Friendship
"The primary distinction is its purpose: companionship that aims for more of Christ, not more of each other. A Christian friend understands that, ultimately, she has nothing irreplaceable to offer you and that you have nothing irreplaceable to offer her. Instead, you can link arms together with the goal of pushing each other toward the wellspring of Christ. A friendship functioning as God intended is beautiful because it’s about making much of God, not one another." - Kelly Needham
We just spent the last 10 days with our dearest friends. If you have followed my story you have had a glimpse into the window of our friendship. They are the friends that are our family but that we were able to choose, the ones who have walked with us through the best and hardest seasons of our lives and vice versa.
It’s a friendship that can’t ever be replaced. Since they left central PA four years ago our visits have been longed for, cherished, and needed. This past week was the best. The kids are a little older, and a little easier. There was no time outs, early wake ups, or fighting. The adults, well we all have come out of some serious trenches together and our conversation had less tears, questions, and unknowns, and more life planning, hopefulness, and reflecting. We have seen what God has done, and we can make motion of all that He is still doing.
Friendship can be so hard. Or it can be the most special life-giving sacred ground you’ll walk in.
Friendship is a God ordained gift that we experience when we truly look and see the ones put in our paths. Whether it be a season or a lifetime. It’s an intentional self-sacrificing relationship meant to reflect the deepest kind of love.
Tara moving has allowed me to cherish friendship as the gift that it is meant to be. It's given the perspective not to take a minute for granted. Her leaving left a place for others to come and fill, and how abundantly has God provided! Her leaving added a whole new dimension to the losses of life, mourning what I wanted so much and thought so deeply was mine but never was. The timing of it brought insurmountable grief, I was in my 8th month of cancer treatment and it seemed life couldn't get harder. It’s allowed my small and mighty tribe here to have a voice and place in my life that I treasure because I know the deep soul connection gift of friendship. It’s allowed me to accept the loss of friendships through changing seasons because I know and trust so well God’s purpose in providing who we need. It has allowed changes and endings that have therefore sprouted new life and new beginnings.
Friendship. The most beautiful thing.
There are parts of my story that I have seen a beautiful unraveling of, which is only Gods kindness. I deserve none of it. There are also parts of my story I’ll never understand or try to. Unshakable faith. Surrender and trust.
We all need people. Don’t think that you are exempt.
You were created for friendships and not for doing life alone. Friends push you along, encourage you, speak truth to you, love you, and they chose you, they also accept you the way God made you because they know your enneagram and all your weaknesses 🤣. Friendship is about a mission. It's finding those like you, and trusting that your relationship is meant for kingdom work.
Have you ever had a season of friendship loss? That is God's grace too, again and again He kindly shows us that HE is truly all we need through any trial, season, or loss. Be reminded again, the best is yet to come.
“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
– Winnie the Pooh
The four things I have learned about Friendships:
1. Give Grace. None of us are the same. That is the a beautiful thing. So as we have received grace, let us freely give it.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." Titus 2
2. Show up. A friend is a friend if they are there for all the things. Celebration and suffering. Silence and speaking.
"A Friend loves at all times" Prov.17:17
3. Speak Truth. Anyone can have a good time with anyone. Only a friend can speak encouraging and life changing truth that changes us.
"And let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works" Hebrews 10:24
4. Be on mission together. Your friendship will outlast everything when it's primary focus is Jesus.
"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of Christ." 1 Cor. 10:31
Why Friendship:
Study on Friendship:
Gospel and Friendship:
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