PeaceBang
The manic mind of the minister -- Auntie Mame Meets Cotton Mather. Blogging about Unitarian Universalism, UU Christian spiritual practice, occasional cultural and political ravings, and the inner life of ministry. PeaceBang is the alter ego of a small town pastor serving an historic New England Unitarian Universalist congregation.
Who Cares?
October 18, 2007 on 12:20 am | In Mind of the Minister |I’ve been invited to give my “spiritual journey” tomorrow evening somewhere that isn’t related to my congregation (highly secret location! I don’t know why I’m being so CIA about it), and I’m finishing up my notes right now. And I’m so uptight that it may be hours before I can fall asleep.
I’ve talked, written and spoken dozens of times about my personal religious journey. So why is my stomach in knots and my blood pressure up right now? Anyone who gives a darn could easily find several published sermons and articles all about my fascinating spiritual life. In fact, I’m embarrassed by how much ink has been spilled on the topic and I can’t help but wonder, “Who CARES?” Why does it matter that we share these stories?”
It does matter, as a matter of fact. And I know that. I just thought that after years of doing it, I’d feel less of a nervous wreck about it by now.
Granted, I am always riveted by other people’s personal narratives of faith (I’d personally retire the word “journey” if I could) but I think of droning on and on for 15-20 minutes tomorrow night and I imagine glazed eyes, quizzically raised eyebrows, muffled laughter. Really, why don’t I just stand up and strip down to my undies? At least it would be over faster.
When I share stories of my personal life with my congregation, there is the reciprocity of knowing a whole lot of their dirt. Maybe before I begin tomorrow I’ll say, “Here’s the deal. I’ll give this talk but only if you whisper one really crazy thing about yourself in my ear before we start.”
Or I’ll ask everyone to strip down to their undies so we can be equally vulnerable.
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Something else I have to look forward to when I finally become a minister myself - endlessly using myself as an example.
I don’t think it ever becomes less awkward to talk about yourself. It always felt egotistical for me, which is why I always either have to feign that I really am that self involved.
Good luck Ministering for the CIA
-John
http://www.thepagelessbook.com
Comment by JMC — October 18, 2007 #
Hey, everybody! Panty party at PeaceBang’s! Woohoo! We’ll all get vulnerable, share our spiritual journeys, and deeply enjoy being with a group of beautiful people — people who are trying to be good in spite of their dirt, rather than pretending they don’t have any. Don’t forget to bring chocolate!
Sounds like a great time to me. If only we could be so brave.
Comment by Turtle — October 18, 2007 #
Bill Hicks proposed that instead of flags, we should display pictures of our parents having sex. It’s an experience that I think makes us all have a similarly potent, squeamish feeling that all is not quite right with the world.
Talk about vulnerable!
Comment by Comrade Kevin — October 18, 2007 #
Was is Henri Nouwen (if it was, I’m sure he’s not the only one) who said that it’s when we speak about what feels most personal to us that we’re really speaking about what is common between us?
I think that’s why we care.
Comment by Mrs. M — October 18, 2007 #
hey PB,
Just think about it like this….when Jesus was with the woman at the well in the gospel of John, she tried every which way to avoid being open. But no matter what she did, Jesus reached in and healed her.
That is part of the reason telling our personal stories matters so much, the only way we can heal each other is to “taste and see” that God truly is good and that grace abounds.
On the practical side….just relax, relate, release.
Comment by Kim Hampton — October 18, 2007 #