Author: Serene Hollingsworth

Met Chantell in Santee. She was the absolute best manager ever!

I cannot believe my Sabbatical is coming to a close. What a whirlwind and wonderful journey it has been. Interestingly, I wasn’t certain, if I should take my Sabbatical in July. I wrestled with whether to change the date to later in the year. I’d only started as a Select Producer in April, and I felt I was just gaining some traction. I am so grateful, however, I stayed the course. This Sabbatical was so necessary and timely.

I didn’t realize how much heaviness I carried out of 2016 into this new year. From my daughter Biancha’s illness and surgery; my daughter’s high risk pregnancy and subsequent early delivery of precious Ezra, and other family matters. I carried quite a bit into 2017. I was drained and running on fumes.

What a Blessings to slow down. Clear the chatter in my mind, catch my breath, and laugh at myself. It took seven days to get into the flow of sabbatical life. I was working too hard trying to figure out what to do and how to do it, which brings me to. I learned a lot about myself over these few weeks. Some of these things I knew. Other areas became more glaring as the days and weeks progressed.

Below are a 21 things I learned while on Sabbatical. They are in no necessary order. When I wrote some of them, I laughed. Others, I studied with hopes of creating some change. There were still others, which seemed ‘negative’ and yet sometimes being selfish is necessary.

The water is my friend. Unless it’s over my head!

What I Learned About Me On Sabbatical:

• I am absolutely a metropolitan girl who appreciates the water. I love being near and close to the city. I love amenities when I travel.
• I will never go camping, and I am OK with that.
• If there are beware of alligators and snake signs I am on the wrong trip and probably wrong people. But I survived, haha.

As beautiful as the sunrise was…There were alligators below. Serene didn’t go there!

• I am an ambivert. With strong learning toward introvert. I really appreciate my alone and down time.
• I am an absolute control freak! I’d rather drive, tell you how to drive, or fly the plane myself.
• I seldom change my mind. If I tell you, ‘I am not jumping out the plane or zip lining, there’s no need to ask me more than once.’ If we were meant to fly GOD would have given us wings. We are human beings not angels. But I am really OK, if you want too try it.
• I don’t like sharing my food. Unless I offer it to you. Not certain I’ll get over this one. Order your own, and pray for me!
• I feel comfortable and at home in most churches. I’ve yet to feel like a stranger when entering a new church. I’ve really enjoyed the churches I’ve visited on Sabbatical.
• Social injustice makes me compassionate and angry.
• I do not understand for the life of me why we need Confederate symbols adorning our cities. It is hurtful to Black Americans.
• I do not understand why this country has never apologize for slavery?
• As a rule, I don’t really engage ‘strangers’. It’s a city thing. I can now live without. I am going to make it a practice to speak to, engage, and acknowledge others.
• I don’t make friends quickly.
• I don’t trust easily.

Streets of Charleston. Even the NE Patriots fan was cool. Sigh lol!

• I am grumpy when I don’t get enough sleep.
• I can be very selfish.
• I am capable of living with and making peace with things and people I do not necessarily like.
• Life without Martini’s is like a subprime loan.
• I actually like MLB. Who knew?
• I need more vacations and get-a-ways in my life. Even small weekend trips will be necessary.
• Life without Martini’s is like a subprime loan. Oh…I said that already!

Low country hospitality and beautiful people!

My first MLB game. Cubs and the Braves!

All in all…I am grateful for GOD’s grace and mercy over my life and this journey. My GOD who knows all about these things on my list and then some. I have had some wonderful conversations. Learned a lot about myself. Met some beautiful people who accepted me for me while on Sabbatical. I feel a little lighter, hopeful, and creative. Thank you for the opportunity to disconnect Kris and FDLIC.

Emanuel A.M.E. Church Charleston, South Carolina Massacre

Tuesday was a very different day for me. It wasn’t a bad day, however, my heart was heavy. I drove to Charleston, South Carolina for a day trip.

Though I have family in the Carolina’s, and I am no stranger to the area, each visit south challenges me both mentally and emotionally. The remnants of slavery are still very present. So little change and progression for Blacks in South Carolina, the Carolina’s, sigh…The Southern states. All states. This trip was no different for me.

This was, however, my first trip to Charleston, since the Emanuel A.M.E. Church Racial Massacre. Emanuel A.M.E. Church is a pillar in the Black community of Charleston. It is a landmark. Emanuel A.M.E.Church was started in 1816, and it is the first independent Black denomination (African Methodist Episcopal).

This white washed church stands tall on the streets of downtown Charleston. Oh, if the walls could speak. The stories that would be told. But this Tuesday was different. Though the weather was humid and the sun was shining there was a bit of a chill in the air as I stood outside of Emanuel A.M.E. Church. There were a few tourist taking pictures, but the street was relatively quiet. There was certainly reverence for those who did pass the church. There is no mistaking something tragic happened here. On this street. In this church during a Wednesday night Bible study.

