Tag: spiritual wellness

Sharing blog posts to experience what it is to be well in mind, body and spirit. Exploring the journey of faith and wellness for spiritual wellness. The author shares posts related to faith and leadership with a global community. Subscribe and receive updates directly in your email. Share via Social Media platforms. Subscribe to Servant Leadership Now platform for updates. You can also share via Social Media platforms. Welcome to a place of support with bulluckg.com

The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Understanding Vulnerability in Leadership

We, as humans, are capable of inflicting hurt or harm on another. Thus, in leadership, it is important to understand that vulnerability exists in our natural world (world leadership). Merriam-Webster dictionary defines vulnerability as capable of being easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally. Our acceptance of this responsibility is meant to improve personal leadership skills. Unfortunately, too many congregants’ view vulnerability as weakness.

Conversely, some of the most influential people, in the business, believe that vulnerability enhances their relationships with others as a leader. Businesses encourage leaders to distinguish themselves from others. In fact, leadership is to highlight these as distinguishing traits for building relationships. For example, recent studies show that vulnerability in leadership creates (1) psychological safety, (2) increases employee engagement, and (3) accelerates innovation (Brené Brown). Predominately, these studies relate mostly to organizational leadership style, i.e., authentic leadership and less about ministerial leadership. Authentic leadership, by definition, is a leadership style that is primarily about trustful relationships between employees and the leader. Together, the employee and leader work as a team to accomplish goals. Vulnerability is meant to strengthen the relationship.

Thus, how can ministers of Christianity, bridge vulnerability in leadership with a purpose of growing spiritually for the Kingdom of God?

Building Trust Through Vulnerability

First, experiences of congregants vary. Once, in the beginning of my Christian walk, a well-respected Pastor, gave me pause to mistrust church leadership, especially pastors. His words in regard to his personal misconduct were, “I do not go into my own hen house to scout the chickens but, I will scout out chickens to catch in other hen houses.” Needless to say, over a period of time, mistrust in him was proven in several instances, this individual took advantage of vulnerable sheep and lambs. What did the church learn from this? One individual leader can cause years of harm.

As congregants, mentally and emotionally, our spiritual well-being was harmed by this ministry leader. Especially among young adults, the circle of confidence in the church body was broken.

What can you to do as a servant leader when trust is a challenge in ministry? Without safe spaces, within the ministering body, the harm and hurt will destroy congregants spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Start with building safe spaces. We invite you to check our blog post about strategies to create trusting, safe environments.

The Relationship Between Vulnerability and Effective Leadership

The relationship between vulnerability and effective leadership is backed by case studies. Studies show that vulnerability has a connection to communication and authenticity. According to Mckinsey studies, millennials, in particular, want their leaders to share their human side, including their vulnerabilities. As congregants in ministry, the thoughts are “Can I trust you with this information? Can I be vulnerable and explain my hurt and harm?” In both worlds, background knowledge is part of building trust in relationship. However, remember, opinion(s) is not fact (s).

Not “OK”

As much as we may think we are “ok,” there are circumstances that people face which are so dire, that we know that they are not “OK.” In these circumstances, you may notice changes in behavior, i.e., absences, outbursts, text messages, etc.

Jesus is a primary example of what it means to be in a place of vulnerability and ask for help. For instance, the night before Jesus was ceased in the Garden of Gethsemane, he poured out his emotions to the Father. “Take this cup from me; but yet, not my will but Your will be done,” (paraphrased). In the very next moments, he did not even summon angels, and he could have, to come and help him (Matthew 26:50-53). His willingness to be vulnerable to save us speaks of the level of trust that he had in His Father.

What should leaders do when challenges persist?

