The Friends Who Have Our Back

The Friends Who Have Our Back

We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

Before my sister Katrina passed away from cancer, she gathered a group of close friends around her. As I think back on her life and the time we had together, especially toward the end, the memories that most often surface are of those friends.

These were the women who saw Katrina through her sickness, rallied when she was ill, celebrated when she was well, and grieved with us after her death. Over the few years they had together as dear friends, they celebrated the births of babies, kids’ birthdays, wedding anniversaries, college graduations, business starts, and new careers. They are the ones who, in turn, have listened as I’ve cried, encouraged my dreams that felt too small to even whisper aloud, offered grace for my mistakes and my feeble attempts at apologies, and loved me well. They are the ones who still have my back. They are not fickle or petty. They love long and well and gracefully. These are the rich friendships of life. The ones you scarcely think you deserve.

And they all began from a little prayer my sister whispered so many years ago, simply asking God for some friends.

You may be lonely for good friends, even as you’re surrounded by people, or already have a close group. Either way, it’s important to remember that good friendships take time and commitment to grow strong. I believe that friendship with others pleases God. I’ve seen the power that friendship has in life, and I believe that God would desire for each of us to have deep, lasting friendships. Prayerfully invest in your friendships, and ask God to help them grow.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Thank God for the friends who have your back, and choose a way to support one of those friends in turn.