Stacey Thacker
About the Author

Stacey Thacker is an author, blogger, speaker, and believer who loves God’s Word and connecting with women. Her passion is to encourage women in their walks with God. Thacker is the author of seven books, her latest is Threadbare Prayer: Prayers for Hearts that Feel Hidden, Hurt, or Hopeless.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. I emailed about joining a group because I wasn’t sure which group was the best fit for me. I also wasn’t sure whether any groups were in my geographic area. I never received a reply. I’m sorry I didn’t get to participate!

    • Kate I am sorry for the confusion. The majority of the groups were not based on geographic area, but on stage of life or interests. Many of our groups had women from different countries. How neat is that?

      I hope that next time you are able to find a group that works for you.

      Again, sorry for the confusion!

  2. Would love to b part of one ! I live in Asia n feel it wouldn’t great to have something simar for women here! Pray with me to see if this is God-idea… My plate is already v full but then when it’s God things can fall in place!!
    Thanks sisters!

  3. […] counting 1,000 gifts on Thanksgiving. You can find that post here. You can find me today over at (in)courage. I am sharing an update on the (in)courage Community Groups first session. So bring your cute red […]

  4. I’ve loved the experience, not only encouraging “{relatively} empty nesting” women like myself, but being able to turn to them for prayer, and building safe and trusting relationships.
    It’s also been a blessing in my relationship with my formerly prodigal child, as with his blessing I’ve been able to share our HIStory, not forgetting how He has grown both of us through his years of wandering.
    Blessed indeed!

  5. Oh what a blessing it has been to be a part of this experience! I’m continually amazed at how God uses this online space to connect us with one another. How great is our God! And how amazing are all of you!

    • ‘Sing with me “how great is our God” and all will see “how great, how great is our God!”‘ 🙂

      He loves connecting his daughters, I just know it!

  6. I have had the pleasure of being one of the co-leaders of an Empty Nest group (Last Chick Out), and I participated in a couple of others. I’ve been going through a rough patch with my “prodigal son.” These (in)courage communities have been a blessing. it is so easy to believe the Enemy when he tells you that it is your fault that your child is straying from the way that he has been raised and falters from the church. I was lifted up in prayer and was shown that I am not alone–that other mamas have the same trials. I have made some friends with whom I have chatted frequently–and I’ve never met them except through this on-line community called (in)courage and through the Facebook communities that we have grown. We pray for each other, cyber-hold each other’s hands, swap stories, share laughter, offer each other a shoulder to cry on. I feel how God’s love is being shared among us. Being part of these communities has given me courage to “expand” and to take risks. I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into, but I applied and was accepted to be part of the “God-sized Dream Team” that Holley Gerth is leading. I am also stepping out in faith to establish my own photography business! I don’t know where God will take me on this journey, but this (in)courage community has my back!

  7. I remember the first day, standing on my porch. Glancing at my phone while kids ran while, I saw the words “special needs” and “(in)courage” on the SAME screen!!! My heart hit the clouds!!!!
    I am so grateful for this incredible school of ladies…walking together by faith as He works through our brokenness. He’s making something beautiful, really beautiful that I’m not sure we’d have – if not for the brokenness. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”

    • Miriam now my heart just hit the clouds too! Thanks for sharing this. I know that we can connect powerfully in our broken places.

      Praying for you!

  8. Unfortunately, I just got too busy with a new (wonderful) job that I didn’t get to check in with my group too often. 🙁

    Will you be looking for additional groups for the February round? I’m single (which fits nicely with the groups for single) but I also am the primary caregiver for elderly family members. I could totally use a community of incouragers built around that challenge!

  9. Unfortunately, I really didn’t connect with my group very often. Mostly, it was my fault. I just started a new job and had to adjust to the schedule so fitting other new things in was tricky!

    Will you be looking for new groups next year? I joined a group for singles this time around but could really use a community built around women who are primary caregivers for elderly parents/grandparents or other relatives.

  10. Hi there! One of MY favorite things in life, too, is watching women connect and encourage each other! It feeds my soul to see this happen!
    How do I get into the Special Needs Mammas group?? I would love to be a part of it. Thx.

  11. I ABSOLUTELY love to see women get together and encourage each other!!
    How do I get into the Special Needs Mammas group? I have a son with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. “Special moms” REALLY need to lift each other up!!
    Thx!

  12. I am a member if the Lines in the Sand social justice group and have been so blessed to connect with other women who are passionate about big issues and struggle to see their role in the grand scheme of these battles. We’re not all passionate about the same things and our passions mean sometimes we see things from different perspectives. But our conversations, in my opinion have been inspiring and enlightening and supportive and I feel blessed to have sisters with whom I can walk. Kudos to our moderators who have given generously of themselves to grow our little community.

  13. I have been a member of (in)design and I have loved it. What a great group of prayerful women. I have had some struggles during this time and could always count on the prayers and support of this wonderful group of friends.

  14. I did join a group, and while I have enjoyed it, I’m really hoping that next time, there are groups by geographical location. I like making on-line friends, but I’m really seeking those I can connect with in-person.

  15. I did join a group, and while I have enjoyed it, I’m really hoping that next time, there are groups by geographical location. I like making on-line friends, but I’m really seeking those I can connect with in-person.

  16. I joined the (in)motherhood group – what an *amazing* blessing. There are not too many moments during the day that a new Mom has to herself – and I have been treasuring mine knowing that I could pop onto facebook and connect with my other mommas in the group. We have blessed each other with prayer, encouragement, shared situations / experiences, photos and advice. It has been an amazingly wonderful blessing. I am so sad to see it end!

    • The groups are not “ending” , resting a little during December & January. More details are coming this week in your groups.

