NURTURING SUPPORT FROM FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS

Too often, divorce for Christians is bitter with family members taking sides. When two people divorce they don't just divorce each other, they divorce their mutual families too, There may be no love lost between a former spouse and the in-laws, but when relations have been intimate, complications and more hurt abound. Every divorced person has to carry their own grief and try to begin a new life. Family support groups are helpful to regain a sense of control over the situation; a caring group of people who will walk alongside you through a difficult experience because they understand what you are going through and want to help.

Each day thousands of families struggle with problems – divorce, adultery, drug addiction, sexual abuse, debt or a terminal illness and families can feel isolated, fatigued, and concerned about the next steps they should take, and many find relief and comfort from attending family support groups..

Family support groups allow parents and children alike to offer each other helpful advice and tips on how to get through various challenges and they share stories, ask questions, and share the emotions of this tumultuous period with tremendous benefits:

• sharing experiences; knowing you are not alone
• lending support, encouragement, and hope
• enhancing self esteem

Adultery, divorce and substance abuse doesn't happen to just one person - it happens to the whole family, but fortunately, the whole family can benefit from the support and encouragement found at family support groups.

Avoid support groups that thrive on anger and hatred instead of nurturing support. Look for a group that supports your beliefs. Families hurting from divorce or other problems are showing up at churches in desperate need of help, and Family Life wants to provide your church with resources to start or even enhance family support groups that provide a road to reconciliation.