Standing up for myself

I did a very hard thing today. For the past 10 months I have been the Chair of what's called the Staff Parish Relations Committee at my church. Basically, I preside over the committee and facilitate any problems or whatever with the church staff, including the pastor. It's a tough position but one I did with a lot of time & effort & to the best of my ability.
There are always people who will never be happy--some people are happier when they are complaining and being miserable. I am SOO not one of those people, but I felt I was becoming a Negativity Queen. I couldn't walk in the church without someone grabbing me to complain about one thing or another. Or, i would get an earful of how I'm not doing my job the right way, or how I could do it better (ie the way the other person wants me to). "Constructive criticism" was NOT the practice but the criticism part was being done well.
A few months ago there were a few people in the church asking for my resignation over a stupid matter. This weekend I received an anonymous letter from someone at church that was very derogatory, mean, and again called for my resignation. I think this was tip of the iceberg for me.
I broke down in church on Sunday because my congregation has become a place of pain and hurt (for me) when it has always been my center of strength and comfort. I knew that it was time for me to resign, in order to save my sanity and my relationship with the church I love. I called my District Superintendent on Monday morning and the church pastor on Monday afternoon. Both conversations were difficult and heart wrenching for me but my DS is so amazing and supportive. After the conversation with the pastor I knew I was making the best decision for me. I don't want anyone else to experience the negativity and personal attacks I've been through as Chair but I just can't do it anymore. I value myself more than that. So, I stood up for myself today and said no more. So be it.