McKen's Masterclass Resources

I’ve been trying to prepare a sermon on the Juniper tree experience.   I haven’t found it very easy.  The Juniper tree stage seems to be one Christians try to skip because they tell themselves that no one wants to know about their valley or desert experience.  Perhaps they get told when things are bad to always give thanks or give the illusion of being on the mountain top.

I’ve started looking at this experience from a different perspective since I have been through this experience.  Not to say that I have stopped the rain, called down fire from heaven, and told a king and queen they need to change their behaviour like Elijah.

My Juniper tree experience started when both my parents became old and extremely sick.  I ran around spinning plates, wife, mother, teacher, and carer.  I did everything I could to keep them safe in their own home.  When they both passed; I felt so alone.  I couldn’t pray, read my bible, or go to church.  My whole life had centred around these three things, and I couldn’t motivate myself to do anything.

Eventually, I pulled myself out of that valley for the sake of my daughter, my husband, and my disabled sister.  Sometimes, you don’t even recognise it as depression because you get so used to that feeling of sadness.

I’m trying to recall when I felt renewed and refreshed, but I think it was realzing that I wasn’t alone in my grief and pain.  My church family visited me, they prayed with me, and they spoke words of hope and peace.

I also attended bereavement counselling at times it was really uncomfortable; I found it hard to stay in the moment and fully explore the heavy weight of loss.  In the times when I spoke openly and cried and cried and cried, it was truly cathartic.

The Juniper tree experience  can be preparation for a new experience it gave me the energy to apply for new jobs and leave a position of relative security.  I met new people and I learnt new skills.  I spent valuable time with my daughter at track and field.  I made new friends, and I tapped into the many skills I learnt in life.