Imagine it’s five years from now, and the friends with whom you’ve done life are by your side. These are the girls and guys who know everything about you. You see them multiple times a week, and they are there for you through thick and thin. You're walking through life fully known and completely loved. And it's not always easy, but you're committed to each other. All of this begins with a vision.

A chat with Dr. Curt Thompson: It often feels impossible to be vulnerable around our loved ones. Fear and shame prevent us from revealing the deepest parts of ourselves. While this fear is understandable, vulnerability benefits us more than we might be willing to admit.

One of the biggest blessings in my life has been the friendships I’ve built. My friends are like family. They've helped me process major life changes, and I know they’d do it again in a pinch.

We were not built to have everything that we need in ourselves. We have to depend on other people to survive from the time we are born.

Like any personal relationship, friendships are hard. We sometimes clash with these wonderful people we love and think “There’s no light at the end of this tunnel!” But there always is when you’re called to love somebody.

I’ve been a fan of Gary Thomas and his work for ages. This pastor and author has published multiple works that discuss massive pillars of life. In this edited interview, Gary tells us about his latest literary installment and the inspiration behind it.

We have an update to share from our good friends Pastor X and his wife in Afghanistan. We talk about community and the important role of being in each other's lives. This is a different picture of what the church can do, and what the church can be.

So, what does it look like to stay close and be in a deep, rich community? It looks like avoiding the traps that the enemy sets for us; traps that often derail healthy, great friendships.

Vulnerability is important, and being open with your people has the power to change your relationships.

“Everyone was rooted to the community and the church. There was transparency, accountability, fellowship, and joy. And you actually had to work out your problems with your neighbor instead of running away.”

Our families and the church are two huge topics that are loaded, difficult, and can be heated. Nobody has caused more hurt in so many of our lives than our families. And no one besides family has caused more hurt than the local church.

Once you have your people, not letting them go and deciding to stay can be the hardest part. You'll have to face hurt and go through conflict. You’re going to have to stay, even when it isn’t easy anymore.