From Anxious Reactivity to Faithful Response

We are living in a time of heightened anxiety, and anxiety is contagious. Currently it is being transmitted rapidly through our churches, communities, nation and world regarding COVID-19. Because we are human, we are all having our own unique anxious responses to this major stressor. Too much anxiety can make us “stupid,” shutting down our ability to think or to function well. Our anxious responses impact us and the systems of which we are a part. Therefore it is important for our own well-being, and for the well-being of those systems, that we grow in awareness of our responses – of how we are showing up in our world.

The good news is that through raising our awareness – and intentional effort with the Holy Spirit – we can lower anxiety in ourselves, contributing to the lowering of anxiety in our systems. We CAN show up differently. We can “be” and we can make room for others to “be” in times of high anxiety – and we can increase our ability to respond in the more faithful, Christ-like ways to which God calls us.

In this gathering, Sherri (New York FW Circle Co-Leader) and Mike Meyer-Veen share their experience and learning related to managing anxiety, some of its possible impacts, and healthier, less-reactive ways we can show up when facing circumstances like these. A handout is available below.

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