17 Comments
User's avatar
Nancy Smith's avatar

I love you. Now you must love you.

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Dear BFF,

You're one genius I can't argue with. Love and miss you, especially when we team up to be creative goofs! Sending a great big hug. ~Linda

Expand full comment
Kira's avatar

I can relate! I sometimes reflect on how my friends are these amazing geniuses & I feel so insecure. My breakups revolved around that insecurity & now I'm single in life. But the Lord is helping me remember my own genius & value. TranslatIng that to my belonging in God's family takes it to deeper, truer level.

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Kira,

You can relate! Best words I've heard all day. I usually think of myself as an outlier with nutty ideas. I'm excited to know there are others who, like me, are seeking to belong. I'm pretty sure God likes you and possibly, me too. Hugs, Linda

Expand full comment
Pam Mulcaire's avatar

well.....I think you are an emotional philosopher and your words always give me a new way to think about my own life's journey so thank you ever so much

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Pam, I value your feedback so much. I keep thinking about how you keep on keeping on despite the heartache. Hugs to you, Linda

Expand full comment
Melody Carlson's avatar

These pieces just get better and better! Love you, Linda! So glad you really are my friend!

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Mel, You're one of the geniuses that I'm sure really likes me! So honored to be your friend forever. Love you, Linda

Expand full comment
Diana Mohrsen's avatar

I’m so glad you came to the ending you did. You had me a bit worried there for a while. Sorry for your troubles but it sounds like you’re in a good place of belonging.

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Diana, I write about my failings, and God always picks me up and gives the best hugs. I think many people struggle with their feelings of nonacceptance and I wanted to speak to that. Be Blessed, Linda

Expand full comment
George Ferrick's avatar

I have a wonderful art plate of the Good Shepherd (it’d be good if a photo of it could be added)

The shepherd could be a young woman or man. Walking along the Shepherd is snuggling with/holding close the little sheep.

We have a little terrier dog we’ve adopted who could remind one of a little sheep. We may think we’re holding him tight, while he may think he’s the one snuggling with us. Love going in two directions.

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

George,

What a fabulous image. In my life, God's holding me tight but I'm squirming and wiggling and trying to get away. Guess I must be a cat lady, my kitties hate being held. Still, I'm glad God doesn't let me go my errant ways! I'll look for and try to post The Good Shepherd image. Thanks for reading, Linda

Expand full comment
Susan Wingate's avatar

I like you. Who is she!? I'll tell her what for! LOL. God bless you, Linda. xoxo

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Susan,

Thanks so much but "she" is several acquaintances. I am always fascinated by really brilliant persons, but as I told a high school friend, "It's not an easy life being a dummy," haha Thank goodness God isn't a mean girl, right? Blessed Be, Linda

Expand full comment
Susan Wingate's avatar

Blessed be, is right. Also know that super intelligent people are sometimes introverts and sort of antisocial. They may not even know they're being aloof and exclusionary. I hope that's what is happening with your friend(s). God bless you! xoxo

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

I agree. Heck, I'm pretty introverted and ought to know that. Thanks for an important point. ~Linda

Expand full comment
Susan Wingate's avatar

xoxo

Expand full comment