My small group girls were sophomores in college when they decided we wanted to host a party. THE FALL THING, they called it, which I found adorable. A party for any girl in our church’s college ministry, the THE FALL THING was to be a place where girls could meet each other, get into small groups, and have a pinterest-y good time.
In the weeks leading up to the event (and listen, when you have twelve 20-year olds planning one party, it is an EVENT), the girls and I would shop and plan and pray. They made decorations out of tissue paper, ordered little gifts for each girl they hoped would attend, pinned recipes for which we divided the cooking responsibility. (They also cleaned my house and reorganized my furniture and hand-crafted window treatments for my living room, so yeah, I was a happy hostess.)
The night finally arrived. My girls were nervous and excited and paced back and forth, wondering if anyone would show up. Within minutes of the start time, young women began pouring into my house. We hit max capacity—that moment at a party when everyone is so squished it feels like bumper cars going from one corner of the room to the other.
What impressed me most was not how my girls decorated or cooked, though both skill sets were on point. What brought tears to my eyes was how they connected with each gal who attended. I watched as my girls asked real questions, were vulnerable with their own stories and lives, putting themselves out there to make sure the visitors felt welcomed, cared for, and known.
Yes, the environment and food and prizes mattered that night in my house, but those one hundred or so college girls walked out of my house feeling important. And that is what REALLY mattered.
What I witnessed at the party that night was not unlike this scene at the well in John 4. Jesus saw—really saw— the Samaritan woman as she came to draw water. He took time to talk—really talk— to her about what mattered in her life. He made her feel welcomed, cared for, known.
And when we as women feel known? It changes who we are.
It would have been easier to clump up and talk to each other at their party, but instead, my girls talked to the strangers, the ones who came alone, the ones who knew no one. We had talked about it a little before, what it feels like to be the new girl, what it means when you show up to a party like this alone, why these college girls would show up to THE FALL THING in the first place. They remembered—we all do—what it felt like to be new and out of place, and each of my girls took it upon herself to make sure each visitor felt a part of the family.
Isn’t that true hospitality? Putting yourself in their place, loving them for who they are, and inviting them into the safe place of friendship. Jesus modeled it for us in the Bible, my girls modeled it for me in my home that night, and how I host and how I love is changed forever.
Annie F. Downs is an author and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God. Annie is the author of Let’s All Be Brave, a book for men and women about the power we each have to make a difference on this planet. She also has two books for teens: Perfectly Unique and Speak Love.
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117 thoughts on "Know and Be Known"
How good it is to really be known. Not just having people assume they already have all the details
It’s so strange because lately I’ve been struggling with my faith, and the further I get into this plan the more I realize that my struggle isn’t with God. It’s internal. I has to do with the condition of my heart and the ways I’ve sheltered it. So much so, that it’s preventing me from loving others.
That’s pretty cool.
Amen to this post. :) my best friend, who is a Christian as well, visited my church today and was greeted by almost everyone with a smile and loving hearts. She said it was very different from how her church treats visitors and it was a blessing to know people wanted to talk to her. So thankful for a hospitable church.
It is not easy to befriend the one that the “in-crowd” considers an outsider. At work I have a friend, and although she lacks maturity, she is a person who has become special to me. What’s sad is everyone that I work with all have something negative to say about her. And it seems like I’m always around when they talk about her. But they do not know her story. They have not seen tears roll down her face due to the problems in her young life. They don’t understand. She has entrusted me. I am her friend and I am proud that she is mine. Because she may not be everyone’s first choice… But the Lord loves her with all of His heart and that is good enough for me.
the hardest thing I’m finding in my life right now is figuring out how to open up to my coworkers. I’ve always been taught to never mix business and pleasure. the two worlds are never ment to cross. this has become a problem in my life, so much so that it’s caused a big disconnect with me and my team. I’ve realized this now but haven’t quite found a way to open up without opening too much. i want to change the negative perception i feel some of my coworkers have of me….but i know
there must be a healthy balance without things feeling forced or inauthentic.
Whoever told you that is limiting God. We can’t just compartmentalise Him; if we have God at the center of our lives then he outpours into every other part of our life.
God doesn’t call us to build a wall around ourselves for protection against the world, we’re called to love and sometimes loving others is being vulnerable in front of them. I understand as much as anyone about feeling inauthentic around your fellow workers, because it’s not easy to be in the world but not of the world. But The Lord will get you through it, He will be your strength – it’s pretty amazing that we have a God who hears our prayers and ANSWERS them as well – so why not put it before him?
❤️
So good!!
So good.
I love the story of the woman at the well but I’ve never made the connection with hospitality. I love seeing a different perspective on something I’ve read probably 20 times. It’s such a simple example of hospitality but a life changing one at that.
