a letter to my friends

My dear friends,

As you know, relationships are my thing.  Nothing brings more joy to my heart than spending quality time connecting with people.  God built that into the core of my being, and the devil hates it and tries to destroy my relationships by lying to me about myself.  I've been praying that I would know the truth and the truth would set me free.  (John 8:32)  One by one, God has been revealing lies that I have believed about myself, showing me the truth, and setting me free.

For most of my life, I've believed the lie that I am not good enough, especially in relationships.  Isn't that ridiculous?!  I've spent a lot of time trying to prove to people, but really myself, that I am worthy of their friendship.  There has been so much fear...of abandonment, loneliness, isolation, rejection.  And in an effort to avoid those things, I have isolated myself when I think I don't measure up.  Anything to avoid someone else confirming my fears.

I'm writing to you all to ask for your forgiveness.  Please forgive me for all of the ways that my insecurities and fears have adversely affected our relationships.  Please forgive me for isolating myself when I need you the most.  Please forgive me for being demanding and needy.  Please forgive me if I have hurt you.  Please forgive me if I wasn't there when you needed me.

My wise friend, Miranda, put things into perspective for me this week.  My paraphrase of her words...God created us with the need for relationship with Him and with each other.  If our focus is on Him and following Him, the relationships will fall into place. 

I know the truth and the Truth has set me free!  I pray that our friendships will be what God wants them to be...better than ever before!!!

Thank you for walking the road of life with me!  I am forever grateful! 

Dawn