[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$ftWVDoaSRClEAXC0tFGPsldraa7hZpkuzV0udc2XZbsM":3,"$fBhJGtHzYdNJ75rPzWpURNoqC6WGyS7_NRlt1xZgShec":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},201607,"Dee Brestin","D",2,null,"dee-brestin",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":29},[14,23],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":22},2974851,"It’s important to love our friends, to cherish them, and to be committed to them. Girls and women are good at that – and it’s a beautiful side to our friendships. But we need to learn to be dependent, leaning on God, because He’s the only One who will never betray us or die or move away.",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\n\nThis poignant passage is likely from Dee Brestin's book \"Idols for Destruction,\" where she delves into the complexities of relationships and our reliance on others, including God. Written in a context where women are navigating societal expectations and personal struggles, Brestin encourages readers to confront the limitations of human connections. Her words were penned during a period when women's roles in society were evolving, and the concept of female friendships was gaining recognition.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nBrestin subtly yet profoundly reveals that our tendency to place high value on deep friendships can be both beautiful and problematic. By acknowledging the potential for friends to betray or leave us, she highlights a paradox in our expectations: we desire intimacy but are simultaneously vulnerable to its fragility.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nTo apply this mindset today, consider establishing an intentional practice of emotional preparedness by regularly assessing your friendships' dynamics. Reflect on how you can cultivate both closeness and resilience, acknowledging that even the deepest connections have limitations, ensuring that you're not overly dependent on any one person or relationship.",{"id":24,"quote_text":25,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":26,"source":27,"quote_tag":28,"commentary":9},2974845,"The face of God shining upon you is like the warmth of the sun on a beautiful day at the beach. One accustomed to that warmth is much more careful not to let the cloud of sin block his face.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"currentPage":30,"totalPages":30,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":31},1,10]