Friend Network...

On a different note,

How often we go through this life, feeling the weight of the world and going in to survivor mode. For some that's flight, or some it's retracting, and for others it's lashing out. We are taught from birth to be self sufficient, to adapt, to evolve, and so on to account for the valley's & mountains we'll endure on this terrain called Life!
I would imagine most people go through a growth period as they mature and get ready to take on the world independently. We have friends & people around us who at the time seemed harmless, but we're probably not the best influence or support systems. But we learn... we make choices to surround ourselves with true friends... Well, mostly!!
We are made in the image of our Father in Heaven... One of Love, Sacrifice, Investment, and Reciprocation. This should also be the way we treat those around us! We should be the hands & feet of our Lord... doing His work here on earth, in the surroundings we've been made stewards of... We ALSO need to be willing to receive this gift, which for me was always a little harder. Our pride gets us into more trouble then we even realize. We think "I got this" and disregard the gift of fellowship... the gift of sincere friends put there to be our shoulder to cry on!!
It took me many years, it took the LOVE of the Lord for me to start to allow the relinquishing of my pride... which opened the doors to a support system. This also meant the use of wisdom in allowing people into my life. There is a difference between letting everyone into your immediate circle, and Loving on Everyone you come in contact with. We can support, encourage and love the body, but we should also discern our steps we take and be selective and protective of our hearts. Scripture speaks to uneven yokes, which refers to being brought down by those around us who do not discern their steps, or are not able to be sacrificial, reciprocal, or willing to invest. We are called to Love, we are called to lift up the body, but we are also called to be wise & weary...
Allow the gift of love in your times of need... Allow God to work in you and for You! Be conscious and purposeful in your walk, and reap the fruit of loving & reciprocated relationships!!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris