Don’t go it alone

Feeling blue, overwhelmed, or stressed? Make a friend who is an encourager. According to a study by UCLA, women need friendships to help them deal with stressful times. Most women withdraw and keep their feelings to themselves and this can actually be harmful to our health.

Chronic stress can cause women to enter into a “stew and chew” cycle, where we internalize the problem or source of stress and eat to deal with it. If we would instead make a lasting friendship, we could share our feelings and this  would help us cope.

This week I have had the opportunity to work on some friendships. I have shared some of the stress in my life and had women pray with me. I know I am not alone and they are supporting me.

My husband is a great man and I have an amazing relationship with him, but there are sometimes when I need girl time. I need to share my heart and be heard from a woman’s perspective.

Another way I have made friendships is through, Leading and Loving It. If you are pastor’s wife or  a woman on staff at a ministry, you need to click on the link and sign up for one of their virtual round tables. Lori Wilhite and the LLI team are working hard to connect women in ministry with each other. I have met wonderful women who share the love of Christ and are truly concerned about me.

We all have areas in our lives where we need encouragement. Don’t believe the lie that you can go it alone. When we are isolated is when we are the most vulnerable. Find time to work on building lasting friendships.