Even though it's been more than 20 years, Rebecca Morton still remembers how difficult it was for her to cope after her first marriage ended in divorce.
"You are kind of in this chaotic state. You can't sleep, you can't eat, your whole life is turned upside down," she said. "I feel like there's a reason for me to have gone through that, and I want to be able to help other people heal and find resources I didn't have when I was going through that."
That's why Morton is hosting a 13-week support group for divorcees at Hope Fellowship Evangelical Presbyterian Church starting Tuesday, Jan. 29. The weekly program is part of DivorceCare, an international ministry that has implemented similar groups in more than 15,000 churches worldwide.
To be held every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m., the goal of each local session will be to communicate one simple message to those struggling to heal from a failed marriage or long-term relationship: You don't have to go through it alone.
During the first 30-40 minutes, participants will watch a video seminar on divorce and various recovery subjects featuring expert interviews and real-life case studies.
Video topics include matters such as dealing with the anger left over from the broken relationship, dealing with loneliness, and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Also included are issues newly divorced parents might have to consider, such as financial survival, visitation and new relationships.
The rest of each two-hour session will be devoted to discussing the video seminar and what's going on in the lives of the group members.
"[It's] a different kind of family," Morton said. "If I had seen this, I would have at least known that there are people that understood."
This is Hope Fellowship EPC's second time hosting the support group. The first group wrapped up the last of its 13 sessions right before Christmas, but though their time has come to an end, Morton said she maintains "fairly regular" contact with some from the original group.
"We still do prayer requests and they send me notices when they're suffering from a plight or bad memories," she said.
Though the sessions are based on Christian principles, they aren't open exclusively to those of faith, Morton added. Anyone in the community is welcome to attend.
"Our church is about reaching out to community, and this is one way we want to help people in our community," she said.
The cost to register is $15, which covers the workbook for the course. Morton noted that scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance.
To learn more about the local sessions, call Morton at 423-364-8983 or fellow group leader Craig Fowler at 706-996-4802.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.