Wow. Convicting. Lord, help me to have an ‘others first’ mindset!
‘and those who are mistreated as though you yourselves were suffering.’
I will listen, but will I listen with my heart, will I suffer with her? oh Lord, burn into my soul to love deep and pure and sacrificial like you. Spirit, tutor me in loving.
thank you for posting that prayer! i was lacking the words for what my heart felt ♡
very helpful
I sometimes long to be part of a small group from church, but it’s difficult being a young wife and mom that I can never find time in the day to really sit down and do my devos…only on that rare occasion when my little girl is napping for two three hours. I am encouraged by this study. It’s time right now to be a wife and mom. God will have those opportunities show up in His timing when He thinks I’m ready and can handle it.
Make sure you pray about it! I was so alone in a new church, and I prayed in faith that God would open opportunities. And He did! When your prayers are aligned with His will, it can be a powerful tool. He is also the God of time, so if you don’t have time to fit in your Bible study, ask him to help you find a few minutes in your day. Every time I’ve ever done that, He’s come through!
We, as young mothers give so much of ourselves each day. It’s hard sometimes to give more, to reach beyond the easy connection. I mean, some days it’s just about surviving! When I have a chance to reach out and get to know someone new, it’s amazing how energizing it really is.
Loving this study. I am starting a womens bible study in my house in the next few weeks and the Lord is really getting my heart in the right place through this as i prepare to open my home. If anyone reads this i would love prayer for that time and for the women who come! Xoxo
loved the devo, but what bible translation was used, because most bibles translate the 6th hour as noon day, not 6pm.. not sure the most accurate translation was chosen that’s all.
Wow this was awesome!! Will be trying harder to make people feel welcomed
This reminds me so much of the ministry I was a part of in college. We were those girls. Somewhere along the way, though, I've lost that intentionality to be hospitable to others. Probably because I'm distracted by my kids or my to-do-list, but none of that is an excuse. Thank you for the reminder to ask real questions, to go deeper, and to get below the surface with those I meet. This was needed encouragement.
this is one reason i love Mops! we get moms outside of the church and i absolutely adore our moms who come alone looking to be known! how Brave of them!
I am always so scared of being the New Girl. it has often held me back from doing things I later wish I had. hoping to hold on to these words when situations like this arise in the future!
I work in a ministry where we always talk about “meeting people where they are”, but I think we need to remember with that comes people meeting us where we are. Our lives are messy and untidy and maybe not Pinterest worthy, but that is not a reason to keep people away. We spend too much of our lives wondering if we are enough…is my home clean enough? Is my living room pretty enough? Is my food tasty enough? None of those things matter like someone feeling known and loved and welcomed does. All people want is to be invited in to something real. Even as those who are the hostesses, we need to be willing to let people meet us where we are, too.
Such a great point, Shelby!
Yes! Martha may have the perfect home and dinner, but Mary brought the emotional intimacy.
Three things really stuck out to me in the John 4 passage…
"He must needs go through Samaria" –where do I need to go today? where is God leading me to serve?
In vs6 Jesus was wearied in his journey, but still he was able to minister to others. Being tired doesn't excuse me from serving others.
vs 7… Jesus started the conversation. This is so hard for little introverted me, but I still need to start the conversation some times!
Julie,
The things that struck you are really great! Thanks for sharing them. It made me retread the passage!
What good insights! So , like Christ, I need to go where people are, even when I am tired or feeling sorry for myself & start conversations with those I don’t know as well. Thank you!
I started reading this and thought "Wow, this sounds like Annie Downs" and then I got to the end and saw her name on the picture! I didn't know she was connected to SRT. I must read too much of her stuff ;) She is the best, more from her please!!
Annie, I loved this post. #1 because of the passages you chose (The Samaritan woman is one of my favorites, and I hadn't read that passage in Hebrews in a long time), and #2 because I see in you someone who is truly living their calling. You're not just writing about ministering to young girls, you're actually living and sharing your life with them. There are a passle of girls who one day will look back and think fondly of Ms. Annie, who gave her life away for their sake, so that they might know Jesus a little bit more.
On behalf of all the boys they'll marry and raise families with, thank you.
(P.S. I guest posted on your blog MANY MANY moons ago, and you gave me my first little spurt of traffic. I'm all introverted and didn't say "hi" at Allume, but I wanted to say thanks. It's just another way you're gracious with your space and giving of yourself).
this is the first SRT lesson to make me
cry. aren’t the youth so full of lessons the rest of us need to relearn? it’s shameful that we grow away from those things that bring us close to Christ. thank you for sharing this story!
