By Titus Starks
I am grateful to join my YFC team in reading The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero. Each week’s reading followed by discussion have been impactful both collectively and individually. The final chapter entitled “Endings and New Beginnings” could not have come at a better time during this “Stay at Home order.” There were so many nuggets, but I want to share thoughts on understanding my practice of endings and new beginnings.
Life is a continual cycle of endings and beginnings. I must admit, I thought letting go and beginning again was something I should be quite practiced in by now. Lord knows I’ve had my share of experiences.
For me beginnings are exciting. They're full of promise, excitement, and an opportunity for change. Beginnings are joyful, painful, exciting and uncertain all at once. However, greeting the new also means saying goodbye to what you know and are familiar with. Saying goodbye to the old brings up the uncertainty of “what now?” But what I’ve found to be more painful is the IN-BETWEEN while waiting for the new beginning. Author Peter Scazzero helped put this fear of mine into perspective. Scazzero states “We miss seeing what is ahead in part because we fail to apply a central theological truth-that death is a necessary prelude to resurrection. To bear long-term fruit for Christ, we need to recognize that some things must die so something new can grow” (Scazzero, pg. 274).
You may be like me and accept the Biblical truth that death leads to resurrection, but you may question, “what do I do when my new beginning does not happen immediately?” No one enjoys waiting. I must admit I have often failed in the past, and honestly feel as if I am failing now in the waiting process. Our author points out that both endings and waiting are the gateway for our new beginnings. So, here is what I have resolved to put into practice during this season of many endings.
Spend time alone with God. “Leaning into God” can be done through my journaling, singing, reading scripture, and praying as a way to process my thoughts. Also, seeking counsel from those God has placed in my life is another solid path. Scazzero suggests this is helpful in posturing me for expectancy, that is, I am listening for God’s voice, learning what is needed for growth, and finally looking and expecting signs of new life.
Because of the finished work of Jesus Christ and Him rising from the dead, I am able to affirm that endings are always a gateway to new beginnings. Scazzero suggests that God’s purpose for us experiencing endings and losses is not simply to change our surrounding environment, but more so to begin a profound level of transformation in and through us.
Staying the Course,
Titus
