“Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” – Mark 14:30
Jesus says this to his beloved disciple, Peter, after Peter comments that even if all fail, stumble, even through death, he will never leave Jesus. Peter failed Jesus. But Jesus NEVER failed Peter – even to the point of death on the cross. In fact, all 12 of Jesus’ closest friends would fail, scatter, sin, and yet, Jesus loved them anyway. But, I want to point something out – there were 12 closest friends – 12. Not a hundred, a thousand, or tens of thousands “friends” or followers. There were 12. 12 authentic friends. 12 authentic followers. 12.
I have had to learn the difficult lesson throughout adulthood that I am not most people’s “cup of tea”. And as an inherent people pleaser, this is a tough lesson. I want to make people happy. I want to be invited. I want to feel included and most importantly (at least this is what I’ve told myself) , I want my children to feel included. As I talked to another momma, I found out she had similar struggles. She worries about her kiddos being accepted and invited – and if you’re not friends with the parents, will your child be left behind?!
In this moment of vulnerability, I remembered a prayer I have been praying over my children for as long as I can remember: “Lord, surround them with people who love you first and then love them. Surround them with people who will hold them accountable to who You want them to be.” Guess what? That doesn’t leave them surrounded with tons of friends or invited to every party – nor you.
Guess what else? Jesus wasn’t either. He wasn’t with the popular crowd – He was with the perfect crowd with impeccable timing, with the beloved 12 (even the one who would betray him). Jesus kept his friends close. Jesus kept his circle tight. Jesus managed to do that and still love the sinner. Jesus knew every town wouldn’t receive him or his disciples. Jesus knew he wouldn’t be everyone’s “cup of tea”. But he chose them and us anyway.
So go ahead, love them anyway.
XOXO, Loni
living loved 
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