Maybe I’m not the only one …

Tonight I received a tremendous blessing from some of the women in my church. As we visited during a bridal shower, I was reminded anew that I am not alone in this world. As much as I think that “I’m the only one who …” (struggles with this sin, encounters this challenge in her marriage, fails in this area, doesn’t measure up in that area) …

Really? Truly? There are more people like me than unlike me.

Even the ones that I’m just so sure have it “all together” — don’t.
The marriage that just “has to” have the perfect romantic life — doesn’t.
The beautiful woman who always comes across so together and “perfect” — isn’t.

The truth is far simpler, and much more refreshing and encouraging …

We are all a bunch of sinners saved by grace. We have gifts and struggles. Victories and failures. Strengths and weaknesses. Beauty and ugliness. But we are one family.

How sweet it is to be real with my sisters in Christ.

I’ve always admired them.
I’ve enjoyed them (from a bit of a distance — why would they ever want to get to know me??).
 I learn from them.
I strive to bless them.

But oh! When God gives us the grace to be real with each other? To share openly and honestly in God-honoring, intimate ways? My heart truly opens up to them and I love them.

Love = risk.

But I just risked with them (baby step by baby step) and they didn’t recoil in horror. (“I can’t believe you just said that Tara!” “Well! I would NEVER …”) Nope. Instead, they nodded patiently and said, “Yup. Been there, done that.” “Oh, yeah, we struggle in the same way.”

But I thought I was the only one!

What a lie. What a trick to keep us from true friendship, grace, mercy, acceptance, love.

Thank You, God, for godly friends who accept me, and yet lovingly point me to You.
Thank you, friends, for the privilege of knowing you and being known by you. What a gift of grace.