Judging from your feedback, the gracEmail for May 18, 2008 titled “Knowing One Another” touched a live nerve. Following are a few responses (some edited for space or form); we will share others from time to time. Thanks to all who wrote!
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“A few weeks ago my husband John needed to see two men about two different matters and he scheduled separate appointments. Eeither one ran late or the other was early, andthe two ended up in his office at the same time. They had not met each other before that day. One had lost a child to cancer a few years ago and was still grieving. The other lost his professional license a few years ago and served time for white-collar crime — which is a source of shame and loss for him. Both men just poured out their hearts to each other right there in the office and wept with each other. John was thankful to have been the catalyst.” — Sarah (SarahRummage@comcast.net)
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“I have a meeting with a group of men for this very purpose. To mutually dig deep into our own and each others lives for the purpose of knowing one another, exhorting one another, accepting one another, and restoring one another in the name of Jesus. Being real as you have described should be as natural and normal for Christian fellowship as potlucks have been.” –Brian (bmashburn@southwest.org)
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“I have been attending the same church for six or seven years, play in the band and lead an AA group at the church office on Tuesday, making many acquaintances and developing friendships. We had a blood drive after church today along with a barbecue. The family cooking and serving was Hawaiian. Although they are always there, helping with many events, smiling and shaking hands, I don’t even know their names, except for the father. I started visiting and in a short time discovered many things about them. Two of the sons play football and are quite gifted athletes. I have seen them play and never knew they were in our church. Being a huge sports fan, I regret missing the chance to somehow be involved in their efforts. I could go on and on with similar examples, but I’m sure you get the point.” — Pete (pjandma@comcast.net)
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“Your gracemail arrived about 30 minutes late. Our small group discussion tonight centered around this same topic. Your comments are right-on and if they had arrived earlier we would have incorporated them into our discussion. Our church has had small groups for three years. People who have been active participants in the groups have very positive reactions to the concept and many group members have gotten to know one another at very deep, personal levels.” — Wanda (dwwalding@cox.net)
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“We Americans tend to focus on temporal and materialistic matters, sometimes ignoring the Lord’s voice of direction (I speak from experience). I attempt to remember the following conversational initiators during gatherings of family and friends: What motivates you? About what issues do you feel strongly? What would you like to have changed in the year past? Wwhat is the Lord doing in your life now? At what points in your life have you felt the closest to God? The farthest from God? Is there any way that I can help you? How did you first meet each other? What do you want to accomplish this year?” — Lee (spudsmania@gmail.com)
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“The model for the church is really a family but because of size we often have a difficult time making those deep abiding connections. That is really one reason I think `small group’ ministries have become very popular in many church families today. When we interact daily with one another, lean upon one another, laugh at the jokes and cry with the hurts we are then truly being what I think God wants us to be.” — Mike (mrwms1217@bellsouth.net)
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“I’m a single guy, but I met a family several years ago and felt the Holy Spirit whisper in my heart one Sunday morning to be friends with them. I asked how I was supposed to do that, and then simply went and talked to them each Sunday to make them feel welcome. Before long, Daniel invited me to his family’s house for his son’s birthday party. Seven years later, we still meet every Tuesday night (along with about 15 people). After everyone leaves, Daniel and I discuss how God is moving in our lives, often very late into the night. The Holy Spirit moves deeply in our friendship as the wisdom, love, and grace of Jesus Christ fills our treasured time. Where would I be without such friends? I cannot easily describe the quality of our friendship that has grown from this weekly meal and devotion. — Trevor (TLaing@PENSON.COM).