Joy | Grief | Action | Change

This Friday marks my last day at work. I am excited and scared to see what the future holds. During the 2nd week of April, I told HR that I would be leaving Park permanently. Giving them a 2 and ½ month notice in hopes that I could find a job working solely in Suicide Prevention. But it hasn’t worked out that way.

Last Friday, I had Happy Hour with a board member of an organization that provides funds for mental health care services to schools around the state. It’s an incredible organization. At the end of our glass of wine and appetizer’s, I found myself in tears, thanking her for caring. She has a full-time job (not in the mental health field) and a young family. She works for the board, over and above everything else. Simply because she sees a need, and she cares.

When I got home, I was alone. I started thinking about my day. I became emotional about my upcoming end date at work. I started to go over in my head how many emails I’ve sent to Legislators, Representatives, Suicide Organizations, “people of authority” in Minnesota, with no response. Not even a simple “No, sorry, not interested, good luck with your mission.” I’ve literally sent over 100 emails. I started to feel defeated and angry. So, I posted on Instagram a “rant” of my frustrations. In my rant, I called people out and tagged them. In hopes to get their attention………..

Saturday was a new day. One of my co-workers was getting married. The other co-workers and I decided to get a hotel room. We were excited, it was going to be a fun night. My friend looked stunning. The service was very beautiful. It was filled with stories about their love and their faith in God. But there was one part that stuck out to me the most. During the middle of the service, the Pastor pulls out a pitcher of water and a glass. He fills up the glass and guzzles the water. Then he filled the glass up again and continued to drink the water until the pitcher was empty. At first, I was nervous, thought maybe he was going to pass out or something. He then asked Cody and Anna (the beautiful bride and groom) what would you rather be, the pitcher or the glass. The pitcher continues to fill you up when you are empty. You rely on that pitcher to replenish you. However, there will be days, because we are human, that both vessels will be empty. He then stated that when both have nothing to give, when you feel empty, defeated, or tired, look to the Pitcher “God.” For he can replenish you. He knows and loves you through and through, he knows what you need, and he will not forsake you.

I sat in prayer on Sunday. I was praying to be replenished because I am tired. Praying that I would hear back from someone. Praying that I would get a job doing Suicide Prevention full-time, because right now, I’m doing all of this with because I care, there’s no money. Praying that I would find a job so that I can at least continue doing this important work. Praying about my rant. Praying that they would hear me. Praying that something would happen. Sooner than later because I don’t want to burn out. Eventually, I will have to find a job, so I can pay bills. Please “Pitcher” do you hear me? Later in the day, I came across my memories for the day, June 23rd, and I got a little message from Aria.

She was right………. I have been mean, rude, and impatient about my mission. Who am I to call people out for not doing what “I expect” them to do. I realized, I needed to take down that rant, immediately. It doesn’t serve me to call people out for their lack of response. It doesn’t serve God and it doesn’t serve Aria. It belittles the mission. So, I apologize. I apologize to everyone who saw it. I was mean, rude, and impatient. As soon as I took it down, NO JOKE, this popped up on my Instagram feed,

So today, I give it to God, fully. He will lead me where I am supposed to go. Maybe I will never get Suicide Prevention Courses mandated throughout Minnesota. Or inspire research in how we look and approach suicide prevention in children. Maybe I’ll never be a School Accredited Suicide Preventionalist (which I am in the process of getting, btw)

If anything, there are 6 things I hope that people get from this blog. 6 because 3+2+1= 6

  • Life is short. Enjoy it!! Choose Love and Joy.
  • Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.
  • Always stand up for what you believe in. If something feels wrong, say something. If you feel like you can make a difference, DO IT!
  • No degree, No job, No amount of money, No accolades, compare to quality time with your loved ones. I understand that we live in a world where finances are tough for A LOT of families. But, its not worth stressing over. Its not worth picking up a shift and missing a piano recital. Believe me, there is nothing more precious than quality time with your kids. I’d give it all back for more time. At the end of the day, its all that matters.
  • Be kind to people. You REALLY TRULY never know what people are struggling with. Even if it doesn’t seem like they are struggling. Be mindful of your words and your actions. Be aware of what you say and how you say it. Understand that others might interpret what you are saying differently from how you mean it.
  • ALWAYS LOOK TO YOUR ” PITCHER.” In times of Joy and in times of sadness. Your ” Pitcher” will never give you something you can’t handle and will bring you strength, even in times that seem impossible.

Categories: Uncategorized

Comments (7)

  • Patti Mitchell-Bichner . June 26, 2019 . Reply

    A long time ago (33 years ago) I read in a Christian self help book. I read that He answers our prayers in his time. The answer may not be the answer we want. I don’t remember the name of that book but it taught me to pray differently. My prayers now always include please give me strength to get through what will be. I know you need an income but please keep up your efforts, you are filling a void that needs to be filled. Prayers your prayer will be answered soon in the way you want.

  • Gianna . June 26, 2019 . Reply

    Beautifully written, Britt. You have a plan, God has your Purpose. Everything will align when you least expect it. You are ready now, and there are other things the Universe is setting up that have to catch up to you. It will come. You are making a difference already 💜🦋.

  • Marsh . June 27, 2019 . Reply

    Always have hope! Aria lives within all that she loved…she would be proud of you B! Keep aging that light!!ONE LOVE💜💜💜

  • Chuck Larsen . June 27, 2019 . Reply

    Brit,

    What a wonderful read. I wish you great answers and success throughput your pursuit with all this. Your heartfelt love and passion is a joy to see. I hope you will find peace in trusting God and believing in your aspirations. Big hug.

  • Nora Krahn . July 1, 2019 . Reply

    This is the first time I’ve read your blog,Brittani. We don’t really know each other, but we chatted briefly today after church. Sharing your heart takes courage, and can be messy, BUT God can use messy to make a difference in you and others. Keep writing, and keep sharing…..answers will come and so will peace..

  • Melissa . July 3, 2019 . Reply

    I always say make sure to smile even if you don’t feel like when you see someone because you might have just stopped them from taking their own life! Smiles are so contagious!

  • Constance Smith . July 19, 2019 . Reply

    You will.
    You 100% will get mandatory suicide prevention training passed. I just know it.
    And I know
    I will be there – watching on,
    Knowing how SO many many people it will help in all aspects-
    No matter how long it takes,
    No matter what it takes,
    to cry tears of joy and pride for +with you💙😘
    Never give up ! And I won’t either 😋

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