by: carole l. haines
15 But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16 NASB)
The rain poured down for days, as I watched helplessly from my window at my brave flowers. The winds blew and the waters poured down the hill cutting across my beautiful new garden like a flood. The taller more delicate plants were beaten down into the dirt. As the sun arose on the third day, I went out to inspect the damage. I reached down and gently gathered the outer stalks of my delicate purples and began weaving them, like braids, together with the stronger middle plants. They stood upright again, woven together, they were supporting the trodden limbs. It has been two weeks, and some more rain has fallen, but they are still standing, woven stronger together.
This was a lesson to me about the Body of Christ. I tend to be a loner, too much so, and have come to find that I need fellowship with other believers. Life has trodden me down, at times, as I am sure it has all of us. There are faithful people, who have been sent by God, to weave their lives into mine, and support me. At times, I have been used by God as a support to others as well.
We’ve all heard it said that no man is an island, how true. In the throes of War, men have started out fighting for their country, but they say, eventually, they are fighting to protect and save the man right next to them. Life can feel like war sometimes, so let us fight for one another and support each other. Let our lives be woven together, and we will be stronger for it.
So thank you, to all those willing, sensitive, and loving branches of the Body, who have reached out to me, folded me in, and woven me into your lives, your churches, your hearts. Precious Sisters in Christ who have helped me carry disappointment, loss, fear, and anxiety. I love you all very much. We are His Woven Blooms.
hisshadowings.com 
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I have that same problem. I tend to be a loner and often feel like I am alone in the world, with no other like believer. And yet, I know this cannot be so. Thankfully, I come across one now and again as a gentle reassurance that I have not lost my mind. I am fully aware that every Christian has a relationship with Christ unique to him or her and that we are given different opportunities and challenges in our daily lives. Still, it seems at times there is no one to lift me up when the enemy is beating me down. No soldier beside me notices my struggle.
And yet, I have only to call out and there are those close by I have not remembered. With just a word they will go to their knees in battle for me and sometimes they are already there praying when I was unaware. God told them and they rose to my defense.
I recently had a need and my wife prayed for me. The healing was instant and no better confirmation of the soldier next to me than her. Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me that we are all in this together.
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