Finding a positive voice may come from support group

"From him the whole body grows, joined together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love …"

- Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

Everyone could use some encouragement and support from time to time. But sometimes your friends don't have the answers or resources you need.

God knows we need support and education about certain matters in our lives. Family addictions, afflictions and problems can get too heavy to carry alone. Sometimes our own burdens weigh us down. When this happens you might consider turning to a support group.

Support groups are a network of people who share a common problem. Examples include grief, depression, addictions, weight loss, jobseekers and various health conditions; the list is endless. In fact, there seems to be a group for almost anything.

The group is normally led by a member who not only has some formal training, but who also has struggled with the same problem. The participants get together and discuss their feelings, exchange ideas and offer solutions they might have.

The greatest benefit of a group is knowing you're not alone. The down side can be sharing your information in a group if you're not comfortable doing so. In that case, you can still listen and learn.

Make sure the group is helpful and positive. A friend of mine attended a support group she described as "The ain't it awful group." If a group's tone is negative, supporting a victim mentality, it probably won't be helpful.

A positive group should provide loving support and build self-confidence. If a support group doesn't work for you, try a wise mentor, coach or counselor.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Annettee will be speaking at the Libertyville Civic Center at 7 p.m. Friday, June 26. Reserve your seats by emailing AnnetteeBudzban@aol.com or call (847) 543-8413.