When Our Friendships Need a Reconnection
Authenticity.
It’s a word we hear a lot these days. I think it’s something our souls long for. Yet, in the world in which we live, it is not something easily found. Rather, it’s something well hidden – from ourselves and from others.
It’s an age where media and those on large platforms shout out to us to be yourself. Be you. Be true.
More and more people decide to live in ways contrary to what has been the social norm. Living loudly, many speak of the necessity of living true to who we are.
But I wonder … Is all the loudness really who we are? Does rebellion mark our identity? Are our authentic selves found in radical behaviors, beliefs, or lifestyles?
I’m not convinced.
I believe ironically, many of us are using a claim of authenticity as one more wall to put distance between ourselves and vulnerability.
I believe ironically, many of us are using a claim of authenticity as one more wall to put distance between ourselves and vulnerability. #atruefriend #reconnectingrelationships #momentsofhope #ultimatelove Share on XBecause when we are loud, we are distracted. And when we are distracted, we don’t have to look truth in the eye. We can avoid vulnerability and replace it with boldness. Taking offense, debating endlessly, and arguing with anyone willing to fight gives us a sense of control over our environment. We call it authenticity. But I believe it’s a mask.
However, loud isn’t our only methodology for distance-making.
There are others. Many others. Because it’s a battle within every single one of us. You see, authenticity takes vulnerability. And vulnerability takes courage. Immense courage.
Authenticity takes vulnerability. And vulnerability takes courage. Immense courage. Are you willing to go there? #atruefriend #reconnectingrelationships #momentsofhope #ultimatelove #godslove Share on X
So, if I’m not using rebellion as my primary distance-maker, my go-to method may be seclusion. Maybe I keep life a bit isolated and only peek out into the world from behind my computer screen. Social media is my go-to when eye contact feels like too much.
I look down and away from the eyes that may make me connect too deeply.
Or, maybe it’s the finesse of small talk. Chitchat that never goes below the surface where the only ones who witness my tears are the walls of my well-kept home.
And still, my method may fall into other categories. Maybe it is busyness. The more I fill my every moment, the less time I have for vulnerability with others.
Perfectionism is another one. Making everything look perfect is a great wall between ourselves and vulnerability.
Friend, can you look inward and discover your method?
What holds you back from authentic relationship with others — from experiencing the fullness of deep connection?
Yesterday I sat around the table with a group of women who said, “I want more than small talk. I want depth. Meaning. Connection. Relationship.”
These ladies get it. They know if we are authentic with each other, we reveal what’s below the surface. We reveal the tender places within our souls. Our faults, strengths, fears, and hopes. It opens the door to rejection. It’s where others tell us with their words or actions that we are not good enough.
And that is terrifying.
So how do we do it? How do we live authentically in a very confusing world? How do we reconnect our friendships? What does a true friend really look like?
It all starts right where I began this series last week – with connecting to the ultimate Love.
Let’s Review
7 Reasons Why Connecting to the Ultimate Love Helps Us Have Successful Relationships
- When God’s love defines us we do not allow fear to control our relationships. His love leaves us free to face each new opportunity head-on. We comfortably set appropriate boundaries, without building unhealthy walls barring relationship.
- God’s love enables us to extend forgiveness far beyond what the world tells us is possible. That forgiveness sets bitterness free and ignites hope.
- When pride is not involved and irritation doesn’t live near the surface, taking offense to minor or non-relationship-impacting incidences becomes less tempting.
- Living with holy confidence gives us the courage to communicate truth in love. Without judgment and only with the other’s best interest in mind, we effectively speak.
- Rejoicing without jealousy alongside a loved one stems from a heart filled with God’s love. Comparison no longer holds its power over us.
- Without expecting a return, we sacrifice for another. Whether it’s risking hurt feelings or not, successful relationships need encouragement and a willingness to sacrifice.
- Successful relationships take commitment. When we are connected to the ultimate Love, staying is part of who we are. Instead of running out the door at the first disagreement or disappointment, we tap into the grace God has placed in our hearts. We find the courage and we work through the problems with our loved one.
But don’t forget these things as you make a reconnection and become a true friend.
- Get connected with Jesus. Know His Word. If you’ve never opened the Bible, start now. If only have 5 minutes, start with that. God will take your offerings and multiply them. Give Him what you have and watch what He does! Pray, asking Him to make His Word come alive for you. Ask Him to fill you with an insatiable craving for Him and His Word.
- Learn the art of replacing lies with Truth. Remind yourself again and again that you are marvelously created by the God of the Universe and not defined by the instability and sin of this world.
