Is Work Making Us Sick?

September 13, 2023 By Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL

Daily we are hearing phrases such as quiet quitting and quiet firing. The newest addition to the quiet revolution is “quiet cutting”. A new move in which companies are performing role reassignments. Though all the moves being made are quietly being done, they are resulting in loud consequences. From increased workloads, increased stress, and increased workforce unease, is the new state of work, post pandemic, making us sick? There has been an increase in articles reporting about the new phenomenon... Read more

Falling in Love with Faith: Growing in Faith Through Spiritual Practice

September 7, 2023 By Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL

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Hello Fall! It is the transition into the season where we fall in love with everything pumpkin spice, fall colors and beautiful falling leaves. Summer trips wrap up. Everyone tries to squeeze in the last part of summer during the Labor Day weekend. Once Labor Day passes, it is time to get down to business. The business of getting everyone back on track with work, school and after school activity schedules. Life transitions from fun and sun to regular disciplined... Read more

Rest as Resistance: How to Rest and Relax in a Busy Culture

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Many people love to hear the words “3-day weekend”. We spend so much of our waking hours focused on work. Many of us have a laundry list of things we hope to accomplish, both in our workday and in our personal time. We do not know the definition of rest or downtime because we have so many things to do. However, when the awaited 3-day weekend rolls around, we look forward to it with excitement because we need a break.... Read more

Why Are We So Booked and Busy?

August 28, 2023 By Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL

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My niece and I usually talk every couple of days. This year we have been together a lot because of the many activities she has as it is her senior year of high school. Usually once we are reviewing our schedules and trying to coordinate pickups, drop-offs, and meetings for the two of us, it leads to a usual conversation. She says, “I am booked and busy”. One day when she said this familiar phrase, I wondered, is this something... Read more

The New Suffering Servant: Serving While Suffering in Ministry

August 20, 2023 By Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL

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Many are familiar with the adage, “We can’t pour from an empty cup”. We know that means we must be intentional to make sure we are full – mind, body, and spirit to be of healthy service to others. Unfortunately, as pastors and ministry leaders, we tend not to heed the advice. Add to the fact as women clergy, we are expected to give everything we have to our families, our churches, our careers, and any other place we serve.... Read more

Downsized: Navigating and Thriving in the Midst of Layoff

August 20, 2023 By Rev. Evita L. Smith, M.Div, MSOL

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It’s Tuesday morning and a meeting invite appears on the calendar from your boss. Not your manager, but your boss. Immediately your mind enters a tailspin as you review the recent events of the past couple of weeks to see if there is anything that may have triggered this event. After unsuccessfully identifying any issues, the next thought is to reach out to your manager. After reaching out to your manager, you discover they have a similar meeting request. Time... Read more