Being lonely

What I want to say to you today is that if you have a short or long trip or even just a trip out to eat that you can include someone you know who is by themselves and lonely, please do it. You won’t regret it. It is not fun to go to a restaurant by yourself. It becomes just about the food. We all like to go out and eat but the socializing is a big part of the trip.

To the person who is alone and feels they are not wanted, I came across a quote by Bob Goff that has a message for you: “God’s never looked in your mirror and wished He saw someone else. You are enough; You are loved; You are His. Own that.”

Another writer, Brigitte Nicole, says: “Sometimes there is sadness in our journey, but there is also beauty. We must keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we hurt for we will never know what is waiting for us around the bend.”

One anonymous quote, says: “Sometimes the strongest women are the ones who love beyond all faults, cry behind closed doors and fights battles that nobody knows about.”

This is true. For that person who feels lonely, just remember you are stronger than you think you are and you have friends who are and will always be there for you. If others don’t ask you, never be ashamed to reach out to your family and friends and just say, “Hey, I need someone to go out and eat with me today or tonight.”

Lastly, a huge reminder to the lonely person is that God loves us and He always has the first and last control of everything. He will see you through this thing called life and love you more than you could even imagine, if you just let Him. Have a wonderful and blessed week.

Prayer

Dear God, please help the lonely, the sick, the poor, the discouraged, the heartbroken and the defeated. In Jesus name, amen.

Thought for the day

Have you ever felt deep loneliness?

Prayer focus

People who are lonely.

Onion Patties

½ cup cooking oil

2 ½ cup chopped onions

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. white granulated sugar

2 Tbsp. cornmeal, self-rising or regular

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

In a large mixing bowl, add baking powder, flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Add chopped onions, stir until well mixed. Add milk and stir. Place a skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add oil and allow it to become hot. Spoon the mixture and drop each into the skillet. Gently press with a spatula to flatten out. Cook each side for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove from skillet onto a plate lined with paper liners to drain any excess oil.

Janice Sasser, of Goldsboro, is the daughter of Ruby Hicks, who wrote weekly columns for the Mount Olive Messenger for six years.