Friend

A friend shared something really personal with me the other day. It was a tremendous reminder of how important loving friendships are.We all feel shame from things we've said or done in the past. We ask forgiveness, but often don't forgive ourselves, and certainly don't openly share it with others. Instead, we hide from it and look at other people as better than us who have it 'together'.
What a big fat lie that is....and so many of us are living it.
Instead, what we experienced the other day was freedom and acceptance, and an even closer, meaningful friendship.

Lord, thank you for forgiving us of all we've done and for loving us anyway. Thank you for special, loving friendships. You designed for us to live life together, knowing it is so hard alone.

'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' Hebrews 10: 24-25

And, thank you for using me the other day to listen more than talk and to be a comforter rather than a fixer. Those that know me know it was your sweet Spirit at work!
'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.