Loss

Life really changes doesn't it?  I have been STEWING. Those of you who know me well know what/who I am talking about. It was like losing a boyfriend/girlfiend but yet it was a friend. From the places we used to go shopping, our inside jokes, our mutual friends, our kids friendships together, and our families being friends. Our lives were so intertangled. Adult relationships are so hard and so complicated. I long for the childhood days when it was just a matter of :

"You hurt my feelings"
"I'm sorry"
"Okay, lets go play!" 

And yet these childhood days are really what we should refer back to aren't they? 

I am broken. Through this loss I will tell you several things that have not healed me but have helped me along in reaffirming that there are several ways I want to live my life...and they can be summed up in several verses. 


1 Cor 12:28-31. "God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healing, helping, administering and various kinds of tongues. "  Meaning....we all have many talents, gifts, ways to minister. No one is more important than the other. Nor should we judge how other Christians do these things. 

Which brings me to my next point...

Luke 6:37
"Judge not and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven."

Romans 14 1-5

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

I believe these speak for themselves....I work hard to not judge others, its hard sometimes and I, as a human often fail. However, I continually will work on this as it is a huge part of being a Christian and loving others. Aren't we supposed to accept others as they are....especially other Christians? Even in a secular world, isn't friendship about accepting people as they are and loving them? Loving even their faults. And if fault is found (or a fault that directly affects you) shouldn't talking to that person be a priority? 

I am a Christian, I am a mother, I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend....among many other things. I accepted Christ a long time ago and strive to make the right decisions. I try to be a good example for my kids. I am human and I can make mistakes but I always trusted that my bothers and sisters in Christ would never judge me or shun me in any way for those times (as they are human too!). Am I right in assuming so? 

Thanks for reading this rant. Its been a big struggle for me lately. I have stewed in anger...hurt...and disappointment. I am ready to move on now, however I really ask for your prayers in allowing me to forgive and move on with my life in a positive way. I need to realize that I have other friends and family that love me just the way I am. 

Dear Lord, please "create a pure heart in me, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10 ISV)

Walk in love my friends...walk in love....

~Stephanie