A Safe Place To Be Heard

In my work as a Standing Stone shepherd, I often find that the most meaningful moments in a conversation are not marked by resolution, but by recognition. More often than not, I hear things like, “I didn’t realize I was still holding on to that hurt,” or “I feel better just being able to say this out loud.”

There is something powerful that happens when a person finally gives voice to what has been sitting quietly beneath the surface. Sometimes it’s grief that hasn’t had space to be named. Sometimes it’s disappointment, fatigue, or confusion that has been carried alone for far too long. And sometimes it’s simply the relief of realizing they are not alone in what they feel.

What I’ve learned over these past two years is that the women I walk with come from very different places in life and ministry. Some are in what I would describe as preventative care—simply needing a steady, trusted space to stay grounded and healthy in their calling. Others are in more acute moments, what might feel like triage, where the weight they are carrying has become overwhelming.

But regardless of where they are when they arrive, something consistent happens. They leave knowing they have been seen and heard. They know that what they shared was held with care and confidentiality. And often, they realize for the first time just how much they needed a safe place where they could speak freely without fear of judgment or consequence.

I don’t think this need is rare. In fact, I think it is deeply human. Pastors’ wives in particular spend so much of their lives being the ones who hold space for others that they often forget how important it is for them to be held as well.

A safe place to be honest. A safe place to not have it all together. A safe place to simply be heard.

And again and again, I am reminded that this kind of presence is not wasted time. It is sacred work.

This reflects the wisdom of Scripture:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” — Romans 12:15

Pastors’ wives often spend their lives holding space for others. Standing Stone exists to make sure they are not doing that alone.With Gratitude,Catalina Fierro, Field ShepherdStanding Stone Ministries

A Note From Danny

When Catalina sits with these women, she is not offering quick fixes or distant advice. She is offering presence, attentiveness, and care that allows burdens to be named and healing to begin.To our prayer and financial partners—thank you. Your prayers and generosity are what makes this ministry possible.

Many may not know that in 2024 Catalina stepped away from her role as Executive Director at the Family Resource Center of Oswego County in order to be more present as a grandmother and to step more fully into her calling with Standing Stone.

Because of your support, Catalina is able to dedicate focused time to this work as her vocation. What you read in her reflection this month is the work your giving helps sustain—creating safe, confidential spaces where spouses and ministry leaders can be seen, heard, and supported in meaningful ways.

If you have been considering financial partnership and would like to support what you see reflected in Catalina’s ministry, you can do so by clicking the link below.

We are deeply grateful to serve alongside you.

Support our Ministry

We are able to provide pastoral care to ministry leaders and their spouses at no cost through the generous support of our Financial Support Team. We would be honored if you helped us continue our ministry through your financial support. Click the link to join our Financial Support Team.

If you or someone you know is struggling under the weight of ministry, we want you to know—you are not alone. We are here to walk with you, because healthy leaders build healthy churches, and the Kingdom depends on both.