The WIP is still coming along. Up to 99,000 words and still coming. (I tend to underwrite, adding layers as I go. I understand that some people overwrite and have to cut, but that’s never been my problem.)
On to today’s topic:
I’ve been married to a man in ministry for 27 years. (LOL! My computer keyboard has developed this twitch where it skips letters. I typed “married” but it came out “I’ve been marred . . .”)
Anyway–Freudian slip aside–hubby and I have learned how to cope with the pressures of ministry. And I’ll be honest–my hubby is youth pastor, so I know I don’t have as much pressure as some women who are seen as “Mrs. Pastor.” I did think that first year would be the death of us, but after that period of adjustment, we settle into the groove.
I’m writing, though, about an article I pulled from TIME many months ago. It’s a piece about pastor’s wives and how they are finding fellowship through the Internet. I am all over this, because as a solitary writer, I’ve been so blessed to have found fellowship with writers over the web. I may not have people knocking on my door for coffee in the middle of a work day, but I have them dinging my inbox for quick hellos. And you know what? I miss them when they’re not there.
But I digress. If you’re a pastor’s wife, check out www.lllministries.org (the three Ls stand for Love, Live, and Living.
For a GREAT blog by the author of the TIME article, go here: http://time-blog.com/work_in_progress/2007/03/think_your_job_is_tough_try_be.html
She also includes a list of links to Internet groups and support for pastors’ wives.
Pastors’ wives say their number one problem is loneliness. No reason for that, none at all, not anymore. Please make sure your pastor’s wife has access to the support she needs.
~~Angie
I feel strongly about that – both our pastor’s wife, and our women’s ministries pastor need community, but there is no safe place to be completely real about their struggles, etc, about certain things, within our church. I pray for them to find the safe places they need.
As a missionary wife and mother I sure know what loneliness can be like. We´ve been on the field for nearly 23 years. Raised 5 children, homeschooled them, planted 4 churches and have trained 9 young people for ministry. But so often there is just no one to talk to about trials and struggles. People outside ministry, though sympathetic really have no idea what it is like. Since starting up my blog, I have made some cyber friends who are true sisters in Christ, and what a blessing it has been.
Thanks for sharing the links.
Blessings from Costa Rica
I’ve been a PW for over 15 years now and it can be a lonely life! God moved us 9 hours from home and life here has been an adjustment. At home we had other pastor friends to fellowship with and the area we are in now…well, it’s just not as friendly. Years ago I found fellowship onine at a message board for PW’s and those ladies are now my closest friends.