Come for the Encouragement

“Come for the encouragement, stay for the laughs.” This is my personal guarantee to new members of the support group I facilitate. It is my hope that they feel encouraged and can share the joy of laughter with people who can relate to their specific seasons of life. 

I have the privilege of facilitating an online support group every month. This particular group is made up of moms with children who have special needs. We try to create a space for mamas to simply share: the good, the bad and the hard. It’s a place to feel encouraged, lifted up, and, more importantly, to know you’re not alone. It’s a space where we commit to holding both sadness and joy for one another. A place where we remind ourselves that we don’t have to be perfect and that we are already doing our best.  

This time, I laughed so hard I cried. The stories we shared were hilarious. We laughed because we understand the challenges as well as the victories. These friends I had just spent the last ninety minutes with get me. They understand my life because they too navigate the same twists and turns. As I clicked “Leave Meeting,” I realized I had barely gotten to the talking points I had drafted just hours before my tears of laughter.

While there weren’t any online support groups in the Bible, I think Paul said it best when he said, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). Paul urged us to do life together.  

I think there was a reason Jesus had twelve disciples: life is better when we’re connected and encouraged.  

You guys are awesome, I mean it!

By: Allison Fournier