This is a question that I’m sure we’ve all asked ourselves numerous times before and will continue to do so forevermore. Community and a sense of belonging is at the core of who we are and who we were created to be. But let me be quite frank, I am at a point in my life where I have never been more confused as to where I fit in, while at the same time never more secure in my own identity. Confusing right? I know who I am and am confident in Whose I am…so why do I feel so alone? Anyone with me? Anyone?
In the times in which we live, people are quick to give opinions, react with words, spread hate, and all while hiding behind a screen. On the other end of the spectrum, others are so afraid to offend anyone that I feel like accountability is a lost art. Both are scary places in which to be.
So as Christians, who are we called to be in a world FULL of chaos, opinions, worldly rules? We are called to be in community with one another. We are called to love one another. We are called to share His truth. Sounds easy, right? When you get down to the very heart of life, this can be VERY difficult. So difficult in fact that my heart has been broken, my emotions are on over-drive, my sense of belonging lost. His Truth, in my opinion, seems to be getting watered down at the risk of being divisive, or it’s being written off due to hate. Let’s not be fooled, though, because the Bible tells us that the Truth WILL be divisive. The very essence of following Christ will separate believers from non-believers, but with the Truth comes grace which is available to ALL. We are called to share this Truth in a loving, nurturing way to EVERYONE. Period. No exceptions. AND THEN we must hold each other accountable on our own journeys of faith. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, but if we truly love one another the Truth is non-negotiable. What is this Truth? It’s God’s holy Word. It is Jesus.
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John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
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Those that know me may be in shock to learn that lately I have felt disconnected and daresay lonely. How can you feel this you say? You are so busy and plugged in to so many things, and you go nonstop you say? As I truly examine my life, my struggle is in filling the void. The more I go, the less time I have to feel anxious. Being still is not a gift of mine, but one that God wants to give me so that I can be fulfilled in Him. Being overly-committed can be conducive to lots of superficial points of contact but takes away from the time I CRAVE for those deeper connections, the sense of community I long for, the desire to belong.
In this season that I find myself in, I am reminded that following God is not easy. In fact, He promises me that it will be downright difficult. The world will oppose me, and the harder I trust Him, the harder satan will work in my life and my circumstances.
Yes, I need a community in my life, but first I need to take care of my core…my family who so desperately needs me to show them Jesus and those trusted friends who know the depths of my soul and choose to never leave me…No. Matter. What. A childhood friend Kacey Van Norman reminded me of this in one of her podcasts. Go now. Look her up. You can thank me later.
Do you have these people in your life? If not, allow yourself to be open to developing these relationships. Let’s emphasize develop because these authentic and raw friendships do not happen overnight. Find these people or person and invest in them. Deeper connections will hold you accountable and give you a safe place to be vulnerable.
I am thankful for this “fasting” period of sorts. No, I am not fasting from food because that would be an unhealthy choice for me…but am fasting from some of my current commitments so that I can truly stop and discern God’s path for my family. I am trying to take my hurt and confusion and not react or become defensive but use this time to strengthen my relationship with Him and be in scripture. For this, friends, should be the place from where we start when it feels like the world around us is caving in. Start in scripture. Spend time with God and recognize His Spirit in your life. Don’t think you have a core? You do. His name is Jesus, and you most definitely fit in with Him.
Blessings,
Ashley
“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
~Psalm 118:24
Come To the Table Ministry 
❤ Love this Ashley! You have a such a gift for writing. I came to check on your blog post, because, I was just thanking the Lord for bringing us together, two people who otherwise would have been strangers. A short update: God said to me this week "The world says you are lots of things, but what did I say you are?" He surely didn't say to me that I was an anxiety ridden, depressed, failure of a mother. NO. He said I was blessed, highly favored, strong in him, chosen, loved, gifted woman of God who has been given MUCH. A new creation. A new name. Thinking of you, for helping lift me up from my rough patch! You have inspired my life through Jesus in such a short amount of time. ❤ Praying you find sanctuary in the Lord and in the relationships he is calling you to in this season!
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Heather! Thank you, and thank you so much for sharing your heart with me and this group! You continue to remind me that we are not alone. Your update is one with words by which I need to live. It’s not my strength but His strength. Love you! ❤️
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