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Most of us are familiar with broken hearts and the multitude of ways they can be broken:  death, divorce, abuse, addiction, and the list goes on.

When our physical hearts have problems, we know where to go for help:  doctor’s offices, hospitals, and health clubs.  There we receive help and support, are given diets, exercise regimens, support groups, medication, and sometimes surgery.  But where do we look when it’s our emotional heart that is in trouble?  Where can a person with a wounded heart look to find comfort, support, and healing?  Healthy Hearts Ministries desires to point the way.

Healthy Hearts Ministries, based at Ridgeland Community Church in West Henrietta, is preparing to take a step closer to responding to the need.  This fall they plan to offer three support groups to the community.  They will also make people aware of other support groups, conferences, retreats, etc. that they believe might be helpful.

Healthy Hearts Ministries is the result of a journey that Bob and Cheryl Stoddard have been traveling.  As with most births, the “delivery” of this ministry was preceded by a period of great pain.  In 1982, at the age of 32, Bob was diagnosed with cancer.  Although he was successfully treated, the experience was emotionally traumatic, especially for Cheryl, who greatly feared “being left alone.”  At about the same time, Bob’s disabled brother, who had been living with them, died in his sleep.  Ten years later Bob and Cheryl lost their oldest son, Ben, in a tragic automobile accident.  They remember well what an important role their church family played in reaching out to comfort them through these tragedies.  Still, their hearts were broken and what they did, without realizing it, was to try to numb the pain with “busyness.”  Full calendars, however, brought little relief and much exhaustion. 

Then about six years ago Bob began to read books that helped him to see with the “eyes of his heart” and to begin truly living from his heart.  These insights helped him to develop healthy relationships with God, with himself, and with others. These revitalized relationships led him to make decisions about specific lifestyle changes.  His calendar became less full; he spent evenings reading, early mornings meditating, and went on an occasional silence and solitude retreat.  Bob became less anxious and more easy-going.

The positive changes in her husband captured Cheryl’s attention, and she began to follow suit.  Because of the healing that has begun in their hearts, Bob and Cheryl desire to reach out to others who are still hurting.

This fall the Stoddards will facilitate a group called GriefShare. It is a DVD based seminar and discussion/support group to help those who are grieving the lost of a close family member or friend.  It will help them to find comfort, care, and healing from their loss. Another couple, Bill and Marcia Zinger, will facilitate DivorceCare. It is also a DVD based seminar and discussion/support group helping others recover from the pain of separation and divorce.  They are also planning to offer a Celebrate Recovery discussion/support group to help others discover freedom from their hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

For more information on the philosophy of the ministry, the purpose and content of the above support groups, or group meeting dates, times, and locations, please visit  www.ridgelandchurch.org/hh.