No one talks about this part. They talk about the peace that surpasses understanding, the joy that comes in the morning, the community, the belonging, the love.
I am definitely like you Julie, even my family haven't a clue how I feel, but Jesus does. Don't forget He went through this Himself so He knows what its like. Bless you.
Oh, Sarah. This brought tears to my eyes. I'm on a road that is lonely. I do get great emotiinal support from outside my family, but some of my adult kids have somewhat separated from me because of my work in the homeless community. I've found that reading the biographies of saints that have done mission work very encouraging. God used their greatest trials to bring amazing stories, hymns, poems, and other great works into being.
I feel this more than I know how to say sometimes—as a young pastor, especially.
There’s a kind of quiet ache that settles in when you walk into a room and realize people don’t see you, they see a role. They filter their words, adjust their posture. You become a mirror for their expectations—someone to be measured, not known.
And then there’s the weight no one else sees.
The convictions God has pressed into me—not out of pride or pressure, but because I know the path He’s called me to walk. So I abstain from things others are free to enjoy. Not because they’re bad, but because they don’t fit the shape of the life He’s forming in me.
And that can feel isolating.
You show up. You serve. You try to live with open hands. But deep down, there are moments where you wonder if anyone really sees what it costs.
So thank you for naming it.
For reminding me that Jesus knows this road too—that obedience has always been lonely at times, but never without Him. That sometimes being faithful means being misunderstood. And that maybe that ache… is part of the gift. It keeps me close. It keeps my eyes on Him.
Oh Samuel… for someone who served on the leadership team for a decade, I feel your comment big time. The expectations put onto a pastor and the pedestal people place you on is HARD, my friend. You are called to Shepard not to fix or be a counsellor to everyone and yet… that is often how it is seen. I’m going pray for you, for peace, for gentle boundaries and added strength. Always remember… you are not alone. I always remember 1 Peter 5:8-9 ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! I appreciate it. Thankfully, I am a 5th-generation pastor so I can go to my parents for the wrestling and wisdom. It also helps to just read great things, such as your article, and those who have gone before us. Blessings!
There is often a sacrifice. We have lost friends we have known for years . We don’t go to places either physically, virtually or mentally that we once went. People call us Jesus freaks. That, to me, is one of the sweetest things you can say. What I have lost is grains of sand to what I have gained. I don’t miss the past. I sometimes miss the individuals , the personalities, but not the choices I used to make. No sirree Bob! Not a one. Jesus fills those empty places with so much more, puts people in your path to encourage you, to meet you on the road you are on and celebrate your journey with you. Loneliness, yes but it’s temporary. My cup runs over with peace, joy, and love.
There is always a cost to living the truth. Just keep in mind that nothing obtained without sacrifice can ever compare to the joys that await the truth-speaker, the truth-follower, and the truth-believer.
This hits🙏🏾. I am smack-dab in the middle of it and have had a difficult time putting words to it. Thank you for expressing it so well.
Aww bless lovely 🥰
Amen, Sarah. I understand this well. My husband often says he is a misfit among misfits. Sad, but true. It is the way of following Jesus.
Oh my, I’m a bit of a misfit myself lol
So we “hang together” here. I’m thankful for that.
It’s such a great space for that!
This speaks to me. Sometimes I feel a misfit amongst my fellow church members.
Well, we are two peas in pod, my friend ❤️❤️❤️
Wow, thank you for sharing that. It is so true and I thought I was alone in feeling lonely. 😔
Certainly not alone, lovely 🥰
I am definitely like you Julie, even my family haven't a clue how I feel, but Jesus does. Don't forget He went through this Himself so He knows what its like. Bless you.
Oh, Sarah. This brought tears to my eyes. I'm on a road that is lonely. I do get great emotiinal support from outside my family, but some of my adult kids have somewhat separated from me because of my work in the homeless community. I've found that reading the biographies of saints that have done mission work very encouraging. God used their greatest trials to bring amazing stories, hymns, poems, and other great works into being.
What you do… every single day is inspiring. And I’m always cheering you on ❤️
Loved this and related. And now I don't feel so lonely anymore ....
I’m so touched this blessed you today. Certainly not alone ❤️❤️❤️
I feel this more than I know how to say sometimes—as a young pastor, especially.
There’s a kind of quiet ache that settles in when you walk into a room and realize people don’t see you, they see a role. They filter their words, adjust their posture. You become a mirror for their expectations—someone to be measured, not known.
And then there’s the weight no one else sees.
The convictions God has pressed into me—not out of pride or pressure, but because I know the path He’s called me to walk. So I abstain from things others are free to enjoy. Not because they’re bad, but because they don’t fit the shape of the life He’s forming in me.
And that can feel isolating.
You show up. You serve. You try to live with open hands. But deep down, there are moments where you wonder if anyone really sees what it costs.
So thank you for naming it.
For reminding me that Jesus knows this road too—that obedience has always been lonely at times, but never without Him. That sometimes being faithful means being misunderstood. And that maybe that ache… is part of the gift. It keeps me close. It keeps my eyes on Him.
Oh Samuel… for someone who served on the leadership team for a decade, I feel your comment big time. The expectations put onto a pastor and the pedestal people place you on is HARD, my friend. You are called to Shepard not to fix or be a counsellor to everyone and yet… that is often how it is seen. I’m going pray for you, for peace, for gentle boundaries and added strength. Always remember… you are not alone. I always remember 1 Peter 5:8-9 ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! I appreciate it. Thankfully, I am a 5th-generation pastor so I can go to my parents for the wrestling and wisdom. It also helps to just read great things, such as your article, and those who have gone before us. Blessings!
Well, I am cheering you on!
Bless you Samuel. Thank you for serving Jesus with all your heart. Praying for you.
Very well said. I know that loneliness well. I can't explain why, but Jesus knows.
He sure does ❤️❤️❤️
There is often a sacrifice. We have lost friends we have known for years . We don’t go to places either physically, virtually or mentally that we once went. People call us Jesus freaks. That, to me, is one of the sweetest things you can say. What I have lost is grains of sand to what I have gained. I don’t miss the past. I sometimes miss the individuals , the personalities, but not the choices I used to make. No sirree Bob! Not a one. Jesus fills those empty places with so much more, puts people in your path to encourage you, to meet you on the road you are on and celebrate your journey with you. Loneliness, yes but it’s temporary. My cup runs over with peace, joy, and love.
Oh, I love this! Said it so perfectly ❤️❤️❤️
There is always a cost to living the truth. Just keep in mind that nothing obtained without sacrifice can ever compare to the joys that await the truth-speaker, the truth-follower, and the truth-believer.
Yes 🙌 all of this!
Yes. This. I so often feel this way and you’ve put it into words! Thank you.
This is mega spot on, Sarah. So very very true. Yet, all is dung compared to the salvation we gain in Christ our Saviour King. Thank you.