Let’s All Get Growing Again in 2009!

How does your spiritual garden grow?

God in the scripture uses many gardening terms when talking about life: words like, plowing and planting, rooting and uprooting, seedtime and harvest. Jesus Himself used the image of a vine and its branches.  Growth takes plenty of sunshine and fresh air to thrive. People are no different. We need abundant spiritual light and fresh air as well.

We are indeed creatures of light, and yet, there are times when we find ourselves isolated in the darkness when trying to deal with serious life issues such as depression, divorce, addiction, sexual sin, anger, abuse and more.  Shame over our perceived personal failings can cause us to retreat to a dark, airless place where we wrestle in silence against our darkest thoughts.

Without help, our spirit – our very life – may wither and die in such an unhealthy, oppressive environment.  Growth stops and problems quickly compound themselves into life-controlling issues, forcing us to do things against our own best interests.

 I know this to be true. I have been there, done that, fought against my own personal demons in the darkness – and almost lost everything. I’ve heard it said the “we are as sick as our secrets”. There is no good ground to be gained by keeping one’s problems to one’s self, while acting as if we have it all together – wearing a mask. Such behavior only leads to more frustration and failure.

In order to deal effectively with our own “stuff” we need a safe place, where it is okay to let down our defenses, crack the window open and begin to let some light and fresh air back into our lives. A place where we can put aside our fears of being judged and condemned by others – and start to get growing again!

That’s why I founded the Ruth Graham & Friends ministry, to create just such a safe place - a place without judgment, condemnation or criticism. It’s a place where people can open themselves up to a greater understanding of what the issues are, what the Bible has to say about them and what can be done to find the freedom promised to us by Jesus for ourselves – and others we care about! The freedom gained in Jesus is real and relevant.  At each conference strive to give the tools and support needed to Get Growing again!  We know it takes courage, commitment, determination and helpful friends to break free of life-controlling issues.

We at Ruth Graham & Friends are people just like you – people trying to live life to the fullest, with purpose and passion. We have experienced the low points and we have come through by God’s amazing grace. We want to share what we have learned along the way so that you can know and experience for it yourself.

We know what it’s like to have a friend struggling with issues and not know how to help them. What is the right thing to do? What do we say? We at Ruth Graham & Friends want to equip you to be able to more effectively minister God’s grace and wisdom to those you care about. That’s why we can’t wait to meet you in 2009, to share stories, to provide real answers to real life challenges, to Get Growing!

Sincerely

Ruth Graham