Challenges Leaders Face in Embracing Vulnerability

Face it! As a leader, embrace vulnerability as an opportunity for better. Common fears and misconceptions about showing vulnerability is not unusual. In fact, in the natural world, you may hear conversations that speak of finding your “inner compass.” For instance, a leader may rely upon his/her inner compass to guide their responses or actions. This inner compass may lead that person to check in with others or make a self-inventory. How am I doing? What did I learn from the experience(s)? Ultimately, in their leadership journey, there are certain issues and challenges that motivate them.

In ministry leadership, by comparison, you may have misgivings as well. You are not an exception. In fact, you are in good company. As previously stated, Jesus is an example of how vulnerability help in shaping his dependence on the Father. His willingness to be on God’s agenda is the inspiration for our faith.

Self-Reflection

What can we do to analyze the role of vulnerability in our personal leadership? Self-reflect! Here are a few thoughts that I use as part of my self-reflection. in this manner, I encourage myself to use tips to incorporate vulnerability into my leadership style to grow my ministry spiritually. Not necessarily in this order. I choose to:

Identify my list of trustworthy partnerships outside of the ministry
Identify key people who congregants trust and are faithful to the ministry
Identify and engage credible resources to strengthen authentic relationships, i.e., community support groups
Be honest about my challenges and commitment to Godly principles; i.e., integrity, accountability, self-control. Am I honest? Am I accountable and work to grow good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)?
Daily speak the Word of God
Read scriptures for building emotional support
Prayer consistently with the Word of God in agreement that God wants the best for my ministry, family, connections, and you.

Summative, this is my good ” startup” to incorporate vulnerability into my leadership style as a servant leader. The Holy Spirit is your guide!

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

For more examples to encourage your call, I invite you to check these blog posts from:

Homepage

Return to Top

August 2, 2026

Prayer Time – Your Grace and Mercy

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Thankful for His Grace and Mercy!

Prayer time is another opportunity to remember that God’s mercy is new today. Today, new mercy is ours. Today, you rise up with grace and mercy, no matter the circumstance. The lyrics and sounds of this video are that of Soulful Sounds. I hope it is a reminder of how faithful God is even in this moment.

For more of Soulful Sounds background music

Prayer Time – Saved by Grace

Grace is unmerited favor. No, I did not deserve another chance; but God gave it me. I am thankful for that right now. It is wonderful to know that Jesus is presenting me before God’s throne of grace. What about you?

The songwriter sang,

"Your grace and mercy brought me through, if it wasn't for Your love,
tell me what would I do?  Your blood redeemed me, made me brand new, it was Your grace and mercy that brought me through."
Was it grace and mercy that brought you through?

Renewed Strength

Prayer will refresh the mind and spirit. It is a time that we can renew our strength in conversations with the Lord. We can ask for forgiveness of all my sins, (known and unknown). God, today, looked beyond our faults and saw our immediate need: MERCY. He understands that only the Lamb of God is worthy; so, God, in His love, extended mercy.

Above all, the writer reminds of us of what Our Heavenly Father did:

Thank You for saving a sinner like me
To tell the world salvation is free
There were times when I just didn’t do right
But You watched over me all day and night
Your grace and mercy brought me through
I’m living this moment because of You
I want to thank You and praise You too

For that reason, we should desire to be obedient to God’s Will and God’s Way. Will you praise Him for His grace and mercy from where you are right now?

For more opportunities of prayer, always available to you is our Morning Glory Prayer and listening meditation – DappyTKeys

Return to Homepage

July 29, 2026

Somedays – It’s Just About Music

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Music is part of our mental health as never before. Beyond conversations with God, today is one of the those days that only music seems to soothe the soul.

August 25, 2026

I was a caregiver. Even today, there is nothing that I can compare with taking care of my Mom. February 23, 2021, she fell in love with instrumental gospel jazz. On that day, I wrote the following:

February 23, 2021

,Some days, the stress can get to you. Not only is it stressful for me, but it is more stressful for my Mom.” Relying upon others for basic care is frustrating for her. It makes her angry. Lately, she has not been able to take an afternoon ride with me. Sightseeing! I miss it too.