I can use some prayer…This is a hard lesson for me…I am in a place right now where I don't really fit in, where I reach out but come back empty. I long to be known, to be around people who have a desire to know me…I know how much the smallest gesture of interest means…Lord, please help me in this loneliness & help me keep reaching out & loving with Your Love.
Know that He is listening and loves you with an unconditional deep love. Do not feel alone, you are desired and loved!
Thank you so much…
Praying for your perseverance and for comfort!
Thank you for your prayers…it means a lot.
Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering……..It is often easy to do what is comfortable. It is also very easy to judge others based on their exterior. I had the privilege of taking care of underserved community for many years. Some may say that they are the outcast of our society. At first I judged harshly and did not have much empathy. I found it a struggle to help them. How do you care for someone that you care about more than they care about themselves? But God used “ the least of these” to change my heart. I had to remember that I once was an outcast until I stopped and allowed God to penetrate my heart. And now I am a better person because I had the privilege of serving them.
As I sit here reading God's word. He shows the ultimate hospitality to the Samaritan woman. She does not know or believe who she is speaking with. John 4:25-26 is the perfect example of how important it is to invite and host others not only in the flesh, but also in spirit. Once the Samaritan woman realized she could possibly be speaking with the Christ (John 4: 29) she was changed and the people she told were changed. Yes, I am more than a believer that "when we feel known, it changes who we are." Thank you for this lesson and all glory be to Jesus for showing one's worth through the time He spent at the well. I will carry this montra with me everyday and know that I can be a blessing to others by just listening and welcoming them into my life.
I've thought it was a beautiful thing when people genuinely wanted to know me – what a great quality to have as women of God. To KNOW others as God wants to KNOW us. This was great encouragement and a reminder of how I need to work on this characteristic. By doing this we can love others deeply.
Hospitality has become another point of comparison for many – including myself. I find that I am not really interested in making the best pies and have the right appetizers – this has led me to be very self-conscience about hosting, about welcoming others for fellowship either in my home or in any place (What if I don't pick the right place!) I love being reminded that hospitality is not about the food, or drinks or decoration. Hospitality is about connectedness.
What I am truly enjoying of this study is how I can be less nervous about hosting and find freeing comfort in helping others feel more welcomed with my embrace. I’ve really recently found I do really well in smaller groups of 1-3 people. I can focus more on their hearts than on the ‘to-do’s’. Thank you so much for opening my heart to a new way of hosting. What a blessing for my soul.
“When we as women feel known, it changes who we are.” Wow. She sure got that one right. I took this in two different ways. 1. As women, we should remember this quote as we treat others around us. We understand what it is like to be changed when we feel known. Let us make others feel known so their lives can be changed as well. 2. we are blessed to know our Father who truly knows us inside and out. That should be enough for us to change who we are, and put an even greater desire within us to carry out His love.
Amen!
“Isn’t that true hospitality? Putting yourself in their place, loving them for who they are, and inviting them into the safe place of friendship. ” I love this!!
Me too Diana. Those words filled me. It helped me see that by doing so, I help them feel ‘welcomed, cared for, and known’.
This speaks so deep. I think all most of us really want is to be in relationships in which we feel known and loved despite the knowing. So many interactions are on the surface and the desire to go deeper is kept at bay because it’s “too much effort” or time, or too hard. I pray we can be ladies who aren’t afraid of the commitment to getting to know our friends deeply. I know, I pray that for myself.
Going out of our way to show love to others is one of the best ways to show others Jesus!!! Preaching Jesus is so important, but going out of your way to show someone Jesus makes a serious impact- that they won’t forget!! To see each person we come into contact with as if they were Jesus will hopefully change my outlook and attitude!
I am loving this study, and I needed to read this today. As someone who moves a great deal, and therefore always feels like the new girl, I have been so incredibly grateful for those who open their hearts to the newbies! And I want to be that person to anyone who needs it. Lord, open my eyes to those to whom You would call me to open my heart, home, and life.
A few years ago I started attending a college aged ministry, I didn’t know anyone and I went by myself. I figured if I didn’t connect with anyone, I wouldn’t go back again. One of the staff members greeted me and struck up a conversation, asking about my major and what I did for fun and just general get-to-know-you questions. I liked the service so I decided to go back the following week and try it out again. I walked in the next week and immediately that same staff member greeted me by name and asked how my week had been.
Hospitality really does change lives and is so insanely important to do in a world where everyone does just want to feel known and accepted and loved by others.
