Healing a Hollow Soul

Our youngest son was left at the altar, and it broke his heart. Unbeknownst to his mother and me he was trying hard to drink himself to death and he nearly succeeded. We spent months with him in the ICU, dialysis and a slow recovery from septic shock, multiple cascading organ failure and pneumonia. We nearly lost him several times. A physician in my congregation told me that less than 2% of folks survive what he put himself (and us) through. We are grateful to God for sparing his life but the experience left me hollowed out and spiritually empty. My soul was crying out for attention and care. I’m grateful that I chose to participate in the Soul Care Institute at my spiritual director's encouragement -- insistence? Their deep understanding of the architecture of the soul and the means by which to tend and nurture it have been life giving to me. The SCI has helped equip me for my role as a pastor but more importantly it has provided me with an unparalleled opportunity for personal spiritual growth and refreshment in my relationship with God. In addition to the great faculty, we participate in SCI as a part of a cohort of other seekers where I have experienced great love, acceptance and support. I have been academically and intellectually challenged but more importantly I am learning more about myself, my soul, and the means by which I may continue to grow and nurture my spiritual life. I am grateful for the ministry of this fabulous organization.  And so is my soul.

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