Emily's OAG Experience
A couple of weeks ago, our OAG met for the first time since May. After a summer apart, getting together again was wonderful. The goal for the night was to share updates, snacks, and hugs. It was good to hear everyone talk about new school years, relational happenings, and what the Lord has been teaching them through life and work. We laughed a lot and cried some too. In the weeks to come, we will discuss the sermons and continue to pray with and over each other.
When I reflect on the men and women in our OAG, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness. I am thankful for the way they welcome us into their homes with hospitality and grace. I am thankful that they are trustworthy, and we can share our burdens without judgment. I am thankful for their attentive care of us and our kids. This past summer, our 14-year-old daughter reached out to the members of our small group, and they helped her coordinate a 25th wedding anniversary party for us. It was an incredible gift, and our kids were able to experience the joy of community in a tangible way.
Vulnerability can be incredibly challenging, especially in a larger group of people. We have found that our OAG is a place where not only is vulnerability allowed, it is encouraged. No one in our group has it all together. All of us bring our own messes and struggles, but we all come knowing we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and He calls us to each other. We love our OAG so much that after 22 years, we abandoned our “regular seats” on Sunday mornings so we could sit closer to them!
We took this picture recently at OAG. We were missing some members, but here is our family photo.
When I reflect on the men and women in our OAG, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness. I am thankful for the way they welcome us into their homes with hospitality and grace. I am thankful that they are trustworthy, and we can share our burdens without judgment. I am thankful for their attentive care of us and our kids. This past summer, our 14-year-old daughter reached out to the members of our small group, and they helped her coordinate a 25th wedding anniversary party for us. It was an incredible gift, and our kids were able to experience the joy of community in a tangible way.
Vulnerability can be incredibly challenging, especially in a larger group of people. We have found that our OAG is a place where not only is vulnerability allowed, it is encouraged. No one in our group has it all together. All of us bring our own messes and struggles, but we all come knowing we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and He calls us to each other. We love our OAG so much that after 22 years, we abandoned our “regular seats” on Sunday mornings so we could sit closer to them!
We took this picture recently at OAG. We were missing some members, but here is our family photo.
