Years ago I came to the realization that I can’t make it through this life on my own.
I think back of all the times others in my life lifted me up… figuratively, prayerfully, and even physically.
How different my life would be today if each one hadn’t come to my aid, just when I needed it.
–At my mother’s funeral, my girlfriends were there, arm in arm, in loving support.
–My best friend left the party she was hosting for her dad’s birthday, to come be with me and my family as my father passed from this life into eternity.
–The encouraging note I received from a friend when I walked through one of the most difficult times of my life.
–The text I received just the other day from a friend checking on me, and seeing how I was doing.
I could keep writing example after example, and fill this entire post with them. Maybe someday I’ll do that. But today? I just want to encourage you.
Friend, we need each other.
Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone? In the same way, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm. But how will the one who sleeps alone stay warm against the night? And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away. As the saying goes, “A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
God didn’t design us to walk through this life alone. We are designed for community. We are fashioned to do life with those around us. We are called to walk alongside of each other, to encourage, to lift, to bless, to serve, to infuse hope.
Life. With each other.
I can’t begin to count how many times your presence here has encouraged this heart of mine. Just when I begin to think the words I write don’t matter one bit. Or when I question if anything I’m doing is making any sort of difference, your words, your love, your encouragement, your presence give me just what I need to keep going. Time and time again.
You are making a difference, my friend.
A difference to others and a difference to me. Thank you.
What about you? When recently did someone come alongside you to bless and encourage your heart?
There are people in our lives who need us. There’s someone today who needs what only you can give. There’s someone who needs to feel loved, encouraged, hopeful. I pray our eyes are opened, and are hearts continue to remain soft. May we be attentive to the one who needs help getting back up today.
I am here for you, friend, and am lifting you in prayer.
Bless you,
Julie
What joy it is to link this post with wonderful friends Meredith for Woman2Woman and Holley for Coffee For Your Heart. You’ll find encouragement and beauty at both places.
I keep coming back to this post and re-reading it. My mind and heart are swirling with thoughts and emotion. Yes Julie, you have encouraged me with these words, reminding me community is important and necessary. For so long, I lived life alone. The more I read words like these, the more I believe them. I am truly at the beginning of a journey in accepting this idea. I am halfway there. I can easily be the community to others, but not so easily receive when I need it or it is being offered. Yet, I know that true friendship is a two-way street. Thank you for your positive words.
Kim, I’m glad these words have encouraged you, friend. It’s a joy to read you’re beginning to believe that community is important, after years of living life alone. God is doing a work in you and has many gifts ahead for you. It’s a joy to walk through life with you, even if it is through a blog. You’re precious in His sight, and in mine. Bless you, sweet friend!
I love how God designed us to need Him and each other. My fondest memory of someone being there for me was when I had a major surgery was having a difficult time bouncing back emotionally. I was dealing with irrational fear of the same complication reoccurring. My friend called me up and said, “I’m picking you up and we’re going to go grab coffee.” I said, “I can’t. I’m in my pajama’s and can’t get anything else on right now.” She said, “That’s okay. I’ll wear mine too.” And so she came by and in her pajama’s and we had coffee together in a coffee shop. She didn’t pour verses over me and we really didn’t even talk a whole lot. But her presence said everything to me. She prayed over me in the days to come and we watched God bring both physical and emotional healing to me. Oh yes, I’m a firm believer we need each other.
I love this story, Melody! I can just picture you two in your pajamas in the coffee shop. Priceless memory. I’m so glad you shared it here, and I’m thankful God has given us each other. I love how God designed us for Him and for community as well. Thank you for stopping in. Bless you!
Hello, Julie. I’m your elbow partner at holleygerth.com. I am also a witness of how people have enriched my life and have encouraged me in times when I’ve needed them most. I can’t imagine living this live without them. Thank you for reminding us that we don’t have to live this life alone, God has given us eachother. God Bless and Happy New Year.
It’s a blessing to “meet” you, Damarise! Thank you for stopping by and for sharing. Yes, I’m so thankful God has given us each other. What a gift! Blessings to you, new friend!
Julie, what a wonderful post! Yes, we do need each other, we’re not made to go it alone! So glad you are on this writing journey with me, friend! Thanks for the encouragement I find here!
Ellen, I’m glad we’re on this writing journey together, too! It’s always a joy to have you pop in and share. Praying for you and for your week, friend! Blessings.
Glad I get to walk through this life with you!! You posts are a reflection of you and they bless me to read them when we are apart. Keep up the great work and sharing your heart in yuor posts.Whether it is just you getting thoughts “out on the table” or it is read and inspires one or many from a post, you are utilizing God’s gift. Thanks!
Oh, sweet husband of mine. Thank you for being here and walking through life with me! I appreciate you and your words more than you know. I love you!
Julie, wonderful post. It is so very true – we need one another. Sometimes we are called to be the one coming alongside of another. And sometimes we are in need of a friend alongside of us. I am most grateful as just a month ago, a friend kept me “company” during the middle of the night when I needed to hear a comforting voice. May I be faithful to be just that for someone else in their time of need. Grateful to be reminded of this today!
Joanne, thank you for stopping by today and for sharing a bit of your story. What a blessing to have a friend like that! I pray that I can be that faithful as well. I love how we can encourage each other to keep on keeping on. You’ve brightened my day, friend!
Julie, I’m always so blessed when we get to be neighbors at a link-up. You spoke such truth here today about us needing each other. I’ve especially realized that after coming out of a rough year and finding that while my circle of friends decreased, it increased in value. Those that were really, truly there for me carried me through rough moments. It’s such an incredible thing to have those special people who speak truth into your life at the precise moment you need it. A wonderful part of our blogging community too, isn’t it?! Blessings to you, friend!
Tiffany, thank you for sharing this. Sometimes value is more priceless than numbers, isn’t it??!! So thankful for friends like you’ve described here. Yes, I love that about our blogging community as well. It’s a gift to encourage each other. May 2015 be a year of blessing and peace for you!
There is so much truth here, Julie…and so much I could say about this, too. It never fails to amaze me how God shows up through others when I need Him and them the most. Truly. Only God can do that…and I hope He will use me to do the same. Thank you for the reminder that we really are in ALL of this life together…and it’s ALL better together. <3 Love you lady!! xoxo
It’s all better together. Love that, friend! Thank you for blessing this place with your presence. I enjoy walking through life with friends like you, who encourage, who believe the best, who don’t compete but compliment. You’re a blessing to me! Have a wonderful week!
I got a note from my Bible study leader that I kept rereading. And crying each time. Encouraging notes are good like that! 🙂
I love encouraging notes! Thank you for sharing this, Sarah. What a difference they make. You are such an encourager!
Thank you for the encouragement and the reminder that we shouldn’t try to do life alone! Several times, when I was feeling particularly down about my calling as a teacher, former students have written me notes or messaged me on Facebook to tell me what a difference I made in their lives or how much they appreciated the way I helped them learn. Those little encouragements can go a long way–and they’ve taught me the importance of sharing my gratitude for what others have done with them, instead of just thinking it in my mind ;).
Thank you, Anita, for reminding me to share my gratitude for others who have made a difference in my life. I needed that today. Real encouragement makes such a difference, as it did to you from what you shared here. What gifts from your former students! I loved reading this. God bless you, as you continue to make a difference in the lives of others!
Julie, I really enjoy reading your posts. They encourage me every day. I love how God designed us to need each other and Him. I have been stepping out in my community some since I started reading your blogs. I know God is going to call me to do some great things for him very soon. I have been listening to his voice more everyday. He is my everything. God is good all the time.God is love for all of us.