Loneliness

So as promised here is Part 2 to Part 1 - Singleness in the Church.

Have you ever been amongst a crowd and felt invisible or alone? I have and it doesn't matter the size of the crowd either...big or small crowds don't make a difference. I feel like I am going through a lot of transitions right now. And I have to admit I am not a fan of change especially when change is difficult. As you know I have no family around me - we're separated by states. :( So my church family has become my family.

But over the next 2 months my 2 closest friends will be leaving me. They have become my sounding board, my 2 strong pillars and my family! And soon I will be alone again!! Ugh I hate that! And though some might think I'm a social butterfly...I'm really not!! I hate walking into a room full a people by myself...it actually scares me! And even though I have other church friends...just thinking of going to church with out my close girls there scares me!

I wish it wasn't the case. But for now I see these girls on a pretty regular weekly basis outside of church and church related events. So this transitional period that is quickly approaching has made me sad and caused me to shed some tears even having a little tearful melt down during the women's prayer time at home group one night causing one of my close friends to tear up as well. Like I said I do not handle change well at all...haha!!

And on top of all this...I'm about to loose my home & am turning the BIG 3-0 in a few weeks. In which one of my close friends won't even be here for it let alone her BIG 3-0. Along with my family being far away I cant help but feel alone. And I hate feeling alone. So what do I do? How do I fix this loneliness...something I am sure I am not the only one struggling with! I think its good to talk to those closest to you about this topic because just like me you may find out that people who you didn't think are lonely actually are...and that you're not as alone in this department as you think!

Because it is so easy to put on a face and walk into a room full of people and act like everything is peachy-keen and couldn't be better...but that's fake and I don't want the body of Christ to be fake I want them to be real and I hope that they'd want me to be real as well.So me and my 2 closest friends (who are leaving me) have come up with a plan of action to combat my loneliness. In fact I'm going to tell you the same thing that I told someone when they asked me, "How do I fix being lonely?"

What I would suggest (I know this may be a little painful) is putting on your social butterfly hat and as much as you may not want to or are scared to - you need to bite the bullet and be social. You can ask your girlfriend's to introduce you to more people. I'd even ask them who they think you should be friends with. Especially if they're are some girls you aren't friends with already who you might really click with. :)

Every event that your church has or that people from your church throw and invite you to...go to it! It's a great way to make new friends. In fact I made a list of girls that I know and have spent some time with but really haven't gotten a chance to really get to know and who I plan to intentionally get to know better and nurture those friendships with. It's very possible that just as shy and scared as you might be so may they also be as well. But someone has to take the first step. Also realize that the friends you might be losing aren't gone for good, they're leaving doens't end your friendship it's just going to be a little different that;s all!

Also keep in mind that this may be a great time for you to try new things and a season GOD might use to bring you closer to Him. And after all He is the ultimate friend!! I'm not saying this transitional period is going to be easy...or even fun. Because if I'm being honest I am really dreading September and October. But I hope I will have gotten to know a lot more girls better by that time so that there will be less moments of loneliness and instead many opportunities for fellowship and some fun!

Plus with my girls that are leaving, there are always ways to stay in touch: email, regular mail, phone calls, visits (though Thailand might be too far) & of course skype. Just know no matter how alone we feel...we're never truly alone! Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”