Friendship is my word for 2010.
(I wrote about it HERE. ) But in case you’re new, I’ve always believed I wasn’t very good at friendships, so my thought is that maybe I’ll learn some things this year.
My goal is to write about my discoveries every month or so. This month it’s super easy to sum up my thoughts…
Online friends are real friends…
We’ve been going through a lot of turmoil in our lives. (If you haven’t read it, I wrote about it HERE)
I emailed a few of my online friends in the early days and they responded with such love and support, I can honestly say I felt courage and hope take root in my troubled soul.
Then a couple of weeks ago, when I wrote about everything on the blog, the responses were overwhelmingly heartfelt and tender and so FULL of hope and even direction.
I woke up the morning after going through all the comments, emails and direct messages and felt washed in joy …‘everything’s going to be okay…’ became my mantra. And I believe it.
I’m still processing the power of the encouragement and prayers of so many precious online friends…you made a huge difference at a time I so needed it. So needed you.
I really don’t have the words to express how deeply I was moved and uplifted in the past month by people I haven’t seen in years and people I’ve never even met in person.
I’ll just repeat myself…
Online friends are real friends…
~love to you my friends~and thank you from the bottom of my heart~
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
You already know my thoughts so to add anything else would be superfluous and repetitious. Love and hugs to you (and Mike) today. My online community may not be as big as yours but mine also matters to me. I look forward to hearing from them.
It’s just the strangest thing Bill…how real the connection is, like yesterdays conversation on your blog between so many of your online community, I’m AMAZED at the positive difference people I’ve not met in person, are making in my life.
wow.
xoxo
Online friendships ARE ‘real’ friendships. I began scrapbooking many years ago (10 plus). I met a wonderful community of women. I STILL have those friendships today even though some I never met (some I was lucky to meet!). And even though I rarely scrapbook these days. We are all still in touch. I know more about most of their lives than I do about people I’ve known longer and live in my same town! So yes, friendships are really formed across the world wide net bringing us closer every day in spirit.
My thoughts are still with you, my friend.
Thank you Sherri.
It’s pretty unusual to feel you know people that you’ve not met in person better than you know many of the people you see all the time…
And it’s exciting that our friendships are all over the world!
xoxo
I have to tell myself all the time that ‘everything will be ok’. Looking back, the anticipation of how bad something would be or how I would ‘feel’ when moving into a crisis or trying time, was much worse than the reality. So happy we have reconnected our old friendship!
Sharon…I’m so happy to reconnect too! You’ve grown into a wonderful, supportive, loving and non-judging woman. Quite like the girl I remember from so long ago…hugs my friend
You’re right, Robin, everything is going to be okay, and online friends ARE real friends. I’m grateful to have you as one of mine.
Prayers and Blessings.
Jean
.-= Jean Fischer´s last blog ..Quiz: Do You Know These Authors? =-.
Jean, I’m grateful for you too my Friend…hugs
i am so new to your blog & your tweets ~ and i haven’t read your other posts – yet. but i couldn’t agree with you more!
online friends are real friends! whether it’s turmoil, prayer support, encouragement or just a hello – it ALL means so much. this community is so special. i love it.
so glad you are wrapped around good friends that support you!
sweet blessings & many online hugs to you!
kellie
.-= this blessed nest´s last blog ..The Spring Fling Party! =-.
Kellie~
Agreed my new friend
Looking forward to getting to know you
xoxo
Online friends are real friends.. I like that! I have 3 women I have met online via blog world who have been encouraging me even through all the blog hosts changed I have done for the past 3 years. Some day I hope to be blessed by their physical presence … So I know what you mean and I agree with how you acknowledge them as your real friends… Even though internet can open doors to scary and sinful things… I also see where it has been a blessing to many people who would have never met other wise…
.-= Jeannie´s last blog ..Down Grade =-.
Jeannie~
I’ve always been a skeptic about the internet until I started hanging out in the blog world! So many amazing people with such big hearts.
xoxo
You know you’re going to get a big Amen from me! I can add nothing to what you have said so well. Sending love and hugs!
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..Titan All-Stars. =-.
Vicky…love you Sweetie. Is the river down
Totally agree! In fact, the first thing I thought when I finished my shelf was- I wonder what Robin would think….. And that’s not all- I bought this incredibly cute jar/basket “thing” yesterday and have no idea what to do with it. I kept thinking- I’ve got to send a picture of this to Robin- she’ll know what to do.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..My shelf-Finished =-.
Michelle…oh I love you!!!
I love that you think of me
I’m running over to see your finished shelf
xoxo
ps…would so love to see the jar/basket thing
You know what, Robin, maybe sometimes it is easier in a way to be totally honest with someone you never have met cause you don’t think they will really judge you. At least that is how it is for me sometimes. I can put things “out there” and I don’t worry about it. I LOVE your honesty, and GUTS! You are a strong, beautiful, caring, sensitive, did I say BEAUTIFUL woman! Don’t ever forget that. I am so happy and HONORED to have “met” you, even if it is just here in cyberspace!!!! XOXO, Pinky
Pinky, you are so sweet girlfriend
Love you to pieces!
Like you, I too am glad to reconnect with friends from the past. Its so amazing to me to see the encouragement we get from ppl in our past that we would have never dreamed we could receive such kind thoughts. We think of you, Mike and Emma often and will continue to pray for ya’ll
Kenny,
Thank you for reaching out and for all your prayers. I love feeling more connected to you and Danielle after all these years.
I have met a wonderful group of “real friends” in blogdom. As a matter of fact, several friends will be visiting me at my home this summer. We have corresponded daily for about 18 mos. now- prayed together- shared our joys and sorrows and fears and frustrations. I can’t wait to meet them.
Back at ya Robin! You have great friends b/c you ARE a great friend!
Hi Robin,
I’m new to this blog thing and found yours through “Just following Jesus in my real life.” Your story is so honest and authentic and that is what pulls the pain from other’s hearts. Being understand, our pains and joys are what “friendships” or relationships are all about. Now you have the JOY part to look forward to…..a new life…..
HOPE you have a great rest of the week…..He is our source..
Deb
I agree, I like communicating in writing!
Oh, girl, I agree that online friends ARE indeed some of the best friends I’ve got!!!! I love reading blogs, but only some of them have I REALLY connected with. There is a solid group of friends I have that started as online friends and we’ve met numerous times…..nothing like it.
I’m glad hope has re-surfaced for you and yours….it isn’t a surprise to God, and HE will give you the grace and mercy to handle each day. What else can we ask?
Take care,
Suzanne
.-= suzanne´s last blog ..So very charming……. =-.
Suzanne~
Thank you for always being an encouragement to me!
love to you Sweet friend
Dear Robin~ I am totally with you on this one! It is amazing how sometimes one finds an online connection with someone clear across the country, but only as far as a click away. I know some people might discount those friendships, but they are REAL. And the encouragement and support offered by an online friend can be so sustaining and uplifting because it is is offered in the same genuine spirit as if that person lived right next door. I can’t tell you how many times a message on my laptop has made my day!
.-= jane carter´s last blog ..What a WILD Weekend!!! =-.
Online friendships are real. And how grateful I am for that…
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Blog Peep Questions: Comment Section Style =-.
couldn’t agree more, very good points here, friendship needs to be treasured
oh i just love this… and i agree with every morsel……
sigh…..xxo, kim
.-= Kim Klassen´s last blog ..kim klassen first.gear photoshop – the "skinny" eCourse announcement =-.
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