a·lone /əˈlōn/
having no one else present, on one's own

lone·ly /ˈlōnlÄ“/
without companions, isolated, forsaken, abandoned, rejected, unloved

It was a few years ago when I suddenly became alone; a widow and a single mom. The idea of being a single fighter again was never written in my dream journal. My dreams of raising a flourishing family and living life to the fullest as a wife & mother were immediately deleted in front of my eyes. When the reality struck in and told me I was alone, my heart screamed "I don't want to be lonely."

But God had a rescue plan. The Father's love came and overtook my life, He kept telling me over and over again "You are never alone. I will never let you be alone". The encounter assured me that I would never be alone supernaturally although I still had to learn to walk “on my own” naturally.

It took me numerous baby steps to figure out how to maneuver alone. Courage was needed more than ever when fear would creep in and told me it's impossible. I chose to rely on the Grace of God over and over again. It felt like walking on water when you had to make a major decision for the entire family. It felt like the weight of the world was upon your shoulder when you had to stand up on behalf of the children. It took trials, errors and extra grace upon self. Many times I had to tell myself "you're okay, it's okay to fail, forgive yourself, everything is going to be just fine."

A year following the death of my late husband, God called me for a journey that I have never thought of before. Moving back to my hometown was never in my plan but God showed His love and faithfulness again. As the children and I tried to adjust to a new life, He gifted me with families and friends, new and old, who embraced us thoroughly. God wanted to make sure that I would never be lonely. Four years down the road, I can confidently say that being "alone" does not have to mean lonely.

Friends, your story could be similar to mine, maybe you just lost a loved one or a relationship. Or your story could be different than mine, maybe you're like Ruth who is waiting for Boaz or you're like King David who was "alone" because of his high position or maybe you just simply feel alone. Please allow me to share three things that I have learned along the way:

1. Open your heart and believe
In Hebrew 13:5 God promises “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” God is always there with you and for you. Ask Him to reveal His presence to you. He is a good good Father and to be close to you has always been His desire. You are never actually alone.

2. Open your hands and receive
The gifts that God has for you is the love and life of others. You were created to flourish in a community. We long to know others and be known by them. Open your heart and start asking God for a thriving, living, and healthy community. I understand that to engage with new people can be scary sometimes, but it's worth the shot.

3. Open your eyes and see
Many times we need to see others and their needs of a friend, someone to talk to, or someone who is willing to spend time with. Find others who feel lonely and be their friends. Look beyond your circumstances and watch how God is going to give you opportunities to touch people's lives.

With God, you are never actually "alone". But if right now you have to walk through your journey on your own, please know that alone doesn't have to mean lonely.