Background

There were a number of testimonies from people who had seen their income opportunities suddenly disappear – they were vulnerable before God and some before man, and there had been miraculous outcomes.

A full range of emotions had been felt by most through the lockdown period and seen in the lives of friends and family – it was time to gain a greater psychological understanding of what was happening.

Both these topics were worth exploring in order to see what God was doing and what people were experiencing and be able to reach out to others with sensitivity, wisdom and understanding.

The Interview

Mark Wimble, Durban North site pastor, spoke on the topic of Vulnerability and its importance as a principle of life. He unpacks some practical applications for vulnerability and how it unlocks opportunity and connection.

Clive Jardine, HR Director of the Kerry Foods Group, spoke on the topic of the Wellbeing Challenge, the cycle of reaction to times of great stress. He spoke on the effects of long term stress, the process leading to compassion fatigue, and the core to mental strength. It was encouraging to hear him verbalise many of the mental and emotional experiences we had gone through or seen others go through and get the understanding that these reactions were normal and could be processed. We were certainly empowered to help others.

Toni Wilkins, Social Worker at Livingstone Primary School as well as a private practice, spoke on the impact of this extended period of time at home. Many parents were stressed, worried or in conflict in the areas of relationship, jobs or money. Children might have been moved between divorced parents. Many parents had taken on the role of home teacher. Children were stressed and not interacting with other children and their cycle of life was thrown. As parents we need to recognise the impact on our children and spend quality time with them, discussing their understanding, processing life with them and maintaining a loving parent/child relationship.

The Group Discussion

Mark Wimble led the group discussion, extending the topic of vulnerability and created a safe space for further discussion. There was excellent feedback from some of the group and a mature understanding shown on the topic. The discussion revealed that there was very real value in members of the group in providing discipleship.

Mark spoke on the topic of mentors and being mentored and spoke on the importance of an attitude of seeking to learn from others and reaching out and engaging with others in a teachable way. It was a very wise and beneficial perspective.