the last huddle
One-hundred and thirty-eight years of service to the ministry of CommonSpirit Health is represented in this photo. The moment was spontaneously captured last week when I huddled with this subset of my direct reports. I was encouraging them, expressing profound gratitude, and letting them know one last time, in person, in a group, that I was proud of them and loved them.
While six people are standing next to me, they represent a larger team. A team that I couldn't be more proud of. A team of essential workers. A team that puts others first. A team that has, in many ways, done life together. Our team members love one another. I have often spoken and written about love at work. In previous writings, you may have seen me reference 1 Corinthians 13, known as the love chapter of the Bible. You likely have heard stories of love in action at work. You may have heard me say, "leaders are called to love their people."
Today, we said goodbye to some of our team members. Team members that many of us have essentially grown up with. Team members that we thought we would retire with, and yet we are being sent off on other paths, unexpected paths with uncertain futures. It's safe to say that emotions are all over the place. And yet, the words that continue to be sung in my head are words of hope. They come from a 2018 song by Brooke Ligertwood, and they go like this:
"In the crushing, in the breaking, You are making new wine. In the soil, I now surrender; You are breaking new ground."
As these words and the rest of the song, "New Wine," permeate my thoughts, my mind shifts to the talents of the team members moving on. These people are richly gifted. They lead with kindness, compassion, and faithfulness. They set the bar for their commitment to excellence, ingenuity, customers, and team members. New wine is being made. These talented individuals will continue to do amazing things, and I want to have a front-row seat to watch their future accomplishments.
“So I yield to You into Your careful hand, When I trust You I don't need to understand”
Layoffs can be a difficult and emotional time for those affected and those left behind. In the last few weeks I have heard stories of survivor guilt, grief, indifference and, despair. Many are hurting and while new wine is being made inside and outside of the ministry, I can’t help to think that now is a good time to demonstrate God's love to those around us. Here are some ways to show God's love during a layoff:
Listen and be empathetic: Take the time to listen to your coworkers. Show them that you care and that you are there to support them.
Pray: Offer to pray with and for team members, whether staying or going. Let them know that you are lifting them up in prayer and they are not alone.
Provide practical support: Offer to connect them with people you know. If you are skilled with resumes, offer help. If you are great at interviews, offer to coach them.
Be an encourager: Send a message of encouragement or a scripture verse that can uplift their spirits during this difficult time. At my church, I used to be known as the chief edification officer. Be that to your friends.
Show kindness: Small acts of kindness can go a long way. Offer to take them out for coffee or lunch, send a card or a gift, or simply offer a kind word or gesture.
Remember that showing God's love is not about preaching or pushing a specific agenda, but rather it’s about showing up. It’s being a loving and supportive presence and a light in the darkness.
As we all continue to discern the next steps in our careers and our lives, may each of you know that my prayer for you is:
That you know the work you did was incredibly meaningful
That you remember the differences you made in people's lives
That you are filled with gratitude
That you let go of any thoughts of bitterness
That you pause and take time to rest your body and soul
That you spend time with your family and friends
That you devote yourself to a life of prayer
That you realize that nothing in this journey is wasted
That you know you are loved by God
“Make me Your vessel, Make me an offering. Make me whatever, You want me to be.
I came here with nothing, But all You have given me. Jesus bring new wine out of me”
Twenty-nine years ago, I started working in service to this ministry. I would have never dreamed it would last this long or that I would leave with so much. I am thankful. I came here with nothing but, so much has been given to me.
My friends, love is not fleeting but long-lasting. You are loved, and if there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. I know that as I watch your careers grow in different directions, I will sit here and continue to be amazed by you.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Cause where there is new wine, There is new power
There is new freedom, And the Kingdom is here”
(New Wine: Italics are words from the song New Wine by Brooke Ligertwood)