This devotional brings to my mind one special person named Tami. If it were not for her, I'm not sure I would have continued my walk with Jesus. I was the "new girl", but I wasn't a girl, I was 32 years old and trapped in old sin that was like an incurable, terminal disease. My husband convinced me to try the new Bible study in another friend's backyard. I arrived and immediately my rear end was stuck to the sliding glass door when Tami, one of the table leaders, said hello, peeled me off of the door and asked me to sit at her table. Her smile, her genuine interest in making sure I knew I was welcome and not an outcast made all the difference to me. She continued to invite me in to the circle for the rest of the summer and at the end of the summer and, after a deep and curing time in the Word, I wrote down what I thought I could never be forgiven for and tossed it into a fire pit, vowing to live in the freedom of the cross. I have not turned back since…and because of Tami, I host a small group in my home and every Thursday as the ladies walk into my home, I remember Tami and her influence and how important it is that others feel included and welcome. I'm so grateful.
I enjoyed reading the section from John. There are so many nuances of this story that are important I regards to how isolated this woman was. Coming at the sixth hour meant she came at later (hotter) time of the day either because of an urgent need or more presumably because she wanted to avoid the stares and uncomfortable chatter of the women who came earlier in the day. She was initially surprised by the friendliness of Jesus association with her a Samaritan. Talk about your life changing in an instant!
I pray that I would love people like Jesus does… Not for what I can get but because it blesses them. I'll definitely be thinking of "inviting [people] into the safe place of friendship" and the implications on my life. It's unsettling in a good way.
Does anyone else struggle with feeling nervous to just walk up to your neighbors door and invite them over? I’m not generally a shy person, but it seems that the culture we live in has set up “walls”; fences, closed doors, etc and we Americans like our privacy. We’ve never done more than a polite wave from across the street. I can sense God prodding me to go invite my two neighbor girls over for coffee but I feel nervous for some reason! They are complete strangers but I SO want to extend love and welcome like Christ did. Prayers and any tips are much appreciated ;)
You can start praying for their hearts to be receptive to your invitation. Pray for the right opportunity and the Lord will provide it! If you feel His prompting, know He has already gone before you. I will pray for boldness for you and divine appointments with your neighbors!
Thank you so much Rachael! So true!
Mulling over today who I need to be inviting to that is in prison.
A figurative prison. Someone in bondage. Someone enduring a hardship. Someone who feels lost or lonely.
Praying that I would be willing to be willing to be vulnerable and show God's love and hope with them.
This is absolutely wonderful. i can't count the number of times that i have been guilty of showing up to an event and staying close to my clique instead of wondering about and speaking with strangers. this really puts things into a different perspective! thanks for sharing!
Key word coming to my mind as I read John 4 and all our sisters responses is BOLDNESS. I've read the story about the Samaritan woman so many times but it clicked in a different way this morning. God is really calling us to be bold enough to step out and start conversation with that homeless person on the sidewalk, new girl at work, foreign exchange student and new neighbor down the street. He always first sets such a great example of everything he asks of us. Same way, HE first loved US.
I agree with you Natalie! That’s also the word that keeps coming to mind for me. Boldness can be a struggle, but it’s also part of being hospitable!
These words – and yesterday's – have really gotten me. I'm currently reading Annie's book "Let's All Be Brave" with the (in)courage Bloom book club, as well as Jennie Allen's "Restless" in my small group – all of these things along with this SRT study are pushing me into really digging deep into my purpose and what the Lord is calling out in me. My small group is Wednesday nights, and this reading today is so encouraging to me, to seek out those relationships, to be bold, brave, take initiative. I pray that this courage sticks with me throughout the day and into this evening, so that the Lord would orchestrate our casual conversations as well as our group discussions, and that as a group we would make deep connections, and with a handful of women too that the Lord has placed around me. I haven't realized how much my heart aches for these deep, meaningful connections with girlfriends, until I've been reading so much about it through all of these different resources. Thank you, SRT ladies, writers and posters, for your vulnerability and loving-kindess that we all are so brave to share with each other.
Isn't it so interesting how simply taking an interest can change a person? I've taught middle school for 11 years now, and while it took me a few years to learn this, I now make it my goal each year to make sure my students feel known. I try to learn at least one interest/passion/hobby and ask them about it. I try to learn about their families and home lives. It's not an easy thing to do, particularly this year when we shortened classes to add another period onto the day and I now have 30 more students than in previous years. But it makes a difference.
I see it making a difference in my own kids' lives as well. As much as I don't feel love for My little Pony, my first grader loves it when I will draw or play or read about My Little Pony with her. Same thing with my son and Thomas the Train (though I find Thomas slightly more palatable). They light up when I show interest and want to engage with them about the things they love.
So why do I struggle to do this with adults? Why is so hard to leave my safe clique of friends at gatherings and parties and work functions to reach out to those who came on their own and are looking for someone to know them? My prayer is that the next time I attend a get-together, that I would seek out the stranger and help her feel known.