- Tune into your weaknesses. Realize the walls you place between yourself and vulnerability. Find ways to combat them. Pray for wisdom and courage.
- Find safe people. Ask God to bring them into your life and give you eyes of discernment so that you may recognize both safe and unsafe people.
- Be you with healthy boundaries. Recognize that rejection may occur. However, also recognize that without failure, we never taste the sweetness of success.
Coaching Question:
We can’t improve what we do not recognize as a weakness. If your friendships need a reconnect, find your disconnect so you can get started on the next chapter. Contemplation and self-awareness isn’t easy. Calling ourselves out on our behaviors is extremely tough when we already feel lonely, but it’s the next step to your something better!
Scripture:
If you find any comfort from being in the Anointed, if His love brings you some encouragement, if you experience true companionship with the Spirit, if His tenderness and mercy fill your heart; then, brothers and sisters, here is one thing that would complete my joy—come together as one in mind and spirit and purpose, sharing in the same love. Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first. In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. -Philippians 2:1-5 VOICE
Next Step Challenge:
I shared my new quiz with you last week as your challenge. If you didn’t start there then, I encourage you to do so today. And then be on the look-out because ext month I am releasing an email course titled Longing for More than the World’s Reflection. It will walk you through the steps to seeing yourself in the reflection of an unwavering and loving God rather than in the unsteady and often angry reflection of the world. Stay tuned for more information!
7 Reasons Why Connecting to the Ultimate Love Helps Us Have Successful Relationships #atruefriend #reconnectingrelationships #hope #Godslove #takethequiz Share on XI also challenge you to subscribe to our community so that you can receive member-only access to the Library of Hope. That’s where I house all the printable resources to encourage and equip you to face the challenges of life with the hope of Christ. Just sign-up below. It’s free and easy!
I had the joy of time one-on-one with a friend just yesterday, sharing from our hearts and connecting deeply. At one point, I was aware of that lump in the throat and was tempted to shift the subject to a lighter topic. I’m glad I resisted the temptation, but it’s amazing how effective we are at resisting vulnerability.
As I read your words, Michele, I thought of a several times in life where the urge to avoid the conversation or switch the topic has arisen. I know the times I resisted, I have experienced the deepest connections. I agree, though, we are quite effective at the resistance! Thank you so much for joining me here. You are appreciated!
Yes, we often substitute busyness, loudness, perfectionism for vulnerability. Connecting and being vulnerable seems to take place one-on-one or in small groups. At least for me. I have been setting aside more time to get together with friends and talk, because this seems to be where it happens. Thanks for writing on this issue.
I’m like you, Theresa. Smaller groups and one-on-one is where the deeper relationships happen for me! Thank you so much for joining me here today! You are a blessing!
I love this! I am finding myself in a time when I crave these deeper friendships. But I love your point at the end about getting connected with Jesus, because He’s the only One who can truly satisfy these desires!
I know at times in my life as I have longed for friendships and focused on that, I may gather people and moments, but the fulfillment isn’t there. But when we seek God first, He fills our deepest longings and guides us in the right direction giving us freedom to be vulnerable and created authentic friendships. Thank you so much, Emily, for joining me here. You are appreciated! Blessings and smiles, Lori
Being too concerned with what someone else might think or fearful of losing a budding friendship often keeps me to myself. But when I am more concerned with God’s truth than others’ approval and focus on the joy of connecting with another Christian woman (even if it is short-lived), I feel at peace. Thank you, Lori, for your thoughts here. I hope you have a beautiful Thursday.
I’m your neighbor at #DestinationInspiration.
His Truth makes everything clearer! With Him there is peace and our focus is righted. Thank you, Gleniece, for joining me here today. ♥
Too often our relationships with others fail because we look to them to give us something, rather than thinking about how we can serve and love them. And things never work when we become self-centered, right? thanks for your thoughts here.
Serving those we love and care about is so important to relationship, but honestly, it is often the people we love and trust the most that we take the most for granted! Ugh! It’s something we must intentionally focus on! Thank you so much, Karen, for stopping by! I am always inspired and encouraged by your words ♥
“Authenticity takes vulnerability. And vulnerability takes courage.” So true. We often confuse authenticity and vulnerability, or count them as one thing, but they are two things and we need both of them to truly connect with others.
Thank you for visiting, Lisa ♥
Lori, I think you’re right! It takes vulnerability to be truly authentic. Great observation! I do struggle to find meaningful connections with the outside world. Partially because of the stage of life I’m in- over 40 with a newish baby. I find that I don’t really “fit” anywhere. Partially because I don’t have many avenues for connection. And partially still, because I’m afraid, to be truly honest. The Lord has been kind and gentle with me. He knows why I am scared to let down those walls. And He is not pushy. Rather He slowly and patiently leads me. I am getting there- bit by bit. I appreciate your wisdom here. Blessings to you!
