Monday, April 21, 2008

An all-embracing place

First of all I want to thank all of you who commented on my last post. I'm sorry I haven't been more prompt about responding to you all. Just haven't had a lot of time or energy for blogging - so many other things to do.

Our discussion about alienation made me think of Living Room and how that's one place where I don't think anyone feels out of place or on the outside looking in. In searching the web on this topic I found out that self-help groups are excellent places to overcome feelings of alienation. I can see how that is true.

At Living Room each person is warmly welcomed. No matter what their emotional condition, they are fully accepted. Our open sharing of things that are usually kept secret from people on the outside is healing. Because of this transparency with each other, we come to love and appreciate each other for who we are. And with God at the center and Jesus as our example, how could we go wrong? The result is a very special place where everyone feels he/she belongs.

My prayer is that members of Living Room will take this sense of belonging with them to the world outside as well. I pray that they will gain confidence, knowing that they're not so different from others in that they're each special before God.

6 comments:

Nancie said...

Marja,

Thank God for sharing with us what a blessing Living Room is to everyone that goes there. Truly it is wonderful to find a support group where everyone can feel so loved and accepted. Thank God for using you and many others to make this possible. May God continue to bless your labours of love!

Thank God that through our blogs we have gotten to know many people and can support one another online too so that we need not feel alone or isolated. Isn't God so good to us? It is a comfort that He is with us and He provides people who cares.

Hope you have a blessed day!

sbwrites said...

Marja,
Your Living Room sounds like such a haven for others. It's truly a blessing!

Susan

JC said...

The Living Room truly is a "haven" Marja. Places are able to facilitate that kind of atmosphere are run by leaders who encourage it and live by it. You are an excellent Leader and supporter and Living Room is lucky to have you. I know from my experience in joining you in the times that I did that it is a truly welcoming place.

shebee said...

Hi Marja,
I just wanted to let you know that what you have said about living room is true. I feel so safe there. No condemnation at all. I thank Jesus for you and your ministry Marja, you have truly been blessed by God. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love Shelly

shebee said...

PS - I can't wait to have more opportunity to go to L.R. with baby on my materntiy leave...a whole year!!! Woo hoo!!!

marja said...

Thank you Nancie, Susan, and especially Jena and Shelly, my fellow Living Roomers. But you know what makes this group such a haven? It's all God's doing. It's his Holy Spirit at work. And the person who benefits most, I'm pretty sure, is myself. Such a joy it is!