We believe the First Christian Church in New Martinsville is on the right path with their new support groups for various issues.

Those issues include depression, senile dementia, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, and other health issues experienced by individuals and care givers.

We think Rev. Dr. Vic Hunter might have explained the need for such groups best when he talked about how in the past people went to a wise elder — a grandparent, neighbor, aunt, uncle, teacher — to find some help and clarity for life’s problems. Now it seems that the first course of action is always to seek a professional to help a person who needs some direction along life’s way.

There is nothing wrong with mental health professionals, they can be very necessary and helpful. But at times some good old-fashioned friendly advice from a person who understands your issues might be just what the doctor didn’t order.

“There is such a strength in our common humanity,” said Hunter. He is absolutely correct.

If you think some sharing in a group setting might be right for you, or at least you are a little interested in the concept, attend one of their introductory receptions: Thursday, 6-7 p.m., or Friday, noon to 1 p.m.

We are all stronger together than we are individually.