Sometimes saying yes to something new,
means saying no to something wonderful.

I absolutely, positively cherish small groups. For many years, leading a small group has been my thing. Young adult women in Chicago, college women in Hastings, and young moms in North Platte. My heart swells as I picture these uniquely amazing women and recall what it was like to know each other deeply.

When masks come off and real comes out to meet Love, miracles happen. The hidden is seen. Wounds are healed. Deep connections are made. Vision is cast. Love is released. It is hard to hide when a group interacts like that. It is hard to pretend. And for that reason, a lot of ugly comes to the surface. A lot of doubt and fear and demand.

Many people avoid digging deeper to uncover the real. It’s terrifying. Dangerous. Exposing. Vulnerable. And people inevitably get hurt. I may unintentionally be the cause of someone else’s pain when they reveal themselves. They may be the cause of mine.

But today I want to shout: It’s WORTH the risk! It’s worth asking for forgiveness. It’s worth offering forgiveness when others hurt us. It’s worth the pain of brokenness to be made anew with more love than you can imagine. It’s worth persevering in relationship.

You are worth it.

Today the small group I’ve been leading for four years concluded. My new yes meant it was time to say no to this something wonderful. With incredible courage we spoke life-giving, sending words of love and appreciation for one another. I get goosebumps thinking about the power in that room. I will miss being with them in that sacred space. We all will.

But it’s time for something new. It’s time for each of us to be released to offer ourselves and connect with others in new ways. Last night, while preparing for today, I came across a new song by Nichole Nordeman (video below). I’ve had it on repeat for 24 hours.

This is the unmaking, the beauty in the breaking
Had to lose myself to find out who you are.
Before each beginning, there must be an ending.
Sitting in the rubble, I can see the stars.

Have you unmasked and allowed the real in you to be seen and met with great Love? Are you curious what it would be like? Will you muster up the courage to try? Are you willing to say no to something wonderful you can say yes to what comes next for you?

If you are looking for a place to start, try inviting a couple of friends to coffee. Read a book, the bible, a blog post. Share something real. Real feelings, real fears, real thoughts – and show some real love.

Here’s a YES! to the unmaking of each of us – and to new beginnings.

Love,

Andrea Joy