In light of the current times, we are encouraging you to move forward in your groups as planned. This does take courage and we are given little foresight, so know that things might change along the way. People are in need of some sense of structure, clarity, and "normalcy" in the midst of a lot of uncertainty. However, with that said, figuring out what is safe for you and your group will vary from community to community. That is okay! 

“Conflict is a necessary ingredient in the process of being known and building intimacy”(Terra Mattson, Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace). As moms, we expect conflict between our children. We expect it between our kiddos and friends they play with. When my kids were toddlers and preschoolers, I welcomed disagreements as they provided learning moments I could teach within. As they have gotten older, though, I catch myself uttering the words, “Can you please just get along?” Or, “Please stop disagreeing,” negating the fact that my kids still need to learn how to move throughconflict. Conflict allows depth to develop within relationship. Walking through conflict, owning one’s mistakes, and practicing the act of forgiveness are valuable learning moments for kids and adults, alike.

"If you want to have good friends (and teach your daughter how to have good friendships), you need to be a good friend. If you wish others would extend an invitation, be the first to invite. Scottish pastor Alistair Begg once said, "The love of God is an initiative-taking love; in fact, genuine love always takes the initiative." Though it feels intimidating, and may trigger our fears of rejection and pride, this is the reality of where friendship begins. Someone needs to initiate. If you want to be friends with someone, I would challenge you to believe that God is asking you to take a step forward in faith."- InCourage, p. 118

Living with grace means that we not only offer it to others, but that we also offer it to ourselves! This can be a difficult thing to do, even when we quickly offer grace to others. It is also very difficult for our girls to do for themselves. Yet, we are loved fiercely by God. He exemplified the length He was willing to go to for us when Jesus died on the cross. If His love for us means He was willing to die for us, then I imagine it would hurt God to hear all the negative things we say to ourselves, even if only in our heads.