New Bible Study

Since October, I have been attending a women's bible study at church.   Going the first time was a difficult and unusual thing for me.   I don't like to go to new places alone and I my past experiences with an evening bible study weren't the greatest.  However, I knew if we were going to find a new church home, we would need to check out all the churches had to offer.

The teaching in my previous bible studies was definitely fine and well thought out.  I'll spare you the details of why I finally stopped going, but I can tell you that over the course of several years I struggled with the environment.  I struggled with the social aspect and feeling as though I was welcome.

Fast-forward to walking into this new bible study....

I had no clue what they were studying, how long they had been studying together and frankly knew nothing about any of these women.   In fact, I only knew about it because one of the ladies had met me the day before at church and invited me.  A complete stranger!

So as I walked in, one lady after another introduced themselves and made sure I was comfortable.  It was overwhelming, but in a good way.  There was no pressure to talk or share or step outside my comfort zone of first night jitters.

Within the first of the two hours, I learned a lot about this group of women.  There were real with one another.  When one struggled to believe or understand the concept being discussed, she said so.  Nobody judged.  In fact, the ladies all embraced the honesty.

During the prayer time, their were both requests for prayer and praises.  The ladies shared tears of the good, the bad and the unknown.

Everyone participated.  It wasn't just one lady teaching or leading with maybe an occasional comment from the crowd.  Each lady added to the discussion.  Younger, older, everyone had something to add.

The thing I saw the most of and what drew me back was the genuine love they shared and poured out for each other.  Let's face it, women, even Christian women, can be caddy and discouraging in their own ways either verbally or through their actions.  I had NEVER been in a group of women that large where there was nothing and I REPEAT NOTHING but love for each other.

The content of the study was prayer.  I got great information and direction for study out of that night along with amazing observations.

I have never been so excited about a bible study.  For a solid week, I think I told every person who would listen how much I had loved my experience and about these women.  In fact, I had one friend who decided she'd join me.

This group has continued to bless me.  Through this painful process of leaving one church and finding a new one, they have prayed me through it.  In fact, they have prayed for my previous church.

Never have I felt pressured by anyone to join the church.  This group of ladies shared some of their experiences with me.  Some encouraged me to work out my issues with the previous church if possible, because they saw how painful the decision was for me.  Whatever direction they suggested I go, one thing was clear....The Lord was pulling me toward them ever so gently and making me feel a part of them.

Finding a group of women like this is an answer to prayer.  I have long needed and desired a group of women like this.  I have been able to fellowship with them at times outside of the weekly bible study and I have appreciated that.

I still remain guarded.  Deeper relationships still scare me with people I have known for such a short time.  I see potential, but my tattered heart needs a lot more mending first.  In the mean time, I am thankful God has put me with this group of women to learn and grow beside.  I am definitely reaping many benefits of meeting so many loving, godly women.

Now if I can just figure out the right balance of old and new friends and how to gracefully grieve what has been lost.