I don’t know about you, but this year’s theme, “We’re Better Together,” hits pretty close to home. I’m sure I’m not in the minority as someone who isn’t the biggest fan of loneliness. This time about 5 years ago I was going through a lot in my personal life and had isolated myself completely as my way of dealing with the wounds I’d received from someone I thought was a close friend.
Right around Devoted 2013 I started a new job working on my college campus with two other girls around my age. They had been best friends for a few years already, and instead of ignoring me, they scooped me up and embraced me into their world with open arms. In a time where I was extra closed off, they gave me no choice but to come out of my shell. Timidity and fear were not an option around them. In just a few months, we were those obnoxious best friends with way too many inside jokes and my heart wasn’t just mended, but everything about me was even better than before.
Ephesians 4:16 says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
This verse is such a beautiful image of community and relationship. I love how it shows us that not only do each of us have a place and a purpose, but when we are in our lane and embracing our unique purpose we automatically help those around us grow and flourish in their purpose as well!
On the other side of my pain and hurt, I was met with grace and freedom. My friends brought out the personality and the joy in me, and in return, I got to play a part in helping them get connected to our church. To this day, we get to serve together on our Create team and are still planted and doing life together.
My hope and prayer for this year’s Devoted Conference is that women would find themselves in a place of freedom, surrounded by women who will bring out the best in them. No striving or competing, but simply working together and loving each other along the journey. There is a place for each one of us – a place where we fit together and help each other grow.
WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER!
Devoted Devotional By Kylie Chalfant