A Friend Like You

A Blessing

Friendship is a blessing. I’m certain many of us reading this can reflect on friendships we have had for majority of our lives. Friendship is multi-generational as well. One of my long-time friends, essentially since birth, were friends even before we knew how to say the word friendship. Our parents went to college together and ended up moving into the same apartment complex.

Friendship is intergenerational as well. I believe that is the beauty of our brotherhood, that friendship can grow amongst brothers regardless of age. I’m always encouraged by the Proverb writer in chapter 17, verse 17 of Proverbs it states “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”. Aside from the blessing that this organization has been to a number of men professionally and socially, let us not forget the blessing that friendship has been for a number of us.

Friendships are such a treasure to the soul, here are 5 takeaways I’ve learned by sustaining healthy friendships.

Emotional Support - Friends provide a comforting shoulder and listening ear when we face the ups and downs of life. It’s a joy to have a friend that understands us and provides comfort for us when we may be feeling alone. Even Jesus had to rely on friends, Peter, James and John were amongst his closest friends.

Joy and Laughter - Sharing moments, conversations and laughs with friends brings immense joy!

Personal Growth - The best friends are the ones who hold us accountable. Friendship is not always about agreement, the ability to offer different perspectives and pushing us to step out of our comfort zones can challenge us to be our best selves.

Sense of belonging - Agency or the space to have voice and choice within our friendships give us a sense of community and belonging, filling our hearts with love and acceptance.

Friendship is a rejuvenator. I love opportunities I get to spend with friends when I go home to Dallas. It’s the rejuvenation to my spirit that I need when life gets heavy!

Remember, friendship is essential to the soul! Let us dwell together in unity, and be the friend that God calls us to be.