Support Needed 

During our early years as a married couple, my husband and I attended a small church in our community. The fellowship of people was much like we were; young, starting our families, and working hard to make ends meet. Everyone was good natured, warm hearted, supportive, kind and generous.

My husband and I quickly became part of this group of people and relished its physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual encouragement. 

We accepted invitations to dinner, joined small groups to study the Bible, and helped one another cut firewood and construct our houses. And whenever a new baby was born, the ladies took it upon themselves to shower the new mama with meals, child care and other sundry comforts as we saw the need. 

When we announced our “news” to our small study group, one of my friends exclaimed, “You will make such a good mother!” Her words were both surprising and encouraging. I was wary about my capabilities as a mother, but her words assured me I’d turn out to be a good mom in spite of my doubts. 

Those months of pregnancy whizzed by and ready or not, I found myself at the hospital in labor ready to give birth. My doctor breezed into my room ready to assist at his end of things, and he told me, “There is a whole group of people on the other side of that door holding a prayer meeting.” I smiled. My personal support group was there for me and I was heartened. I gave one last push and our first born son entered into our lives and into a ready made community of supportive people.

Support Received

To be on the receiving end of someone’s support we need to be willing to receive the support that is offered. As a young married couple, my husband and I were blessed to find a community of good natured, warm hearted, supportive, kind and generous people. These folks walked alongside us during our novice years of building our home, our faith and family. Yet, if we had not been receptive to what was offered, we’d never have been able to receive what was being given. 

The Emotional Healing Through Forgiveness© workshops I offer are much like the community of people that upheld my husband and I through our early years. Good natured, warm hearted, understanding, kind and generous people attend these workshops. 

I never tire of watching that with every workshop I present, within a short amount of time, a sense of camaraderie is developed with the people who attend. And though everyone’s story is different, there are similarities because we all need to know how to forgive someone.

Why Bother?

Why bother accepting support? Life is not easy, but accepting support when offered gives us a little ease.  

You can read the whole story of my journey to forgiveness in my book, A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness found at Redemption Press and Amazon. Also, please accept my invitation to you to attend the next Emotional Healing Through Forgiveness© workshop on Saturday, April 26, from 4-7 p.m. at the YMCA.