Real

We {I} can tend to put on a mask.  Being vulnerable, transparent, letting people see inside us, is hard.  Being stripped of everything and letting people see the real us is uncomfortable sometimes.  We worry about people judging us and looking down on us.  We worry about them gossiping and walking away from us.

Being real is hard.

I am so thankful for friends I can be real with.  Friends that I can trust.  For a long time I didn't have that.  For a long time I was afraid to open up.  If I let them see the real me, they might see my failures and flaws.  One thing I found is that when you are real with those you are close to, you see that you are not alone in your fears and failures.  There is always someone who has been there, done that.  So when you are real with them, they can offer up advice, encouragement and prayer.

Remember we are not meant to do this life alone.  Don't hide things inside.  Talk to a friend.  Be real with them.  Let them help you.  Let them encourage you.  Let them be a shoulder for you.

Two are better than one for because they have a good return for the labor: If either of them falls down one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to pick him up.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 

Sweet Blessings~
 

Linking With:
Five Minute Friday
Faith Filled Friday  

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BFF

Join me at Woman to Woman for a fun recipe on this Tasty Tuesday!

Friend

BF (best friends)

BFF (best friends forever)

Besties

Buds

Peeps



There are many names for friends these days.  But the truth is, it doesn't matter what we call them, we all need friends.  We need people that we can be close to and share our lives with.

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work."  Ecclesiastes 4:9

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."  Proverbs 27:17

I've shared many times how blessed I am with my sweet sisters.  For many years I did not feel the need for friends.  I had my family and that was all I needed.  But the truth is, we need to have friends, too.  Jesus even had friends!  He had twelve men that were His close friends, the disciples.

Often times we put walls up.  We have barriers that do not allow us to get close to people.  Dr. John Townsend says in his book, How To Be A Best Friend Forever, that "Life is too short to go through it without vulnerability.  We all need to be transparent about our inner selves, needs, mistakes, and emotions with someone.  Best friends are the best place for that need."  The first place we should always, and I mean always turn to with these things is to Jesus.  But after that, we need someone that we can connect with who will encourage us and pray for us in these matters.  This is why we need a friend.

Friends are friends no matter the miles between you.  Friends are there to celebrate with you.  Lend a shoulder for crying.  Give a word from the Lord.  Pray in time of need.  Give gentle correction in love.

We all need to have friends and be a friend.  The greatest thing is that we can learn how to be a friend from the very Best Friend ever, Jesus.


Review and giveaway:

Dr. John Townsend's book was a blessing to me.  He shows us how to be the friend God wants us to be.  Today  I am giving away three copies of How To Be A Best Friend Forever.  To win simply comment on today's post.  For extra entries share the giveaway on Facebook or Twitter and come back leaving a separate comment saying you shared.  The winners will be announced tomorrow.

How to Be a Best Friend Forever: Making and Keeping Lifetime Relationships By Dr. John Townsend / Worthy Publishing

Sweet Blessings~


Linking with:
Titus Tuesday
On Your Heart Tuesday 
Soli Deo Gloria  
Teach Me Tuesday