Married, single, wife, mother, career, no career, young, old, money, no money…no matter we all feel the sting of loneliness. All have been there. “I am alone. No one else understands!”

However the reality. The reality is we are not alone. Someone else is feeling that pain or has felt it in the past. Someone else has experienced the pain of miscarriage. Another has felt the loss of a job. Someone else has known the rejection of a friend. Another has experienced a battle with health. You see, we are not alone.

So often I see how the true enemy of our souls wants to lock us in a zoo. Make us feel alone, like everyone else is peering through the glass with odd expressions.

However the reality. The reality is we are not alone.

Through the years and more recently God has been showing me the value in vulnerability. The value in honesty and realness over hiding and pretending. God has shown me that my trials and pain are not in vain. While trials grow me, grow me up in Christ they also connect me. Connect me to life on earth. Pain connects us at the core of who we are as human beings. Trial and pain come with being human.

I want to live connected to God and the dear souls He created. My pain is not just for me to endure and just get through it. My suffering, in turn, gives me a compassionate hand reaching out. A hand of raw honesty. A hand that says I have been there too. A hand that says I am so sorry from a place of deep understanding.

Why do we want to pretend we are some super human? Does that mask really connect us or bring us out of our loneliness?

Our stories may not be meant to tell everywhere we ago, yet if we are willing I know God will give us opportunity. Opportunity to say, “Me too!”An opportunity to say, “You are not alone!” In our willingness to be real, raw before God and others the enemy is defeated. The enemy’s tactic of dropping us in a pit of loneliness cannot stand.

Are you living connected or lonely? Are you pretending or being honest?

 

James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. NLT

Romans 5:3-5  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJV

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. ESV