“I think I can do this by myself.” Here’s a simple question. How’s that going for you?
A 12-step study I have been leading will be wrapping up this weekend. Seven of us have been in this study for about six months. We have spent two weeks digging into each of the steps. In addition to the study, we have each done a daily check in with the group. We spend just a few minutes sharing what’s been going on but the focus of our check in is on what we have been feeling. This past Monday we all got together for an hour on Zoom. We are scattered across North America – Canada, Indiana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Florida and Maryland. It’s amazing what can be done with technology today. Some of us have been participating in groups like this for years but for some this is the first group they have been in. Each of us in the group have an issue we have struggled with in our lives. Some of us call it an addiction. Some of us would say it’s a bad habit. But each of us would say it has cost us dearly. For some it cost a marriage. Some paid the price of family relationships and friendships. Some have lost jobs. The list is almost endless, the price we have paid. One thing we all have in common is that at some time we have said, “This struggle is a secret I’ll take to my grave. I’ll never talk to anyone about this.” And yet in this group this is exactly what we have done, talk about it.
As we met on Zoom this week a sentiment shared by each one of us was that we can’t let this commitment to community end. Several of these guys are going to continue to check in even after the study ends. Others are stepping into another group. Each person shared about the growth and freedom they have experienced over the past six months. Where did this growth and freedom come from? Some of it is the result of the tools they developed through the study but each of us talked about the power we have experienced through community. T.A. Webb once said, “A burden shared is halved.” That’s a powerful statement. It reflects a much older truth found in Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Community is the secret to freedom. It’s where we find strength. I would argue that there are few things you can do well by yourself.
If you’ve been trying to find freedom on your own, how’s that going for you? Another Bridge Group will be starting soon. If you’d like information on what takes place in these groups send us an email at rwcoaching2@gmail.com. We would be happy to talk with you. Whether you reach out to us or not, if you’ve been struggling in life, connect with a safe person and let them help you carry that load.