    • Charissa, we have loved having you in the group! Y’all knocked our socks off with your love for Jesus, your families, and one another. And don’t we all feel like a bunch of proud aunts with all the new little babies we welcomed? I don’t think I can ever explain to each of you how you’ve changed my life and my heart. Thank you for taking a risk and joining us! And yes, like Stacey said, even though the first “session” might be coming to a close, our group doesn’t need to 🙂 Mary Beth & I will share more with you soon!

  17. I’ve been part of the Working New Moms Group and can’t begin to tell you what an encouragement this group has been for me. With working full time I’ve had a difficult time connecting with other new moms in my hometown. This group of women has become my community, my new mom’s group and my support system. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without these amazing ladies. I’m hoping we can keep the group going even when the groups “break” for the season. Thank you for making this group possible!

    • You make me smile so big, Jessica!! 🙂 It has been so great getting to know you in our group. You have been such an encouragement to US! 🙂

  18. I am part of the Marriage and Mommyhood group and it has been a wonderful experience. There has been so much encouragement. Kayse and Rebecca have been great leaders. Friend were definitely made and I can’t wait for session 2 to start next year.

  19. Oh My Word – the joy that this (IN)courage Special Needs Mama’s Group of ladies has brought to me this past two months, is amazing! We get each other. And those doors are always open for us to praise and pray right alongside one another. Such a beautiful gift this online community has been. Thank you for launching this. And thanks to all of the willing Greeting Hearts that stand at each of the group’s virtual doors.

  20. Hmmm, not sure where the comment went. But I know one thing for sure: these online (IN)courage community groups were a Godsend. Truly. Our Special Needs Mama’s group has become a family. We get each other. A family that praises and prays right alongside one another lifting each other and our families right Up. I am So Very Grateful that you launched this idea a few months ago.

  21. I co-lead with Erica G(ok she does most the leading) 🙂 the lines in the sand: social justice group, and have to say I have been blessed by these woman beyond measure. They amaze each day and open my mind to so many beautiful things that people are doing around the world. The truely are encouraging, and I am forever grateful for all these beautiful woman! Thank you for the oppurtunity!

  22. I missed info about these community groups but can’t wait to learn more in February. Has their been a group for women who are caregivers/women supporting a family member through cancer? If not, I’d be interested in helping start one.

  23. I co-lead (in) This Season with Lindsey -for women in ministry who have or are going through tough times. It was a God-sized dream He put on our hearts and it has been a HUGE blessing to me personally. We get each other, we are there to pray for and encourage each other in ways not many others can. So thankful for these women! I’m thankful for this beginning and looking forward to more as we continue to develop these friendships and welcome more in the new year!

    • I have LOVED being a part of this group Lobby! Both you and Lindsey have encouraged us, prayed for us and understood some of the unique challenges I’ve faced as a missionary serving overseas. Thank you for having an open heart and willing ears. Looking forward to the next session x

  24. I love, Love, LOVE my {relatively} Empty nNest group. I joined shortly after my daughter moved back home with her teenaged boys. Having a safe place to voice prayer concerns, share about husband/children/in-laws/grands/etc. has been very good for me. For the first time, I feel like I truly have an online community…women in the same season of life with some of the same hopes and dreams facing some of the same disappointments and discouragements as I do. This was an answered prayer for me. I can’t thank {in}courage enough for this group!

  25. I have been a part of [in] This Season. I want to give a shout out to Libby and Lindsey who have done an AMAZING job leading. It’s been so encouraging to meet with other women in ministry who are dealing with difficult situations. It’s been So good to talk, share safely, and pray for each other. To be in a group of women who get it, which is very rare. I am so thankful for this group.

  26. I’m a single, empty-nester with a chronic illness 🙂 I’d love to participate next time..even in a group that meets in person. God bless all you lovely ladies!

  27. I have LOVED, Loved being a part of this group Libby! Both you and Lindsey have encouraged us, prayed for us and understood some of the unique challenges I’ve faced as a missionary serving overseas. Thank you for having an open heart and willing ears. Looking forward to the next session x

  28. I have been a part of the (in)design creative community and I love it. It’s been wonderful to get to know other ladies who seek to bring glory to God through their creative work. They have been encouraging, inspiring, prayerful and supportive. I am so thankful I’ve gotten to know these ladies through this community and look forward to continuing our connection.

  29. Oh my! The unmasking motherhood group led by Eryn and Stefanie was fabulous! What a great group of (in)couragers and women who are serious about being real and honest … not just about the yucky parts of mothering but also about sharing the VERY real gifts and blessings we gain on this parenting journey! I am so thankful to have been a part of this group!!

    And special thanks to Eryn & Stefanie who moderated and loved on us with such incredible joy and grace!

  30. I would be so encouraged to be part of a group of older Christian women. My daughters are both grown women with independent lives. My heart, spirit and intellect are alive and active in the joy of the Lord although I am hampered physically. I wondered if there might be a place for me to fit in with an “Encourager” group. Jehovah has been so gracious to develop insight into His word in my life and growth in His Holy Spirit as I experience His sovereign power in many life circumstances. I would hope to share His grace and mercy with other woman experiencing those times of trial and triumph. Please would you contact me with information about making that happen. Thank you. Marie

  31. This is wonderful! My heart too is to be in community with other women as an encourager (as well as I get filled up with love and support from community!).
    I would love to lead an incourage community group for either women newly diagnosed with breast cancer or breast cancer survivors- or maybe it’s a combined group. I am a two time breast cancer with a heart to love-on, encourage, inspire and empower other women by sharing my journey full of life lessons and blessings along the way. Please let me know how I can plug into this when new groups start up in February! Karen