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True friends who welcome you to their table are beautiful. “Please, bring your family over for dinner. We can talk.” To be with a houseful of people we hadn’t seen in so long, surrounded by happy voices of children laughing and playing together. Old friends. Faithful ones. Ones who understood. This couple listened to my husband and I, believed our story, and prayed over us. They offered comfort and hope. They encouraged us. They are beautiful, and I’m forever grateful for them.
Who has shown up for you during your time of struggle? Maybe an old friend you thought you lost contact with. Maybe an old pastor or youth leader. Maybe someone you least expect, like a stranger.
In the aftermath of exiting an unhealthy church environment, you suddenly lose your church family. It can be disorienting and very lonely. You may feel like you can’t talk to anyone. It may seem like everyone has abandoned you, but there are likely a few people who have shown you care and compassion during this time. Take a moment to remember their acts of kindness, and know that you are not alone.
