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Everything the God of the Universe has for me is mine right now. Help me to access all things as I align my time, talent, and treasures with God's Will.
- Pastor Francys Johnson
In a world filled with countless threats to our well-being, it might seem reasonable to settle for mere survival. Yet, is it not possible—and even our calling—to flourish?
At its essence, Wellness is the state of being in good health. It is an intentional lifestyle and one of the purest expressions of self-love. Wellness encompasses our choices across every facet of our lives: physical, mental, social, emotional, vocational, and spiritual.
Flourishing is a natural extension of Wellness, defined as Dr. Neichelle Guidry says, "to grow luxuriantly; to thrive." It reflects the abundant life Jesus spoke of in John 10:10: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This abundant life is a metaphor for flourishing—a birthright for all of us and a reality we can embrace even in the face of and beyond hardship.
This year's journey to flourishing will require personal commitments and a comprehensive communal effort toward what Pastor Johnson calls 360º Wellness!
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We will support each other in cultivating a centered and vibrant inner life.
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Together, we will clarify our beliefs and values and foster a positive relationship with the narratives we perpetuate and those we create about ourselves.
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Together, we will investigate and adopt the right spiritual tools and practical support across different areas of life.
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Together, we will walk this path in the spirit of the old spiritual "walk together, children, don't you get weary," knowing that our "promised land" is not merely "over yonder" but also "here and now!"
We can move from mere survival to genuinely flourishing. As Pastor Johnson says, "Everything the God of the Universe has for me is mine right now. Help me to access all things as I align my time, talent, and treasures with God's Will." By living with intention and integrating our lives around what matters most, we align ourselves with the abundant life we are meant to experience.
Theologian In Focus | This congregation focuses on a scholar or practitioner serving the present age each month. In January, Rev. Teresa L. Fry Brown is in focus.
Fry Brown is the author of numerous books, including Delivering the Sermon: Voice, Body, and Animation in Proclamation, and Weary Throats and New Song: Black Women Proclaiming God’s Word. Among Fry Brown’s “firsts” is her role as the Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where she is the first black and the first woman in that position. She is also the first tenured Black female professor at Candler, and in 2012, she was elected as the first woman historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Learn More
More on 360 Well-Being | Wellness goes beyond just physical health—it encompasses six key dimensions that create a balanced, fulfilling life: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and occupational. Backed by science, each area plays a crucial role in overall well-being.
From managing emotions and building strong social connections to finding meaning in your work and staying mentally sharp, this article explores how nurturing these dimensions can enhance your quality of life. Ready to discover how these interconnected aspects of wellness can empower you on your journey to optimal well-being? Together, this year, we will learn more!
5-DAY DEVOTIONAL FOR A FRESH START | A new year equals a new beginning and a fresh start. It is a time to reset, refresh, and refocus on what's most important in your life. The best year ever starts by knowing you are made new through Jesus. Live new in the new year! We want to thank the International Leadership Institute for providing this plan. Start Reading!