Two-minute read.
As a writer, one requires solitude and sometimes can feel lonely. Over the past year, the Lord has brought other authors into my life who have joined me on the journey. Nothing compares to having someone who understands your struggles without having to explain them and knows the right thing to say to pick you up. Our organization, Joyful Heart Connections, gained inspiration from a women’s event that my author friend Claire and I did. At the meeting, guest speakers discussed various aspects of connection, and then we had small-group discussions on the topic. Several of the women at the table talked about their lack of community and friendships, feeling very alone in their lives.
As Claire and I discussed the difficulty women have in meeting friends, we decided to start a women’s breakfast to help people connect. Beginning in January, we will host breakfasts featuring guest speakers and activities to help women connect. Each event will have a different topic, and the women will have a challenge at the end to help them build and maintain the relationships they make. Two are better than one, because when you fall, they will pick you up, just like Claire does for me on tough days.
A few weeks ago, feeling discouraged on the journey, I spent the day with Claire, who picked me up. Sharing my struggles, she encouraged me with scripture and reminded me that this world is not our home. In this life, we will have mountains to climb and valleys to traverse, but we have a brief life on Earth and the glory of eternity, where we will spend most of our time. Her words helped me get through the valley and persevere up the next mountain. Friends help each other keep going, something we all desperately need.
If I hadn’t had Claire and had fallen alone, I might have quit. Our minds can take us places God never meant us to go. If we don’t have anyone to help us get back up, we may stay down. Thankfully, we all have a Savior who never leaves or forsakes us when we put our trust in Him. Give your life to Christ, develop a relationship with God’s Son, and make Him your best friend. Then develop life-giving friendships that will support you on the darkest days and rejoice with you on the best ones.
Everyone falls. Having someone to pick you up, dust you off, and get you back on the road makes life better. Become the friend you want to have and enjoy the rewards of living for Christ.
Journal Questions:
Who has picked you up when you’ve fallen?
What can you do today to develop a better relationship with Jesus?
How can you become the friend you want to have for yourself?
Friendship Application:
Thank a friend who picks you up when you fall, tell them how much you appreciate them in your life.
