Walking Wounded

Some of us are struggling in various ways here at seminary. I have been repeatedly reminded of an old Don Francisco song, "Walking Wounded." The You Tube below is the only version I could find, but please think of men as well as women when you listen. Just because the wounds aren't visible doesn't mean they aren't painful and real.

One classmate I spoke with today found out he had failed one of the required foundational courses from the Fall semester. He's now on academic probation. The pain on his face made me want to cry. He is not the only one in that situation.

Another classmate has looked so sad and unhappy lately. She has been homesick. Today is the first time I have seen a smile on her face in a while.

One couple getting ready for their internship next year just found out that the wife's synod is requiring that the two of them serve at separate sites. Their hope was to serve at a church where they could hone their skills to serve as a clergy couple. The frustration was evident.

The last two days in chapel seem to have been meant for those of us with needs whether it be homesickness, illness, depression, doubt, fear.Yesterday, our president preached a sermon for doubters. When we meet barriers to our calls, we sometimes doubt and wonder if we heard God's call at all. Today's chapel was a time of encouragement and challenge to us as those preparing for servant leadership in Christ's church. Please keep us all in your prayers. Our hope and trust is in God's grace and faithfulness.




flick foto

Comments

Jennifer said…
I promise to keep you and your colleagues in prayer.
Ivy said…
Thanks so much Jennifer and Beth. Have a great weekend. Teaching parish begins again tomorrow, then in the evening we're having a bunch of students over for a Super Bowl party. Peace.
Anonymous said…
I will pray for all of you, Ivy.

May the Lord give you all the strength and perseverence needed to make it to the finish line!
Amen.
Ivy said…
Thank you Steve. Amen indeed!
Ivy,
A hard lesson for me was explained this way by Bob Albers who used to teach pastoral care at Luther Semininary, in St Paul.

"Ministry always happens in the interruptions." We make plans and the needs of the people around us cause us lead us in a different direction. The wounds are real; the hurt is real; as is the love of God that goes with us as we head on down the new road we might not have chosen on our own.
Ivy said…
Pr. Unlikely, that's powerful. Thank you.
Maggie said…
Hi Ivy,

I'm thinking about going to LTSS...I went for orientation weekend in 2007, to see if I was interested...I ended up not applying for this past fall, but it's been on my mind ever since. I've been trying to see how the students in Seminary enjoy it, and in doing so I came across your blog.

It's hard to discern what type of call I'm feeling...

Maggie
Ivy said…
That's understandable. Do you have a leaning toward ministry of Word and Sacrament or Word and Service. If your interest is the diaconate, annually, LTSG has a formation event.

Thanks for stopping by.
Diane M. Roth said…
you brought back memories to me, of the difficulties of those years in school.

And of course, the difficulties don't end.

I will keep you and your colleagues in my prayers.
Ivy said…
Thanks, Diane.

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