Dear CLDI Family and Friends,
Calm is Contagious: Leading with Peace in the Storm
We live in a world full of storms—personal, cultural, and societal. Often, these storms feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos. However, the way we respond to these storms can have a profound impact on the people around us.
When I think of what we are cultivating at CLDI, I’m reminded of the story in the Gospels when Jesus calms the storm. In Mark 4:35-41, we see the disciples panicking as the wind and waves crash around them. But before Jesus calms the storm, he addresses something much deeper—their emotions.
“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” Jesus doesn’t rush to fix the situation; instead, He first acknowledges the internal storm within the disciples—their fear and doubt. It’s only after He addresses their emotions that He commands the sea, “Peace! Be still!” In this, He demonstrates that calm is not just something we impose on external situations but something we cultivate within ourselves and spread to others.
At CLDI, we aim to foster a culture where calm is contagious. We know the storms of life will come—whether in the form of personal challenges, addiction recovery, or community crises. But just like Jesus did with His disciples, we want first to acknowledge and calm the internal storms. We address the fears, doubts, and uncertainties in ourselves and in those we serve.
When we live in calmness, trusting in Jesus even amid uncertainty, we can impact the environment around us. External storms may not immediately go away, but our calmness can bring clarity, hope, and a sense of peace that transforms the situation.
In a world that often thrives on chaos and noise, cultivating a spirit of calm is revolutionary. It’s a quiet confidence that says, “No matter what, I trust God.” This calm becomes contagious—spreading to our families, coworkers, and communities.
As CLDI continues its mission, we want to embrace and embody this calm. By following Jesus’ example, we create a ripple effect of peace that can transform not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.
Currently reading & listening.
In Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, Tyler Staton encourages believers to rediscover prayer as an intimate, honest conversation with God, akin to the simple yet profound practices of monks. He challenges readers to live with radical faith, trusting God in ways that may seem foolish to the world. Staton also emphasizes embracing the mystery of faith, encouraging trust in God’s plan even when it’s beyond our understanding.
CLDI Monthly Snapshot
- We had our first annual Hannah House Retreat. The women had an amazing time, and God definitely was on the move throughout the weekend.
- We had another successful First Interstate Bank volunteer day! This year, we had two groups of volunteers: one group helped clean, paint, and prep for a KMC unit turnover, and another cleaned and put new feet on the Gathering Place chairs. We are so thankful for First Interstate Bank!
- A group from Hannah House and CLDI attended the Adult and Teen Challenge Gala. It was encouraging to hear about the work God is doing in the men’s lives as they embark on their recovery journeys.
Scripture to Meditate On
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41
Blessings,
Kaleb Perdew
