Posted by Doug Showalter on October 28, 1998 at 18:56:43:
In Reply to: It's time to move on posted by christine on October 28, 1998 at 16:51:55:
Dear Christine,
Good for you! I assume that what you express is all part of your inner healing.
My church has a special outreach ministry to single-again adults in our region, which is now in its tenth year. About 50 or more people attend every Tuesday night. It is a caring fellowship of those who have lost loved ones by death and those who are/have experienced separation or divorce. This group has meaningful programs and self-help crisis/support groups. I don't lead the group directly, but I do supervise the minister who does.
Over and over we have seen people come into this program in great pain, but then leave it after a period of time [often two or three years] because they have come to the point where they no longer need the group. It served as "bridge" for them, which they very much needed at the time.
I am very thankful for that "bridge," which our church has been able to sponsor. But I am even MORE thankful that there are people who have been able to walk over that bridge to the "other side," people who are now getting on with their lives in much more healthy and caring ways.
Best wishes, and thanks for giving us some insight into your experience with forgiveness and self-forgiveness. I'm sure many will find it helpful.
Doug Showalter