The Lord is my Shepherd is perhaps the single most recognized phrase from the Bible. “Generation after generation, both Christian and non-Christian alike, have taken comfort and encouragement from David’s portrayal of God as a faithful and compassionate Shepherd. This despite the fact that the majority of people living in urban and suburban areas have never seen a flock of sheep, let alone a shepherd tending his animals. Such is the power of the shepherd image in Scripture”.[1] What do we understand about the role of a Shepherd in the biblical context? The Shepherd was responsible for leading the flock to pasture and water, shelter, protection, care, and healing in the case of sickness or injury.
There is an interesting transition in the life of David that takes place in Psalm 78:70-72; “He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfold, from following nursing ewes, he brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, Israel His inheritance. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” The skills learned from a nomadic lifestyle are now brought to the table of leadership discussion to lead National Israel. Today this transition asks, How do you shepherd in a National/Global pandemic?
In response to the question, Max Dupree states the first responsibility of leadership is to define reality. So, what is reality currently? A pandemic can be compared to a hurricane. There is a ramping up of preparation and endurance until the front of the “eye-wall” has passed. Then a momentary reprieve before the back side of the storm passes. Then calm and many times sunshine appears as though nothing has occurred. Yet devastation is everywhere. By all indications, Covid-19 has peaked and now is in decline. We are all anticipating getting out and becoming social once again. HOWEVER, the back side of the storm is about to pass.
Extensive research in disaster mental health has established that emotional distress is ubiquitous in affected populations. Ubiquitous simply refers to that which is omni-present; it is everywhere you look. Covid-19 has consumed our daily life! Prolonged traumatic exposure leads to PTSD-like systems. For example, when you have trouble sleeping, anxiety, substance abuse, relational difficulty, lack of purpose, forgetfulness of key facts, anti-social behaviors, and loss of ambition to name a few.
In preparation for our return to socialization we would be wise to pause and consider our own mental health. At a minimum we should set aside some time for reflection about how are we honestly feeling today. As a next step we can take a mental health screening assessment. This screening is completely anonymous and no personal information is required. If needed, schedule a medical visit with your physician. Physical issues can be masked as mental/emotional issues.
I believe the most important issue of mental/emotional health is to set “Bright Line” parameters on your daily routine. Effective daily routines begin the night before. Here are some suggestions to consider.
- Shut down all computer/entertainment screens one hour before you go to bed.
- Go to bed at a consistent time nightly.
- Get out of bed at a regular time daily – Sleep lost is never gained.
- Eat Healthy – Feed the body properly so the mind can function efficiently.
- Exercise – walking is one of the most-simple yet effective exercises you can do for yourself.
- Do not “binge-watch” entertainment – over-stimulation of the mind is unhealthy.
- Have a set time for bible reading – prayer – writing – reflection
- Learn the discipline of 90-minutes of deep work cycles without interruptions – Stop trying to conquer your mountain in a day.
- Learn the discipline of journaling – This is not “Dear diary………”
- Learn to eat cake! – Be good to yourself.
Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching.
[1] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 170). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
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