Home of Emanuel A.M.E. Church

Nine lives were lost on June 17th, 2015. The Rev. Clementa Pickney (41); Cynthia Hurd (54); Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (45); Tywanza Sanders (26); Ethel Lance (70); Susie Jackson (87); Depayne Middleton Doctor (49); Rev. Daniel Simmons (74); Myra Thompson (59).

Services are still held here.

Most would think after the blood shed inside the sanctuary that the doors of Emanuel A.M.E. Church would be closed; however, each week services are still held, even Wednesday night Bible study. This is absolutely of no surprise to me. We are such a resilient people. We are such a faithful people. No matter the atrocities, injustice, or challenges we trust that GOD is still GOD! And though this particular visit touched me in a different way, I was happy to see that the doors of the church are still open. Emanuel A.M.E. Church is still serving the community, and all people are paying respect as they pass this historic church in Charleston, South Carolina. What a day. As challenging as the day was I am grateful to have had this moment and space.

️We are put on earth to be a Miracle and Blessing to others. Far too often, I believed those Blessings and Miracles had to be big, cost a lot, or take too much of my time; so I’d bypass my opportunity to Bless others. Muchas ego!

Today, I look for opportunities to Bless others. I heard a pastor a couple of Sundays ago as I Sabbatical, that being a Blessing takes FAITH. Hmm. It often seemed I didn’t have what we need to Bless others. The Pastor, continued to share, many of us Christians are like the Dead Sea. Receiving Blessings however, we have nothing going out. We’re the walking dead!

Selah.

Often, my ‘gestures’ seem small and inconsequential, and yet to others they are the Blessing and Miracle they are seeking.

Even today, as I stumbled into a Starbucks with a painters cap on, white wrinkled t-shirt, gray shorts, and black flip-flops..The Barista making my Mocha & Cream Iced Coffee says, ‘You looks so nice. Cool and refreshed in this heat!’ What?! With her great big smile, and we smiled at each other. I’ll tell you, I wasn’t even going to walk into that Starbucks, because I looked like I’d just rolled out of bed (ego). Sorta, I had; however, I decided to stroll in anyway. Heck, who knows me down here, haha! I was Blessed by her compliment, and I received her well meaning words.

Let us continue by Faith to Bless others and be a Miracle! No matter how small or simple our ‘gesture’ may appear. Someone needs our FAITH! Blessings, Beautiful people!

Had a great picture to post. Deleted it! Oh, my next time!

~ Serene Bridgett #SabbaticalLife #ShesAFuneralPlanner #MyNameIsSerene #IamSerene #WalkingOutMiraclesAndBlessings #ByFaith

The Seventh Day! I Got It!

It is day seven of my Sabbatical, and it has taken my body, mind, and spirit seven complete days to understand it is on Sabbatical. Seven full days to sleep until I feel rested. Seven full days not to think about work, the house, and the weeds in the lawn. Seven full days to go into refresh, rest, and reconnect mode. Hmm…I get it GOD! Seven is His number of completion. I must admit, I was a bit fearful this paradigm shift wouldn’t kick in until day 29 of my Sabbatical. I was getting a bit concerned about asking for another Sabbatical leave, haha!

It wasn’t for lack of trying, mind you that I couldn’t rest or detach. I believe, I may have been trying a bit too hard, OR perhaps, I am simply a creature of habit and doing? Either way, I got! Today I got. Maybe last night is when the magic really happened? Speaking of last night…It was filled with beauty of its own. I drove into the city with new friends. Now, if you know anything about me–new friends is not necessarily my comfort zone. My old and dear friends suit me perfectly; however, my Sabbatical has awakened me to the beauty of all things new and not so perfect. I enjoyed the Botanical Gardens with my new friends. What a lovely exhibit. The frog in the picture below reminded me to just chill, and I did.

Frog Life Chilling!

This morning, I slept in with no care for a clock, the sun peeking into the windows, or the outside sounds and there are many in this country setting. I simply rested and took it easy. Go, Serene!

Cool and Artistic Exhibit!

Got Old Chandeliers? Add Plants!

To be honest, I felt like a lazy bum this morning; but I quickly got over it, and drove with no destination in mind to Mountain Biscuits.  I swear, I wasn’t trying to find this place. First of all, whoever, and I mean whoever created this place should be banished to total darkness for LIFE. I ordered a FRIED, yes, FRIED biscuit, because that’s what the locals eat, and everyone said, ‘Seriously you have to eat one in your lifetime.’ I did. It had to be 2,000 calories of which, 1,999 were FAT from butter and powdered sugar! But, it was so good. Now, I didn’t eat the entire biscuit, because that just wouldn’t have been right. But, country folk sure can eat!

