Positively Connected

I’m running a little behind this week, so here is my 5 Minute Friday take on Connected.

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I enjoy being connected with others—to help, encourage, share, laugh.

I believe God intended for us (especially women) to thrive in relationship. We need each other to provide accountability and inspiration, to listen to cares and rejoice with successes.

Staying engaged with my ever-growing children, getting caught up with friends occasionally, spending time cultivating my relationship with my husband, and communing with fellow church members are important to me. And, generally, these interactions are beneficial.

Unfortunately, it is easy for times of fellowship to take a turn into something ugly, such as gossip and putdowns or yelling and angry words. When our dialogue begins to make fun of someone or be about exalting ourselves, it is time to check our tongue, ask for forgiveness, and begin again.

There are many ways I am looking forward to connecting this year. I am very excited for (in)RL where I hope to meet and more Christian ladies in real life.

I am also hoping to continue reaching out and connecting with individuals across this country and even overseas with this thing called the Internet, hopefully encouraging many in their faith walk. It is thrilling and humbling to have such an opportunity.

And spending time with those near and dear to me is always a priority.

The Lord knows His children need the support of others. He wants us to be connected. But He wants it to be done with integrity, honesty, and love, not out of malice or to make ourselves look better.

One of the easiest and most positive ways we can join with both Christians and nonbelievers (and in turn nurture our connection with God) is to pray with them and for them.

It is a simple act that bears incredible fruit and brings great joy.

How may I pray for you?

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“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed” (Romans 15:30–32).