Grow or Die
By Beth
I was in a class recently where a female pastor was sharing the dilemma of declining numbers in the church on Sunday morning. I don’t suppose that is an unusual issue for churches to face as congregations age and become less resistant to change. What struck me personally was the class instructor’s question to this woman when she asked “does your church want to grow or die?” What a clarifying question – one that has served me recently as I find myself in yet another transition.
My dream of creating a women’s renewal center where women would find support for living creative and spiritual lives came true in 2007 when I opened the doors to Elizabeth’s House in Toledo, Ohio. After leasing an empty building on the provincial campus of the Sisters of Notre Dame, I hung three words in huge print on the main wall. RETHINK…, RENEW…, REINVENT… became the invitation I extended to women, and not surprisingly the women came. At first they were curious, suspicious, and cautious. Understandable since there is nothing to compare Elizabeth’s House with. I mean, where can women find resources for living a whole and meaningful life unless they are in a crisis? What if your life isn’t in complete shambles but you could still use some support? Where can women go when life has called them to change and they just need some perspective on the situation? Where are the other women who will help us get the clarity we seek in order to make decisions in our own best interest? These were the questions that gave birth to the desire to create such a place.
The vision for a place like Elizabeth’s House in the community has always been big – so much bigger than one woman could accomplish alone and now, two years into manifesting this dream, it is time for Elizabeth’s House to “grow or die.” This blog is my attempt at playing bigger in the world. It is a decision I’ve made to allow others into my dream in order to grow, me as one woman, and we the collective. I intend to share as openly and honestly as I can and invite those of you interested to join me for the adventure.
November 4th, 2009
This author published 6 posts in this site.Share
Louise Kahle
November 4th, 2009
Elizabeth’s House has been such a big part of my life since the doors were opened! Anyone struggling with something in their life (for me it was my business) would benefit from an Elizabeth’s House. There is nothing like talking to a group of women who are open and honest about their own struggles to gain perspective on your own.
I am tired of hearing that it’s hard to get along with other women because we’re too competitive, or some such nonsense ….. we need other women in our lives to share our successes, failures, fears, and dreams.
Count me in on your journey, Beth!
Global Toni's Perspective
November 4th, 2009
I’m up for the challenge and throw in my vote for growth , because we must keep the dream, that is Elizabeth’s House alive & kickin’. I’ll never forget the day a woman told me to follow her & took me to Elizabeth’s House. You see, that’s how most of us get there…each woman brings others. On the outside I looked like I had it all together…a pro at creating the illusion. Don’t get me wrong…I wasn’t in major crisis mode, just feeling off my square….trying to establish my entrepreneurial independence after years in corporate America…juggling the challenges of a new marriage…on the outside very confident, but on the inside questioning my instincts and abilities.
The non-judgemental atmosphere at the House created a safe space to start peeling off the layers & get back to me…the me that was fearless…trusting the instincts that had always sustained me. Sometimes I go to E House and others are supporting my unfolding and other times I can give support. After living in the big city, my joy is finding a place like this in Toledo!!!! I feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ…there’s no place like home & I have everything I need to get to the next level.
Guess what? I only needed me!!!! But not the me that was overwhelmed being Mom, Wife, Corporate Shark, Budding Entrepreneur. Had to put that all in the title basket & uncover me. Elizabeth’s House created the space for me to emerge with the loving help of midwives who had all been in the stirrups at one time or another. Thank you, Beth, for co-creating this wonderful place. We will all grow. Maybe E Houses will sprout all over the world. The feminine Divine is what the world has been missing. We’re awake now & not afraid to grow. What’s next? I’m ready for a road trip!
Debbie Hice
November 5th, 2009
One of my favorite lines from a movie is “Get busy living or get busy dying.” For years I lived for everyone but myself. I did not know what I wanted or the person that lived inside my skin. For the most part I chose not to share my thoughts, my issues (there are a few), and my dreams because I felt that no one would really understand. I did not want to be judged for how I thought and felt. What a relief to know that I am not alone. A place to grow and learn about me….No judgement!!!
Wow !!! Unfortunately distance does not allow me to participate at the “House”, but I have the good fortune of having one on one time with Beth. The past two years have made such a difference in my life with the guidence of Beth. My thought process has changed. I am renewed, I am rethinking, and I am reinventing. Best of all I really…like me!
I’m up for the roadtrip…Count me in!
Cathy Shaffer
November 6th, 2009
It is imperative that Elizabeth’s House (EH) remains an integral part of community. I have, for a long time, felt there is a need for an EH in every community; in every city. That is the significance of EH. EH is directly pertinent to the qualitative sustaining of community.
Women are a powerful and vital component of life. And, women will continue to make sure that fact never changes.
I vow to do everything, I can, to make sure EH remains a voice in our community.
The FORCE will continue to be with us.
Cathy L. Shaffer
Victoria Kamm
November 6th, 2009
There are only two groups of people. One group focuses on what they have and one focuses on what they can get. It takes great courage to let go of what one has in order to get what one truly wants. It’s rare enough that we are often in awe when someone actually does it.
A leap of faith is required that cannot be accomplished without community support – an emotional infrastructure that holds the space open for as long as necessary. This, in essence, is Elizabeth’s House.
Grow or die? Absolutely right. As long as you keep thinking bigger though dying becomes much less of an option.
Cheryl
March 25th, 2010
Such a wonderful inquiry! Most of us would be drawn to the idea growth, because it has been so palpable to many of us in the journey of the evolution of this house. But, the question is more subtle than it’s surface would indicate. Does it need to be start or stop? Can it be incubation, like it has been for many of us over the past many months? Spirit works in many ways and the the possibilities may reflect the abundance, creativity and movement of spirit in our individual and collective lives. Life is organic; in constant flux. If we can align ourselves with the joy, creativity, and surrender to this free flowing Spirit in our midst, we may find that that many alternatives, including incubation are appropriate approaches.
Patience for ourselves and patience with the process are needed if the fruit is to ripen. All seems to be growing and building on an intended base and holding our intentions in an open and receptive mode may yield the most fruitful outcome.
Blessings to all who come through these doors.
Cheryl