“So, Mr. Ron, it occurred to me: If you is fishin for a friend you just gon’ catch and release, then I ain’t got no desire to be your friend. … But if you is lookin for a real friend, then I’ll be one. Forever.”
I finished reading Hall & Moore’s memoir entitled same kind of different as me today. The quote is from the book … and it’s one of several concepts that resonated with me.
Friendship is all about relationship, trust, accountability … commitment.
Dear friend, I pray thee, if thou wouldst be proving Thy strong regard for me, Make me no vows. Lip-service is not loving; Let thy faith speak for thee. Swear not to me that nothing can divide us- So little such oaths mean. But when distrust and envy creep beside us Let them not come between. Say not to me the depths of thy devotion Are deeper than the sea; But watch, lest doubt or some unkind emotion Embitter them for me. Vow not to love me ever and for ever, Words are such idle things; But when we differ in opinions, never Hurt me by little stings. I’m sick of words: they are so lightly spoken, And spoken, are but air. I’d rather feel thy trust in me unbroken Than list thy words so fair. If all the little proofs of trust are heeded, If thou art always kind, No sacrifice, no promise will be needed To satisfy my mind. ~ Ella Wilcox
The scripture says …
Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend. ~James 2:23
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. ~ Exodus 33:11
At first glance it is easy to have a pang of jealousy when reading the scripture … Abraham & Moses are both cited as being friends of God. What a eulogy!
Jesus teaches that he calls us “friend” as well … because he shares his work, his business with us.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ~ John 15:13-15
The Scottish poet, James Small writes …
I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! So kind and true and tender,
So wise a Counselor and Guide, so mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well what power my soul can sever?
Shall life or death, shall earth or hell? No! I am His forever.
