Fear of ALL Things Dental

I have been out of it for almost 2 weeks because a tooth was abscessing. It began almost 2 weeks ago, actually, last year I went to a local University School of Dentistry (which will remain unnamed)..because I needed some extensive work done and didn't have the money for the procedures...so went to the School. Let me just say, everytime I went for a procedure it was like entering a torture chamber...I kid you not, I was more than traumatized...

Last April, I realized it just was not worth it...so stopped my treatment.

Two weeks ago, when my tooth began to ache, I went to my dentist, after looking at the x-ray, I was asked where the previous work on this tooth had been done...apparently, it was done incorrectly and that is why I had an abscess...

I had to go to a specialist because of the complications...went on Tuesday afternoon, and after the root canal, I was in so much pain that I spent the next 32 hours on pain meds that put me to sleep....I am finally among the living today.

I think in 48 years I truly have had about 3 good experiences at the dentist...therefore, my fear of all things dental...

I am sure dentists are fine human beings...I don't know any personally, I sort of wish I did, maybe it would help my fear, not sure, glad that is over!

Other than the pain I have been through I did have some highlights...

On Saturday, I was invited to a leadership feast with Mars Hill Grad School's student leadership (thanks Barb).

What an amazing group. I brought my friend and partner in all things Kingdom, Leigh with me. The first hour we listened to the students discuss leadership. I was so amazed by the amount of honest evaluation and willingness to embrace where they were on their journey, and courage to want to grow, that when it came time for me to facilitate a discussion on leadership, I was speechless. I really could have just listened to them....

It ended up, I shared a bit about me and opened it to the student leaders to tell me what they would like to talk about. They asked about my journey as a woman leader and how I got to be ordained and functioning where I am today....

They asked what I love about leading, what I hate about leading, what advice I would give them about finding a faith community...I was met with such graciousness and hospitality that it was the highlight of my week.

I so appreciated their hearts...they will make a difference in this world...they have placed themselves in an environment to connect their own places of pain in the places of pain in this world that will bring healing, reconciliation and justice...I admire them....