Divorce.

What do I do now? Where do I begin? How do I process all of this?

It’s a painful word. It’s a hard journey. And no one wants to be part of this group, but it happens. For some it is a chosen path, and for others it’s an unwanted decision. No matter how you ended up there, there is hope and help available.

I know because I have found it.

Divorce. There it is again. It comes out of nowhere and leaves you bereft. It leaves you societally homeless. A place where you want so desperately to process the pain, to cope, and somehow, to find a way to move forward. I should know. I am learning what it looks like to become single again. And with the help of Rev. Dawn Anderson and the Divorce Care class offered at Highland Park United Methodist Church, I have learned just such a spot exists.

Getting over the hope line.

I attended the first meeting a few weeks after I filed for divorce. It was during my “usual” church service time so I was familiar with the routine but honestly, I just wanted to hide. I wasn’t ready to face my fear (and insecurity) by attending church. I couldn’t face those I wasn’t ready to tell. I couldn’t be sure of their reaction and I absolutely wasn’t sure of mine. I needed help. I needed to be in my house of worship. I desperately needed to feel God’s presence. And even though I walked in late, I knew instantly that it was the best decision I made amidst the pain of this divorce.

That morning’s video testimonial talked about three things to keep remembering in this season of change.

“We need three things to keep perspective: first, the Spirit of God, second, the word of God, and third, the people of God, all to begin the process to get over the HOPE line. “

Beauty from ashes.

That has never been more true in my life than right now. This group has most certainly become the spirit of God, the word of God, and the most profound people of God to me. I have found beauty from ashes with Divorce Care, from the warm reception and love I received the minute I walked in to the outpouring of words in times of immense pain and sorrow.

This group, under the gentle guidance of Rev. Dawn Anderson, has helped me begin to move forward in the hardest, most empty place in my life. They have filled my heart with words of encouragement, words of love, and most importantly, they have become Christ to me. They enable me to share in the journey with others, to walk the pain of life and be present with others, just as they have been for me.

Just as God proclaims in 1 John 1:5: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” They have been light for me. And I am thankful.

If you find yourself in this season of life and want a safe place to land, consider attending Divorce Care at HPUMC. You are not alone. You do not have to travel this journey alone. You too can find beauty from ashes.