When I was in 4th grade, a really bad thing happened to me. I was molested. In 5th grade, something even worse happened. My best friend told EVERYONE my secret.
I suffered through most of junior high, being surrounded by lots of other kids, but feeling incredibly rejected and ALONE. I felt like I was watching everyone else have fun and enjoy life from the outside…looking in.
Believe me, I know how devastating it is to feel LONELY.
I was INTENTIONALLY left out and excluded from many normal childhood activities. But sometimes our separation and loneliness can be SELF-INFLICTED.
It’s strange, how we want SO BADLY to feel like we’re a part of something, but then we do the exact opposite. We HIDE OUT!
• There are people all around us at work, but we still feel so DISTANT.
• Family members make an effort to reach out, but we just keep AVOIDING them.
• Friends are always trying to get us involved, but we’re UNREACHABLE.
We don’t return the calls. We don’t respond to texts. We keep refusing the invitations. We’re intimidated by the unknown and more comfortable with the sameness of our life. So we just opt to GO IT ALONE.
You may FEEL alone but you’re NOT alone. I’m on your side! God is on your side! Your church is on your side!
If you don’t have a church family around you for support, I’d like to encourage you to try something DIFFERENT. God doesn’t want us to be isolated, doing life on our own.
No matter what else happens, God will NEVER leave you or forsake you. So, GO…be with people!!!
If you’re scared to go by yourself, consider this. You may meet someone else, just LIKE YOU, who was afraid to go by their self, too.
You already have a lot in common, so you’re destined to be GOOD FRIENDS!
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Will you make a commitment to attempt something new? Go to a new church, accept that invitation, stop hiding from your best life. Promise me, that you’ll, at least, give it a try! Comment below.
6 comments
Dear Pastor Nicole,
You are so kind to help. I go through periods when I hide out. I’m experiencing that now. I’m taking your God inspired advice and getting back in the groove of life!
God bless you and your ministry!
Hallelujah Sister and Godspeed
I feel like this alot. I have had Major Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder for years and am treated for it. My dad died last year, my mom 3 years ago. My 4 siblings and myself dont talk. My daughter wont talk to me. I try hard to stay strong and pray. I really need new quality friends since I moved here in June. Some days are good and since my family fell apart after my dad died I am lonely and I do have a counselor. Generally I am good but the last year has been very testing. I miss my 28 yr old daughter horribly.
See you soon
Don’t give up Melissa! Even though you can’t see God He is always with you, try to find some peace in that. I will be praying for you!
I am ever grateful. I needed a change. I began coming to Faith Church and already I am even more of a blessing to others. God is mighty! Bless you sll.
Thank you for your deep insights and caring somebody was touched by your message. God bless you always.