It is no mistake that Broken Trust posted the same morning I read chapter fifteen in Jennie Allen’s book Restless: Because You Were Made for More. She wrote about fighting to keep connection alive and being intentional in friendship but, she also tackled the harsh reality that we will be hurt by those closest to us.
I am a rescued mess of a human, and so are you. And we will hurt each other sometimes because that is what jacked-up humans do. But, I still need you. -Jennie
Wow!
I am a jacked up person. I will hurt people. Matter of fact my words in a text last week hurt a dear friend deeply and I have honestly been beating myself up ever since. Even after sincerely apologizing I am still kicking myself for being insensitive in the same breath as I was trying to explain why insensitive people drive me crazy.
We must imperfectly run together. Not because we’re fast or great at this or because it’s always going to work out with a glorious win. But because we are committed to each other. -Jennie
We will mess up in life and we will hurt those closest to us. The battle waging around us is not a human battle but a supernatural battle of good and evil.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV
We must be prepared for these attacks!
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Ephesians 6:13-18 The Message
This is the greatest challenge. Learning how and when to surround yourself with certain people. Not everyone is supposed to be in your inner circle and just because we got hurt does not means we should stop pursuing relationships. Instead, we must keep recklessly loving people and pray as we love them because we NEED people. We can NOT do this journey alone.
Running alone is tough.
Running alone is lonely.
Having a running partner to help you navigate the course ahead makes the journey easier. My favorite thing about running a long race is the comradery amongst runners of all different shapes, sizes and speeds. Inevitably at every race there are people walking back to their cars with their medals as I am struggling to reach the finish line… and every time those said races are encouraging those of us who have not finished yet. I have even seen people come back and run their friends into the finish line. It is the most beautiful picture of what it looks like to walk this journey side by side.
Connecting.
Encouraging.
Inspiring.
These elements are more than just apart of Praise and Coffee’s tagline… these elements are the core of who we were created to be. Connecting, encouraging and inspiring one another on this journey is essential to living well. We can NOT do this alone. We need each other. Seek forgiveness when necessary, give forgiveness ALWAYS and recklessly love people because we need each other for the journey ahead.
Father God help us to love recklessly. Father help us to admit when we have hurt our friends and family. Father help us to forgive quickly and let go of past hurts rapidly. Give us strength to know when to set boundaries and when to let go of relationships. Lead us, guide us and make us whole. Amen.
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