Love, When I Needed it Most

At the end of March 2023, I came to the Not Alone group at my church, broken and desperately needing connection with other women like me. Just one month earlier, I had moved out of my house and into a condo after being shocked to discover my husband had been seeing someone else. We had been together for 21 years, married for 16 of them, and divorce was never something I had envisioned for my life. Nor had I ever thought I would become a single mom to our two children, then 13 and 10 years old.

The Not Alone community embraced me from day one. I came with lots of tears as I tried to tell them about myself and my situation. They let me tell my story and didn’t judge me. From them, I found the truth about who I am: a loved child of God. Many of the moms prayed for me and my kids, and I regularly received texts and notes of encouragement when I was sad, lonely, or needed prayer. As my kids went back and forth each week between homes, these ladies grieved with me. They have become my friends, my cheerleaders, and my community.

As my divorce was finalized, they were there every step of the way. They surprised me on my birthday with gifts delivered to me at work. As December approached, the realization set in that this would be my first Christmas without my kids. Wanting to avoid sadness, I distracted myself by serving in the kids ministry at all of the Christmas Eve services, but when I got home I was shocked to find a stocking and wrapped presents on my porch from Not Alone - for me. All of this care let me know I truly wasn’t alone. 

So many others have been through similar things as me and need this type of support. Our Not Alone group not only meets for Bible study but also has fun activities, like “Self-Care Night,” pool parties, hikes, and more. It is a special community.

As I continue to discover who I am through God, my Not Alone friends continue to challenge, encourage, and love me.

– Amy P.