Friday morning Drive! No Destination.

Mountain Biscuits! 2000 Calories of Goodness!

Sinful! That is all.

Well, now that I have figured out this Sabbatical Life. I am going poolside to continue reading “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn. It’s actually the best book I have read about Heaven minus the Bible. If you’ve never read it, I strongly suggest you do. It will certainly change your perspective about earthly living. It’s certainly not a quick read, however, it is a wondrous read! Fabulous Friday, y’all!

Oh, almost forgot. I am going to a baseball game to night. Did I mention, I didn’t particularly care for baseball? Well, that is until the Cubs won, and I watched the World Series last year. Breaking out of comfort zone. Sabbatical Life. Day Seven!

This is day six of my Sabbatical, and yesterday was rather challenging for me.  I spent the day serving Veterans of America on the 800 hotline and walk-in service office in Georgia. The phones rang all day long and the lines were long all day. Most of the calls I took came from Veterans looking for housing and or affordable housing. There were other calls from family members of Veterans looking for mental illness or PTSD support. My line never stopped ringing, and I have never felt a desire to do more and yet, I was unable to do what my heart desired.

My heart is so heavy and grieved, even today. How can we allow those who serve our country to be homeless? How is it that, we haven’t built enough affordable housing for our Veterans?  How does this happen in America?

I spoke to both the young and old, women and men. Loved ones–parents, wives, husbands, and children looking for answers and solutions. Their need was immediate and dire for most, and often there were simply no available resources or there are so many Veterans ahead of them and so much red tape to move through. Appointments can be months out. I cannot imagine the pain and frustration these Veterans and their families must feel.

Those who work and volunteer serving Veterans of America are wonderful and caring people. Many Veterans themselves. Some wives of Veterans. Some like me, with a desire to be of service wherever we may be needed. And contrary to the day I had yesterday, this team helps a large number of Veterans and their families each day. I only wish we could do it faster without all of the red tape.

I have had the privilege as a Select Producer to pre-plan two funerals for Veterans. When I return I am going to speak with my funeral home owner about a Veteran’s Package. I understand Veterans receive several benefits making burial affordable; however, I certainly believe there is more we can do as a funeral home and in the community we serve.

There shouldn’t be any homeless Veteran’s in our country. This is criminal to my mind. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve yesterday. It was a humbling experience. It was an honor. It was indeed a privilege. And it will be a continued honor and privilege to pray for the families I spoke with yesterday.

I made it. My Thursday morning flight out of O’Hare, that is with some time to spare. Don’t sweat the small stuff right? Just stay the course.

I am in new surroundings. Miles from home. Where there are plenty of mosquitoes and sounds which are foreign to me. Birds and insects are my current companions. No cars. No traffic. No sirens. No trains. No planes over head. It’s peaceful. Well, it will be more peaceful once I combat the mosquitoes. I can’t even imagine why GOD created them, haha! Yet, I’m certain they serve some purpose? Yet, I digress.

I really wish I could identify these birds by sound, however, that just might remove me too far from my urban roots. I never quite identified as a city girl until I landed here. But all of the years in Chicago have framed the person I have become. Hmm…For better or worse. But I’m not married to Chicago. I may be able to get used to this seclusion. Ill certainly keep you posted.

The beauty of my current space is that it allows me to think. Too often the hustle and bustle of life prevent real thinking. We, well I have become so reactionary. Quick decisions are often the order of my day. But here I can think without needing an answer. I can contemplate and consider or just be still. Honestly, there really are no questions I need to answer today. Nothing pressing. All is as it should be.

Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to really think, hear the birds, smell the dampness in the air, this light breeze, and all of the people who smiled at me today. I can think on the beauty that surrounds me.

Urban Girl Trails

It’s almost time for my walk. It has cooled down enough. I think. Darn, if I could only see this bird who seems to be talking to me. Well, not today. Until…My friends!

Can you believe, I actually forgot when I was to begin Sabbatical? I did! I was supposed to begin my Sabbatical on July 5th. I actually worked yesterday. Until, I remembered, ‘Serene you’re on Sabbatical’!

Well, I got it right this morning. July, 6th. Yes! I am on Sabbatical. I’m on my way to O’Hare. In a traffic jam. That may or may not allow me to catch my flight on time. BIG SIGH. But, hey…there are more flights, right? Right?! Anyway, there’s nothing like the lovely view of 294-N this time of day, haha!

I’m not going to sweat it. There are no real delays. I’ll arrive at the appointed time. And, so my journey begins. Two hours in traffic, but at least I remembered today my Sabbatical begins. Happy Thursday everyone.

I’ll let you know when I arrive.