Humanity.

Oh, People.

People are just that, people. You may think this one is better than that one, or even than you. But the reality is, they're just people.

At the core, we're the same. We're all broken on some level; even the people who can't admit they're broken... they are broken too. 

We all face problems. None of us is perfect.

I assume that's part of the reason I love people who wouldn't normally be loved, as much as I do... because they're just like me, just like you.

I assume that's the reason I've never been overwhelmed by celebrities. I don't care how much money you make, whether or not you're on tv, or how many hits you have on google. You're still just a man, just a woman. 

Just a broken person.

You're phenomenal, and I want to know you. I want to hear your stories. I want to understand your brokenness and help you see that you're loved. 

People. Don't get caught up in who you are, or who anyone else is. Don't be proud, and don't fuel the pride of others. 

Learn to see beyond the surface. 

See sin for what it is: brokenness. 

See brokenness for what it is: the need for redemption, grace, mercy, and love.

He's here to heal this people, to redeem this humanity.

Alone

I find myself alone, and aching for the future.  

The present is what's most important.  

But the present is often overcome by hurt from the past and fear or impatience for the future. 

I want my Husband. I want my Hosea.  

I get so caught up in the immediate loneliness or the lingering fear that I forget it is ultimately Him.  

I forget that Hosea is to be the image of our Bridegroom.  He's to sweep us off our feet.  He's dying to set me free if I'd only let Him...  He's already died so I can know love.  He died to heal my heart if I'd only see Him in that light.  If I'd only be satisfied in Him, instead of looking for love anywhere else.  

Hope does not ask anything of the soul, but instead, gives it wings.  

Honesty.

A pastor called and began the conversation simply, how most conversations begin;

"How are you?"

I responded truthfully.

I didn't smile and say, 'I'm fine,' I didn't gloss over. I was honest. 

I was having a pretty awful day.

My friend, overhearing all of this, complimented me on my honesty. 

Last week I had a very honest conversation with a few people about my hurt with my 'community' lately, my bitterness toward dishonesty and my impatience for that which is not genuine. 

I was very honest about struggles and hurts. I've been very honest with so many people in the past year. In my honesty, inviting them in to care. Inviting them to befriend, to live life together. To be honest with each other. To pursue Jesus together. 

In this - my intense honesty - my heart has been so broken.

In the past, I've been afraid to be a challenge or a burden, so I've lied when asked how I'm doing...

I'm still afraid to be a challenge or a burden... but I'm being honest... 

I'm a screw up. I can be awkward. I don't know what it is to have close girl friends. I get loud when I'm excited about stuff... I talk too much sometimes. I forget things, constantly. I struggle. 

Being my friend won't be the easiest thing... because I'm broken and imperfect. Because I hurt and I need. Because I expect and I fail. 

But...

I love.

I listen, I care, I challenge, I share, I give. I want to learn from you, and the stories you have to tell.

I don't want another 100 friends on facebook who tell me that they want to hang out whenever we happen to see each other... I want honesty. I want community.

If you're too busy to be my friend, if you don't like me, if you don't want to know me... 

Be honest in this... 

Please, please don't tell me you care when you don't. 

I am being honest enough to pour my heart out about this, and it hurts... But I hope it shows that when I say that I care and I want to know you, I do... I mean it. 

I am busy, yes. I am not too busy to live life with you. 

I need you. I'm ready to be needed by you, as well.

It's not going to be easy.

Recent conversations have led me to realize that the only times I've experienced true community were times I didn't have a choice. I had a commitment I had to follow through with to be around the same people. They hurt me, they drove me nuts... but I was there. And they're the nearest and dearest people to my heart, and always will be.

Join in this journey with me... This journey to love genuinely as we're called to... This journey to seek His will and His face, His love and His grace. 

I tagged you because I want to know you, intentionally.

I expect some of you to be too busy... 

I hope only for honesty. It doesn't have to start with me. I just ask that with all the people in our lives we can see where we're being dishonest with ourselves and/or each other...

If I didn't tag you, please still feel free to respond to this. 

Please know that this doesn't only apply to the people that came to my mind first. 

And all you wonderful guys I know, I want to know you, but I need awesome women in my life.