A few years ago, my dad and stepmom moved to the countryside of rural South Carolina to live in her childhood home. They went to care for her aging father, who has since passed away. Our family loves to visit and drive their golf cart and ATV beneath the trees and over the fields of the property. They live on several acres, home to an assortment of animals ranging from cats and dogs to horses, goats, and donkeys. While most of us choose our pets, they were once favored by a fascinating creature who, eventually, chose them.
My dad is something of an animal whisperer, but no one could get close to the wary, street-smart black cat who visited their property looking for food. His battle-scarred body bore evidence of a hard life and the effort it took to survive without an owner. He ate what was left out for him but wanted nothing to do with those who placed it there.
His trust issues probably stemmed from a life in which he’d received little kindness, much less affection.
You can only imagine my dad and stepmom’s surprise the day they looked outside and saw our youngest daughter sitting on their back steps holding that big black cat and scratching him behind the ears. How did she charm this animal who didn’t want anything to do with anybody?
She meowed at him.
That one word — one sound — crumbled the protective fortress around his feline heart. She bridged the gap when she spoke his language. From that day forward, Lamont, as my dad named him, was a lover not a fighter. He no longer feared people but learned to trust them. I remember the weight of him curled against me while I sat on the porch, his purr a rhythmic motor rumbling deep inside him.
Like Lamont, we all yearn for affection and connection, but trust doesn’t come cheap. If we’ve been burned by past relationships, we learn to build walls or make excuses to shield ourselves from the rejection we fear.
Do you ever feel like a stranger, tolerated by the world you live in but never really fitting in? You are not alone. A friend’s daughter recently left home for the first time to begin college. She dove in and adapted to the college scene, but now she’s hit a snag and suddenly wonders where her people are. Do you wonder where your people are? Do you wonder if you belong? Do you sometimes feel there’s no one to talk to?
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a perfect, holy Jesus sharing our experiences, but this is not one of them. I can’t imagine anyone feeling more alone, more isolated, or more like they didn’t belong among those around them than Jesus. He was a sinless man surrounded by sinners; they must have felt self-conscious around Him. His parents would have marveled at Him. His siblings surely resented their perfect brother. He never encountered a person to whom He could relate.
As Jesus approached the pain and humiliation of the cross in obedience, even those closest to Him didn’t understand what lay ahead. He endured the greatest loneliness anyone will ever know when He shouldered the burden of our sins as His Father turned His back and left Him to die alone. Isaiah 53, an Old Testament prophecy of the coming Messiah, foretells, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3 KJV).
Because Jesus Christ experienced loneliness and grief, He can relate to ours. He is a high priest who understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15 CSB). The friendship and connection you seek can be found in Him. He is always accessible and never too busy for you. Your seat at His table is secure.
If you find yourself alone today, scared, scarred, and afraid to trust, call out His name. He speaks your language and offers the comfort your soul seeks.
The friendship and connection you seek can be found in Him. He is always accessible and never too busy for you. -@DawnMHSH: Click To Tweet
by Dawn Camp
Dawn Camp
Dawn,
So true, no one is more perfect than Jesus. Also, no one has suffered more than He has. He is the Alpha and the Omega. The one thing I can testify to, is that when I have gone through times of suffering, Jesus has always been with me…never leaving me. Our triune God is the God who never leaves. Even if the rest of the world abandons us, He won’t. Like wise, we are called to participate in Christ’s suffering. If God is going to mold us into the likeness of His Son, we can know that we will suffer. But, suffering produces perseverance, perseverance hope, and hope does not disappoint. Our shaping in this world is so that we can we well equipped for the next – eternity. I remind myself of that when I feel all alone and like no one knows my pain. Wonderful post…and all it took was a “meow” – love this!
Blessings,
Bev xx
The fact that this cat hadn’t warmed up to my dad, who has such a way with all animals, is testimony to the power of that meow. Thanks for your comment here, Bev!
Thank you x
I think all of us can relate to this message in our lives. Loved your post! “Meow”! What a friend we have in Jesus!
Have a blessed day.
Blessings to you too, Debbie!
You’re welcome, Jas!
Thank you and thank Jesus for His unfailing love. Glory to God. What perfect timing this is in my life. Thank you again.
Diane, I’m so glad this post spoke to you at just the right time!
