Scrappy, Sacred, and Showing Up
I became a mom at the same time I became a pastor.
Though I’d worked in ministry since I was 15 and had years of experience under my belt, my first official title of “pastor” came just months after the birth of my son, Beckham. The past three years have been a whirlwind of sleepless nights, juggling schedules, and embracing both the challenges and beauty of these two demanding roles.
This season has been, without a doubt, my most scrappy. As a recovering perfectionist and Enneagram 1, it’s humbling to see how messy life has become—dirty cars, scattered thoughts, and an ever-growing reliance on reminder texts. It’s a far cry from the polished, hyper-organized person I used to be. Yet, I’ve learned to embrace it.
Being scrappy has taught me to cherish spaces where I can show up as my authentic self: a tired mom and a passionate pastor, loved just as I am.
Finding Refuge in Community
This year began with the birth of my second child, Bradley, and was quickly followed by hard family events that left my family grappling with mental health challenges. It was a heavy season, and the postpartum fog made it difficult to find clarity or hope.
Yet, returning to work was my saving grace. When I stepped into my interim role at SHOC, it felt like a lifeline. In what could have been an isolating time, this growing church became a place where I could show up as my full, imperfect self. It was exactly what I needed.
Tired and sleep-deprived, I was also energized and grounded by the joy of ministry. SHOC became a true “safe harbor” for me in this season of motherhood—a place where I could be both a scrappy mom and a trusted pastor.
Gratitude for a Year of Growth
As I reflect on my 30th birthday this week, this past year with SHOC has been one of the greatest gifts of my pastoral journey so far. I am deeply grateful to this community for embracing my messy, scrappy mom-of-two energy and trusting me to lead. The love and care I’ve received here speak volumes about the kind of place SHOC is.
As someone who started as an outsider and made my way through the ins and outs of SHOC, I am in awe of how this community shows up for one another—and for me. This symbiotic relationship within SHOC offers a healing path forward for the church and for pastors alike. It is both humbling and an honor to lead this team during this season.
Here’s to another year of scrappy motherhood and sacred pastoring! I’m so grateful for this journey—and for the way SHOC has shaped it this year.
—Dottie Oleson
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As part of our End-of-Year Campaign, we’re sharing powerful testimonials to highlight the lives being transformed through your generosity.
We are now just $700/month away from reaching our goal of $2,000/month in recurring donations! Your support ensures that SHOC continues to thrive as a community of love, healing, and growth.
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