Seeking community

Human beings tend to be social creatures, especially the females of the species. We need to know that we're not alone, that someone hears us and sees us, that someone cares. Unfortunately, in our fast-paced world, relationships sometimes seem to be hard to come by. It's hard to find the time to connect, really connect, with others. At least that's what we tell ourselves. If we're truly honest, though, the hard part is not so much finding time for those relationships that we crave but also kind of fear. The hard part is letting our guards down enough for the connections to happen in the first place. At least that's how it is for me. And, the older I get, the more guarded I tend to be, and the more excuses I tend to make about why personal connection just won't work for me. But, in the depths of my heart, I still crave that interaction. I want to know that I'm not alone, that someone hears, that someone cares. And, I know that relationships are not going to just happen for me. I have to work at them. That is why, when I was asked to be a leader for an (in)courage group for homeschooling moms, I decided to jump in. (in)courage is an online community for women, sponsored by Dayspring, the Christian subsidiary of Hallmark. The idea is to connect women and offer them encouragement, from the safety of their own computers, in whatever circumstances they may be. Registration for groups opens today, and chances are good that you will find a group that meets the needs of the season of life you are in at this very moment. (Sorry, men, these groups are just for women!) The group I have the privilege of being a part of is called (in)spired to homeschool, and you can find it here or in the link above. You can peruse the other groups here. Check it out! What have you got to lose?