Love One Another

I think it is so incredible how the Lord set this whole life adventure for us to have fellowship with one another. We aren't meant to walk through this thing called life alone. He gives us our family and our friends to make the times of our life better - in both the good and the bad times.

I have recently been struck by how many needs my family and friends have. I think far too often we go through life trucking along and everything is going pretty good... or maybe just okay, but things are manageable, doable. I know I too often allow myself to become far too busy to really focus on what needs are out there. Being consumed with only my own needs doesn't make me such a great friend at times.

Recently the Lord has opened my eyes and ears to others and I am struck by the needs of those around me. What is amazing to me is that I probably only know a small number. I am starting to see that there are many more needs out there than I could ever imagine. Illness, job loss, marriage problems, financial issues, family separations due to job or military, raising children, infertility. The list goes on and on and on. And what I am finding is that many just suffer in silence. I don't know if it is because of not wanting to burden others, pride or shame or something else all together. I also think many people just really don't have anyone to trust and truly confide in, so they suffer in silence. This makes my heart so very sad. One thing I want to personally make sure I am doing is reaching out to others. Maybe good friends, maybe acquaintenances, maybe strangers. Keeping my eyes and ears open to see how God would use me to show those around me the great love that HE has for them.

God did not intend for us to walk through trials alone. Yes, He most definitely is our Rock and our Strong Tower. But He also wants us to lift one another up and support each other in our daily life. Just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses' arms when he could no longer hold the staff on his own, so are we to support one another. Even Jesus surrounded himself with his closest friends when He went to pray in the garden of Gethsemene. God intends for us hold each other up. ESPECIALLY when we can't lift ourselves up any more.

There is a scene in the last Lord of the Rings Trilogy that illustrates this friendship point much better than my words ever could. Sam tells Frodo that "I can't carry it (the ring) for you, but I can carry you." This is the kind of friendship I think we are to have for one another.



I also think it is so important be in a place where you are being fed scripturally, spiritually and with good fellowship. My family loves our church. We have made the greatest friends there. I know that I am well loved and have people in my life that pray for us. If you aren't in a good church home, I cannot even begin to encourage you strongly enough to find one. God does not intend for you to walk through this life on your own. It is too easy to trip and fall and stumble (and sin) without the love of fellow Christians supporting you and encouraging you. Please make finding a church home a priority for your family. Because when the storms of life come - and they WILL come - you will need the support more than ever!

I also wanted to go on the record as saying I am surrounded by the absolute best people. My family and friends have been so incredibly supportive. I can't thank you enough for the multiple phone calls, texts, emails and Facebook posts. It means so much to be encouraged day in and day out. For the offers to go hang out, buy me lunch, thank you! For the prayers, words of encouragement, scriptures and gifts, Thank you! My family is so blessed to have you all in our lives. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you care! You are the best and you are making this difficult time in my life so much more bearable!!!!