Unmet longings invade every aspect of our lives and span the length of time. They may or may not be fulfilled. They may or not even be recognized.
During the Allume conference this past weekend, a key message by Sophie Hudson opened my eyes to a longing that I didn’t know that I had…a longing for safe people. This longing is not something unattainable. It can be totally met if I let God lead the way. See, I tend to be crazy independent and self-sufficient. It’s how I have always been. I’ve never had that close group of friends, a clique, if you will. I am a little bit of a gypsy. I jump from group to group. So, I know a myriad of people on an acquaintance level.
But, that needs to stop. I am learning that I need to put down some roots in community. I am delighted to say that it is happening…in real life and online.
In 1 Thessalonians 3, Timothy visits the church on behalf of Paul. From him, the church hears of Paul’ s love for them, kind words about them and his longing to see them. They longed to see Paul just as much. That is a deep well of friendship right there. Paul was a safe person to this church body and they were a safe place for him. This was only possible because their foundation was Christ.
I need safe people.
I need safe places.
I need to be a safe person.
I need to create a safe place.
The Lord longs to cultivate that in us and place us in these safe communities. That’s His design. That’s His heartbeat. Whether we know it or not, this is our longing too.
Do you have safe people? Are you a safe person?
Karina
Latest posts by Karina (see all)
- The Second Coming - December 15, 2014
- Longing For Safe People - November 6, 2014
- There Are Few Things I Know For Sure - October 16, 2014
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