Better Together: A Journey of Healing, Faith, and Friendship
by Karen Mahone
Six years ago, when my friend Joe recommended this singles group, I was skeptical. I had never heard of Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City, and I didn’t know the people who were leading the group. Even though I trusted Joe, and he mentioned it (twice), I wasn’t interested. Johnson City felt too far, and the church was unfamiliar. I had plenty of excuses.
One evening, as our own singles Bible study was wrapping up, Joe encouraged me again: “You should go.” Reluctantly, I agreed.
The first few times I attended, I signed in incognito, using a partially fake name and withholding my email. I wasn’t planning to stay. I was scared and broken. Though God had already done miraculous things in my life, I wasn’t fully healed.
Still, I kept going.
There were only about 6 to 12 of us in those early days, but God was there. And the leader — he was real, relatable, and a little broken himself. I found myself longing to be there with “my people.” I felt safe. I felt welcomed. I felt loved. Eventually, I gave my real name and email. I realized I was made for more.
Then COVID hit. Doors closed, but we thrived. Jamin made sure we stayed connected. He opened his business basement, we met at the park, and we found ways to gather. On November 30, 2020 at 1:14 PM, I received a text: “Just a heads up. I’m including you as part of the leadership team we’re forming for the singles group. I’m sending a group message in a minute and didn’t want you to be surprised. = )” I replied, “You know this is Karen, right?” He responded, “Ha! 100%.”
There were needs. People were hurting. And hurt people can serve well too. Here, I could serve God the way He designed me to. These were my friends. And soon, they became like family. Over time, we had a slogan. We were “better together.” We even had shirts to prove it! Over the past five years, I’ve had the honor of leading and facilitating two Bible studies — something I never dreamed of. But God did. The best part? The love. The prayers. The miracles. The healing I have witnessed. The blessings, spoken over me when I needed them most. Forever friendships were formed. Marriages formed and blossomed. Lives were changed.
As Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” My healing was completed. My joy became full. God exceeded every expectation. I was taught-and gently reminded of the truth in Psalm 139:13: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Through this, I rediscovered my identity and my worth, defined not by the world, but by the One who designed me — God Himself. It’s a passage I return to often, a must-read again and again.
I came to understand that I was loved far more deeply than I had ever imagined.
And here, in this place, I learned to be confident in being fully known and fully loved. I almost let Satan convince me that Johnson City was too far, that this unknown church and people weren’t worth it. But now, they have became like brothers and sisters. Satan knew all the good things God had in store for me-and I almost missed it. I’ve led. I’ve organized fun events. I’ve loved on you, and you’ve loved on me even more. I’m so glad came. And I’m so glad returned.
As Joshua 1:9 reminds us: “Do not be afraid. Be strong and courageous.” Now, my season as a member of the leadership team has come to an end. I’m engaged to be married and it’s time for someone else to step in and use her beautiful gifts to glorify God and serve others. What a blessing and an honor to have had the privilege to humbly work for the Lord and love this group of friends. I will be forever grateful for this group for that opportunity.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of this journey. Now, to the next chapter — one He has already begun.
