Oct 22
2014
Friendships For God’s Glory and Our Good
In this article, Laura Leigh Stanlake of First Stone Ministries addresses the longing for genuine community by offering practical, Scripture-based guidance on building healthy friendships. Rooted in the biblical command to love, the article explores five levels of relationship — from acquaintance to covenant friendship — and examines the character traits and heart attitudes that either nurture or destroy connection. Written from personal experience of loneliness and healing, it encourages disciples to focus on becoming a good friend rather than simply finding one.
“Meditations on Humility: Humility and Confession” recounts a personal journey into the meaning and practice of humility. The article highlights the paradox of pursuing humility, noting how self-awareness can sometimes distance us from true meekness. Drawing on biblical teaching and classical Christian writers, it emphasizes confession—not just of failure, but also of strengths—as vital to spiritual health. The message encourages readers to recognize pride, practice authentic self-reflection, and seek genuine humility as the foundation of a faithful Christian walk.
Laura Leigh Stanlake, Director of Women's Ministries at First Stone Ministries, shares her journey from childhood sexual brokenness and years of hidden shame to a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ. After falling into a consuming lesbian relationship, she felt powerless to leave, a testimony shared at church became the turning point of her life. Through confession, counseling, and biblical community, Laura experienced lasting freedom — learning to trust Jesus as her true source of identity, healing, and contentment.