Changing the Conversation: Tammy DeRuyter

Written by Tammy DeRuyter

Faithwalking has been an integral part of my life for many years now – almost from its inception. I have participated in multiple classes, retreats, and served in multiple capacities (speaker, coach, Circle administrator, snack queen – haha!). I didn’t think there was much that Faithwalking’s Keep Calm and Faithwalk On group could offer. But then again, none of us have experienced a pandemic. As it turns out Keep Calm has been exactly what I’ve needed.

Last March (2020) the country began to physically shut down, while simultaneously, national anxiety began to ramp up. Partisan politics began straining friendships, and even, arguably, the Church herself began showing signs of previously hidden cracks. It was (and continues to be) a difficult time in our nation’s history. Ken Shuman, our fearless leader, astutely identified a need. In the first Keep Walking group Zoom call (which led shortly thereafter to the formation of the weekly Keep Calm meetings), Ken offered reflections on the general topic of anxiety: “From Anxious Reactivity to Faithful Response.”  Bullseye! Not only was that initial topic relevant and challenging in its call to live out a faithful, “calm” life in the midst of dramatic change, but the smaller break-out sessions became a place for personal sharing and thoughtful reflections. To my great surprise and delight, the Keep Calm group has become a weekly commitment for me. Personally, it has become a place for deep nourishment to my soul, but more so, this group of participants has grown into a community – in the richest sense of the word. It has become a place where people from multiple locations around the globe cheer each other on, pray for one another, and check in with the progression and movements of our ever-changing lives – even outside of those Friday morning calls. Again, all things that I didn’t even know that I needed.

One day, Ken posed a profoundly simple but deeply impactful question to the group: “How can we, within the Faithwalking community, help you to be the best version of you?” I pondered the question for days. Finally, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I need help and accountability with staying close to God. In fact, I mused, I don’t even like me very much when I’m not! To put it another way, the best version of Tammy shows up when I am remembering who I am and whose I am.   

In this extended quarantined environment, I have found it way too easy to isolate in a godless vacuum of anxiety. Instead, Keep Calm weekly meetings, for me, have meant cognitive engagement, emotional accountability, spirit/scriptural connection, and a physical presence within community, at least from the neck up (haha!) as we see each others’ faces via Zoom!  

The Keep Calm community, and the rich Faithwalking topics from Ken, have helped to keep me “centered” on who I am and whose I am in this crazy, highly anxious world.

The Keep Calm and Faithwalk On group meets weekly on Fridays from 10:30-11:30 am Central Time. For more information, click here.

 

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