breaking down walls

I still cannot quite believe it... still can't believe that God actually allowed it to happen; that I was privileged to be a part of it.

I guess I should start at the beginning:  See, our church is pretty unique. We have many people from different backgrounds and a variety of beliefs, and one thing that has always been a struggle for all of us is to be able to accept each other and realize that we don't all need to be alike. That God is working on each of us and just because someone believes differently from us doesn't mean that we are right or they are wrong. It's been a journey... a journey of taking our eyes off of the non-important differences and focusing on Jesus Christ.

For years we had a beautiful church building where amazing things happened. I know, that sounded wrong; let me correct myself. God did amazing things there and that is where I got saved and truly experienced the power of God. So naturally whenever I think of the building I get all weepy inside because I have amazing memories there... and during the time that we had there, especially the last couple years we were all really, really close. The youth had formed a tight-knit circle where we would share with one another if one of us were struggling or simply needed prayer. We would discuss praise reports and we were like a family.

And then something happened: our church building was sold and we were forced to have our weekly services at the library and then eventually the City Community building. It was hard; hard on all of us and the strain took it's toll. We drifted apart. there was a lot of judgment; a lot of hard feelings and pretty soon we grew cold toward each other. We would have little groups and yet we didn't seem to be able to get along with everyone like we had used to.
I think we were all tired of it. tired of the back-stabs and hidden glances and I know I was ready for the ice to break.
And just today... the day where God brings me to my knees and fills my heart with brokenness, I decided to talk to a friend. I had to, because I knew if I didn't my heart would literally explode from all that had been going on. and all I can say is that it was beautiful.
I looked at her and whispered... I would like to talk to you. 
She whispered back...  So would I.
and in the space of a couple, short minutes, the walls were broken down and we began to talk of the things we were going through. of the struggles. and it was honest.
What can I say? it means so very much to me when a person is honest with me and when I can be honest with them.
But the breaking down of walls did not end there. We ended up going to that person's home later in the evening and I got to talking with some of the other youth. and somehow we all connected again; we got down to the hard ground that we had been dealing with. we made things right and discussed how we can draw closer.
          
           I'm sorry....
              So am I. 

I'm still in awe of what God has done. it is a complete miracle and I am so very blessed to have such amazing sisters in Christ. there is nothing like being able to be honest with a person and I realized that it all needs to start somewhere. I also realized that to keep those walls up and to act all cool and ignore certain people because they have hurt us or they irritate us is so pointless. You are not only missing out on a wonderful relationship that you could have but you are also hurting yourself in the long run.... oh, how much I still have to learn about all of this!

So, anyway; this is a rather long and mixed up post but this is something that I was simply bursting to tell you all because like I said; it is such a miracle and it is beautiful.
    we have such a caring, kind, and infinitely amazing God!! 

            
               your sister in Him: Amy Jane