Sometimes it’s a threat to be unusual.
Things that interrupt our familiar pattern can throw off our desired balance in our life.
Growing up, most of my best friends were not members of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ. I was used to being the only Latter-Day Saint girl attending another random school—as a terrified new girl. Different. A peculiar thing.
Lately, I thought about why God put me in situations that made me create the deepest friendships with those that live differently than I did. Then I thought about how Jesus Christ went and connected deeply with individuals who are much different than Him. Much different. I thought about how He must’ve felt, and the many kinds of colors He sees in every person He interacted with.
Then it came to me. Our Heavenly Parents want us to learn and see from other people’s hearts—just like Jesus did. We are here to connect deeply, serve, uplift, and embrace empathy, not in spite of differences but especially with our differences.
I just want to share with those that feel alone in their thoughts and values, Jesus Christ lived and showed us the way to create more meaningful friendships right where we are planted to grow now. God wants us to feel the similarity in all of us. Children of God—each of us loved incomprehensibly by Him.
I’m not only talking about friendships with people—I mean being friends with the aspect of everything and anything.
Here are some friends that could need more connection and nourishment:
Nature,
Emotional regulation,
Therapy work,
Our creative talents,
and even time
and attention to Jesus Christ Himself (I’m not perfect at this either)
We are created to have joy and help others get there. Jesus Christ can be our greatest Friend when we feel rejected, hurt, and alone. His hand always reaches out to us, waiting for us to reach back.
You are not alone.
There is a God that loves you and has a perfect plan, even for His imperfect people.
Allow yourself to feel His love for you.
You are right where you need to be.
Prepare for the new and good things to grow!