God and Wine

Welcome to a series of reflections on my experience as a chaplain-in-training thus far. Each post will contain a brief written reflection paired with a 10-min vLog. I hope you enjoy.  View: Who Holds The Chaplain (Part I) Who Holds The Chaplain (Part II) Sometimes, chaplaincy can be triggering. I'm not just talking about the serious stuff, like seeing people die and that reminding you of a loved one who has passed. I'm not just talking about being reminded of your own health issues. It's triggering on a more intimate level, pushing up stuff that you didn't really think was that complicated until you came face-to-face with a situation that reminded you of your insecurities. YIKES! Watch the video for more!

When I was a kid, I used to travel with my mom to Toastmasters conferences. I went to Baton Rouge, Lafeyette, Atlanta, DC, Florida, down the street from the house, up the street from her job, everywhere . I heard some of the world's greatest speakers. I sat in many executive meetings (because my mom didn't wanna leave me in hotel rooms by myself...she watches too much Law and Order ) and I behaved quietly, pretending to doodle but really eavesdropping on conversations regarding new judging procedures and managing  leadership conflict (yes, grown people cat-fight🙀). I was present for speaking competitions that my mother judged, training seminars that my mother presented, and galas that I attended with my mother as her young, but show-stealingly adorable, date.👧🏽 And of course, my mother took Toastmasters home with her. Whenever I had to speak in church or prepare a speech for class, she mentored me. She made sure I had a bomb 💣acronym (she's obsessed with corny

Welcome to a series of reflections on my experience as a chaplain-in-training thus far. Each post will contain a brief written reflection paired with a 10-min vLog. I hope you enjoy.  View Who Holds The Chaplain (Part I) here. One of the things about chaplaincy that I'm learning to deal with is saying "goodbye"-- Goodbye to patients. Goodbye to families. Goodbye to those who are transitioning from this life. Good to the families of those who are transitioning from this life. Goodbye to those who are (thankfully) going home or to a less critical facility. Goodbye. Over the past couple of weeks, I've built relationships with some folks who I've had to say goodbye to. Mostly good  goodbyes. I recently said "goodbye" to Ms. Jane*, my home-girl in her fifties who I spent a lot of time with, having in-room bible studies and just all-around great conversation. She left over a week ago to go to a physical rehab facility--one step closer t

I woke up around 5:30 am this morning, heartbroken for an ex-colleague who is struggling severely with his mental health and addiction. He is/was a literal genius, gifted so graciously and adventageously anointed. To witness his downward spiral via social media, broadcast for all the world to see, literally shook me outta my sleep. Life is hard 😔 and every once in a while, something reminds me to not take a sound mind for granted. I've had my battles-- my ups and downs-- my good days and my bad days. I've struggled with depression and anxiety, accompanied by over/under eating. I don't know drugs, but I've been acquainted with alcohol. I know heartbreak and heartache a little too well. I know disappointment hidden behind a fake smile. I know career successes met with personal failures. I know what's it's like to feel alone even in a crowd. Life is hard! When I was a kid, I used to always hear people in church talking about "Thank God for