It has been one year since she has been outdoors. For decades, my Mom loved singing in the choirs. So, it is not surprising that music still delights her. Still, there are times that nothing seems to work. BUT TODAY….February 23, 2021….. she “fell into jazz.”

She wasn’t a jazz lover before. She loved gospel music more than any other. But today, the sounds of Jazz is calming to her soul. She closed her eyes and listened for two hours!!!

Dad and Mom#2 Left Us Too

Just a year and half ago, Dad took his journey also. When my father was dying, my brother dealing with his own ordeal, would play my podcast for him in the late nights. He said hearing my voice soothed our Dad; especially Gardenia’s Garden Podcast Episode #6 Morning Glory. It gave him the sense that I was in the room. I guess that is what music can do. Give a voice to the voiceless. Within two years, three parents took their heavenly flight.

Today, music and their favorite songs remind us of good times. It soothes and puts smiles on our faces.

I thank God for the spirit of music that permeates across cultures and mindsets. God loves music. He loves the sounds that celebrate Him.

“Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, the shepherd body David, would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him,” 1 Samuel 16:23 NIV.

Rest in peace, Mom and Dad.

Today, this is the sound from my YouTube list of favorites that soothed my Mom’s soul: BGM Channel, Weekend Cafe Jazz. I hope it soothes your mind, body, and spirit.

it is because of this, that I created a playlist of some of my favorites on the Servant Leadership NOW YouTube Channel. I hope you enjoy them. You can Subscribe and listen to Gardenia’s Radio for a great playlist featuring music from various genres.

For related blog posts:

Homepage

July 23, 2026

Mindfulness Practices Aligned with Spiritual Wellness

Person sitting cross-legged in meditation on rocky mountain overlooking sunrise

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Understanding Mindfulness and Spiritual Wellness

Mindfulness entails human awareness of the mind and body. It is the ability of the human to understand where you are, and what is happening without overly reacting to a situation.

When we speak of spiritual wellness, it is important to grasp the basic concepts of God’s creation. Let’s be real. What does that mean to grasp basic concepts of God’s creation? Especially when you have a foundational scripture that says how beautiful and wonderful you are made (Psalm 139:14).

First, God, our Creator, is a Spirit. God does not have a body. God is the Word of Truth. In the image of God, He gave us an incorporeal human spirit; that is, the human spirit has no physical characteristics (Genesis 1:26-27). At creation, the bible tells us that it is the very breath of God that was breathed into the man and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). The human spirit’s attributes are God-given and includes our intellect, passions, feelings (emotions), and creativity. Because of the human spirit, we have “free will” to make choices. The human spirit has a (limited) ability to comprehend and understand (Job 32:8). At death, the human spirit returns the One who gave it, our Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Psalm 104:29-30; Job 34:14-15).

In understanding the concepts or relationship of mindfulness to spiritual wellness, it is to buy into practices in support of daily life skills. The techniques suggested by mindfulness are to help you become aware of your situation, practice breathing, and relax. In essence, mindfulness exercises are simple ways to help you pause, reset and control with the present situation as to not overreact.

Practical Mindfulness Techniques for Spiritual Growth

There are several mindfulness practices that connect to spiritual wellness.

Start your day with a positive attitude. Intentionally focus on a good startup routine i.e., mediation, prayer, breathing awareness, moments of silence, visualization.
Be aware of your speech; out of the mouth the heart speaks i.e., kindness
Practice patience (one of the fruits of the Spirit). Do not be anxious about anything, even driving. Practice deep, controlling breaths in situations like this.
Practice pleasurable eating habits. Relax.
Read and listen to positive material that are informative and relaxing. Limit the in-take of negativity material.
Be intentional about your habits and how you use of social media. What looks truthful and sound can really be harmful to the mind and soul.
Be intentional about your circle of people. Ask yourself, “Is this person(s) occupying too much of my time, negatively or positively?”

