What's Your Love Language?
It goes without saying that, like all communities, folks in the Williamson area have their own set of unique struggles common to this area. The folks at the Mingo County Family Support Center recognize this, and that’s partially how they developed the upcoming Book Club event focusing on Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages. “We often talk about how we have a failing family unit in southern WV,” says Cody Justice, the assistant director of the Family Support Center. “But the truth is, sometimes people just don’t know, or don’t understand how to communicate, how to love and be loved.”
Cody hopes that an event like this will be beneficial to folks in the area. “The idea behind the book is that people express and receive love in 5 different ways, called love languages: quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch,” Cody explains. “Talking about these love languages helps you better understand how to love yourself and let others love you, as well as help you understand how to love and receive love from others.” The goal, he explains, is to strengthen relationships and communication skills by giving folks the right tools to do so.
This event isn’t just the result of Cody and the rest of the folks with the FSC. It will be hosted and led by Maryann Lendearo, the owner of Maple Grove Books, who is a key collaborator on this project. “Cody approached me with the idea of hosting a book club that would correspond with their mission,” Maryann says. “I loved the idea, so of course I was on board and very thankful for that opportunity.”
Maryann previously read the book on her own some years ago, and attests to its potential as a tool for folks who want to communicate better. “I learned a lot about myself, and about my loved ones,” She says. “It’s really interesting to me to learn how to show love to someone in a way that they will receive it best.”
At the first meeting, on February 7, 2023 at 5:30pm everyone will be provided with a copy of the book, a reading journal, pen, and highlighter. From there, the group will arrange a flexible schedule for the rest of the month to meet up and discuss the book. There will also be a private Facebook group for folks to discuss ideas and questions. “I will discuss with everyone how fast paced we want to go, but I’m hoping for about a three week stint,” Maryann says. “I am so excited to get started.”
Cody is also excited for the Book Club to begin. “I’m excited to see small group relationships,” He says. “Community is important, and I feel like book clubs can help create a deeper sense of community and relationships,” He says. “We hope that this book will help participants understand their love language better, and understand that some people have an idea of what love means to them.”
The Five Love Languages Book Club will meet at Maple Grove Books inside The Collective Retail and Artisan Shops at 68 East 2nd Avenue, downtown Williamson. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To sign up contact the Mingo County Family Support Center through Facebook.
Right now, the future of the book club after this book is unknown, however Cody hopes this is the beginning of new ways to foster relationships in the community. “I want our community to thrive,” He says.
For more info, check out the Mingo County Family Support Center Facebook post on the topic.
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