Never Alone
“Never Alone” 📖 Key Scripture “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” — John 15:4 (NIV)
Opening Reflection After nearly 30 years of marriage, the silence of my house was loud. I hadn’t lived alone since I was 23, and suddenly I was navigating solo dinners, silent Saturday mornings, and the hollow thump of shoes on the floor that only belonged to me. I didn’t know how to enjoy my own company. I didn’t know how to soothe myself when loneliness hit. I didn’t even know what I liked—because for decades, I had been a wife, a mom, a co-planner, a co-host, a we. Now I was just... me. And that was terrifying. But slowly, over time, that terror gave way to tenderness. God met me in the stillness. Not with fireworks, but with a whisper. I discovered something that changed everything: I was never alone. Not for one minute.
My Story: Rediscovering Me In those early single years, I tried to stay busy so I wouldn’t feel the ache of emptiness. I buried myself in work, in school, in being a full-time mom and running a business. If I kept juggling, I wouldn’t have to sit still. I was afraid that if I stopped, I’d drop everything—including myself. But God, in His mercy, used that stillness to help me meet someone I hadn’t seen in a long time: me. I realized I love reading in quiet. I love writing. I love sitting by a window with tea, a candle, and the silence that used to scare me. I thought I was an extrovert—turns out, I’m a quiet soul who had forgotten how to be still. But in that stillness, I found not just myself. I found Him.
Biblical Context: Abiding in First-Century Israel When Jesus spoke the words in John 15—“Remain in me, as I also remain in you”—He wasn’t teaching in a vacuum. He was walking with His disciples on the night before His crucifixion, leaving the Upper Room, likely on the road to Gethsemane. Along the way, they passed vineyards—a familiar sight in ancient Israel. In Hebrew culture, the vine was rich with symbolism. It often represented Israel itself—God’s chosen people. But Jesus shifts the metaphor: “I am the True Vine.” This would’ve shocked them. He was saying, “I am what Israel never could fully be—I’m the source of life, the root of everything.” To abide in the vine wasn’t just to believe in Him; it was to be fused to His life—like sap running through the branch. The Greek word for “remain” (menō) means more than “stay.” It means to continue, endure, settle, make your home in. So Jesus wasn’t saying, “Stay close.” He was saying: “Move in.” “Unpack your bags here.” “Live your real life inside of Me—and I’ll live Mine in you.”
The Truth That Snapped Me Back There’s a moment I’ll never forget. I was crying on the phone with my BASM (Bad Ass Spiritual Mama), telling her I felt completely abandoned. That no one was there. That God felt far away. She cut me off and said: “You’re never alone, you little b****.” Now, you may clutch your pearls—and I get it. But it was so wildly out of character for her and so shocking that I never forgot it. That snap jolted me awake to a truth my feelings had buried: I am never, ever, ever alone. Even when I didn’t feel Him. Even when the prayers felt like they bounced off the ceiling. Even when I didn’t like my life. He was there. And I began to see Him—everywhere.
Spiritual Truth: Indwelling Presence Jesus said in John 14:20: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” Let that sink in. This is not a God who visits you when He feels like it. This is a God who moved in. Permanently. His Spirit is not near—you’re enveloped in Him, and He is wrapped inside you. Think of it like nested envelopes, each tucked into the next. You are in Him. He is in the Father. He is in you. There is no space where He is not present. And if you don’t feel Him? That’s okay. Feelings aren’t the proof—faith is. And faith invites us to abide, not just visit.
Spiritual Practice: Sacred Stillness Take 15 minutes today with no noise. No music. No agenda. Just sit and say: “I am in You. You are in me. I am not alone.” Picture a vine. Picture a home. Picture yourself inside Christ—and Christ inside you. Ask the Holy Spirit to reawaken your awareness of His presence.
Today’s Recipe: Rosemary Sea Salt Focaccia Crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and infused with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt—this bread takes time. You knead it, stretch it, let it rise. But the wait is worth it. Just like abiding. Serve it warm. Tear it with your hands. Sit in silence with Jesus. Because you're not alone at the table—He's already seated beside you.