This study has been very challenging for me. I have always felt like I am a hospitable person but what the Lord has been showing me is how closed off I can be and I attribute that to my quiet personality. Quiet is good but it should not be used to hide behind when He is directing me to be more opened with others. I step back probably because of a fear of being rejected and not being good with small talk…more than a nature of being quiet. It is a difficult thing for me to talk to people I do not know. I know over the years I have gotten better with this but I am realizing through this study there is still A LOT of work to do. Lord, work in me! Help me to be that woman You desire for me to be and help me to be willing to step out and get involved and get to know others so that they may get to know You. Thank you for always loving me and gently showing me the areas in my life that need to be worked on and given to You. in Jesus name!
I understand what you are going through! I'm also very much the quiet type. It can be difficult to really reach out and open up to complete strangers. It's something I have been struggling with for a while now but God has been opening my eyes a lot lately also. When ever I feel like closing myself off to those around me, God reminds me that Jesus was pretty much the most social person who ever lived and that there is nothing to be afraid of!! I'm also very thankful and blessed that we have a Father who cares for us deeply, to work with us so patiently on such little things! :)
I remember reading somewhere that when you enter a gathering. Instead of having a posture of "I'm Here". You should have an expression of "You're Here". I always try to remember that. Making sure all I see can feel how happy I am to see them.
I like that Amy; that’s a great concept to have in mind!
Love this!
Doesn’t John only go up to chapter 21? Not 30?
Jennifer, you may have already realized this for yourself, but just in case you haven't … Today's Scripture reading in John is Chapter 4, verses 1-30 (not chapter 30) … But yes, you are correct, the book itself only has 21 chapters. Have a blessed day!
it looks like the chapter to read is 4 and the verses are 1-30 :)
I feel inspired even more to just go out of my way to show kindness to everyone I encounter! They may be alone or so down, a smile or a genuine “how are you doing?” Could change their whole day! Good to remember, we show our love for Jesus by how we treat others; and not just those who are easy to love!
This is absolutely fab! I love women so much I wanna host a party too. This is truly a blessing. Im learnjng so much and I'm grateful to the Holy Spirit and each writer in this group. SheReadsTruth makes me feel welcome, cared for and known. Thank You guys. Blessings to you all.
All any of us want is to be known… to be seen… to be acknowledged… to be loved. A believers we get all this through tthe Father and His Son Jesus. He loves us. He sees us. He KNOWS us. As that overflows through and from us, it should be a natural reaction to extend that love to others by acknowledging them and making them feel known also. I pray God will open my eyes to really SEE those around me, that I might make them feel known and make Him known to them.
Beckey
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I have moved my entire life. Church shopping was always something we had to do. As an adult it's especially hard to meet new people and to approach these situations openly. Each move was different; some cities, we'd find a church right away, feel good and settle in, others….not so much. We'd live in a city a couple years, never quite feeling fully accepted. When we moved to St. Louis, my husband was there first. Upon his salvation he found a church and told me about it. I visited him and was stunned by our experience. I actually even joked that it must "be a cult" of some sort. I'd never experienced such open love and interest in one another…from the moment I walked in the doors. And it didn't stop. Our duration there produced a wealth of connections in Christ and some of the truest friends I've known. Moving again, leaving that was hard. We've yet to feel that again. I've tried many ways to connect and each time it's as if the enemy has his hands in the way. BUT I'm trusting that there's a plan in it and God will provide the path to those friendships and community here. Feeling the hospitality you speak of is a wonderful thing. ~ B
This connection of hospitality is not only practiced at home but also at my office at work. I want it to be a place where anyone can find peace and comfort. A place where they can come and shake off the frustrations of the day. I look up and find my sisters peering through the glass looking for a place of solitude. I pray that I will be available to give a minute of peace during someone's rough day.
I, too, wondered what a study on Hospitality would look like…so, because I try to host with utter perfection (which ends up giving me minor ulcers…not my natural bent in life to appear perfect; more a take-me-as-I-am kinda girl…I can’t silence me mom’s voice in my head), I decided to dive in. So glad I did. I heard a sermon once where the pastor said it takes seven seconds for us to determine the “pecking order” (even subconsciously!) when first interacting with someone. Naturally, he was speaking from a completely human perspective, but it made me introspective. While I was self-evaluating, that good ol’ phrase came back to mind…”the ground is level at the foot of the Cross.” We’re all broken and Jesus invites us to come to Him regardless of circumstances, past regrets, future failures (inevitably), all of it. I’m praying that I can acquire this same perspective and love people no matter what I may perceive as their situation and truly see their souls and love them like Jesus loves me.
