For a long time, I avoided women’s ministry events. I just couldn’t bring myself to put on a good face and be around a bunch of people that I couldn’t stand or didn’t trust.
Yes, I had a serious attitude problem. But I felt justified.
How to Heal When Women Hurt You
You see, women in the church had seriously hurt me. They had talked about me behind my back and judged me without caring to find out the truth. The list could go on. Since I’d been hurt so much, I just decided to write the whole thing off.
I didn’t need them.
Fast forward a few more years and the loneliness in my heart was just more than I could bear. I remember attending the Women of Faith conference on my own. I cried the entire drive over to the location and as I sang worship songs with women that I didn’t know. I continued to cry as woman after woman took that stage and shared their stories.
I cried even harder when I realized that they were also sharing my story.
That was the first step towards healing for me. I started off really slow, reaching out to a trusted friend and a small group at her church. I was terrified, but in the end, my heart was blessed for it. And when my Daddy closed his eyes for the last time on this side of Heaven, each of those women stood beside me.
I have continued to reach out slowly to build relationships with other Christian women. I’m always hesitant at first but they have all been patient with me and loved on me anyway. Over the last few years, I have realized that women need community.
3 Reasons Women Need to Embrace Community
- Community is there to lift you up and pray for you when you are struggling and having a hard time. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through my first few years as a single mom without my close friends.
- Community isn’t afraid to call you out when you are on the wrong path. All in love of course. I truly am grateful for women who love me enough to let me know when I’m headed down the wrong path. They have prayed for me and helped me to heal many times.
- Community is there to make sure you are not alone. If I’ve learned one thing over the years it is this: Satan wants nothing more than to isolate you from the Christian community. Why? Because he knows that’s the best way he can beat you down.
No matter what has happened in the past, please don’t neglect the gift of community and fellowship.
Blessings,
LaToya Edwards
LaToya Edwards is a Christian life coach and writer. She helps Christian women overcome fear through bold and courageous faith so they can walk victoriously through trials, knowing God is with them, every step of the way. You can learn more about LaToya on her blog, Women Finding God.