The Art of Being "Lonely"

"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." -Proverbs 18:24

Friends come and friends go. That's a lesson I've truly learned over the years. The same thing can be applied to romantic relationships but we're just going to lump all of that together. 

Since graduating high school, I've found that the majority of people I thought were my friends really were just people to know for the passing time. Because I can definitely count on my hands the number of friends I have. (Okay maybe just my hand.) But losing friends has never been anything new to me. I used to take these things personal and get angry with myself and God and ask "Why? Why can't I have ONE person that I can truly count on that I know won't leave like all the others?" 

Sometimes, I think we fail to understand seasons. Seasons are beneficial for change. Change equates growth. Growth is essential in our walk with Christ and life in general. If we're not changing, we're not growing. We don't want to become stagnant. Sometimes the ties between you and someone else may be severed because it's time for YOU to grow or maybe it's the other way around. Regardless, God knows exactly what's best and if it's time to let go, then let go. 

One thing I have feared for years is being alone. I still to a degree don't enjoy being alone for a long period of time because I know it leaves room for the enemy to attack me with anxiety, depression or thoughts that are clearly not from God. But, it's in those times of loneliness that make you feel inadequate or unimportant that you realize how important it is to stick to The One who values you and sees you as wonderful and worthy. 

A wonderful song by Israel and Newbreed says, "He's the father to the fatherless, a friend to the friendless, gives hope to the hopeless" (also see: Psalm 68:5)

Even when it feels like you're alone and you feel like everyone's second choice or last resort, know that you're not. You're important, and loved and number one in the eyes of the creator of the universe. So don't be upset. 

For the shoot with Julia we visited an old antique store. Thanks to the nice older gentleman who allowed us to shoot in his store.