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Small Group Awakening
By Dawn Thomas
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| Dawn Thomas |
I can't imagine where I would be if it were not for my small group. I remember one of my first visits. Rebecca, an acquaintance of mine, was brand new to Orlando and wanted to connect with some folks to praise God and fellowship. Until her home was ready, she was staying for a few days at the Circle of Friends Home run by my mother.
It was Friday night and my Mum asked if I would take Rebecca to the Friday Night Group [FNG] in Celebration. I was not thrilled, but I attended the gatherings anyway. I continued, off and on, going to these home-based get-togethers, each time feeling uncomfortable, not for lack of warmth or acceptance from the group, but rather because of my feelings about myself.
I felt awkward. I felt like I was wearing a huge sign, "Big Sinner Over Here!" "Unclean, Unclean, Approach At Your Own Risk!"
Fear blinded me. I was so blind, and I knew it. I also wore this cloak of darkness around me repeating all the negative insults I had heard through my life and believing the lies of the evil one. "You are a horrible daughter, sister, mother, friend, employee..." "You don't measure up." "And even if you did try to change, it's all fake." I did not want to change for fear of "too much, too soon." People might think I was a phony by making such an incredible change.
But as I continued to go, I began to see some changes in me. As I watched others being vulnerable and experiencing acceptance, I too wanted to be free of "my baggage." I wanted to change my sad life and trade it for something much more.
At Friday Night Group, I began to share even though I was terrified. I began to read the Bible, God's Word, even though I did not always understand. I began to come out of my shell even though it meant feeling the fear of being unsafe or insecure. I began to pray even though I did not believe my prayers were heard.
It took me some significant time, but I finally wanted to be where God was bringing me, first into His arms, then into the arms of those who prayed and supported me. My small group. It felt good to cry, to receive those hugs, to receive those prayers, and to begin to understand the Word. I began to see.
I began to see that God had a purpose for me, and He was using small groups to fulfill it. He knew that a "big churchy program" and "super holy pretense" would be overwhelming for me and would cause me to run far away. He purposed the safe intimacy and secure pace of small group to change me—to give me vision.
The Journey Continues
Fast forward four years from that first Friday night small group; changes abound in my life. I've started a small group in my home on Thursday nights. It was in my small group that I recommitted my life to Christ and made the decision to be rebaptized. I shared my baptism day with five of my small group members, all being baptized together. It was like having our small group in the water!
Sharing God's vision in a small group brings change. And if only one person is changed it is worth the effort. I can say this because it has changed my life!
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