by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jun 22, 2023 | Family, Loss, Ministry, Recovery, Relationships, Stress, Stress Management
“Cruel people offer pity when they no longer feel threatened. However, kind people offer compassion and understanding regardless.” Shannon L. Alder When my birth father, Gus, passed away in December, I thought to myself, “I just need space to grieve.” Everything had...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jun 14, 2023 | Leadership, Ministry, Relationships, Stress, Stress Management
I’m a person of deep feeling, and as delighted as I can get about things, I can also spiral down into an emotional abyss when things aren’t going well. I have realized that I need a personal strategy to overcome life’s disappointments or I just...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jun 7, 2023 | Relationships, Stress, Trauma
Can you read a post online that you disagree with and refrain from: Melting down emotionally Commenting with something rude, or lacking the fruit of the spirit Talking to your friends about how terrible the post was Reporting their post (online or in real life)...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | May 17, 2023 | Adoptees, Family, Grief, Loss, Relationships
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” Washington Irving I stare...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Feb 3, 2023 | Adoptees, Adoption, Family, Grief, Loss, Relationships, Uncategorized
When Gus first died, I wanted to stay at home all the time. The reason was simple. I didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to be sweet when others said or did annoying things, so I stayed to myself. There are people I encounter who love me very much but aren’t the...
by Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Jan 12, 2023 | Adoptees, Adoption, Family, Relationships, Reunion, Trauma
What I am about to share has been difficult to come to terms with this past week. In my heart, I already knew it, but having proof hurts just the same. I have said several times that even though Gus (my bio father) is dead, our story isn’t over. It won’t be until...