Social Wellness

My desire to become an Army Chaplain is motivated by my call into the ministry, leadership experience, multiculturalism, education and exposure to pluralistic ministry with people of different traditions and perspectives. As a dynamic, enthusiastic pastor and a church leader, with a 12 year track record of transforming and revitalizing diverse congregations with a renewed desire for both growth and increase in faith focus; I am seeking this vast honor as a regular Army Chaplain because of the aforementioned reasons.

Only two factors come to mind when I think wellness, my physical and emotional well-being. The term wellness embodies so much more than that! Wellness is defined as “the multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment” (Hettler, Six). I often ask myself if I’m well overall, typically my answer is no because, life is a roller coaster in each aspect of wellness. In my life something is always off whether it’s getting enough rest, finances or my health. At this time in my life I have areas that are in great balance, I although need to target the areas that need development. After taking a quality of life assessment, I’m able to understand and distinguish what my strengths and weakness are.

After meeting Pastor Bobby Guerra I found to be very comfortable with the people and atmosphere. I kept going to service on a consistent base along with working and trying to get my life back on track that was one of the biggest struggles I’ve experienced only because I should have gotten it a long time ago and now trying to get it all back. I had got so comfortable with the church when they had invited me to their park outreaches for the community I was hesitant to go because I didn’t know if I was done with the past and the wreckage had haunted me.

For example, the sleep aspect of the Physical section of the Wellness Triangle may have a great effect on the Mental/Emotional section as well as the Social section, as the cognitive function of a person as well as their emotional expression, stability, the possibility of one developing things such as depression and severe anxiety, and one’s ability to perform everyday actions such as maintaining conversation, depend greatly upon said person’s average sleep pattern and length. Another example would be the fact that this can work vice versa as well -- the Mental/Emotional section of the Wellness Triangle can also affect the Physical section, as well as the Social section. If one fails to tend to their Mental/Emotional section of the Triangle by neglecting to make sure they can properly mentally function and express their emotions adequately (possibly by making sure to get a mental medical diagnosis, if need be), it can lead to negative consequences upon both the Physical section of the Wellness Triangle and the Social section. The Physical section because depression, anxiety, and mental disorders can lead to inability or unwillingness to take care of one’s own body, be it neglecting to their physical hygiene, lessening or shirking physical exercise and in turn worsening physical health, or ruining one’s sleeping pattern and habits To talk about how the Mental/Emotional section can affect the Social section of the Triangle, depression, anxiety, and certain mental disorders can also negatively impact the Social section by way of lessening one’s willingness to do everyday things such as maintaining a working conversation or buying products from stores and shops for fear of social interaction, or possibly simply from inability to do some of these things, in the case of certain mental disorders such as autism or downs syndrome. Finally,

For the past few months I was assigned to do ministry at the Lenox Road Baptist Church, which is located in Brooklyn New York. My site supervisor is the Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick Cohall who is the senior pastor of the church. I was given several assignments to do in the church which consisted of preaching, teaching, planning, and counseling. I am happy to say I was able to complete each assignment I was given successfully. Was it an easy task? No, but because of the support of the site supervisor it made it easier.

Starting out at the American Cancer Society I never thought I would actually look forward to waking up at 6:30am to walk all the way there, but the more I volunteered the more I was looking forward to Thursday mornings and seeing all the wonderful people who work and stay there. Service is an extremely important part of being a leader. A big component of being a leader is connecting with others. Service is a great way to get out there, meet new people, and gain new perspectives. Being a service-oriented leader will help you connect with more people and build relationships within your community. Servant leadership is being able to provide that service, while also being able to reflect on how you are

Through these big life changes, I experienced the perfect storm that threw me into a world of panic and anxiety.

My logic suddenly made no sense. I no longer had anyone to blame for my passivity except myself. I had subjugated myself when I knew I was just as capable. I had tried to change who I was for years when I shouldn’t have changed anything. I should have just been strong, trusted myself, and gone after what I wanted.

My youth group leader; Mr. Deitrick, is the one who inspired me to get closer with God and establish my relationship further. It first started when I was in 8th grade, and has just developed from there.

I learned that it is okay to be different and to struggle. While I may have lost my identity on the way, and I have always thought that I was “broken” and “different”, it is okay to be different. My disorder makes me unique, and while I may be difficult to deal with and I may struggle my entire life, I have a support system in place and I am learning my limits. I am learning to be myself, and to take off the mask I wore for so long. While these waves may crash on me, I am far from drowning in this ocean. I am learning to swim in

Rewind to December 2015, on a quintessential Wednesday night, I attentively listened to my youth pastor speak about what amazing

I started by letting go of the forces that weighed me down. With every burden I shed, the colors seemed to grow impossibly brighter. Finally, I was happily strolling down the path to who I would become. No longer was I pressured by others’ expectations. No longer did I stress over disappointing or pleasing those around me.. I was free to pursue my own satisfactions and set my own standards.

When I reflect on the beginning of my journey as a Christian, I fondly recall the warm and secure blanket of love and guidance I received from Ms. Mackey, a well-seasoned member of my church congregation. She took me under her wings, and provided me with a safe haven where I could glean from her wisdom, experience and become motivated to serve. Eventually, I was mature enough to fly away; and, fly away I did! This was one of the best experiences of my life.

We are very happy to know that he continues in our Christian path, he certainly is an example of a good Christian. He is a very generous, kind and respectful person.

There were many who helped build upon my view of Christianity, but the foundation was laid by my mother and father. As a young child my parents first shaped my understanding of Christian service in the world. One aspect I admired about them was their willingness to love with a genuine heart. Time and time again I would watch as they would, delightfully, offer precious hours to council and help other members of the church body and community. Almost every encounter, whether happy or sad in nature, would be filled with laughter,