Moving From Head to Heart
I have been a mystic for much of my life, but I lacked the language to describe my experiences. Throughout various peaks and valleys in my multiple careers, I yearned for a deeper relationship with God. Time often felt elusive. However, I was on a journey that opened new vistas daily. Just over a year ago, I discovered the Shalem Institute. The program Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership has allowed me to explore the new and the unknown.
One of the presenters during our first residency was the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle. I was captivated by every word he spoke about African spirituality. Although I had heard many individuals discuss Ubuntu—an African concept of personhood in which the identity of the self is understood to be formed interdependently through community—listening to Dr. Battle speak with compassion and intellectual fervor was transformative.
Prompted by the Spirit, I reached out to Dr. Battle during our residency and, when we connected, discovered that our travel schedules would place us in Cape Town, South Africa, at around the same time. While in South Africa, I met up with Dr. Battle and spent the next three days on an Archbishop Desmond Tutu trip with other sojourners. I learned about the deep connection between Bishop Desmond Tutu and President Nelson Mandela. As Bishop Tutu once said, “Ubuntu is South Africa’s gift to the world!” I cherish my time in South Africa and plan to return soon.
Throughout the Shalem Clergy program, my monthly meetings with my Peer Group have been invaluable. In each session, more layers of understanding are revealed. As we share leadership, the struggle for control diminishes. Each meeting feels like a breath of fresh air.
The required readings are extensive but enriching, surprisingly providing me with the language I’ve been seeking. Margaret Benefiel’s book, The Soul of Leadership, has become a companion on my journey. During my walks, I often read or re-read sections and queries from its pages.
*Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life & Leadership is now accepting applications. Click HERE for more information.*
