Joined a group of people who are all seeking Godly wisdom and some self-discovery along the way. From the large group, we break down into smaller groups. There were 7 women in my little circle, ranging in ages from 24 to 51. We all came together, no one knowing each other, all looking like pretty little suburban residents, all with polite manners, and big smiles on our faces as we warmly greeted each other. First assignment, go around the circle and tell us about yourself, and if you’d like, some struggles you may be encountering right now. It was like a falling House of Cards. As each woman declared before her turn to talk that she did not have an overly emotional or particularly weepy personality, smiles turned to tears in nano-seconds when given the opportunity to have someone(s) really listen. No advice was offered back, no comment, no sidechair counseling, no judgmental look, no hug. Just a wise group leader and 7 other people listening to you, with a promise to pray to Jesus for your restoration. It really made me realize how on the edge people are. . . . . . .how fragile people are. . . . .how many people I speak with during the day that are literally two minutes away from imploding in on themselves. For a myriad of reasons. Two out of three of our children are particularly drawn to international missions. I haven’t ever been in any significant way. I have always thought that there was quite a bit of ministry here – those seeking salvation, yes, and also those who are saved but just in need of someone to share their burdens. This group of women reaffirms my thoughts . . . . . . there are broken hearts everywhere, and they don’t all look like the battered women of the Congo. Sometimes they are disguised with big smiles and have big lives. I had this vision of a bunch of little birds with broken wings that had dropped out of the sky. It’s hard to fly with a broken wing. Or a broken heart. Or a broken spirit.
I’m grateful for the ministering saints to whom God gives the strength/direction/discernment to carry the load of those who have lost all of theirs.
Love,Kim
