Weary Warriors, by Carrie Coffman
It’s scary to consider the implications of burnout not only for yourself, but for your family, ministry and national friends. Serving as a missionary, it is difficult to set boundaries, especially when your needs differ from those of your co-workers. We need to maintain a proper view of ourselves (i.e. – it is not my Great Commission) as well as live by the Biblical standard of rest.
Weary Warriors is great for a fast look at burnout, depression & anxiety in missionaries. It is intended as a roadmap for those who have experienced burnout and is full of valuable resources. I enjoyed the numerous personal examples that describe the situations of many people I know. I also like that it’s an easy read.
NOTE: My notes are meant as a “cheat sheet” guide to a quick understanding of the causes and preventions of burnout. In order to gain a fuller and, most likely, more sympathetic understanding of burnout, I suggest you read the book. If you’re unable to get this book, email me and I’ll send you a copy.If you are someone who has experienced burnout or feel that you might be on the verge, I encourage you to seek counseling to address all the issues involved.
Part I: Going Through Emotional Fatigue
What is burnout?
Burnout (def.): An overdrawn account; when your output exceeds your input
Causes of Emotional Depletion: (which leads to burnout)
- Little commitment to personal needs
- Burnout is not “the cost involved” in ministry.
- Unrealistic Workload - usually traced to a twisted view of ministry
- Do you have limits for the number of people you work with or responsibilities you take on?
- It’s not your Great Commission
- Commitment is not measured by how far you stretch yourself
- “Some missionaries are Christ-centered, and some are ministry-centered” (p23)
- Feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, inferiority
- Are your accomplishments unconscious compensations for your insecurities?
- Highly stressful circumstances (that tax the emotional resources)
- i.e. - lots of adjustments in a short period of time (moving, job change, new friends)
- Temperament or personality type
- i.e. - an extrovert working in a culture or team of introverts or visa versa
- Do you find yourself in competition or comparing yourself to co-workers? Can they have more appointments in one day than you?
- An inaccurate view of one’s capacity
- Tense Relationships
- If you don’t have the necessary tools for confrontation, tense relationships can zap your emotional energy
- Abusive Leadership – use the sheep to meet their own needs
- Life’s harsh realities – death, theft, etc. There are some things we weren’t meant to handle as humans.
Typically, emotional depletion speaks of a deeper issue. What’s your root issue?
This root issue differs for every person. It’s typically a lie we’ve embraced for decades. What is the truth about how you view yourself? Are you valuable? Are you too valuable, meaning, are you more self-serving than you’d like to admit?
Ask the Lord to show you what to repent of; this is a necessity. “Otherwise you repent of the smoke & not the fire.”
Symptoms of Burnout:
· Lack of interest in life
· Spiritual dryness
· Inability to perform normal tasks
· Overreacting
· Difficulty sleeping
· Excessive tiredness
· Depression
· Trouble with nerves
· Certain physical problems
Burnout REQUIRES – a change in lifestyle
….The Great Commission will not pass you by
Rewards of Healing From Burnout: Suffering produces much wisdom
- Less simplistic faith & view of God
- Less harsh on others
- Honesty with others
- Life is more enjoyable
Part 2: Preventing a Return to Emotional Fatigue
- Build your reserves
- Have a weekly 24-hour day of rest (funny, this is in the Bible) – what rejuvenates you?
- Take rest periods (physical evidence that your body requires sleep – Archibald Hart)
- Have fun – laughter is actually proven to break the circuit that brings stress to the body. “A cheerful heart is good medicine” Prov. 17:22
- Take sufficient vacations
- Develop emotionally satisfying relationships
- Take care of your health
- Resolve your conflicts
- Do things differently
- Stop being driven to accomplish
- Set realistic goals
- Allow yourself to be late
- Don’t be intense about everything
- Speak up for your needs
- Find load-lifters - ask people for help. In fact, the people you have helped spiritually will actually feel privileged to have a chance to bless you as you’ve bless them.
- Say “no”
- Be honest about your feelings – it’s ok to admit if your in over your head, fearful, anxious, etc.
- Patch up holes in your spiritual umbrella (problems with your leader)
- Listen to those who know you (does your husband/wife know you better than yourself?)
- Overhaul your thinking – what you believe really matters
- You are valuable to God just because you exist
- It’s not your Great Commission
- Repent & believe! This will allow God to help overhaul your thinking
Appendix A: Common physical indications of stress, by Dr. Paul J. Rosch
- Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- Neck ache, back pain or muscle spasms
- Frequent colds, infections or herpes sores
- Rashes, itching, hives or unexplained allergy attacks
- Chest pain, palpitation or rapid pulse
- Excess anxiety, worry, guilt or nervousness
- Diminished sexual desire or performance
- Depression or frequent mood swings
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness or confusion
- Feeling overloaded and overwhelmed
- Sense of loneliness and worthlessness
- Significant weight gain or loss without change in diet
- Nervous habits such as fidgeting or foot tapping
- Reduced work efficiency or productivity
- Constant tiredness, weakness or fatigue
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Lack of interest in appearance and punctuality
- V.M. Parachin, “Tension Tamers,” The Retired Officer Magazine, October 1996
1 response so far