Gather Your Circle!

November 18th, 2024 

What I miss most about my previous work with Mend on the Move is the women … and “sister circle.”

Mend makers gather weekly and put work aside for an hour or so and come together at the large, central creative table. Some prefer to keep their hands busy and continue creating at the table as they share.

There is always community while creating together at Mend, almost like the old-time knitting circles, but “circle time” is intentional. They share and appreciate as only a sisterhood of survivors can about the celebrations, struggles and fragileness of life.

A New Circle

I’ve been leading a Bible study at my church for abuse survivors, and it brings me back to “circle time.” It’s where I feel I belong. I am them. My story their stories.

Gregory Boyle, founder of the social enterprise Homeboy Industries for gang members, puts it perfectly, calling this “kinship—not serving the other, but being one with the other.”

One with the women of Mend and now one with my new circle of sisters. I only know these women through the lens of pain, but I see so much more in these sensitive souls looking tentatively back at me. Goodness. Compassion. Dignity. Resilience. And incredible potential they have only begun to tap in to.

We follow a study, but, most importantly, we share our stories. Maybe for the first time

without shame, because every one of us has felt shame deeply, and now we tenderly hold the burden of it for our sisters. 

I know how hard and long the journey to healing is. I feel a rush of love for their willingness to step out in faith. Their hearts and bodies have been broken. It’s a challenge for eyes that have been in the dark so long to refocus and adjust as they stumble into the light. 

But they are reaching for it with everything they’ve got. 

Bravely showing up week after week, sharing more, trusting more, hoping more and just feeling comforted that they’re not alone. 

Gather Your Circle

What would it look like for you to gather your own circle, a safe space of trusted women?

Women with similar stories and bonds, not necessarily abuse, but in other areas of healing or perhaps just exploring. A space where you can encourage one another to flourish. A space where you can grow and see the possibilities. A sacred space.