Why Friendship Is Worth the Risk
Part 2
Community. Fellowship. Sisterhood. Yes, it’s something we long to have, but some of us have closed the door to our hearts where friendship is concerned.
You see, we’ve been hurt.
And hurt causes walls to be built and distance to grow, simply because we can’t stand the thought of going through that pain again.
The pain of losing a friend is all too real for many of us. Maybe a squabble sent your friendship into an irreparable state. Maybe your friend moved away, and the challenge of long-distance companionship was just too difficult for two busy lives. Or maybe devastating illness took your friend, and even though you know she is dancing with Jesus right now, the missing piece in your heart still aches for her company.
Whatever the cause, I’ll just bet that you never wanted to risk being hurt again. I know I didn’t. But thankfully, God completed an amazing restoration job on my heart and spirit.
During the month of May, I am sharing Why Friendship Is Worth the Risk. If you missed part one last week, click here to learn how friendship teaches us to receive.
Part 2: Friendship teaches us to trust again.
When Tonya passed away, I wanted to be left alone. That may sound harsh, but I’m being honest, here. The worst part was walking into that church building where she and I had planned, prayed, and served side by side for so long. Every room held a memory. I couldn’t stand being in the children’s church room, where her handwriting could still be seen on notepads, lessons, and posters all around. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, and I didn’t want anyone to talk to me.
Eventually, most of my friends gave up trying to chip away at the rock-hard wall I’d built. But there was one lady who wouldn’t allow me to be left alone. She kept faithfully chipping away.
My friend is an extrovert by nature, a sweet Southern gal whose heart is as big as her smile. Tip-toeing around my overly-sensitive self was just not in her nature. She stayed close, not letting herself get pushed away when she could tell I was struggling.
And God knew that’s exactly what I needed.
He knew if I let the loss separate me from others, I would miss out on His great plan for my life.
Friendship teaches us to trust again, even when we don’t feel like we have the strength. By admitting vulnerability and trusting those relationships God brings into our lives, we allow Him to work mightily through us and our community of friends.
"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11 NIV
Where would we be today if we hadn’t let our walls from past hurts fall?
Let’s decide to open up to those God-ordained friendships and see what happens. What He works through us together will far surpass what one person can accomplish alone.
Visit again next week to read Part 3 of Why Friendship Is Worth the Risk. For more encouragement, visit some of my favorite sites by clicking the buttons in the sidebar to the right!
