Power Up Your SPIRIT
“[17] A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 NIV
When people go through depression and then commit suicide, it’s often due to either of two factors:
- They feel isolated like they’re the only ones in that deep mess.
- They’ve been taken off life support. They can’t run to family or a community for help because they don’t believe they have one.
Have you ever gone through something terrible, and you heard a voice tell you that nobody will understand what you’re going through? It happens to everyone. Unfortunately, we believe this voice and it destroys us.
The family structure has also been destroyed so much, that what we now have are very dysfunctional homes that raise dysfunctional children. Children feel they can’t rely on their parents, and those who should be parents no longer want to perform that duty correctly.
When we feel lonely and rejected, Jesus can be our friend who loves us and brother who shows up for us. Just as friends should always be there to make life worth living and family should stick with you when you need support, that’s who Jesus is to us.
But to have such a relationship, we must be vulnerable and share. This is how we build earthly relationships, and it’s no different with Jesus.
He may know what’s in our hearts, but He doesn’t have permission to do anything until we give Him access.
Hack Your BODY
How can we show up as a friend and brother for those we work with?
We can’t be close to everyone. Some will push us away, and we will push some people away too. But we must not push everyone away.
I’m an introvert, and socializing is not a strong point for me. I used to think vulnerability was for the weak and so, I had no deep relationships.
It was only after three decades that I realized how deprived I was of deep friendships, and so, I started being intentional about how I connect with others.
It’s a journey I’m still on. For you, the story may be different and you’re probably the centre of attraction everywhere you go.
But remember this: for a more balanced life, we all need two sets of people:
- Friends
- Family
The good thing is we can choose who we want to be friends with. And we can also choose those we want to build a family bond with. Sometimes, friends can stick closer than family.
I’m very keen on values and how they must align in any relationship. We collaborate with many people with different values. Some of them are a good fit for us, and we are a good fit for some.
The best next step is to pray for guidance and direction, so we choose the right people for our circle, the way Jesus chose you and me.
Grow Your SOUL
“A family member or teammate who I’ve noticed is discouraged or dissatisfied lately is …”
Here’s an opportunity to show up as a friend or family member. Is there someone who needs help?
Ask yourself why you feel they need help and how you can be of service. You might just be saving someone from making a wrong decision.
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