Friday night I went to a fun women’s event at our church. It was an “Open Mic” night where different ladies in our church were able to get up on stage and share the gifts and talents God has given them. We were blessed to listen to beautiful voices singing, talented musicians playing, moving poetry and wonderful comedy. It was an enjoyable night full of laughter and smiles. At one point in the evening, I was part of a game that was played. It was similar to the old TV show “What’s My Line” that aired back in the 50’s and 60’s (I only saw the re-runs, of course – ha ha!). Three contestants, I being one of them, got up on stage and introduced ourselves, each telling the same “fun fact” about us. The audience had to ask us questions to try to discover which one was telling the truth. The story we told was actually something from my own life, but to my amazement, no one thought that the story could be about me.

The game got me thinking about how little we actually know each other. I am fairly new to the community, but still, I felt a bit of emptiness inside when I realized how difficult it can be as we get older to make friends. When I was younger, I was a bit shy, but with my childish exuberance was always able to work through it. Now, as an adult, my shyness is fleeting, but sometimes I still feel something holding me back. I looked around the room that night and thought that there must be other women like myself, who long for friendship, but find it difficult to attain. Is it fear that keeps us from stepping out and opening our hearts to others? Even though God’s word tells us time and time again to “fear not” for He is with us, I think that for many, the fear of rejection or judgment overpowers our longing for meaningful relationships. As a result, we miss out on many of the blessings God wants us to enjoy. But we need to remember that the Lord will strengthen us and give us courage. He will be with us wherever we go. 

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. 
For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. 
He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

Through Christ, friendship is a blessing that can be enjoyed by everyone. But, to receive it, we also need to give it. So, this week, I am going to challenge myself to step out in faith. I’m going to take that extra effort to reach out to another woman in friendship. Won’t you join me? When we share the love of Christ through kindness and fellowship, we not only brighten the day of someone else, we are blessed by following God’s greatest commandment…to love God and one another.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31). 

Stepping out and trusting Him,




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