I plan to start a new Not Alone Group in April. I have a few committed and hope to have a few more. There is no doubt in my mind that God can heal our emotional wounds if we will just spend the time with him.
Recently, I was sharing with a small group of survivors of trauma about how I was able to stand tall amid rejection. There was a small extended family gathering that I was not invited to. At first, it felt like a dart hit my chest. Yes, that hurts. Then I noticed that it was not a knife. The rejection did not penetrate my heart. I stood tall, knowing I am worthy even if they do not think so.
This younger woman stared at me wide-eyed, saying, “How did you get there?”
I get asked this often. “By spending time with God, engaging in practices that ground me as the beloved. You can have this, too!”
Sadly, family…especially FOO (Family of Origin) is not often warm, loving, and supportive. We have all been wounded in life.
Not Alone is a Christ-centered healing process for women who have had trauma. Most have had therapy or other healing modalities and now long for deeper healing with God. It came about that after a time of healing, I felt nudged to share my story. As I did, others started sharing their stories with me. Then with their permission, I gathered these stories and many spiritual practices and put them in a workbook. Since 2016, Not Alone groups have been on-going. Some women are starting their own group now. My heart leaps with joy when women restore their relationship with God and know deep within they are the beloved daughter.
For more information, click on Not Alone on my website. You can read about the topics discussed and some testimonies. The group will be on-line, Thursdays, April 3rd- June 5th from 4:00- 6:00pm Pacific Standard Time (California). Reach out if you are interested. The group is small, safe, and confidential with no more than seven participants. Women can share whatever is comfortable and be encouraged to grow as they learn from God and one another.
Finally, dear readers, I am taking a break and will return to this blog in April which is Sexual Assault Awareness month. During April, May, and June, I will cover basic information, true stories from guest bloggers, how to move from survivor to thriver, and how to accompany survivors on their journey.
Being heard and gently held is priceless.
Not Alone is not therapy or a replacement for treatment. This process can deepen one’s healing process since God is Jehovah Raffa (Healer).
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