Today, I am more grateful than ever to be joining Lisa Jo for Five Minute Friday, and this gracious, precious community of bloggers who bare open their souls to share raw and true what pours from their hearts through their fingers, writing for just 5 minutes, after reading the word prompt. Today the word is JOIN.

I was already weeping — even before I clicked over to LisaJo’s today. At her already most beautiful, warm and welcoming space she has an invited guest, making it even more beautiful. One whom I’ve had the privilege of getting to know through her heart poured out in words on a backlit screen.

I read her words and know exactly what she means. Because of this Five Minute Friday community “my cup would fill up enough to give me courage in the week ahead.”

I know what she means, as the silent war rages in my soul — should I? Is it worth it? Soul labor of writing true — should I keep on? Even weary? Today, I almost didn’t join.

Then I receive your comments, and your love and His love through it all. Helping keep wind in these sails.

And here I weep and I write and can barely see the words through my blurry eyes for the reality of God’s Presence in this space is so real.

God has worked relentless on my mind and soul to get me to believe what He already says it true about me, and He has used each one of you who send me your stories and share your thoughts and pour out your hearts courageously afraid.

It’s okay to need people. I do. And what has humbled me most is knowing there is eternal purpose in all of it. In joining in community, with hearts-bare, grace-filled, God-breathed relationships,

for His purpose to

strengthen

empower

encourage

us so that we may fulfill our call

to bring the Gospel of Grace

to the lost and hurting

and wounded world.

In this place I pour, I never expected how you would pour into me.

My life is forever changed.