Third Culture Thriving

One of the things I have noticed, both within this specific work and in the broader global worker context, is the tendency to play what I'm going to generally call the "God Card." The God Card is when, in a conversation, someone says "God told me to do this" and then there is no opportunity for further conversation. It ends with this card, because we can't argue with "God told me so." It's essentially the Christian trump card. And the more towards the "surviving" end of the spectrum someone is, the more likely they are to play this card. It's also a Hail Mary.

A quick-ish overview of the treasure trove of free resources available for download at thirdculturethriving.com <3

Today, I want to tackle a topic that can be a bit heavy: grief, and particularly displaced grief, grief that we have to take with us. We're going to do so gently, but I want to remind you: this is a podcast, and you can pause it, turn it off, come back to it, or even skip it if the timing isn't right for you. You have my full blessing to care for yourself well as you consider the grief you carry.

Today, we are talking about one of the most emotional, difficult, violating things that can happen when we live and work abroad, and unfortunately it's very common. Nearly everyone I know had a story about a difficult situation with their national workers, whether domestic or ministry staff. The truth is, we are all human and we all make mistakes and let each other down. But how should were handle it when a staff member betrays our trust, or lets you down in a big way? The answer to this will be different from person to person, and from culture to culture. But today, I'm hopeful that we can walk through some questions we can ask ourselves that can bring some clarity and wisdom.

If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, well…you know that there hasn't been much to listen to in the last year. I've been quiet, and while the main reason for that has been purely logistical, I can't totally blame my silence on my schedule. In truth, another large part of this has been the very deep, intimate, internal work the Spirit has been walking me through. It's been special and sacred and quiet, and really hasn't felt like it was to be shared. Only a few friends, and at times only my husband and my professional supports, have been aware of the shifts within my heart, and the deep healing that the Spirit has brought. I'm so grateful.   But, as seasons do, I am beginning to feel the season changing. What has been a quiet winter of introspection and putting down deep roots is now giving way in my heart to a spring of growth and transformation. I feel the energy of the shifts that the Spirit has led me through beginning to reach out to be shared and seen. But, like the first spring leaves, it feels fragile. Vulnerable. Unsure. Like it needs to be protected. Like it's not sure it's time yet.