There is this thing that happens shortly after I write a post about friendship. The post is up and the messages, emails, and comments begin. For the most part, the communication is a light-hearted sharing of happiness between friends or the kind affirmation of readers to say that they enjoyed the article…but there is another theme that always occurs.
When I write about the community and authenticity among Christian women, the messages roll in from readers saying they desperately long for that kind of true friendship in their lives. They tell me about the loneliness, the ache of feeling unknown, and I pray for words to encourage them and lift their spirits.
Recently, I responded to a very sweet reader with a few suggestions for perhaps seeking real community right where she is. She seeemed uplifted and excited by the ideas.
Just yesterday, I wrote about the highs and lows of loyal friendship that God has blessed me with. This sisterhood has bridged the gap of numerous seasons and milestones in my life. You can read about it here, if you’d like!
Upon posting, I was immediately filled with concern for those who might read and feel a bit heartbroken for that community they long to know. I have purposed it in my heart to encourage women, through writing, in their relationships with Jesus and in other meaningful relationships as He pours out of their lives and into the lives of those around them. {I definitely do not want to leave readers with a sense of emptiness.} Nope, nope, nope. Not. The. Goal.
Thus, I am following yesterday’s post about friendship with a few suggestions for seeking community wherever you are geographically and wherever you might find yourself in your journey of womanhood.
Here are a few ideas that I pray will build avenues for authentic connections and God-honoring friendships in the life that God has given you. He never intended for us to be lonely. He intends for us to love one another and to share in one another’s highs and lows. You ready? Deep breath in. Here we go!
Thanks so much, Courtney! This is an excellent article on becoming an encourager…we all need a daily dose of encouragement! It is so much more important than I think I realized…
“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” Hebrews 3:12-14
I love all of these! Especially #4! I have used the first three, but have not really tried #4 yet. I feel like that is the most important one too to create a true community. Thanks Courtney!
Oh good, Jenny! I’m so glad you have a new idea to try!!! I so appreciate your readership and communication! I’m thankful for you. Any friend {in that community you are building} will be blessed to have you, Jenny!