What is coming to mind right now is all of the elderly people who are feeling lonely too. I remember my mother in law telling me one day during a visit before she passed…that all of her friends were gone and how she had no one left to talk to, to visit with. Father help us to remember to reach out to all and to listen to the lonely.
I have so felt this connection – in fact, I did just yesterday, at a prayer/cardmaking fellowship at our pastor’s wife’s house. These ladies have been meeting together for years, and I just started this school year – but they have absolutely made me feel known. What a blessing!
Heavenly Father, help me to be vulnerable & humble. To let others see me as I am. Grant me courage to make others feel WELCOMED, CARED FOR, KNOWN.
I love that these young ladies focused on how their fun preparations, their making everything special and giving their gathering a "wow" factor, how all these efforts they put into their party, would make unknown young ladies feel loved. My heart resonates with that. Way too often, I find that big, splashy events executed within, or in the name of, the church are much less about helping the unknown to feel loved and much more about the splash and execution of the preparations themselves (not every big, well-thought-out event, just too many for comfort). Too often, these events are (maybe even unknowingly) for shining light on the organizers and preparers than they are about shining light on Jesus by showing love to those who may fall through the cracks or have extensive needs. I tend to shy away from "events" because they seem pretentious. But then, I also don't do much on a personal level to demonstrate hospitality, either. It's only day three, and it seems there is much the Lord desires to change in me. Before this study began, I wasn't even sure how a study on hospitality applied to me, not because I thought I did it perfectly, but because too often, I miss what hospitality truly is and feel like I'm unable to execute it according to my misinterpretation. Praying today that the Lord would show me exactly what it is He is trying to change in me through this study. I feel Him stirring. Show me, Lord!
This is exactly what I had in my heart, too. Before I clicked on this devotional, I was curious as to how it might apply to my life because I, too, dislike “events” because they seem to be a bit much. All done up for others to notice how well they did doing this or the other, not the gathering itself. Thank you for sharing. I’ll be praying for your journey!
Conviction, conviction, conviction.
I'm not asking for pity, in fact I guess what I need Is accountability. Pray for me please.
I have become a miserable Host, in my own home. My 87 year old Mother lives with us, she is a very calm, selfless, quiet person. Also our 33 year old Son is living here too. He's not around much, he works, fishes, and has a girl friend about 50 miles away.
I guess my main complaint is… I like to be alone sometimes. I love my job working with the public, but when I get home I need alone time. I also get our Granddaughter every day after school. I really don't want the circumstances to change, I'm glad that God has allowed our home to be an open place for these family needs, but my heart is so wrong right now.
Pray for me to be loving , kind, gentle; oh yeah… Pray that I will allow the spirit of God to work in me.
Thank you ladies.
Laurie I am so sorry! You are doing so many things for others; a physical sacrifice to show your family The Lords love. He sees you; He knows your struggles; & He is so very pleased with you! Thank goodness each day is new, & we receive ALL we need from Him! May you be surprisingly blessed today, & find yourself with some unexpected “you” time!
I am so blessed every day, your words are an encouragement, thank you.
You are right now being hospitable opening your home to your family!
Oh, Laurie, that’s hard!
Lord, I lift up Laurie to you. You have given her some mighty blessings! Lord I ask you to point her to the moments, times, and ways to be refreshed and refilled that she can meet the needs of those around her with openness and Your love. We all need Sabbath times and I ask that you help her find hers. Lord, I pray that she is able to carry out her love and care for others through You, that in her actions You are what they see. Lord I pray for also for perspective, which when properly in order makes such a difference in the posture of our hears. Lord, may you open hers!
Thank you for you prayer☺️. I do feel shame for “my” attitude. I know I need to allow the Spirit of God to work in me And to be able to love as Jesus loved.
LaurieEW, I have similar circumstances though not ‘in’ my house. After reading your post I thought – she IS hospitable to her family and that counts. Then as I re-read some notes I swathe similarity and decided I should not be so hard on myself because I do feel I am doing what God has called me to do. I will also work on my outside the family hospitality.
Laurie, You have opened your home to your mother, son and granddaughter! That does not mean you can not wish for time alone! Jesus also wanted time alone, when he fled the crowd to pray and meditate and have a moment to himself. This is something that I pray you will be able do, and not feel guilty about wishing for! May the Holy Spirit give you the peace of heart to be able to divide your time wisely!
Thank you for your prayer. It's so encouraging to know others care.
