I don’t know what I would do without my friends. Last week, my family faced some uncertainty about a potential health issue, and I was told I could let my prayer warriors know. It took me about two minutes to send out texts to that circle of friends, and I heard back from them almost immediately. They are my people, my greatest support system outside of my family, and the ones who hold me up when I can’t do it myself. They are such a powerful example of how Paul instructs the church at Galatia: “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, CSB).
When I got married earlier this year, I had twelve bridesmaids. Yep, there were twelve. This year, I turned 34, so I’ve had some time to build these friendships over the years. I couldn’t narrow it down, because the women who stood by me that day are so important to me. Many of them met for the first time that weekend, and they still talk about how much fun they had getting to know each other. They represented most of the major stages of my life and places I’ve lived.
I just texted that circle of friends to let them know that God answered our prayers last week, and they were all so quick to write back, let me know they had been praying, and celebrate God’s faithfulness in this answer to prayer. They have been my covering, and I’ve been theirs. Friendship is a two-way street.
Do you have friends that stick closer than a brother?
Are you the kind of friend that other people want to have?
Is there anything keeping you from healthy friendships?
To have good friends, you must be a good friend. Friendship requires sacrifice, and it’s not always easy. There are seasons when I haven’t been a great friend, but I’ve owned up to it and apologized. We were designed for community, and it’s a part of us being healthy adults.
On my way home today, one of my friends called to check on me. She said that the last time we talked, I didn’t seem like myself. She wanted to make sure that I was okay, and that I wasn’t keeping something to myself that she or my other friends needed to know. While everything truly is okay (other than just a crazy season of life), I appreciate that she not only checked on me but that she made sure I was telling the truth. It’s easy to try and hide when we don’t want to be real and vulnerable, but those closest to us are going to know when something’s up.
Are there friends in your life that know you so well that they can tell when things aren’t right? These friends are like family to me, and I’m so thankful for these sisters who stick so close. I’m so thankful for these friends who sharpen me, and I’m able to do the same for them. “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). I hope that you’ve got friends like these, but if you don’t, know that I’m praying for you today—that God would bring solid friends into your life who point you to Jesus and make you more like Him.
Mary Margaret West serves as the Girls Ministry Specialist for Lifeway. She served several churches as a Girls Minister, has a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is a former Event Coordinator. Mary Margaret is married to Jonathan and they love living in Franklin, TN. Connect with her on Twitter or Instagram.