GO:
I can’t write about anything else today than (in)RL. My heart and head have been heavy this week about this conference, a place to go, just as you are, to be with friends new and old and not yet made. A free conference, a vision, a blessing, a wonderful life changing amazing video conference and it starts today.
I know what it’s like to crave friendships. The huge empty girlfriend shaped hole in your heart that wants nothing more than to have someone see. See you. For who you are. And invite you in to their life. I’ve been hurt by community and I’ve run from it.
But God has used it to break my heart for community. If I’m honest, I spent most of yesterday in tears over this very thing. Because yesterday? God showed me the incredible power of friendship when He’s in the middle of it. When emails fly between real life friends for prayer and laughter. When text messages fly between girlfriends in three different states, laughing, praying, planning, living real honest authentic life as “together” as they can be.
And when your sisters need a friend? When they pour their hearts on the page and cry out in desperation? There are women who see. Who step up and do the thing. Lift in prayer, shoulder to cry on, empathetic and kind words. Inviting in after they’ve poured and given and given some more.
Community? Friendship? It’s not for the faint of heart. Be brave, sisters. You are seen. And invited….would you join us today? (in)RL starts today and we have a place saved just for you.
Want to join or just want to know what Five Minute Friday is all about? Head over to Lisa Jo’s blog and find out 🙂 And while you’re there, be sure to visit & leave some comment love (no lurking!) for the other bloggers who linked up!
Thank you for this, Crystal! “Not for the faint of heart…” so very true.
After years if thinking I didn’t need community especially not girlfriends, God is showing me that not only do I need community but that I was made for community. Thanks for sharing.
Always beautiful. Crystal you are such an uplifting writer! I love reading what you have to say, especially “community has broken me.” It reminds me of Ruth Povey’s post on “Broken” a few weeks ago, that “bread must be broken to be shared”.
Community is so important and like I shared with my ‘bible’ study ladies this week women need each other to be encouragers and to be prayer warriors and just to walk alongside each other. This world is too hard to navigate alone.
I love you, sweet friend. And I love what God is doing in you, through this…. (((Hugs)))
So beautifully said. I am looking forward to my first IRL meet up!
Hi Crystal,
Great to see you again. I agree there is a difference between friends and Christian friends. Until I became a true follower of Christ I had acquaintances – but no true friends, but now I can find true friends even if I move – God will provide a sister to know and love.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
I am paragraph two hoping for paragraph four. So excited for (in)rl
Ahhhhhhh. I knew you would not disappoint – you never do. You’re right – not for the faint of heart. Especially for those of us who feel on the outer, who feel like we’re not part of the cool kids….need to keep pushing in and being brave…..
I’m crying already! I love your heart and this just resonates so much with me. Enjoy your (in) RL weekend!
{{hugs}} so glad to call you friend.
Thanks Tanya 🙂
So excited that you’ll be hearing this amazing message today …it is going to touch your heart 🙂 So glad to be in community with you!
God gives us the courage. Praying for you.
Love you sweet sister…so glad you live closer & we can get our girls together, one day, for that playdate. Anytime you’re coming near by, I have dinner and a place to stay for your family.
I love this sister. Yes, I have similar feelings today. How sweet to see a Body of women move in unison toward one another to be shoulders to cry on that are leaning on the everlasting arms. I’ll be shedding more than a few tears this weekend along with you. I more than love this post and can’t express what a precious sister you are.
yes, brave is the word …
Looking forward to my first in(RL) today and tomorrow! I think all women have that friend hole, and when it is filled it makes such a difference. Moving a lot, I have changed friends many times. But today, I reflected on my own #FMFParty post about an old friend. Sometimes it is the oldest of friends who remain true. God selects some…we select some. His selections are always better than mine! 🙂
Too right. Friendship and community is certainly not for the faint hearted. It takes work and dedication and above all, unconditional love. Beautiful post.
Friend is in the details, even if it’s not all of the details. Even if there aren’t years of history or even shared car rides. Friend is sometimes just saying, “I know”. Bless you friend and embrace this dream coming true and taking on flesh as friend. {{Hugs}}