FLOURISH IN FRIENDSHIP

by Kori Yates

I met a new friend at church recently. She was new to the area, so we chatted about local stores I frequent. We enjoyed our conversation, so I invited her family to join ours for lunch. Over lunch my new friend shared her “real story.”

This move had been their hardest yet. Many challenges delayed the process of getting settled. Nothing seemed to be going right. Forty-eight hours before, she had been crying, longing to “be back home.” People had not been friendly and she was weary of feeling isolated, anxious, and lonely. 

In Scripture, God reminds us of the importance of community with Him and community with others. He did not make us to live in isolation, but to live a life of abundance and hope with others. 

As our family gets ready to PCS (Permanent Change of Station - moving) again, I remember the challenge of starting over in a new place. My new friend reminded me of the importance of being brave and showing up—again. Our new friendship did not answer all her questions or relieve all her anxiety, but it did remind her that she’s not alone. It also made a difference in me because I will soon be the new person. Again.

How to Flourish in Military Community:

1. Show up. Find a local church or Bible study. It may take a few tries, but finding it is totally worth it! 

2. Be Brave. Make the first move. Start the conversation, ask the questions, and invite a new acquaintance out for coffee.

3. Remember the blessings. Remember your friends from all those places before? God has blessed us with friends at every duty assignment. In remembering what He has already done, we can have courage to step out again.

4. Enjoy community with God. Take the time to continue to grow your relationship with God in the season of waiting for the human friendships. 

Ponder:

Who has God given to walk with me in this season?

Verses to Consider:

Hebrews 10:24-25

Acts 2:42

John 15:12-13