About the Author

Robin is the author of For All Who Wander, her relatable memoir about wrestling with doubt that reads much like a conversation with a friend. She's as Southern as sugar-shocked tea, married to her college sweetheart, and has three children. An empty nester with a full life, she's determined to...

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

  1. Robin,
    Thanks for making me realize I’ve been neglecting friendships for years. I have huge abandonment issues. Abandoned at three. I love deeply but, from a distance. I’m always on guard. You’re post made me realize what I’ve been doing and, I can change with my new awareness. Blessings!

    • ((hugs))

      Rita, I’m praying for you as I write, that your heart will sense the great love God has for you; and from there, you know you’re chosen and never abandoned (which will free you up to love others close up 🙂 . I put up shields for so many reasons. I’ve also been arrogant and neglectful. I hope I’ve learned how to seek the Lord in all these things by now, because there’s so much waiting for us, isn’t there?

  2. Thank you so much for being truthful. Church is a place of learning, grooming, loving and acceptance.
    I was trained, nortured and loved by my Sunday school teachers, pastors and even other members. They gathered to celebrate with me, prayed with my family in our tough times. There’s no place like the Christ family.
    Whenever anyone is feeling low, please talk to your pastor or someone that can advise and pray with you. A tree can not make a forest. At a time of challenges, ask for help. Don’t keep to yourself. Even Jesus discussed with His disciples.
    One good turn deserves another. Look out for what to give in return to the fold of Christ. Help someone today! It does not mean financial help alone. In any way you can, go ahead. Give and it shall be given to you ……
    Thank you.

    Kemi George

    • Isn’t this funny, Kemi: I never thought of Jesus “discussing” anything with His people. But it’s got to be true–His conversations weren’t all one-sided! Thank you for reading and encouraging others to “be the one to be the one” (a mantra I’ve exposed for most of my adult life… 🙂 ).

  3. I tend to be the planner in my circles so I’m the one organizing the get- togethers. A wise friend told me it’s not how clean your house is people will remember but how they felt, what kind of time they had with you. Freed up the perfectionist clean freak in me so gathering others to our house is more fun for all of us! I occasionally battle the wanting to be the invitee rather than the inviter but the Spirit nudge to use my gifts gets me out of that funk & into more community. It’s not a vicious circle. I see it as a wheel going where God steers us. We all need to be somewhere next to others to complete that wheel.

    • Ruth, for those of us who usually initiate, it can get wearying to always be in that seat. But truly, it’s how God wired us, right? Some folks don’t (yet) have the confidence to do so. You make such good points about engagement over production. Indeed, a messy house with a lot of love is better than a spotless home with no love. I’ve been in both…………. 🙂

  4. This is so timely. I have been feeling the Lord nudging me toward something around community/relationships within the body of Christ. I’m still unclear as to what He intends that to look like but this helps confirm His leading in my life. And yes, godly friendship is a gift and a necessity. Thank you for sharing this word!

    • What a gift to me, Cindy. That God would prompt me to write something that pointed to Him in a way that confirmed His leading in your life? Exciting! Keep me posted on what that looks like!

  5. Never found a church that welcome me or treated me with respect. They had their clicks and that was all their was. Even the minister and his wife ignored me. . So I watch my services on TV and really get a lot out of them. Listen to religious music every day. I believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he died on the cross.

    • Gloria, The church is full of sinners, isn’t it? I’m so sorry for experience, but thankful you’ve understood and responded to the saving grace of Jesus. I pray that you find a body of people to pour into, to share your time and talents.

  6. Robin, I love that exercise of thinking back on the people God has used to help shape and grow our faith — a parade of the faithful. That’s the kind of friend and sister in Christ I want to be.

  7. Robin,

    So true of what you wrote, friendship founded on Christ is so much we need and desire for..

    Though i do not know you, but thru your sincere writing, you are such a loving friend and sister in christ.

    Thank you and blessings..

  8. This post could not have come at a more divinely-chosen moment. I’ve been invited to join a Bible study with a group of young women–even though I’m old enough to be their mother, even grandmother to some. They’re looking for a voice of experience–which I can certainly provide! You have affirmed for me, Robin, that though I may feel awkward at first, God WILL honor our time together. That thought brings tears to my eyes!

    • Nancy!! YES! You have SO much to give, and I so appreciate your willingness, even if it’s on shaky legs. I’m praying for you this morning–praising God for this opportunity, for the women’s hearts and lives you’ll be impacting, for wisdom and grace to abound in you…for your simple obedience. xoxo

  9. Robin,

    God made us for community. He doesn’t want us to be an island unto ourselves. We are all members of one body-the body of Christ. Each one of us has something to offer. We can encourage, pray for & help others. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. There have been many faithful people-beautiful faces that have nurtured me in my faith. The church helped me get through a rough time with my aging dad’s geriatric psych issues. In return I have tried to be there for them. Cooking meals when people are sick, or moving. The ways I try to stay connected with friends is via texts, or emails. I realize it helps to know others are thinking of & praying for you.

    Blessings 🙂

  10. Robin, thank you for “stirring us up” to regain community and share the love of Jesus. What a beautiful and timely post.