What a week!
I have had one amazing week. And in the process, the power of both prayer and Christian friends has been brought home to me in droves.
I had to have outpatient surgery this week. Nothing too serious, thank goodness, but enough to knock me on my back for a few days. At each step I was surrounded by the love of my Christian friends, and by their prayers and concern.
A few months ago I wrote about small groups within the church (The Value of a Small Group). Small groups can become vital to the life of a Christian, in both growth and care. These groups become a small subset of the church, and the reach knows no end. This week, my small group cared for my family by providing meals, taking care of my daughter, praying non-stop, and checking in on us at each turn.
Nothing spectacular, and yet it meant the world.
So I felt the need to revisit the small group idea. I want to reinforce to all of you how important it is to stay connected, to reach out in times of need, but also to reach out to others. The small group provides an overwhelming sense of community.
But don’t let it stop at the doors of the church. I have become close to a group of women at the dance studio where my daughter takes class. They ministered to me, although we represent 4-5 different churches and denominations. But we all believe in one God and one Christ. What a uniting force that is!
I reached out to friends on the internet. They prayed and checked in on me through email and Facebook. At every corner of my life, by reaching out to others I was lifted up.
What an overpowering feeling, to know the love of Christ through the love of your brothers and sisters here on this side of Heaven.
So, once again, I encourage all of you to find a way to be connected to others around you, whether next door, around the corner, or around the world.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Very inspiring! Thanks for the post!
October 26th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I love my small group I know that they have helped us in more ways than I could probably remember. They have become like family in this short year that we have known them. YAY FOR SMALL GROUPS!!!
May 26th, 2010 at 9:51 am
I love my small group I know that they have helped us in more ways than I could probably remember