Driver

"My wife Shelly* found Joyful Souls* online, and because it was winter, she needed me to drive her the first time," said Don*. "It was important to her, and she is important to me." Don joined Shelly for their first service. "They talked about chakras. I left and told Shelly that it was not for me. I didn't understand any of that." But it was important to Shelly, and so Don continued to drive her. "That was it, I was the driver." For about 3 or 4 months, Don basically sat in the service and waited to drive Shelly home.

"But then, one service, the pastor’s homily titled the Transformational Power of Gratitude pushed a lot of my buttons." Don doesn't remember the details of what the pastor said, "maybe it was about gratitude," but he remembers the tug it had on his heart. "I didn't know what I was looking for, I hadn't identified it yet. I know that dogmatic church was not me. Being told this is the way I need to believe and do and not having a choice doesn't work for me."

Don credits Shelly and the pastor for the tugs that got him invested in Joyful Souls as a part of his life, but there is more to his story. When he lived in Kentucky, Don was part of a men's group that taught him how to share and talk with other men in a trusting, vulnerable, and transparent way. A connection to that type of group had been missing for more than 9 years from his life. Don is grateful to Jackson for inviting him to be part of the new men's group at Joyful Souls.

"The men's group talks honestly about real down deep emotional issues. With tremendous honesty. No judging. No advice-giving. It is a discussion," said Don. The group explores topics like vulnerability and fear, dying, gratitude, favorite books, and hobbies. "The discussion includes a lot of components regarding spirituality in some form or another. This is where I am learning the most because this is what I understand the least or know the least. I am on a journey. I know it. I am so used to thinking I need an outcome at the end of the journey and I have no clue what the outcome is here." The goal of the group is for men to be open, vulnerable and fully present in order to authentically engage with others, to gain insight, to strive for self-improvement, and to explore our spiritual paths. We seek to learn to lovingly share our passions and joys and to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Don’s gratitude for All Souls is palpable. It has created an environment for friendships. Most of the men's group walks with someone else in the group once or more a week. They exchange information or articles for the purpose of growth outside their gathered time.
Joyful Souls has given Don peace with a community of men he trusts and loves. "Now, I come WITH Shelly. We both participate in services and meditation. Joyful Souls feels really good to me. It has given me a purpose outside of my daily life. And the purpose is to do what I can to make this place sustainable and for me to grow spiritually. I love the people. My emotions are close to the surface. I cry easily and that's okay."

Your generosity to Joyful Souls makes it possible to offer services and groups like those transforming Don’s life. Thank you for helping to provide a space where men like Don can learn about themselves, find connections, and build healthy relationships.