By sharing your struggles, victories, and doubts, you invite others to do the same. This creates a space for mutual encouragement and healing. As you listen to others’ stories, you might find unexpected parallels with your own journey, shedding new light on your experiences and offering valuable insights.
While sitting in my small group, looking amongst the caring faces, I am continually in awe of our willingness to be vulnerable, to open our hearts and to share intentionally in a group that began with virtual strangers. We begin with our usual check-ins, allowing space for everyone to share the latest and greatest, and even the current challenging things in their lives. A group member, who can be quiet initially, begins to share a diagnosis she received, and the ultimate possibility of a need for surgery. She goes on to share her experience of meeting with different hospitals, surgeons, and other physicians. This group member shares her uncertainty with the road ahead, and the potential outcomes. As we listen, I watch as each member of this small group steps up in their own individual ways.
One member offers to drive her to doctor appointments; One member offers prayer for discernment; One member offers some background experience with one of the hospitals, noting the same surgeon she met with and their support of this option; One member validates feelings of uncertainty and fear around making a life altering decision, as well as attempting to lean in to the unknown. As each member shares their support, prayers and willingness to come alongside, it is apparent this group of strangers just some short months ago, has morphed into a group of supportive, caring friends along the journey. And for that, we are all blessed.