Praying for encouragement and comfort for your heart this morning, Laurie! I feel like I understand exactly where you are coming from, as I have to hide myself away from my 8, 5, and 2 year olds for at least a small portion of each day (I'm with them all the time since we homeschool). I think I understand that you are happy to offer up your home, but you need time. It's how God built you! That time probably would go a long way toward at least helping your perspective on all the hospitality you are now showing. I know I may not get that hour to rest my mind every day, but if I at least can realize I will get it another day (and bedtime is coming!), I have much more motivation to carry on! I am stopping to pray you are able to get the mental and emotional rest your body needs to help you gain a clear spiritual perspective of all that is going on around you. Thank you for sharing, and for being willing to put yourself in this place of hospitality.
Thank you for your understanding. Enjoy those precious little ones.
I remember, a while ago…reading Selwyn Hughes' (Welsh revival, great great man of God )biography…where in it he tells of visiting a church one day, and from the moment he entered the gates, he was greeted, welcomed, spoken to, lead to a seat, more conversation….He says in his book, I was amazed, I must have been greeted by every single person in that church….when service was over, he was approached by someone who looked official, who also greeted him, and connected with him…Intrigued, he says he commented on how friendly the congregation/church had been…The man's face dropped, as he recalled a time when a young woman came in…heavily pregnant, no wedding band, looking unkempt and out of sorts…she sat at the back…..stayed for the duration….no one spoke to her…she came back the following Sunday, again Sat at the back, stayed the duration…and left as she had the week before with no one speaking to her again…she returned the following Sunday, Sat in the same spot as before, ignored as before, and left as before…in that third week, they heard on the news, and in the newspaper that a young pregnant wife of a soldier, killed in battle had thrown herself off the local bridge……
We DO NOT know peoples stories, just because they do not dress for church or make an effort, does not make them homeless, and UN- approachable, just because they do not wear a ring, and yet are clearly with child, does not make them promiscuous, or deserving of what their outer wear may lead you to assume is their story… just because they sit at the back of the church, should not read, don't talk to me….we all have a struggle going on inside, we none of us are immune….exempt….or struggle- free….This woman's story was one of a broken heart, confusion, loneliness… her loved one, the father of her child had gone to war…to fight for the safety of these same people who had rejected his wife…
This woman had come to the church…hoping to find love, peace, friendship in her hour of need, she was looking for hope, and what she got over the three visits was, people….so called God people, judging, without speaking to her, without hospitality in their hearts, without getting to know her, without being Christ to her….ignoring her as if she were a nobody, passing her by….whilst I am sure, they carried on their conversations and laughter around her….I cringe at the thought….this truly is not who we are called to be….that surely is not the kind of hospitality Jesus showed…
I loved B' s comment yesterday, about going out and connecting with the less fortunate, the disadvantaged… with her little people, that is so amazing…..just think how that changes them…the people on the street…and the children….Ah, my heart sings for more like that, that I may do more…step out of that comfort zone…to stop and listen, to hear, to give love, to be love not just to our friends but to our 'brothers and sisters' that we are yet to connect with…to be friends with….
One thing I have learnt in my walk with the Lord is that God has no favourites….He is not worried about what I wear or whether I fit in with the type of person He could or should love…He loves me, he loves you, he loves the man on the street who has fallen on hard times, he loves the woman who has had more husbands than she could count…We are known to Him, no matter what or which road we walk….
Sorry I got carried away…as I some times do….oops…now to finish the story….
On receipt of the news of the young woman, the church decided and made a promise that no one would ever walk through their doors, and not feel welcomed….Known….. Hospitality from the heart….A tragedy had occurred on their watch….but never again would they not extend the hand of friendship…Amen…
Lord lead us, each and everyone of us…to have in our hearts the hospitality you showed…and Lord as we know, it truly doesn't take much, to warm a heart, to give hope, love….a kind word, an outstretched hand,… Thank you Lord God that you are our guide, to whom we can look for the way to walk in this matter of hospitality….Bless you Lord God and I praise you for the realization that there are different types of hospitality..Thank you Lord for all you are and will always be in my heart…Amen..x
Sister's, sending you all some love and hugs….with Blessings Abundant….xxx
That is so heavy, Tina…but such an awesome reminder of how important it is to show the love of God everywhere. Thank you.♥
Heart breaking. Great to remember to step out of the comfort zone so many church goers fall into. Acknowledging is of the utmost. ~ B
Thanj you, as usual, for sharing the things on your heart. Truly, this feels like hospitality itself, you letting us in to know you. As a result, after I do my devotion, I always look for your comment, as I would seek out a friend after the church service. I know you fret about extending the invitation to your home but I know, dear sister, if you greet visitors as you do us each morning, they will leave uplifted in the Lord!
Amen!
About a week ago the Lord used social media to bring me into the hospitality of a woman with a struggle similar, but vastly different, to mine. Her simple need for comfort drew me to her. We started emailing and tonight we texted and really discussed our circumstances. It was not until I did tonight’s reading that I realized the blessing. I needed a friend and so did she. Glory be to God for her hospitality.
