Just thoughts on forming friendships/relationships....

If you don't know the story, don't try to figure out the ending! People who do not "know" me personally may assume, just by judging my book by its cover, that I don't like allowing people in my circle, and that I'm a stand-offish, to my self kind of person....when I really am not. I have been through alot when it comes to "friends" and people who I thought had my best interest at heart, therefore I am very cautious. It hurt me so bad to know that people who I allowed in my space did not care for me enough to stand with me, support me, and encourage me through even the toughest times in my life. I went through a period where I just knew that I'd probably never have any friends. For as long as I can remember, I've always been a very independent person, doing things by myself, for myself without the help of anyone. When I finally let my guard down and allowed people in my life, they did me wrong which in turn caused me to push away anyone I felt was trying to get to know me, for me. Until recently, I vowed to myself that I'd never let people get that close to me again, but I know that is not of God. Of course he wants us to be cautious when it comes to the people who want to be apart of our lives, but he also wants us to be in right fellowship with other believers, and that is even more reason why we should seek his face when it comes to making additions to it!

People act the way they act for a reason, and before we judge and assume, we should pray and ask God to show us how to deal with and approach them. One thing that I am NOT is a phony or fake person. I have had my share of being both of those and it did not work out well for me. Before I do that and be around people who make me uncomfortable or act out of character just for the sake of having "friends", I will literally just be by myself as I have so many times before. Everyone that comes into your life does not have your best interest in mind. I'm not saying its the same case for everyone, but you have to be mindful of those you tell your business to, those who you show emotions around, and those who you let your guard down in front of. There are plenty of great people out here in the world, but it does not mean that every great person has to be friends with the next great person. My reason for making this post just now is one that I don't know, lol. I guess you can call it randomness on top of realness 101! I desire to be around people of like interest, like faith, and even like personalities. God has recently blessed me to get to know some amazing women to interact with and I count even that all joy.

So if you're reading this, just be cautious when you pre-judge people before getting to know them. Don't make assumptions based off of what you hear about people either. This may sound harsh (take it or leave it), but everyone does not deserve a chance to be apart of your life!!!! The older you get, the more you realize that you don't have to have 1 million people around you or have to formulate friendships with every person that claims to "like" you. I don't know about anyone else, but since finding out that I really enjoy the company of myself, I have been much more peaceful, calm, & happier. Friendships take alot of work, but the closer I get with God the more I understand that everyone that claims they may love you as their brother/sister, surely doesn't like you! I allow God to direct my paths when it comes to people. It is easy to misunderstand someone or something you don't understand in the first place. There is nothing wrong with taking your time getting to know people. Don't dive in to relationships/friendship because you "feel" safe & that they are secure. Every relationship takes TIME to form, build trust, etc. If a person is FOR YOU, then you will know it because their actions will surely show it! And at the same time, it is important that you pray and ask God if YOU are friendship material because you may also be a hindrance to someone. Its the truth! Lol!
 
We are required to love everyone, but it doesn't mean we have to like them. Be respectful to people, treat them with kindness, and do for them just as God would...but let that be it. God does not lead his children wrong and left hanging out to dry when it comes to people. Seek his face about the friendships you form & allow him to show you if they are worth continuing on. Hope my random thoughts help at least ONE! Lol!