Resilience

·       Reflect on the way in which you tell the story of responding to the pandemic

o   What were ways that you persevered during the past year?

o   What meaning did you find in your activities?

o   What new ways of engaging in activities did you create?

o   Reflect on stories of others responding well in adversity: Stories of Grace 2020

  Meditate

o Engage in mindfulness practices