Dear Dawn, this one really resonates with me. I often feel alone and disconnected from people around me. I keep reaching out, but sometimes aloneness just is. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Irene, I’m so thankful these words spoke to you. Keep being accessible and remember, Jesus is always there for you!
We have the best Friend Jesus. I find it hardest thing being a Christian at times. I say and do things I should not say. Especially when I am with the unsaved and my unsaved family. I get into there chats. Before long I find myself saying something I know I should not have said. That I know Jesus would not be pleased with me. I have joined in with their unchristian chat. Just to make them think I am not to Holy to religious no fun. They say Holy Dawn. Dawn is so religious she not put a foot out of place say not a bad word join in with that joke or look at that picture on the Internet that is a Joke about something. Dawn is a goody goody Dawn reads her Bible and says her prayers goes to Church every Sunday. Just to get their approval. Especially with my unsaved family. They say Dawn you take this religious suff to far. You no fun in you. The odd joke does no one any harm. You hear them take Jesus name the wrong way. I am not like that. I am alot of fun. I do like a joke. But not there type. Not the way use Jesus name. If hurt their toe they say oh and Jesus names is used. They tell jokes about people that they should not. I know God would not want them telling jokes about people or using his sons name as swear word. I sometimes find when with them my family now and then and the unsaved find myself joing not using Jesus God name or saying bad words but joing in their Jokes that are not really funny at all. So as thet don’t think I am odd or to religious. Laughing at them. Then the Holy Spirit convicts me and I feel bad. I let God down again. This is the part of me I sometimes find hard to be a Christian. I go to God and say hear I am again I messed up. I sinned. I should not haved joined in there jokes. Or said this or that as I say things when with people like that at time when afterwards I regret saying it. They see no harm in it as they not saved. This where I have to really ask God to help when with the unsaved and my unsaved family not to do these things. Not care what they think. Do what Jesus would want me to do. Even if they don’t like me. Don’t join in with them. Remember to as God to help me not to be tempted to join in with their chats. So as I will not sin. Then have to tell God I am sorry again I have messed up. This part of being a Christian I find hard. But I would not change being a Christian for the world. I glad to be saved. I told Jesus many many time I find it hard being a Christian at times. but glad to be saved. Glad Jesus is my saviour. As Todays heading says. You (Dawn) are not alone. Excelllent reading. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xxx
Dawn, you will never do wrong by doing the right thing. Hold true to your Christian principles and they’ll see the light, joy—and fun—in you.
I really needed this today. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad, Stephanie. Blessings to you!
Thanks for your comforting words!
You are so welcome, Lauren!
Oh that article is so true..
Thank you…I must admit i find aloneness tough tough.
Alas we have GOD but miss the tactile..Loss my husband 5 years ago….
THANK YOU.
Carmel
Carmel, I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to lose your husband. I pray you find a special friend and you feel the presence of Jesus with you today.
Thank you for this reminder. I am going through a lonely phase and needed this reminder. I am praying that God will use this time to help me be a better friend, and to help me see the lonely and reach out to them.
Leslie, I pray this lonely season grows empathy within you and a heart to help those who struggle with it too.
Dawn,
Often times people feel like the odd man out. You’re the new kid on the block, new co-worker, new whatever. How do you try & fit in with everyone? Look to Jesus first. He is your friendship connection. Pray about the situations & maybe He will bring a friend to you. Sometimes you may be going through something & feel like you are all alone. Nothing can be further from the truth. God is right there beside you. He will walk you Through the Valley of Shadow of Death. In so doing He is developing a sense of trust & a mature spirituality. He who was sinless & perfect is acquainted well with pain & loneliness. He wants to be your friend. Start a conversation with Him today & see where He leads you.
Blessings 🙂
Beth, thank you for sharing your perspective here!
WOW! THANK YOU.
You’re welcome, Tammie. Thanks for being here!
Thank you Dawn. Not to compare myself to Our Lord, but despised and rejected pretty much sums up my life and I will soon be 55 years old. I’m alone and the loneliness hurts so much. I need to remember it’s a small glimpse into what He endured for me.
To anyone else who’s alone: I see you. I care. I’ll be your friend.
To moms with young families: If you know of anyone like me in your church or community, would you consider “adopting an auntie”? I”m sure she would love to be a part of your family and would love to be an encouragement and support to you.