Rachel, I am praying that God brings the right friendships into your life very soon! I can imagine your unique situation and always, when we are in a unique life situation, the usual people in our lives don’t quite understand. Even those that love us don’t quite get it and when they don’t get it, we are left feeling disconnected. I am also praying for those walls to come down and that your trust in God conquers any fear the enemy is attempting to place in your heart to stop you from making the deep fulfilling connections God desires for you ♥ Many blessings to you, my friend!
Thank you Lori, for the sweet prayer. You are such a blessing! I’m feeling the love today. <3
Your neighbor at Faith on Fire. Deep connection is so life-giving and we miss so much when we fear opening up and being vulnerable or just choose to hide. Learning to be authentic and vulnerable is risky and scary, often you can be hurt by others responses, but when you find safe people to share deeply with it is such a precious gift. Thank you for this great encouragement!
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks so much for joining me here! It really is a gift worth every bit of the fear. ♥ Blessings and smiles,Lori
Yes, it does take vulnerability to be authentic. I know for me its better time management and alternative ways to connecting. I am away a ton but that is not excuse. Phones still work.
I know what you mean, Maree. I am so guilty of it, too. And then I feel the disconnection and realize I’ve done it again!
Wow. I sure am feeling this today. I’ve been going through some friend ‘changes’ (changed churches and household dynamics) so I am feeling the loss, and wondering if I am being all I can be. Thanks for this focus!
Praying for you, April, during this time of transition. May God bring the connections and re-connections for which He created you!
Happy Monday, Lori! I am so thankful to God that I have a best friend whom I can be authentic with. We have experienced the highs and lows of friendship and gone through many of the perhaps painful, yet necessary stages you’ve mentioned above. However, she lives 3 hours away and I do long for a close relationship among my local community of Christian sisters. This has been a CHALLENGE. It means that I have to put myself out there and be vulnerable. SCARY! But you are so right, being vulnerable may mean that we open ourselves up to rejection, etc., but it also means that we may find true friendship. Thanks for the encouragement and the reminder!
Hi Tiffiney! I remember you once writing about your best friend! Although it’s easier to keep in touch these days when the distance is far, there is something about that day-to-day face-time that our souls need! Praying God brings that group of friends to you soon!
Very insightful and vulnerable, Lori! Thanks for this challenge, my friend! It’s one I surely need!
Beth, You have always been an inspiration to me because of your authenticity. Not everyone is willing to share the areas we have overcome or are challenged by in our marriages. You bring life stories including the mistakes and let God use them to encourage many of us. I just wish I lived near you to get a bit of that friendship in person ♥
I for one am not liking fake and phony. I can see through so much more of it, I praise the Lord for His discernment.
A definite gift, Becky!
Thank you for hosting!
I think it’s more important than ever that we strive to be genuine, authentic and available. Thanks for your insights Lori!
Thank you, Char! Amen! I definitely agree! Thank you for visiting today ♥
Hi Lori,
I have just found your link up & enjoyed your post above, being open & honest with ourselves before God is very scary, but so worthwhile & if we have christian sisters to share in the journey… how amazing is that!
You are invited to drop by & enjoy a cuppa with me by the sea.
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer! It’s so nice to meet you 🙂 Welcome! The vulnerability is definitely scary, but that trust in God is so worth it. Blessings to you! Lori
Absolutely! Thank you Lori.
Thank you & absolutely!
And I am so thankful for YOU, Melanie! ♥ ♥ ♥
I just had this conversation with my daughter yesterday. She longs for true connection with friends, but it all seems to be fake, filled with Instagram playdates, Pinterest inspired social media posts and lack of being intentional. She is a young mom in her mid-20s and her experience with true connection within friendships has been bleak at best. She asked me, why can’t people be normal anymore.
I responded that I feel social media and smartphones have done a lot of damage to how people interact with each other.
Your post offers so much wisdom on ways that we can work on ourselves to truly connect. Because after all, we can only change ourselves.
I loved the Scripture verse you shared from Philippians. It was perfect.
And thank you for pointing us back to the One who loves perfectly.
Blessings,
“Taking offense, debating endlessly, and arguing with anyone willing to fight gives us a sense of control over our environment. We call it authenticity. But I believe it’s a mask.” <—-THIS! totally right where our world is today… and sadly the church is often no better. it does take great strength and courage to be vulnerable, but it’s the only way to find relationships that are truly satisfying. Thanks for this great post!