Why is it easier for me to believe the deceit of a liar than the truth of a King?
Sometimes you need a girlfriend to just speak it: the truth you already know but in this moment have forgotten.
I’m pretty sure Satan invented short-term memory loss–do you ever act like you’ve forgotten things you know to be true? Flesh and blood girlfriends help you remember; they dare to pop your personal bubble, stand near enough to count pores and freckles, lock eyes and challenge you to blink, then tell you they love you but you’re wrong.
They force you to see that you failed AT a task, not that YOU are a failure. In a glimpse made of “Ah-ha’s!” and heartsplosions, you see that distinction for the first time, and yes, the difference is night and… not just day, but carrots!
Like mama always said, carrots help you see at night and in much the same way friends clarify thought and help readjust your line of vision. Real friends forgive lavishly and you know it’s the hand of Christ who holds yours tightly.
It’s as important to be this friend as it is to have this friend.
I know this firsthand because The Prince of Lies, subtle but relentless, attacks my Achilles heel. Sometimes he’s disguised in scarlet and shine (like the Eden fruit) but one bite and a lingering taste of bitter and death rests on my tongue.
Other times, I don’t think he even has to show up; I’m battered and bruised by the mental self-flagellation of comparing myself to others and feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, like I have nothing to offer.
I tell myself I’m not a good enough wife or mother or friend. That there’s not enough room for me at the blogging table, and once I squench in, I’m just adding to the noise.
Naval gazing doesn’t offer a very pretty view.
And then my “imaginary” friends step into my personal space and they count my freckles and pores and remind me of the truth I would tell them if our situations were reversed.
They tell me that defeat and discouragement sound a lot like spiritual attack, that I’m not alone in my struggle, that God has plans for me and Satan would like nothing more than to thwart them, that feelings are not truth, that in God’s presence I lack nothing (wow!).
I’m grateful for Stephanie, Holley, Andrea and Jennifer, four of my “imaginary” friends, whose wise words (paraphrased above) recently ministered Christ to me when I needed to hear His voice, girlfriend-style.
(in)courage has a place where you can share your need for prayer. You’ll soon find the line blurring between real and “imaginary” as online friends bless you with wise counsel and prayer.
New friendships will grow, not to preclude your relationships next door or your BFF who shows up at your door with coffee or chocolate reinforcements, but to complement them.
Here, we’ll remind you you’re a daughter of the King, that royal blood flows in your veins, that Truth delivers what it promises…and that liar, liar?
His pants are on fire.
Photo Credit: Howard Sokol, “Apples and Oranges”; may be purchased at allposters.com
by Robin
Leave a Comment
Kerry says
Thanks Robin. Perfect reminder first thing this morning!
Blessings to you!
Tammie says
Thank you Robin, and all you other daughters of the King. I have just recently found (in)courage and you ladies do exactly what your site says. I have been here just a few short weeks and your messages have strengthend, blessed and definetly encouraged me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
God Bless
Peggy says
I am right there with ya and with this wonderful idea of (In)Courage~ Thank you to all who has made this possible.
donna o says
Thank you for those much needed to hear words! But I have to tell you, it was your “description” that stood out to me on a more personal level :0).
” used to have a lot more answers to the Christian faith when God lived neatly in a box”. How awesome it is when we see Him outside of the box we carried around for so long! HE is simply not boxable! Thanks again!
Houston says
Life is in transition for me right now and I am so lucky to have a girlfriend who directed me to your sight. Thank you for all the honesty and encouragement that is shared here each and every day. God Bless.
Melissa Multitasking Mama says
I just spoke on this at a womens conference this weekend- that we need authentic friends that will remind us that we are God’s daughter- we are not the sum of our action but the sum of our relationship with Him. Praise the Lord He sends people into our lives to remind us of this important truth (and put the devil firmly back in his place, beneath our heel (not Achilles, either 🙂
Jacky at {This Time Around} says
Thank you so much for this post. I sometimes have such a hard time accepting myself in Christ. I stress out over my hair, my abilities, my etsy shop, what other people think of me, blogging…I think I need to find some girls who will encourage me in truth, and not let me wallow in lies.
Sisterlisa says
So true.
And I just have to comically ask about the mannequins. The two blonds are placed in the back. What’s up with that? ;O)
Lisa B @ simply His says
I love you my real life friend who I can only chat with online 🙂 Wonderful reminder! I need to find myself a few more friends in real life that can speak this kind of stuff to me. I tend not to let this stuff out online for my online buddies to know what I’m struggling with. Then I can get trapped in my own head and that’s really dangerous!
Tiffany says
Amen Robin!! Thank you for sharing this reminder to all of us who beaten down by the lives of our enemy! Oh his pants will be more than on fire when Jesus returns. God is victorious and His truth prevails! Loved reading this this morning.
Chrissy says
How right you are, about all of this, including the fact that his pants are on fire! 🙂
Kristen says
What an awesome reminder about how God created us women for community! Thanks for sharing…great story!
Kristen
Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience says
You write beautifully….
You write His heart…
Thank you for speaking to mine….
So much love…
Ann
Holley says
Thanks so much for your kind words and beautiful post, dear Robin! As Ann said, they reflect your heart. Wish I could hug you today!
Jen says
Thank you, Robin! And for the giggle at the end too 🙂
To Think Is To Create says
I didn’t realize it was possible to adore you more, Robin, my dear. WOW.
Not only is your writing just so amazingly stellar, but you have managed to remind me of something I so needed reminding of.
I am a daughter of The King. OH YEAH.
Gracias gracias gracias…
Sandra says
There’s a saying that most of us would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.
Sandy (aka Great-Granny Grandma) says
What a great post. I really needed to read that.