Embracing Connection: Fairy Tail, Friendship, and Faith

I’ve always been a deeply introverted person, and I can find it challenging to authentically connect with others and build friendships. A few years ago, I made a major decision to change career paths. I was in dental school at the time, but I realized it wasn’t highlighting my strengths—it was burning me out. This change was necessary, but it also meant leaving behind some of my closest friends, the ones I had met in dental school. Transitioning to my current remote job has been professionally fulfilling, but it left me feeling more isolated than ever. My college and high school friends were far away, and I had moved for my job and to be with my husband. I didn’t have a home church, and the logistics and stresses of adult life, combined with the awkwardness of social interactions, made it difficult for me to make new friends.

Earlier this year, I started watching Fairy Tail, an anime that follows a magical guild of wizards who form tight-knit bonds as they go on dangerous missions together. The guild acts as a family, where friendship, loyalty, and the courage to protect one another are at the heart of their adventures. Something about these friendships and bonds resonated deeply with me. The bravery of the characters, their loyalty, and the way they lifted each other up inspired me. That inspiration nudged me to reach out to a nearby church, Redemption, where my husband and I had gone for a Chris Tomlin concert.

Despite my usual hesitations, I joined a virtual women’s Bible study at the church. The group was so welcoming, and despite my introverted nature, I admired the warmth and support of the women there. One of the former Bible study leaders even hosted a social event, and for the first time in a while, I felt a deep sense of belonging. I had also been praying for a sister in Christ to go to church with, and by God’s blessing, I happened to meet a fellow Christian through a work event who also shared my love for anime and manga.

I had an epiphany: just like the Fairy Tail guild, I am part of a larger family of believers and loved ones. I may not always feel perfectly in sync, but I can still find belonging and community if I keep seeking it. The characters in Fairy Tail reminded me that even when things feel lonely, I shouldn’t give up on finding positivity and hope in the day-to-day, and I should lift others up just as I’ve been lifted.

In my next post, I will share a more in-depth reflection on some of the themes in Fairy Tail that have been on my heart lately and how they relate to my faith.