REALationships...

Who needs them? We all do!!!

I am a happy positive person for the most part. Like Paul, I know how to be content with little and with much. Despite the obstacles the enemy has thrown at me, I feel like I am doing okay. I'm not rich. I'm not a Hollywood star. And I don't have a pet dolphin in my backyard. BUT, I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, and friends and family who love me. Those other things would be nice, especially the dolphin! However, they're not necessities. (Disclaimer: I do love dolphins, but I believe they belong in their natural habitat, not in captivity.) What is a necessity? REALationships.

For most of my life, I felt like I didn't "need" anyone but me and God. I needed my kiddos of course! But I was happy not having any close connections. I kept people at arms length... Or much further... to prevent any unnecessary pain. And occasionally, I let people get too close and it ended in a broken heart. NO THANK YOU. Can you relate?

The problem with that is, God created us with relationships in mind! He wants a relationship with us and He wants us to have relationships with others. How do I know? Well, let's start in the beginning. God made Eve to be a helper to Adam. Genesis 2:18 reads, "And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." (NKJV) Not only in the beginning did God bring people together to help each other, but He did so book by book chapter by chapter in His Word.

Esther was raised by her uncle, Mordecai. She went on to wed the King, and through her union she was able to save her people.

Elisha refused to leave Elijah's side.

Lot had Abraham come to his rescue.

David shared in Abiathar's pain and vowed to protect him.

Jesus was able to have REAL conversations with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Paul was a mentor to Timothy.

Naomi had Ruth to care for her. Boaz recognized Ruth's heart and took her as his wife.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were appointed to great positions at Daniel's request.

Moses had Aaron and Hur to hold him up when he was in his moment of weakness. Had they not been there, it's likely they would have been fighting a losing battle.

Job's friends came to him to comfort him while in his darkest hours.

Jonathan loved David as He loved himself.

Jesus had the disciples and they had Him... Might I remind you, Jesus knew Judas would betray Him and Peter would deny Him... Yet he hung out with them anyway! He loved them! Mentored them! Ate with them! And even washed their stinky dirty feet!!! Ewwwww!!!

Need I keep going? Relationships are a crucial part of life. And guess what... They may also bring a little heartbreak with them. That doesn't mean we should avoid them at all costs.

Sometimes we feel broken... Worthless... Overlooked... Underappreciated... Fearful... Lost... But that is not who God created us to be!!! We need people, our friends, to come along side us and remind us that we are God's Perfectly Imperfect creations! And unfortunately, sometimes people, even our closest friends, will let us down. BUT God does not expect us to do life alone. Yes, He needs to be our Rock. The Cornerstone of our existence. But He also blesses us with others to help make our journey a little sweeter!

God has not given us a spirit of fear... But of power, love, and a sound mind! You are not who the world says you are!!! You are who God says you are!!! NEVER forget that!!! Don't live life afraid of letting others in. Sure, you'll be able to keep out a lot of the bad... But you'll miss out on the good too.

God gave me a song in my heart a while back, and although you will likely NEVER hear me sing it, I want to share the lyrics with you:

Hey there Mr. You don’t know me, and this may sound strange.

God’s got a plan for you. He is making a way.

I know sometimes the road is tough and you feel like you’re never enough.

But that’s not who God has called you to be.

You are more, more than your past mistakes.

You are more than the world takes you for.

You are more than what you can see in yourself.

You’re not the guy who was. You’re so much more because,

God has called you to be more!

Hey there Mr. You don’t know me, and this may sound strange.

God’s got a plan for you. He is making a way.

I know sometimes giving up seems the best way out.

But I promise you friend, God has a plan!

He’s got your back, I have no doubt!

I wish you could see what God sees in you.

He is there when you think you, ll never make it through.

You are more than enough, and much much more because...

You are more, more than your past mistakes. You are more than the world takes you for. You are more than what you can see in yourself. You’re not the guy who was. You’re so much more because, God has called you to be more!

(Spoken) Hey there Mr. You don’t know me, and this may sound strange. But God’s got a plan for you. He is making a way.