Red Flags

Today I was reflecting on my life and friends that have come and gone.  It used to hurt me deeply when a friend would walk out of my life.  If I sensed it was happening, I would go to every means possible to try to prevent it.  Over the last 3 years I had to walk away from two friendships that were very important to me.  I look back on that time now and it doesn't hurt anymore.  Actually, in place of the hurt I find peace, love and a new stronger confidence.  I'm thankful for the memories, but most importantly thankful for the lessons learned.  I was wrong to hold on and change my actions/feelings in order to help my friend feel better.  I believed the lie that I needed these ladies to get through life. Wow! Where did that come from?  Truthfully what I needed was to be true to myself and my values.  You don't have to sin by drinking too much, telling lies, doing drugs, or spreading lies.  Your sin can be staying in a red flag relationship.  In fact, the relationship passes over into "wrong" when it causes you to go against that little check in your spirit.  Don't misunderstand me, these women were nice Christian women.  In fact, I didn't see any sin in their lives.  But, looking back the Holy Spirit was warning me with that little red flag... "something's not right, here!" I didn't want to hear it.  This made the break much more painful.  Thankfully, this pain brought GAIN!
Since that time, God has been faithful to bring friendships to me that are easier.  Also, my outlook has changed.  I do need Jesus.  I do need my immediate family.  I do need the support of my church.  But, as a whole there is not a friend that I "need".  I find so much freedom in that truth. I'm now doing my best to be love everyone, respect myself and my family's wishes, and by all means be sensitive to any and all "red flags".