Now that you know that I’ve struggled with friendship for quite some time now, I guess it’s time to reveal what really sparked this conversation about friendship via blog (and yes, it is a conversation. I’ve loved reading y’alls comments and following up through text!!).
Anyway, I recently had a squad mate ask me a question I’ve been dying to be asked my whole life, and it truly did change my life once I was asked.
“Bailee, what has God taught you today?
I WAS IN SHOCK. I was in shock…disbelief…hugely taken aback. I wonder if my face showed just how shocked I was or if I was able to conceal it even in the slightest. As surprised as I was, another emotion overtook it. Excitement. Oh, how excited I was to share what the Lord had been revealing and challenging me with. Honestly, while writing this, I can’t even remember what I shared with her but WOW…I can remember just how freeing and exciting it felt!
I think in that moment I learned how powerful it is to talk about Jesus with your friends and others in general. It’s one thing to read, listen and learn from the Lord personally, but to share that revelation with others?? That’s a GAME CHANGER. You get to release the living water that is welled up within you and glean from others’ revelations too! Such a small and simple thing to do, but the impact is mighty.
I also think it’s so important to note the difference in being in a setting where perceptually it is “required” for that question to be asked. If you’re at a small group, church or similar setting, you can assume you’ll be asked this question. BUT, (at least in my mind) because it is “required” it almost devalues the question. In the past, I have easily felt that I’m only being asked what I’ve been learning from God because that person is supposed to ask me, not because they truly have any interest. Whether this has actually ever been the case, you’d have to ask the questioner, but I thought distinguishing this might be helpful for anyone else who has thought or felt this way.
I guess there’s just something to be said about being interrupted in the regularity of life. It just makes it feel more like genuine pursuit.
I had just sat down and was about to edit a video, and in walked a friend that awakened my heart. Easy as that. I’m hopeful this memory will stick with me and help fire me up to go awaken others too.
Alright y’all, pt. 3 is on its way, and I’ll give you some insight as to how I’m going to wrap up this “friendship series,” if you will. I’m going to share what I’ve found to be the most effective ways to pursue people well. Talk to you then! (Or before if you want to chat! :D)
As always, thanks for reading. It means a lot!
-Bailee
P.S. Shout out to the friend that was bold in asking me this question. You know who you are.
