WHO'S CARRYING YOUR BURDEN?

By Danelle Carvell

In high school, I spent many lunch breaks studying instead of eating. And I was starved by the time I got home. We can feel starved of more than just food. Sometimes the emptiness we feel is a longing for close supportive relationships with people who have our backs.

While clearing out a box of papers in the basement, I came across a four-inch stack of writings from many years ago. Today, I spent a good hour going through those thoughts on all kinds of topics. What memories it brought back. 

Although I'm taking a break from blogging to pursue other interests, I felt the need to share one particular short piece that I wrote back in 2007. I'm sharing it because I recently joined a small group study at LCBC church, and the topic relates to that decision. 

I've been part of the group for only two weeks, but already I feel that it is exactly what I've been craving for the past three years. I'm hoping that sharing this will inspire women to step out in faith and gather with one another in their homes or churches because we need the support of other women so we don't feel so alone in our burdens. It could be exactly what you need right now. 

Below is the entry I wrote 17 years ago:

Something was missing. I couldn't put my finger on it. My emotional and spiritual needs weren't being met. Although I was close to God, went to church, had a satisfying marriage and two great kids, an emptiness haunted me. 

I longed to be part of something... to share my faith more intimately with other believers. Perhaps the ladies bible study in Lykens was the answer. According to the newspaper, they would meet on Thursdays. So I called the number and planned to go. 

For me to step out of my comfort zone and meet with a group of strangers took a great deal of courage. I'm not a social butterfly, but these women made me feel instantly welcome. They truly had a heart for Jesus and a kindness that made me want to return. I told them the first night that they were a breath of fresh air for me, a stay-at-home wife and mother who rarely got out of the house. 

After eight weeks of enjoying the company of these gracious women, I didn't want it to end. My enthusiasm for the group to continue through summer led to an invitation. "Would you like to be a Bible study coordinator for our women's connection?" Before saying yes, I felt amazed what can happen when you step out of your comfort zone and faithfully go where God is calling you. 

Is God calling you to join a Bible study? Perhaps he's calling you to guide one. Don't ignore that inner longing. If sitting in a pew for an hour once a week is your only spiritual nourishment, then you're probably starving as I was. Large groups of people who know little about you can't satisfy your need to be known and cared for. 

We need consistent contact with people who really know us and who care about our well-being. "Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The Bible suggests that we meet regularly with a small group of other believers. Small groups allow us to get to know each other, and wonderful things happen when believers gather. 

Now I'm guiding a bible study, and a wonderful thing happened last week when the women in our group shared the most amazing stories of how God revealed himself to them and helped them. One woman shared how she had lost her son in a store and after searching everywhere inside the building she frantically ran outside and saw her precious little boy being led back into the store by a stranger, one of God's angels assigned to protect her family. 

From finding a lost wallet to discovering a special book lying along the road, these women were bursting with testimonies of God's daily love and guidance. I left that night feeling so uplifted and inspired. And none of that would have happened if I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone and attended that first bible study where God was nudging me to go. 

Who's carrying your burden? God created us to need being around people and to be part of a community. What invitation have you come across that you should say "yes" to?