We needed you, so thank you....

People always say that women tell their hairstylist everything...and it is SO true!  I speak as the person coming from behind the chair.  I cannot tell you what an honor it is to be the recipient of people who are willing to entrust me with what is going on in their life.  Throughout the last eight years I have often said that it if you are able to reach the heart of a person, where their scars are the deepest, then you will know how to love them the best.

The question then....do we let people see the scars in our lives?  And do we allow them to help us out? Do we allow people to love us were we hurt?

It's interesting....I have noticed a trend.  And I think I am on to something, if I can say so myself, although it is probably nothing too profound. :)  I see so many people walking around life pretending they have it all together...maybe even hoping it is true.  They are fixing themselves up so they look all put together, they talk up their life, they pursue so many big things...and yet so many people (although they look like they are thriving) are lonely, scared, or uncertain....just like the rest of us.  So many people are walking around showing one thing to the world, yet when it comes to their heart, it is a different story.

I am just realizing with more awareness how important it is that we have somebody to be authentic with...to be real about our questions, struggles, trials.  I am not talking about finding friends and complaining and having a self-pity party...that won't make friends.  But I am talking about being real.  And being okay to not have it "all together."

And this year I have been reminded how much we ALL need to be loved.  We all need to be known.  We all need to believed in.  We all need an advocate.  We all need to be supported, listened to, and cared for. I myself need these things. 

The tricky thing for me is that throughout the years I had become very comfortable being the one to serve and listen to and help other people.  And recently I have been learning that it is a very humbling thing to be at the end of your strength and resources...and it is incredibly humbling to get to the point where you let people know your true struggles, and accept help from those around you.

So I am learning this year....we all need each other.

The crazy thing is that I didn't even realize I had fallen into the whole American mentality that I should be self-sufficient and independent.  I thrive in community.  And oh how I love people!  And I love helping people out.  But I have recently realized that I have thrived in being the one giving help, not receiving. 

I truly believe that over the years I have served others from a pure heart, out of brokenness.  I have not done it to be seen by others.  I haven't done it to get a pat on my back.  I have not done it to get something in return.

But when Caleb and I have been at our "end" this last fall, we were loved on by so many people.  From being prayed over at church and by so many people, to receiving help financially, to the calls and offers for help, to meals being delivered...the list goes on.  We truly needed others in our life....and these friends have come through and beyond!  And, wow, are we humbled.

I think so many people are walking around, pressures of life weighing them down, to scared to share what is really going on...and they are lonely.  I cannot imagine going through some of the things we have gone through in life alone.

And this is where my own lesson of humility comes in.  I don't like to write it.  In fact, it is super scary to put out there! But, it was only a couple months ago I remember telling the Lord that it is amazing how different I felt going through my days knowing I was dependent on God and those who love me.  It felt really different to be the one that needed help.  But I told Him that I was realizing I was still the same person, none-the-less, that was giving help not long before!  We are all the same, no matter where we fall in the matter.  And my value did not lie in where I was self-sufficient or not...my value was the same.  And today, as Caleb and I are in a "better" spot again, I am still the same person now, as we are in a better place to help others again.  I am no better giving or receiving.  But I realize in a new and fresh way we all need each other.

So thank you to so many of you, especially our church family at Hillside Fellowship, who have done so much.  It has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated!  We literally could not have got through this season without you!!!  We love you.  And for each of our friends and family....we are eager to serve you.