I hope this finds you because it’s really specific…

There’s a special kind of radar that goes off for me when it concerns my clients. For so many years, I’ve watched you grow, heal and sometimes… have those seasons I just really wish I knew you were ok. This weekend, I have thought of you often. And the heaviness I feel made me want to write you something. Something that let you know that it’s not how you think, that you don’t have to halt your joy here and that this too shall pass.

I know a lot of times you stay out of the office until you’re ready to handle what’s hurting you. (I know you all pretty well.) I remember being a lot like that once. I was really good at turning on “numb.” Numb felt like it was easier but it only led to a harder crash of emotions later. I also thought no one really cared if I was ok. Especially my counselor. “She’s paid to care about me!” I told my mother. But if I could tell that scared, young girl anything about the seat I now inhabit, the roles being reversed, I’d tell her we are actually here in this seat because we DO care and we know what it’s like to be you. And when we don’t see you in the office or hear your updates? We just take time to pray that it’s because you’re doing SO GOOD that you don’t even need us anymore. And that’s the ultimate goal. Sometimes we just don’t know which one it is.

I just wanted to tell you today, in case you forgot, you matter so much. Your feelings are valid, and the holidays are hard. But when I am in the same funk around December, I always take the day, to stop looking at the bills and even my own list of worries. I play a little Dolly, I sew a few dollies, and I remember when my family had even more nothing than a preacher’s salaray. And even though I am no rich woman…

I think of how poor we really were as children. And now? Looking back? Those were the best Christmases. I’d pay good money to get back there for just a day.

I invite you to remember the joy that came from the hard times. It may be hidden in hard times but there is always some joy. And I also want you to know if you’re having a hard time and you feel funny asking me if I can work with you to get in the office this holiday… don’t feel funny. I’ve been there. I try my best to hand out discount codes for clients who need to come in and don’t know how… and also don’t want to “bother me.”

You don’t bother me.

Instead, a lot of times I sit like Santa Claus this time of year feeling like I’m looking at your lackluster wish lists that are holding back because they don’t think they can ever acquire the miracle they really want. And it makes me sad because I want you to be ok. Honestly, the worst thing you think you can tell me in counseling… I’ve probably heard 100 times worse in 20 years. Promise.

Here’s to a Christmas that is full of miracles you didn’t bank on. Here’s to allowing yourself the time you need to grieve, to cry, to process and also find joy in the middle of it all.

I’m so proud of how far you’ve all come and I just felt like you needed a reminder that it’s not a setback. It’s just a moment in time. And maybe even a pull back so you can be shot forward into better.

I care for each and every one of you and my prayers are with you as I dance with this heavy knowing that you are just sometimes too stressed out to tell me about. I’m glad you’re telling God though. Keep telling Him. And if you need to tell me, I’m always here waiting to hear the rest of your story. It’s a good one.

If you need me, I am leaving the code Cyberweek up longer than I planned just to know that I can help you get in if you need me. That one is $15 off any hour. Code Holidae is also extended if you need a short session. That one is 20% off any session of your choice.

I also want to remind you that my business mail only goes out one way. It’s like an outlets sale mailer unfortunately. I can send to you. I just can’t see what you send back. So if you need someone, make sure to reach out on the website.

You’ve totally got this,

Pastor Brooke