living loved

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10: 24-25

That’s my girl, KB, in the photo. She’s legit my sister from another…well, never mind. I still question 20th century English slang, but you get what I am saying. She’s my bestie. I am not quite sure when we established our “bestie” title but it happened (probably because she couldn’t get rid of me and then I grew on her like a mole). We have been through so many seasons and ministries together and always at the core of our friendship is Jesus. What I was most drawn to about KB though, all those years ago, was her authenticity. She was bold and brave, and she always made those closest to her feel safe and welcome. Our friendship began at work but grew over time to a deeper, more meaningful friendship rooted in Jesus. She knows the good, the bad, and the ugly and still loves – and not just me – others too.

I started 2024 focusing on discipline, obedience, and health. Thirteen days later, I am still focusing on those very things and seeking the Spirit to guide me and direct my steps. One of the things I have been focusing on in my spiritual health is Galatians 1:10 and reminding myself that comparison either makes you inferior or superior and neither pleases God…ouch. And truly, the root of all of that is pride. BIG. OLE. UGLY. PRIDE. And that is what happens when we take our eyes off Jesus. And I can tell KB all of these things…why? Because she is willing to speak truth to me when it hurts. She is willing to redirect my stinking thinking when I need it. She is willing to pray for me and with me and like her sign says, often.

KB texted me that photo and a text message this morning admitting her struggles and what the Holy Spirit was directing her to pray (hence her ‘pray often’ sign), but she also shared with me that she wears my momma’s prayer shawl every time she prays. Cry. Cry. Cry.

I remember when I was led to give her that prayer shawl after my momma went to the Savior in 2020. My eyes were so fixated on Jesus during that time, I just placed that shawl in the gift bag, didn’t ask questions, and sent it on its way to bring comfort to my prayer warrior friend. Honestly, I haven’t even thought about it…until this morning when I got that message.

And as I thought about that text and looked at that picture so many times throughout the day, I just had to ask her if I could use this photo. I knew God was molding something in this heart. And He was…He used that simple message, my beautiful bestie, her shortcomings and mine to remind me: eyes on Me, daughter. Eyes on me. I could have allowed the enemy to take away this post because I was worried about comparison and oversharing and others; and KB, just like her message says, could have been worried about the imperfect photo, but instead we chose Him.

Bed head, sleepy eyes, shortcomings, and faults: eyes on Him. Perfect hair, lipstick, and concealed imperfections: eyes on Him. Eyes always on Him.

Your ways. Always. Yahweh.

XOXO, Loni