Glory glory glory…all be to God…I pray Sareal 424 that this is the beginning of a truly truly blessed friendship, that grows and heals you both… Blessings.. xxx
I know what you mean. I've connected with complete strangers via social media and have remained great friends with people I've yet to meet, face to face. One in particular, I consider like a daughter. Her marital situation nearly identical to mine in early marriage and I was blessed to be able to mentor her through it and see their marriage, over 18 months, saved. Not to mention, see some miraculous connections over the time. God is so good to use unique ways to bring needed people in our lives and us into theirs. Prayerful that this connection continue to an encouraging place for you! ~ B
Hospitality has come at exactly the right time for me. I am part of a group of people at my church who feel we need a youth/student church service in our area. It’s called Campfire and the first one is on 9th November if you could pray for Jesus love and hospitality to be shown that night that the people who come would come to know Jesus.
Annie your words today about it being great that we are organised and that we have the place looking great but that the MOST IMPORTANT thing is about meeting people where they are. That is what I needed to hear.
Campfire has been organised though this team with Gods guidance we have totally changed the look of our church chairs out bean bans and couches in ect. We want the place to look inviting to the non church going student.
Now I need to take time to prepare my heart to be ready to talk to whoever comes though the door. God pease give me the courage and confidence to do so :)
Praying for you and your team!
Thank you Jerrah- Lee and Heather your prayers and encouragement are greatly appreciated :)
You got this girl!!! God's on your side…how could you possibly fail:)
It took a music teacher, a friend, and an usher from church to look beyond my insecurities, vulnerabilities, and plain shyness to being to belief in Jesus. I am so grateful to them and now I return the favor every week, serving the church and extending an open door of friendship for newcomers. It’s the best customer service plan in the Kingdom.(smile)
Dianna, I pray jabez' prayer over you my sister….that the Lord God Almighty bless you abundantly, that He enlarge your territory…your heart…There is the blessing right there, three people gave you love, made you Known….and now you do the same, extending your hand and love…Amen….what a beautiful picture of rippling effect….Thank you so much for sharing…xxx
I've been thinking about how true this is of hospitality at church on Sundays – remembering what a difference it made when people were hospitable to me when I was 'new'. My church is in inner Sydney, Australia, and every week we get newcomers – sometimes it feels like I know less and less people! It's tempting to just stick to talking to people I know on Sundays, but I feel God always blesses those conversations we choose to have with strangers when we're wiling to risk our comfort zone to show love.
I love so many things about this passage in John. I love that it reminds me that Jesus got TIRED. He was human! He felt exhaustion! Oh, how many times I've made excuses for myself when I've decided hospitality was too difficult because I was tired. Jesus was weary from His journey and yet He decided that He would still converse not only with a total stranger but one whose life sounded pretty messy. And yet His kindness led to her believing that He was the Messiah, which then led to her telling many others about Jesus. If we read on in John 4:39 we find out that many Samaritans believe in Jesus because of what the woman tells them. What a reminder – being hospitable to one stranger when you're tired could lead to many more people believing that Jesus is Lord.
Beautiful!
This is awesome.
I also read that in John 4:39. It's amazing what happens when we tell one person about the Lord. They in turn tell others, and so on.
Thank you for sharing!
Woah! I have never thought about it that way before. Even at church I’m always just thinking ” let me go talk to her to make her feel welcome, so she’ll come back . ” what if that one moment of me stepping out brings her into relationship with CHRIST and changes her life and others in the future. Thank you, Renee.
I know all those times I've spent hours cleaning and baking -they were noticed and discussed initially, but as the night continued- friends left having no remembrance of those things. Only the friendships made and the love shared. That is what really mattered and what the heart always needs.
Lord, continuously, CONTINUOUSLY remind me these pretty things here are nothing compared to the pretty things THERE. Remind me to love first and make sure everyone feels like part of the family. Remind me that my created purpose is to serve You and let people know You more – not praise me for things that I have done- but for all that You have done!
Thank you for sharing Chrisy! This is exactly the prayer I need to pray often.
AMEN…Christy…and if I may….could I stand alongside you in this great and purposeful prayer….Thank you..xxx
It’s do funny Chrisy how we get caught up in the baking and cleaning,, especially the cleaning!! And honestly when I go to someone else’s house for a get together, I don’t even pay attention to it. It’s the fellowship and friendship we look forward to… Well, ok, the food too.:) we really do all that other stuff for “us”. Learning it’s not about us is a continual battle. Lord please help me/us to realize this more as the holidays approach. Have a wonderful day ladies.