A couple of weeks ago, a conversation with a co-worker who I also call a dear friend inspired this week’s blog post.

We’ve all heard it, and we all know it – we’re not alone. Yet, so many things cause us to feel like we’re all alone when we’re not.

No matter the season you are in, you’re not alone. Even if your journey appears to be quite different from those around you, you’re never alone. For one, and most importantly, Jesus is always with you. He’s always there to remind you to keep going, not to give up. And secondly, while you may feel like you’re alone, someone else understands because they share a similar story. While our stories may be different, someone can relate to your story.

What if we share our stories with one another?

I imagine we’d be inspired, find some freedom, and discover how our unique stories connect in some way.

You may feel like you’re the only one who deals with the same thoughts that keep you in a cycle of worry or that you feel like you never measure up walking into a room of people who seem way more put together. Whatever it may be, can I encourage you that someone else gets you? Jesus, of course, knows you like no one on this earth, but there is someone else, maybe even in your circle, who understands because secretly they are dealing with that same thing. So, friends, we’re never alone.

Those things we don’t talk about, someone else can relate. And maybe those things are just for the secret place, you & Jesus. Jesus can help us determine what to share beyond the secret place. I do believe there is freedom found in our testimonies, too. I know I can find freedom if I am willing to be brave and share with others.

Our testimony, our story, and even our quirks can help us relate to others. The bravery to share some of those things reveals we are not alone.

Our Father God created us unique and different, yet we both can experience the same things, emotions, problems, dilemmas, pet peeves, you name it. Some things we don’t mention because we don’t think they matter, but they do. As my friend at work shared, I realize that there are many things that I think I’m alone in when I’m not.

So, I bravely share just a few with you here today.

Sometimes, I let the most simple things get the best of me. Before checking out for my purchase the other day, I lost a coupon and almost allowed it to turn a good day into bad.

Sometimes, I like to be by myself. If I’m with people all day, I often have to take some time to be alone to recharge. This can make me feel like I’m selfish and isolating myself, but I’m learning it’s okay.

Sometimes, I overanalyze and am not always quick at making decisions.

Sometimes, I can allow someone else’s mood or tone of voice to make me feel like I’m at fault when really, they are simply having a bad day.

All these are so simple, yet I bravely share with you today as encouragement that even if you think you’re alone in ordinary life, you’re not.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8

This Scripture verse is a beautiful reminder for us to be brave. We don’t have to be afraid to share our stories, and we don’t have to be discouraged when our emotions get us a little off track.

Jesus always gently reminds me that He is right there with me, and I can be encouraged knowing that I am never alone on the journey.