Stepping into a New Season of Friendship

Ah, the end of summer! The kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter, and let’s be real—I’m feeling physically drained. But you know what? God is good, even when my energy levels are not! As we step into this new season, I’ve been reflecting on friendships and how they’ve evolved in my life, especially since school is back in session.

For many years, I chose friends out of my own deficit. Yep, you heard that right. I was that person who would latch onto anyone who showed me a little attention, all because I believed the lies of the enemy. Lies that told me I wasn’t enough, that I had to bend over backward to keep people in my life, and that my worth was somehow tied to how many friends I had.

I truly didn’t know who I was, so I became the ultimate people pleaser. I was so insecure that I spent more time trying to be who I thought others wanted me to be rather than being who God created me to be. This, of course, led to a lot of awkward, one-sided friendships that were built on shaky ground.

I’ll be honest—I was easily offended and didn’t do friendships well. If someone didn’t text back fast enough, I was convinced they didn’t like me. If plans changed, I took it personally. I walked around with a lot of shame, feeling like I never measured up. And the worst part? I thought it was all normal.

But let me tell you something: God restores. I mean, really restores. It wasn’t until He started working in me that I realized I had been living out of a place of brokenness. The insecurities, the need to please everyone but myself, the fear of rejection—they all started to fade as God showed me who I truly am in Him.

Now, for the first time in my life, I’ve been able to establish relationships with a safe, affirming community. I love my girls—they are my ride-or-die, my prayer warriors, my brunch buddies. And guess what? I’m stepping out and meeting new people, too! Not afraid of rejection, learning how to have holy confrontation (because yes, it’s possible to disagree without drama!), and letting God lead me to friendships that are built on mutual respect and love.

Ladies, let me tell you—friendships don’t have to be as hard as we make them. When we approach relationships from a place of wholeness and security, everything changes. God didn’t design us to live in insecurity and fear; He designed us for community, for connection, for love. And when we let Him guide our friendships, everything is better.

So, as we step into this new school year, whether you’re meeting new moms at the PTA, reconnecting with old friends, or just trying to find your tribe, remember this: You are enough just as you are. Don’t let the enemy fool you into thinking you need to be anything other than who God made you to be. Be bold, be brave, and most importantly, be you.

Friendship is a beautiful gift from God, but it’s even more beautiful when it’s grounded in His truth and love. Let’s step into this new season with confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Here’s to friendships that uplift, encourage, and bring us closer to Him.

Now, let’s go grab some coffee and conquer this school year like the fabulous women of God we are!