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.