An introvert like myself often has few spoken words to offer and avoids transparency. We usually think to talk. Our conversational material occurs to us after we’ve left the gathering. Extroverts talk to think and rarely have a lack of words. But transparency isn’t guaranteed with the many words of an extrovert.
Why employ transparency in relationship? True transparency means revealing one’s genuine self. Exposing one’s vulnerabilities and anxieties, as well as desires and opinions can be a fearful consideration. So why step into that murky pond of possible rejection?
Because human beings have been epically wired for profound intimate relationships. And I’m not talking about the sex part right now. Meeting together and honestly sharing dreams, opinions, struggles, victories, fears, failures and strategies for success are the ingredients of a healthy community and relationships.
This kind of relational community allows for seemingly impossible life struggles to become manageable. Through sincere caring of the group and sharing of life stories, individuals are empowered to overcome and succeed in life.
Polite participants will listen without judgment and lovingly support without trying to “fix” one another. Strict confidentiality is the invisible fence providing a sense of security. Each shares in the conversation or not, but no one dominates the discussion.
My small group experiences over the past 30 years have been mostly healthy and positively life changing. A few I’ve chosen to exit because there wasn’t enough transparency to encourage positive change or there was a lack of confidentiality.
I’ve greatly benefitted from the support of caring individuals who have shared their stories. Through those stories I’ve recognized solutions for my concerns or have been validated in my thought process and course of action.
These social interactions helped my heart to heal from resentments, encouraged me to follow my dreams and taught me positive life principles.
I’ve witnessed others overcome illness and some really bad habits through involvement in healthy small group community.
Where does one find a healthy community? Overcomers small groups can be found in churches, hospitals and hospices, community centers and other neighborhood outreaches. Are they all healthy? The only way to find out is to courageously test the waters of authentic relationship in a small group. Your story may be the one another needs to hear to have a better life.
For those of you living near Key Largo, FL, Overcomers Support Group meets Monday nights at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Room of First Baptist Church Key Largo, 99001 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo. Rick McKinley’s experienced leadership ensures confidentiality and group politeness. Rick welcomes phone inquiries, 305-853-6617.
Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near. (NLT: Hebrews 10: 24 – 26)