Once you're connected to God, everything in life will filter from that understanding, a heavenly perspective that only God can give. This includes your relationship with others. It takes courage to put your life out there.
It takes courage to connect with perfectly imperfect people.
Remember this Holiday Season that, connectedness to others is part of what makes life so sweet.
We were never meant to be lone rangers. Wandering the dry desert plains of Africa with nothing but ourselves to care for. We were meant to live in relationships.
Even God said in the garden of Eden that “it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” If God desired us to dwell in solitude, He wouldn’t have made a helper for Adam’s journey.
The COVID pandemic has made me realize how much I desperately love people. People bring an unexplainable joy to my life.
Last night as I was lying in bed and scrolling through my Instagram feed, a worship song played through my phone. It’s been months since we’ve met as a church and I felt myself longing for the nearness of friends. It was a song by Tauren Wells called “Famous For.” As the melody soothed my spirit, immediately I was transported into my imaginary world.
I envisioned myself on a large, beautiful stage. An empty room that could hold thousands and was full of people, yet simultaneously empty. It reminded me that worship is not only for those who fill the room, but first and foremost for the Giver and Receiver of worship, God alone.
Skilled, God-called musicians surrounded me. People I have grown to know and love and others whose faces I couldn’t recognize, but whose hearts became one with mine. Joy, strength, and courage exuded from our unified presence. God was in this place.
Multiple generations and multiple cultures surrounded me on stage, all of which were true
worshippers. The first note on the guitar sent anticipation up my spine, echoing onward like a river through the auditorium. Other instruments joined in—the cello—with its dark chocolate notes—and a perfectly played symphony arose. The vocals opened their mouths and rich melodies of truth filled the room.
We were singing the song together, and when the chorus came—oh man. I wanted to jump out of my skin. The faith, passion, and truth of who God was couldn’t begin to be expressed through our physical bodies. My spirit roared. My soul soared. Mountains crumbled. Healing was given freely. Freedom raged through that place like wildfire. God’s name lifted high, utterly and completely, passionately and purposefully.
Our praises continued to rise in worship as lives were restored to Him. Making God’s
name famous to all who would hear. It was...magical.
All that is to say that when I dream, I dream about others.
In my dreams I’m never alone because deep down I know this: we were made to be in a relationship with each other. Don’t let past hurt rob you of the richness found in relationships.
Choose to forgive. Choose to heal. Choose to move forward. Choose to live a life of honesty and openness with those around you. We are stronger together.
"Our lives were meant to be lived in unified harmony with each other and with God. Courageous connectedness is worth it."
Ps. If you would like to purchase a copy of Courage to Walk or Just Be as Christmas presents just click on each title for a direct link to the website. AND MERRY CHRISTMAS. Your life is a gift.
Photo Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev from pexels.com
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