The Role of Community in Mindfulness and Spirituality

Community support can enhance mindfulness practices. That community support can be as simple as family, friends, and small groups. While there are organizations that exist for helping incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily life, starting with your immediate surroundings, i.e., safe spaces.

Communication and a safe space are key components of beneficial mindful activities and spiritual wellness. For example, I personally withdrew from a small, well-being group, when the conversations became detrimental to my personal health and safety. At first, members were to meet face-to-face once a week as a support group. Shortly afterwards, for good reasons, the group met via phone technology. As a result, the meeting times became flexible in scheduling. This method of meeting interfered into my intentional times of solitude. Moreover, no longer did I have a safe space in knowing who exactly a part of this group was. Additionally, the emotionalism began to take me to a place of remembrance that began to rob me of where I chose to be in my healing. It is “ok” to give yourself permission to change your group when it is no longer a safe space.

Challenges and Solutions in Practicing Mindfulness

Thus, be certain that community activities enhance your spiritual wellness. Practicing mindfulness is meant to enhance your daily routine that are common challenges. Every minute of the day, we make choices in regard to our physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Finding techniques to deal with everyday distractions will give you a safe space of comfort. Be willing to transform those challenges into opportunities of growth. Mindfulness is just one technique for strategizing your well-being and overcoming obstacles and growing spiritually.

Perhaps, if the Holy Spirit directs, we will share more about this topic. Hence, for additional reading concerning your spiritual wellness, we suggest the following blogs at:

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

Homepage

July 6, 2026

Psalm 37 – Don’t Worry, Do Good

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He (the Lord) delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand,” Psalm 37:23.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Psalm 37

Over a decade ago, I changed my license plate tag at part of my validation of speaking Psalm 1 over my life. Why? I have a promise from God. If I delight myself in the Word (2) meditate on the Word, both day and night., then something special will happen. The reward will be that consistently; I will be like a strong tree even in rough waters. My leaves will flourish and bring forth fruit in its season. To think that I will not be out of season! Yet, there are qualifying conditions for this to happen. They are:

Allow my steps to be ordered by God
Delight in the Lord’ way.
Do not worry about such things as evil
Do not be envious.

Dealing with Evil and Good; Righteousness and Unrighteousness

First, the very first verse reads, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity (Psalm 37:1). Frankly, I had to change my mindset. In this scripture, and those like this, my thinking changed. How? I found that to give so much thought about the evil in the world, is a waste of valuable time and energy. On the other hand, it is much more productive to think on the authority that God has given to me. Thus, changing my approach to situations brought “new life.”

Evil is unrighteousness. But God deals with it. It is much more fruitful to remember that at this very moment God has given new mercy, today! Therefore, to rise up in a new day, I ask Him to order my steps and help me to do the good that pleases Him. So, to you, “Relax and rest in God!” The comptroller of this world is at the helm and knows all things.

Promises from Psalm 37

Verse 4 of Psalm 37 tells you to, “Delight yourself also in the Lord. And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” How do I delight in the Lord? Take a look at the action words in Psalm 37. You will see i.e., commit, rest, cease, wait, inherit, trust, refrain, and laugh. Put these words in your toolbox for fighting a good fight. Knowing to cutoff and escape the enemy’s territory is yours.

Also, consider verse 13 which says that the Lord laughs at the wicked. God laughs because He knows that He has prepared their defeat. So, we can stand in agreement of verse 6 that tells us that the wicked will be cut-off. More than that, focus on what the righteous will inherit. The righteous will inherit eternal life. Your inheritance is forever (verse 18). The treasures of this world are temporary. No treasure of a righteous or unrighteous man is carried to the grave (verses 9, 28, and 31).

The Good

The righteous man cannot be satisfied when his belly is filled, and his neighbor is starving (Psalm 27:3). The righteous man cannot be at peace with a system of injustice when the Lord says He loves justice. The Lord sees the days of the upright. He knows that the inheritance of the righteous is forever. So, we build our trust in the Lord and do good (Psalm 27:3). Therefore, we depart from evil and are instruments of good (v 27).

