You are reading the 42nd issue of Drawing Near, a newsletter to encourage connection and soften the ache of loneliness. Each week, you'll receive inspiration for connecting with God, yourself, and the people around you. To see previous issues, go to our newsletter page.

Connect with God

Journal prompts for centering your heart and beginning your day with Jesus, written by Jennifer Dukes Lee, see them on Instagram here!

Connect with Yourself

In this podcast episode, Dr Alison Cook explains Why People Pleasing Actually Makes You Feel More Alone. Here is the Apple Podcast link if you listen there. Here's a quote:

"People who chronically seek approval from others, especially through people pleasing behaviors, report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.

‍And it's not because they're "too nice." It's because over time you suppress your own needs, your own authentic voice in order to earn love. One recent study found that this pattern actually creates what psychologists call social disconnection. Despite trying to gain acceptance, people pleasers often feel more lonely and more misunderstood because the connections they form aren't based on their true self."

In the episode, Cook gives three steps for creating authentic connection.

Connect with Others

Advice for When You’re Grieving or Comforting Someone Who Is written by Dawn Camp on the (in)courage blog. I love the tips she offers if you're the one grieving or if you know someone who is grieving.

"Not all pain is relatable to all people, but because Jesus came to earth in human form, He has an intimate understanding of grief, suffering, and loss."

Buy Me a Coffee?

Now it is time for me to be vulnerable. I have spent a lot of money to be a writer. Just some of the things I pay for: my website, a Canva subscription, attending a writers conference, joining writing membership groups, coaching, courses, all kinds of things to make myself a better writer and to receive encouragement from other writers.

It is not a cheap hobby! I have been blessed to be able to afford these things.

And now, I have written a Bible study that I can't wait to publish and share with you! In order to make this study the best it can be, I am choosing to hire an editor. And the cost of an editor is a four digit number.

This is where you come in. If my writing has encouraged you, if you believe in the message of "Drawing Near," or if you simply want to come alongside me in this work, I’d love your support. I’ve opened a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can give a monetary gift or even check out my new digital shop (new item you've never seen before!). Every bit helps move this Bible study one step closer to your hands.

Thank you for reading my words—I truly couldn’t do it without you.

May you keep your eyes and heart open for the connections God places before you!

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