One of the major things I learned about at the conference I went to in April, 2010 (see my Home page for details), was that there’s healing in community. This is something that God provided for and the reason He created Eve.
…Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” Gen 2:18 (NASB).
Some powerful things happen in the Body of Christ when people share transparently. I don’t mean sharing with just anybody. This process is meant to happen with people you trust. When we understand this sharing concept, things can start happening in your life. You start feeling better. You can let go of past hurts. You can forgive…and forget and more. I came home from that conference and invited three friends to join me in watching “Changes that Heal,” a DVD series by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. As we’ve continued to meet, stuff has started coming out (see! there’s that stuff again!), things that had been buried so deep yet kept a grip on each of us negatively. We’re beginning to see signs of healing and we’ve decided we’ll continue meeting. It’s exciting when you begin to see change or the hint of it. It’s like walking outdoors right after a rain and the air smells so fresh, right down to your toes. The hues of life take on new, interesting shades of color as you spend more time and energy bending to the process of change and healing. Suddenly, change doesn’t seem so frightening anymore.
I’d like to encourage you to, in the words of Cloud and Townsend, get some traveling companions together and get on with healing!
Just Encourage 
I like this idea of travelling companions. Something to think about…
Linda, I truly believe that you have been called by God to help and encourage others, and I’m so excited about this site, and where it will lead us. You have been gifted with the ability to look into the heart of others and know just what they need to hear. At times they (me) may not want to hear what you have to say….but at some point will be thankful for your insight. I’m sure alot of your insight has come through personal trials through which God has led you through, and this helps me to believe that there is hope even for me. I have also spent much of my life, stating that I “DON’T LIKE CHANGE”. I’m willing to let go of that and seek where God may want me to be, even if that involves my life being shook up a little, or maybe a lot….(can you see the fear arising?). OK….I’m struggling with the “willing” part; however I don’t want to stay in the stagnate, lost place I’ve been. I know that in Psalms 27 is says “the LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? I’m ready for this new road in life, it’s time to let go of fear and embrace what God has in store, (even if that means change)!
Jill, I love what you’ve shared. You’ve reached that place of vulnerability that we all struggle with, when you realize that you can’t stay where you are and yet the unknown can be so frightening. The thing to remember is that God is with us through it all. “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Josh 1:5 (NIV) I have seen His hand in my life so many times now, honoring my efforts to step out into the unknown. It didn’t make it any easier at the time, but now, when I remember, it helps to build my faith even more to realize that He has never let me down.
So, have courage and keep stepping out there. Make sure you don’t isolate yourself because then you become the “sitting duck”! Gather your “traveling companions” together, give a yell to those you trust when you feel yourself sinking, and take the risk. You will gain strength each time you keep making the choice to follow what you know to be truth in your heart. You are inspiring me!! Keep up the good work…Linda