At times, it's been emotionally and even physically painful to be this alpha male's friend. But also enormously rewarding and well worth it! I refer to James as an "alpha male" because he is a natural leader who many others, especially straight men, gladly follow.
Why is it whenever we get so comfortable with our good lives, there's always something that shakes things up?
I felt comforted. Assured. Confident. My pastor's hand on my shoulder gave me a shot of strength.
God has promised to never leave me or forsake me. He promised that my hope in Him will never put me to shame. I am fully known and fully loved.
I'm always thankful for God leading my friends closer to Him; sometimes, though, I wish that didn't mean actually moving them.
I was honestly lonely then, but I pretended like I wasn't. Self-reliance unconsciously became my norm.
Knowing I'm still loved and accepted when I bare the deepest parts of me has meant so much. Through these friendships, I've grown more confident in myself.
"Maybe God brought me here just to meet you," my new friend, Henry, said plainly. "I mean, it's probably not just for that reason, but who knows?"
Henry and I had connected really well — or, so I thought. He hadn't told me he was moving before it became public knowledge.
If it's not permission to read our stories that my new friend needs, and the insight is still not enough to help him feel welcome, what else does he need?