...to be loved!When I returned home from an impromptu visit to my sister's house yesterday, I received the sweet surprise of finding an unexpected package waiting on my doorstep. A very thoughtful Honey out there read my post on Tuesday and had this lovely gift delivered the very next day! I am just so touched by her generosity and kindness---true love in action. Thank you, my dear, dear friend.
The most amazing thing that resulted from my great leap of faith in baring my soul is the discovery of so many women who have faced similar experiences. Some are women I have never met. And some are women I would never have thought could struggle like this based on their outward appearances. It makes me realize all the more how the evil one tries to deceive us into believing that we are alone in this battle, how badly he wants to cut us off from the healing power of love and friendship.
It is so very important to make the connections and nurture our relationships when we are feeling well and strong. Because when the dark thief enters, it is too late. For years, I lurked around the Internet, reading the inspiring words of beautiful women, feeling that I'd come to know and love them, but never giving them the chance to know and love me. These lovely women all seemed so connected to each other---why would they ever want to know me? Why would they care to hear my story? I am a shy, somewhat insecure person, and it is just so much easier for me to take it all in quietly than to risk opening myself up and facing the possibility of rejection. Easier, yes, but ever so much more lonely.
I really want to encourage anyone who has felt alone in her struggle with the darkness to take a chance and reach out. Share the real you, sadness and all. Write a post. Leave a comment. Send an email. Ask for a phone number and a good time to call. Plan a visit with someone you admire even if you are terrified you won't have anything to say in real life. There may be some with whom you just don't connect---it may not be the right time or the right personality match---but keep trying. God will bless your faithfulness.
There is nothing more soothing to a troubled soul than the unconditional love of a true friend, nothing more uplifting to a weary heart than knowing that someone cares.
God bless you.
The most amazing thing that resulted from my great leap of faith in baring my soul is the discovery of so many women who have faced similar experiences. Some are women I have never met. And some are women I would never have thought could struggle like this based on their outward appearances. It makes me realize all the more how the evil one tries to deceive us into believing that we are alone in this battle, how badly he wants to cut us off from the healing power of love and friendship.
It is so very important to make the connections and nurture our relationships when we are feeling well and strong. Because when the dark thief enters, it is too late. For years, I lurked around the Internet, reading the inspiring words of beautiful women, feeling that I'd come to know and love them, but never giving them the chance to know and love me. These lovely women all seemed so connected to each other---why would they ever want to know me? Why would they care to hear my story? I am a shy, somewhat insecure person, and it is just so much easier for me to take it all in quietly than to risk opening myself up and facing the possibility of rejection. Easier, yes, but ever so much more lonely.
I really want to encourage anyone who has felt alone in her struggle with the darkness to take a chance and reach out. Share the real you, sadness and all. Write a post. Leave a comment. Send an email. Ask for a phone number and a good time to call. Plan a visit with someone you admire even if you are terrified you won't have anything to say in real life. There may be some with whom you just don't connect---it may not be the right time or the right personality match---but keep trying. God will bless your faithfulness.
There is nothing more soothing to a troubled soul than the unconditional love of a true friend, nothing more uplifting to a weary heart than knowing that someone cares.
God bless you.