Even the more, the righteous speaks of wisdom and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of the steps of the righteous man shall slide.

A Final Thought

Finally, the psalmist said in Psalm 37:25 of himself as a witness to the Word, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”

In summary, we encourage you to read other blogs for your leadership from our site:

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

Back to Homepage

July 3, 2026

I Know What You Did

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

October 28, 2023 Update – Thinking “How Am I Doing?”

Based on a novel, a popular film was made, called “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” For this summer, a few of us are on the “treadmill” in helping others in this post-pandemic (especially young people) who are going through traumatic times. I am committed to the work/training of providing a safe space. I accept the challenge of being well (in all areas) because well people can be most effective in helping others (Physician, heal thyself). So…

With that being said, as part of my wellness focus (spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, psychologically, etc.), my thoughts began with this is a “Fabulous Friday,” I am here and I am a winner; I am a blessing and I choose to bless someone else today. How is that for psychological thoughts? Not too deep, huh? Still, you and I know the importance of our thoughts – our mindset.

A Mental Challenge

Physical Challenge (From thought to action)

Today, my journaling starts as a physical one. Yes, I said it right. This is my “Fabulous Friday Physical Journal.” I tuned in to my Silver Sneakers virtual class. Yes, in the beginning session, but I felt the burn. I am just returning to class and some of the stretching exercises felt brutal to the bones.

As we picked up the pace, I felt the challenge even more. It was what Stephanie (our instructor) said that put me at ease. Her words made me relax and breathe. Paraphrasing, she said, “If you are not feeling challenged, then you are in the wrong class. I want you in my next level session.” Thus, I share this thought with you…

“If it is too easy, then you may be working below your potential.”

Emotionally

Stephanie recognized that our emotional thoughts transcended to our physical challenge and success.

As a servant leader, sometimes I just feel that “burn.” As a caregiver, I am called to ‘STRETCH.” Like many people, there are times we feel as if things are heavier than we care to admit. We tend to think of ourselves as useful so we must be supercharged. For instance, every day, I must support my mother with her physical and emotional challenges. No matter the “wear and tear” I feel, she needs me more, I think. Mostly, I am so thankful that she is here. Every day that she and I wake up, it is a blessing. The thought of my not being able to kiss and hug her is more tedious than helping her with everyday routines. The thought that one day I may not have this opportunity is the most dreadful one of all. So, breathe as you stretch.”

Scripturally

Finding solace in Chapter 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” So, finding scriptural meaning behind all of the “woos” gives me that inner strength. As I shared before, that supercharge comes from people like you as part of my special, God-given circle, who is providing meaningful thoughts for such a time as this. This type of sharing and caring promotes health and wellness.

This Summer, This Moment in Time – To Your Health

I choose to bless you and say “Thank You” with this little video. A “thank you” is healing for the soul; “thank you” is a reminder that it could have been me who feels lost. As a global community, have seemingly lost sight of what is best for another, I find that it is still a summertime of healing and refreshing so that we can be well.

This summer, Althea, a past co-worker, has continuedly uploaded these beautiful pictures from her garden. She is spreading beauty and joy to us in ways that she may not even be aware of. These flowers bless this flower Gardenia. With kindness, I share them with you to say, “Thank You.” So, I know what she is doing this summer to maintain a place of wellness and I hope it blesses you.

I do not know what next summer will bring, but for this summer, I pray that you will be well in all areas of your life. I pray that you stretch and breathe in these moments for your mind, body and soul. Even if you feel the burn, it means that you are moving forward, reaching for the next level. I hope, in your reflection, that you look back and remember this summer with love and joy – because you stretched forward and did not give up.

“Safe Space” to you.

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

Homepage

June 23, 2026