A Sense of Calling- Jesus the Perfect Resilient Example

Not long ago, during my participation in an Intensive Christian Leadership Program, we were charged with identifying three characteristics of resilience using Jesus as the perfect example. I so loved this assignment; I have redesigned it as a three-part blog entry.

Wow, as I look to my Savior, there are so many critical aspects of his resilient characteristics that I wish I could honestly say I can emulate. But, because of His dynamic spirit in me, I would have to say the three features I purposely seek to imitate would be a sense of calling, meaningful purpose life, and building relationship. My focus on these three come as a result of reading Dees (2011) understanding of the stages of the resilience life cycle.

A Sense of Calling

Jesus is the most exceptional example of resilience. As the perfect Son of God, he has all the characteristics I would want to emulate in my own life, like 1 John 2:6 ESV states, "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." To me, this statement equates to being a Proxy of the Lord! Specifically, as it relates to being a helping professional and leader, I believe understanding is significant "a clear sense of calling. A clear sense of calling is to help others to observed disciplines of replenishment, ensuring they refill their well of courage as helping professionals and continue to comfort others" (Dees, 2011, p. 201). Dees stated that having a firm belief in your calling could be your anchor when things get tough (2011).

As a helping professional and a leader, I understand people often question their calling when times are hard, helping professionals often suffer from compassion fatigue. Helping professionals with a clear sense of their calling, are less likely to question what they are doing, even if they are beginning to experience compassion fatigue.

In conclusion, helping professionals and leaders are less likely to experience fatigue if they are working within their sense of calling. Practicing the disciplines of replenishment and allowing for the time to care for themselves both physically and spiritually helps to promote their wellbeing. As leading helping professionals, it is essential to keep in mind that as we experience our trials and tribulations, we must still be able to comfort others during these times. The same as how Jesus was able to comfort the criminal on the cross next to him. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV tells us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Dees, R.F. (2011). Resilient warriors. San Diego, CA: Creative Team Publishing