This past weekend, I was privileged to spend three days with four of THE most amazing ladies I’ve ever met. What’s interesting about this group is that we traveled from all over the US for this fun-filled weekend. What’s even MORE interesting is that I had NEVER met two of these ladies, yet they know me intimately and have been intertwined in my life and healing for the last 7 years.  We all have walked a similar path and were able to connect through a wonderful tool called the Internet.

Equally as important, I have close friends that live in my backyard or within a couple of hours driving distance who also love me well and unselfishly and tirelessly pour themselves into me.  As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized how extremely important Godly companionship is in my life.  I am incredibly privileged to have a global community of friends and a handful that truly sticketh closer than a brother.

Sometimes I stand in awe of the Lord for the AMAZING people He’s brought into my life.

For example, the friend who…

• …is a missionary in a dangerous foreign country and finds time to send me precious words of wisdom and encouragement through Voxer. We haven’t spoken in real time in probably almost 20 years, yet we haven’t missed a beat.  She knows my dreams and hurts and I know her struggles and passions.
• …texts me every couple of days BELIEVING with me for a dream I hold in my heart. She and her mom praise the Lord EVERY MORNING for my heart’s desires they KNOW will come to fruition.
• …I reach out to for everything professional. She and I are THE SAME.  Same profession, same professional style.  A mentor who also walked before me in her personal life.  A friend that speaks truth over me even when it’s not what I want to hear.
• …I met in Guatemala on a trip with a bunch of strangers and has become one of my closest confidants. We share some of the same rarities in our persona and can relate to one another on a level many others cannot.
• …made a mistake in her marriage, totally owned it, has since asked forgiveness and is currently rebuilding. She was afraid I would end our friendship because of her mistake! On contraire!  There’s nothing more I love than a good ol’ story of forgiveness and redemption.  I’m honored to walk alongside her. She has encouraged me and loved me well for almost 20 years!
• …I met at small group and instantly connected with. She made sure I was plugged in at a new church and new city. She purposefully involved herself in my life to make certain I felt welcomed and loved.

All of these friendships (plus the MANY more I did not list) have common threads running through them.  We share bonds based on trust, commitment, respect, truth, encouragement and love.  All qualities displayed by Christ.  All qualities designed to build up and never to tear down.

We are called to live in community. The Lord never intended for us to do life on our own.  Deb Fileta (@debfileta) Christian author, licensed professional counselor and founder of TrueLoveDates.com provides a compelling list of 10 reasons why we are called to live in community.  Take a minute and read the article found here. She says it better than I ever could.

I am beyond grateful for my friendships that stand the test of time (and distance).  I often don’t feel worthy of such value and effort.  My community loves me like no other and generously invests in me. I am truly loved, and blessed beyond measure.

If you are reading this and are without community, I would strongly encourage you to start by plugging into a local church.  Most churches have community or small groups you can quickly link up with.  And most structure groups to align with the various phases of life, so it’s highly probable you will be able to find a group in a similar life stage as you.

Do you have friends who love you like none other?  What are some additional qualities they bestow?  I’d love for you to share more in the comments below.