"Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.\u201d -Brene Brown
\nWhile it is true that we are all experiencing our own individual lives, experiences, challenges and trials (and our salvation is entirely an individual matter), we are also profoundly connected to one another and are here together for a reason. We need each other for support, for love, we influence one another. We need each other in order to learn things like how to forgive and repent.
\nThinking that "no one understands me or what I'm going through" divides us from each other. We will prove this to be true to ourselves if we choose to stay in the isolated space that this thinking generates.
\nInstead, if we focus on how much we have in common as humans, we can find so much unity. We are actually not all that different from one another.
\nWe all have an innate desire to belong (which is the opposite of "fitting in," according to Brene Brown). True belonging comes when we have the courage to be who we are; to accept ourselves, and allow that imperfect version of ourselves to be seen.
\nIf we are afraid of each other, we hold back our love (both for ourselves, and for each other). "Perfect love casteth out all fear."