As I sat down to write, I began to question what I have to say that would be worthy of your valuable time. What could I write that would inspire you and strengthen your desire for deep, rich, Godly relationships? To be completely transparent, I just wanted you to like what I had to say, to like me. That’s when I realized why the Lord gave me this opportunity to share with you.

I still struggle with the desire to be liked, and deeper yet, loved. I grew up in a village, and it was there that I gained a foundation in true friendship. We may not all have been ‘best buds,’ but we were all deep and loving friends. Even though these days I don’t talk to them frequently, I could still call on any of them, knowing that they would be there for me. These friendships are not based on anything they desire from me, but are built on the same core foundational values-– God’s values.

In my thirties I moved thousands of miles away, and found myself with no one but my husband. I quickly realized much to my surprise that he could not be my ‘girlfriend,’ nor was he created to be. My longing for lifelong relationships continued to grow. During this time, my relationship with the Father began to flourish. I found that my increasing desire for friendships was from God. We are created for community rooted first in Him.

After my first baby was born, I set out in search of community through various Moms groups. I was disappointed until I found a bible-based community built on Christ, where I met a gal who continues to stand beside me to this day, and will for years to come. Our relationship is not built on co-dependency, but rather a healthy rooted desire for Christ’s love and Word. Our heart for each other is that we would get better and be better in His eyes. We speak truth to one another for the sake of growing closer to Christ. By His grace, we have managed to do so without judgment and in full acceptance. We are living life in the light. She has now grown to be more than a friend. She is truly my sister in Christ. She is one who speaks truth in love, who sits faithfully with me, and who is wise beyond her years. She sees her own need to grow and seeks His desires for our relationship. Wow! What a gift to have one solid, Godly friend- what a precious, precious gift.

But wait–God had even more–abundantly more than I could ask or imagine. I attended my first Revelation Fitness® class in 2010 where I met some women and men who have now grown to be my family. It was through the ministry of Revelation Wellness® that I have found more fruitful relationships. I have a brother in Christ who is purely that. I can call on him at a moment’s notice, and with healthy boundaries, we are bound for life because of Christ. Another sister has shown me such love and acceptance I can’t even begin to describe her. Our relationship is so easy and will continue to grow deeper because we are walking in Him together. Still, there is another woman who loves hard with great strength, shows leadership, and makes me laugh, cry, and become inspired all in one conversation. As she and I continue in community, we see each other as we truly are, and help each other grow. These are the relationships we all have been created for. We are created for community, all bonded together for His sake.

When a friendship is built on the common ground of Christ, it can’t be shaken. We maintain this kind of community by living in the light together, praying for one another, and honoring one another. As the desires of God’s heart become ours, we learn to do friendship His way, and He blesses and delivers. I am forever grateful and blessed to have a community of friends that is founded in His Love. When I gave my life over to Him and rooted myself in relationship with Him first, He gave abundantly to me, beyond anything I could have ever asked.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts…” – Acts 2:42- 47

These are the relationships and gifts the Lord has for us.

You have been created for community. If you do not currently have a community like I have described, do not lose heart. Begin to pray and ask the Lord for YOUR community, for those friendships He has for you. Then go out and be a friend!

Tammy LaFleur
Revelation Wellness Lead Instructor and Friend

#WednesdayWorkout! Come join Revelation Wellness Instructors, Katrina and Courtney, for a great workout on Rev Well TV.

KATRINA’S FULL LENGTH CHOREOGRAPHED CARDIO – “DELIGHTED IN” (13:11) – This class is all cardio and all dance. Get ready to move to the beat and shake yourself free!