Andrea Lowe
About the Author

Andrea is equal parts Colorado and Alabama. Whether written or spoken, she loves stringing words together, sharing thoughts in truth and love. Deep conversations over coffee and hand-written notes are among her favorite things. Andrea has a passion to encourage women to live, love and lead well.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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Comments

  1. Andrea,
    I know that when I have bouts of OCD anxiety or depression, I just want someone near….I don’t want to be alone. I don’t want someone to try to cheer me up or tell me to think “happy thoughts”…..I just want someone to be there – even if it’s just to sit silently with me on the sofa or to give me a hug. Sometimes we think we have to bring something – a meal, a distraction, a funny story (which are all good in certain instances), but sometimes we merely want someone to show up, be present, and let us know we are loved no matter what state we are in. Thank you for a much needed reminder….
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    • Bev,
      I think we so often want to fix things, we don’t want our loved ones to be upset, and we can forget that our mere presence and willingness to sit in the pain or sadness or unknown might be the only thing needed. I hope you are surrounded by people who will love you in this way when needed.
      Blessings,
      Andrea

  2. There are some people who bring me joy just by hearing their voice on the phone. And then my wonderful church women gathered last night in the home of a friend where we laughed together, prayed together, and gathered around the Word of God. Your words remind me to be thankful for the gift of relationships God has given so lavishly. And also to pray for those who are lonely and feel as if they are on the outside of it all –especially today.

    • Michele,
      Absolutely! There are so many ways we build relationships with others. It sounds like you are surrounded by a great community. What a blessing indeed.
      Blessings,
      Andrea

  3. “Words. Relationship. Presence. The very ways we know God are the same ways we know each other.” – So logical, yet eye-opening(!!!) especially in today’s society! Thank you. I won’t forget it.

  4. Andrea – thank you for your LOVEly sharing today – Valentines Day – awww yes, the gift of presence – I was blessed, early in my career as a nurse, to learn about the remarkable healing effects of simply leaning in and sitting with/being with patients in moments of quiet presence – I am grateful/thankful beyond words that I was called by Heavenly Father to be a nurse – for it was during those still/quiet moments that a true deep spiritual connection was made – offering comfort that no words ever could – blessings to all xo

    • Debra,
      Thank you for sharing this. It sounds like you have a deep love and care for people—I’m so glad to Lord lead you to nursing, too. What a gift to be able to sit with others in their greatest times of need.
      Blessings,
      Andrea

  5. Andrea,

    This pot reminded me of Job & his three friends. At first they sat with Job & said nothing. Times when we feel down & out all we want is someone to be with us & give us a hug. No words needed. True friendships will stay together even in the toughest times. They will be there for each other all the time. The world & the evil one wants to keep us busy & distracted. Making it hard to find time for others. Jesus always made time for people-no matter how busy He was. We should do the same. It speaks volumes!

    Blessings 🙂

    • Beth,
      Absolutely! The enemy will do anything to reach his goal to kill, steal and destroy. May we stand firm and be brave in not giving him that ground.
      Blessings,
      Andrea

  6. Thank you for the reminder of the time when I was referred to as a “breath of fresh air!” True friendships are priceless. I’ve grown to learn that now. Years after that statement was made, the same one seemed to expect me to read minds later on and once when I missed “being there” to offer the gift of presence, there was anger. I suppose hurt was the result so needless to say, the connection no longer exists. This reminder of presence is real and being led by The Holy Spirit is a must. I never want to miss His leading!

    • Shayla,
      Thank you so much for sharing, and I’m so sorry to hear about the outcome of your connection. We can often put unfair expectations on others, unwilling to express what we need. And, honestly, your friend may not have known exactly what she needed either. But, we live under grace, by grace. We are not perfect, but we serve a God who is able to perfectly comfort, heal and restore. He is perfect love. I’m sure you are a “breath of fresh air” to so many more than you even realize!
      Blessings,
      Andrea

  7. I have learned how we must practice the presence of Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to ” teach us all things. ” I found it difficult to ” bet there ” for people when they weren’t for me. And watching depression drag someone down can drag you down. But I can encourage no so much better, that know that presence myself. No matter where you are though God can use you to bless someone, and you may end up blessing yourself.

    • Rebecca,
      Absolutely. We must be connected to the true Vine, (Jesus), in order to be able to pour into others and be there for them, especially when they are dealing with something as serious as depression.
      Blessings,
      Andrea

  8. Thanks for sharing this. Deeply needed to hear this. Sometimes just by having them next time to you heals you in ways you never thought possible. Thank you to a new dear friend Adrianne. As a result of losing my best friend, I gained one of her friends through work. Adrianne stood with me as the nurses pulls the ventilator off of my best friend. Truly just by being next to me helped me so much to get through that awful January day..

    • Oh, Maylee! My heart goes out to you. I lost two loved ones in January—I can relate to the power of just having family and friends close. I am so sorry for your loss. How sweet to have a new friend; the Lord knows exactly what we need, doesn’t He?
      Blessings to you!
      Andrea