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For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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These are some great books to encourage you.
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Every Woman's Desire - by Naomi Cassata
Posted on Thursday, April 08 @ 16:13:31 PDT by Admin |
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When I was a senior in high school, I was a part of a program that allowed me to help one of the elementary teachers once a week. I walked into a class of excited first graders. As the weeks went by, I realized that choosing who we will and won't associate with starts earlier than we think. Even six-year-olds have formed their own cliché.
Looking from the outside, we are each uniquely different. Different colors, styles and personalities make us interesting individuals. Unfortunately, when we allow our differences to become the focus of potential relationships, we build walls of separation between us and others. We tend to think that someone who is different cannot possibly relate to us. Instead, we tend to restrict our friendships to those that fit our mold. Not that there is anything wrong with finding like-minded friends, for "like-minded people attract like-minded people." But when we close the door to anyone that doesn't meet our criteria, we are shutting out what could be a potential lifelong friend. One thing is true universally among all women, and that is, deep down inside we all have the same need to be accepted and loved by each other as much as the next woman does.
When I first met Roesha, she didn't look anything like my typical friends. She worked at the same company as my husband. They had become friends because of their same Christian principles. He introduced us one afternoon after work. When we met, she seemed friendly enough, but because of our different cultural backgrounds, I didn't think our friendship would be long lasting. We talked briefly, and later decided to meet for dinner one evening, with our husbands. After dinner, we stood in the parking lot talking for about forty-five minutes. We had more to talk about than I thought. I realized, we both had the same desire, as women, to build solid relationships with others without being judged for our differences. We didn't allow our ethnic differences come between us. That was almost four years ago. We have celebrated birthdays together and shared family meals together. In fact, I will be attending an upcoming baby shower for her next week. This does not mean that we agree on everything. Our backgrounds may be different, our political views are definitely not the same and even our parenting methods vary, but our friendship is not based on our differences. Instead, we focus on our similarities. We talk about our children's milestones, our husbands latest happenings and even our own struggles. In the end, we have more to talk about than not.
We are told in Proverbs 18:24, the bond we have with friends, at times, can be a stronger relationship than with a family member. David found this in his friend Jonathan. Although they had the most unlikely circumstances before them, their loyalty to each other surpassed any opposition that threatened their friendship. They did not allow their positions or challenging circumstances come between them. In fact, this was the key to their unbreakable bond.
Throughout life we will come in contact with various types of women. Many will appear to be distinctively different from ourselves. And yet, one thing will remain, they have the same longing to be loved and accepted that we do. So next time you meet someone completely different from yourself, know, she really isn't so different after all.
Note: Naomi Cassata has been married to her husband James for 6 years. They have 3 children Holly, 5, Christian 2 and Caleb 3 weeks. Naomi is a stay at home mom.
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Average Score: 5
Votes: 2
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