Who is Holding Your Arms?

 Almost every day in my classroom, I attempt to teach kids empathy. Sure, we talk about academics too, but in a world that lacks empathy and compassion, but is full of narcissism, insecurity and selfishness they need to understand the differences when they are brought to their table. We also talk about what real insecurity looks like because it often comes out in the form of arrogance, or in bully form no matter ones age. I talk about recognizing who their friends are and identifying whether these people are those who will be around when the weather gets stormy or if they are only sunshine seekers. We talk about the 5 people closest to you and how it can show you your future. It matters who you are giving pieces of yourself to or whom you allow in to sit at your "table".

Although I don't remember where I read this the other day, I liked it and saved a paragraph from it:
“Find yourself a friend who will hold the truth for you when you've lost your grip. Find that friend BE that friend too.
Find yourself a friend who reminds you of who you are when you have forgotten.
Find yourself a friend who says, "I know today is hard, so, so hard, but it will get better I promise".
Find yourself a friend who loves you when you're at your worst and most broken.
Find yourself a friend who holds your hand in the dark.
Find yourself a friend who tells you that depression and anxiety aren't who you are, but something you're walking through.
Find yourself that friend that is a truth holder, and be that friend.”

Who is holding your arms up for you?
With that statement, I've just confused several of you, but bare with me for a moment.
The other day my best friend and I were talking about life's happenings and how sometimes in those really hard moments, we have no idea how we are gonna get through because sometimes those times sap your strength to press forward. I was quickly taken back to a time when I had become a new mom, had been widowed, and lost my dad, all in less than 8 months. Or when I found out my job was closing on top of other financial challenges we already faced with vehicle break downs, and challenges of home ownership. In those moments, where we can't seem to see next steps, it can be scary and we feel incredibly weak.
I'm a strong believer in the fact that, although our focus is to always remain on He and His promises, I believe God ordains people for your life to help hold you in those moments. They are what I like to call "all season" or "all weather" people. When the sun is out they are there to bask in it with you, but when the storm rages they are still around. Not just in the vicinity, but right next to you, without motive. They do this simply because they love you even when you have nothing to offer but yourself.  These people are rare, but such God given gifts.
There is a story in the Bible of Moses who held up a staff in order to defeat an army, but he wasn’t able, in his own strength, to do it alone. He had people who helped hold his arms up in his weariness until the fight was over and had been won, and was victorious by the promises of God. Read Exodus 17:8-16.

    Personally I am incredibly thankful for those God has provided in my life as both friends and family.  We have held one another's arms up on various occasions over the years.  Some times it is in a physical sense but also in prayer, worship, encouragement and straight up truth.  Those who remind us of our callings, remind us of God promises over our lives when we have forgotten.  People who will speak truth in love to you even when it is hard. People who will wipe your tears and hold your pieces when you are broken. Those whom will defend you both to your face and behind your back.  Whom you can call at any hour because you need them.

Don't, however, just seek that friend, BE that friend too, without motive.

I pray today, that God reveals to you your arm holders and that you count it all joy.  Over my own arm holders, I thank God for you by reading and praying over you Philippians 1:3-8

 

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Just Trying to Get to the Other Side

      As I stood in the chill with my best friend, awaiting the Notre Dame football game,  I was taken in by what the crowd was doing.  I began watching a line form and realized something was about to take place.  I have been to many Notre Dame football games but this was the first time I was able to be at the game early enough to see the football team enter the stadium.  The fans had formed a line with an open path for the team to come down and into the stadium.  As we stood there watching and waiting for the team, about 3 people deep from the inside of the open path, many people were simple trying to just get though to the other side.  The line formed was blocking passage to get easily to the other side of the stadium.  It seemed that they kept attempting to get through right where WE were standing. Each time they would come and say "Im just trying to get to the other side", and we would let them pass.   I laughingly teased by best friend about it and said to him, " Dude, what are you doing that makes them think its okay to cross here?" when there were hundreds of other places to cross through.  We both laughed.  It seemed that each time someone asked to pass us and cross over to the other side, the crowd would shift and we would get closer to the inside of the open path. It wasn't long before we were just one person away from the opening of the path. Eventually we watched, in all its celebration, Head Coach Brian Kelly, with his oodles of security surrounding him, lead his team proudly into the stadium to get dressed, ready and warmed up for game time as the crowd cheered them on. 

   As we headed into the game, we both had life heavy on our hearts.  It had been a difficult week of challenges, heart ache, dealing with anxiety, and trying to trust God in the thick of it all.  We had decided that the tickets to the game given to me would be a great distraction to all life had been throwing at us from different directions, and to give our minds a break, for a couple hours, to focus on something else for a bit and find some simple joy in friendship, as we cheered on The Fighting Irish as they beat UNC.

     Later as we headed back to the house we were chatting and trying to encourage each other and remind each other of Gods promises for our lives, and each of our families lives as we were looking to the week ahead.  As it has happened many times in my life before, God uses regular every day events or happening to speak into my minds vision to help me to grasp his reminders, encouragement and to remind me that he has me in the palm of His hand.

  While we were standing there talking, the vision of people "trying to get through to the other side" at the game came to mind.  I simply said to my best friend, "That is what we are also trying to do, just like those dozens of people, just simply "get to the other side" of our mountains."  Those fans at the game were able to cross because they were persistent in moving forward even if it was one baby step at a time.  They had their eyes focused on where their destination was "the other side".  They had to maneuver their way through. It was not a straight or easy path, but they persistently, holding hands,  linked arms and staying close to those like minded, made their way eventually to "the other side" with the whole time having their eyes focused.   I could not ignore the message in all that God had downloaded to me as a reminder.   My prayer that night was that the Holy Spirit would engulf us as we face our challenges in trying to "get to the other side", even tighter than the mind blowing impenetrable security that had observed surrounding Brian Kelly on his way into the stadium. Knowing that the Holy Spirit could do just that.  That all attacks would be thwarted, that any fiery arrows would be deterred and extinguished.  

I'm not sure what you are facing today.  Maybe you are simply feeling weary because you are "trying to get to the other side".  I know it is hard, I am walking it too.  Keep your focus on God, and trust that He will get you there. Hold your thoughts captive. It may feel like you are not making progress, but know that with each guided step, you are not alone and you will arrive at His perfect timing.  He is working all things together for our good.  Know that you are surrounded by the best security He has to offer by dwelling the the shelter of the Most High.  Invite and welcome the Holy Spirit to surround you and be your Comforter at all times.  May any challenges you face only be ones from God to help your faith grow and that all others of the enemy are thwarted, including the chatter the enemy often sends. I pray today that you feel the peace of being surrounded by the Holy Spirit and that it penetrates your soul.   For further encouragement, read Luke 8:22-26 as a reminder to STAND on the promises God gives us.  I need this reminder DAILY.