The Power of a Circle of Trust

Why We Retreat When Life Gets Hard

In the lives of those we serve, creating a circle of people who can become trusted friends is not easy, but when it happens, it is amazing. In fact, I believe one of the biggest barriers to success is the human tendency to isolate ourselves when times are hard. I know I am guilty of it, and maybe you have been as well. We tend to act like turtles and retreat into our shells.

The Comfort and the Cost of Staying in the Shell

Once in our shell, it can be hard to coax us back out into the difficult realities that wait for us day to day. The shell is safe. The shell is warm. The shell is comfortable. However, a turtle can never go anywhere when it retracts its head, tail, and legs into the comfort zone of the shell.

Building Circles of Trust for Children and Families

This is why, when we work with children, at-risk youth, and parents, we work to quickly establish a circle of trust for them.

The staff and volunteers who make up these circles of trust at Collins serve in many different roles. Each of these roles fulfills a specific need. Sometimes the role may be that of a friend, and sometimes it might look more like an older brother or sister.

“A Friend Loves at All Times”

Proverbs 17:17 says it this way:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

We all need a circle of friends.

The Gift of My “Sweat Sisters”

I have found my circle at the gym where I work out. It amazes me how much this group brings me joy. We cheer one another on, give positive words of affirmation, exchange high-fives, and sometimes just share a glance that says, “Wow, that was hard.”

While I love working out with our entire class, there is a group; let’s call them the “sweat sisters.” They are the reason I show up, even when I do not want to.

Sisterhood Is a Sign of Strength, Not Weakness

Let me tell you about my “sweat sisters.” We do more than cheer one another on; we provide accountability, a listening ear, encouragement, motivation, and a real reason to get up and be at the gym at 5:30 a.m. Together, we have a mutual relationship that builds one another up. Without these women, my life would lack a key indicator of success: sisterhood.

You Can Help Someone Step Out of the Shell

Serving at Collins Family Ministries allows you to add value to the lives of those who are struggling to get out of that turtle shell and embrace life again.

For more information on how you can be a part of building others up, visit collinsfamilyministries.org or call 864.882.0893.