Deborah Shank

Good Morning Beautiful Peeps,


I trust that your week was fruitful and encouraging. Our grandson Luke became ill last Friday and suffered with a high fever and horrible sore throat all weekend. We had taken him to the doctor on Friday and his throat culture came back negative for strep. Our daughter took him back to the doctor on Monday and guess what? He was diagnosed with strep! It was a busy week at work. District Council planning has begun and there is much preparation for this event in May. Details………. This week I will be traveling to Potomac Park Camp for a two-day retreat. Life is busy……..

This week I also traveled to one of our sections to facilitate a pastor’s wives/ministry women growth group. We had a great time and a statement was made during our time together that has resonated in my heart all weekend. Ministry women, whether it is a pastor’s wife or woman in ministry, often feel not just alone but have deep feelings of loneliness. Ever been there? What an unhealthy way to live!

Why are we afraid to admit that we are not perfect? Why do we hesitate to admit to our girlfriends that we have shortcomings and fail at times? Why are we so determined not to be transparent with our closest friends? If we would only realize that there isn’t a ministry woman on the face of this earth that has it all together 24/7!

When we begin to share our flawed life with our friends we give them permission to remove their masks. It isn’t an easy task but necessary in order to develop close relationships. Solid friendships are built on a foundation of authenticity, trust and commitment. Obviously this process takes time but if we refuse to never step out and attempt to remove our masks the relationship may never happen.

If you are lonely and feel like you don’t have a friend you can share the struggles of life with over a cup of coffee, I encourage you to seek God’s face and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in finding that person or persons. Ministry is a lonely place full of obstacles and discouragement at times but we must be a friend in order to find a friend. I don’t believe that God ever intended for us to travel this journey alone. That is why my passion is so strong for developing pastor’s wives/ministry women growth groups in our district. We definitely need one another. Relationships are crucial and it is a process that takes time to cultivate.

The Chocolate and Coffee Ministry groups I have created on FB also serve as a great source for ministry women to encourage one another. If you have never participated in the discussions I encourage you to check it out. There has been some great insight share during many of the discussion topics.

Have a great week friends. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry in an awesome and powerful way! Be a friend and begin to remove those masks………………………..

Love you much,
Debbie