Friendships

{me and my bff}

A recent study cited statistics that showed half of Americans only have two close friends. And 1 out of 4 Americans say that they don't have any close friends.

This study really stood out to me today. It was a part of my devotional email and was connected to the bible verse: “Turn to me and show me your favor, I am lonely and hurting.” Psalm 25:16

Moving back to my hometown has been rough for me, in relation to friends. I have lost many 'friendships'. You see, I am the friend those goes above and beyond for others, the one that chooses to be the friend to others that I would like to have. I've mentioned this before, but I ended a so called friendship with someone I knew for 15+ years because it was completely one sided. It's been quite lonely the past two years, I have been hurt many times, but that doesn't stop me from being this friend to others. I have also learned a lot about myself. I took a hard look at some things that weren’t so wonderful about myself and have really worked to change those things. The friendships I do have, I very much value and love them. Many of YOU are some of the best friends that I have ever had and I've never even met you!!! {thank you for that}

If you're lonely:
•“Would you love a friend who takes time to show that she cares by picking up the phone and asking about your day? Then pick up the phone and ask about someone’s day.”
• “Would you love a friend who keeps confidences and is trustworthy? Then be trustworthy.”
• “Would you love a friend who asks you to go shopping (or to the movies, or for a walk…) at the spur of the moment? Then ask someone to go along when you go do those things.”
"It’s easier to stay isolated sometimes than to reach out, especially if you’ve been hurt or disappointed many times. I know too well. But I want to encourage you to reach out, show love and care about others."

If you’re not lonely…
"Remember today that many people are lonely. Remember one in four women would say she doesn’t have a single close friend. Think about it in terms of your neighborhood. If there are 40 women who live near you, 10 of them believe that they don’t have a friend in the world. Could God be calling you to be that friend? Look for ways to open your circle of friends to new people. Watch for that new woman at church sitting by herself, the woman at work who eats lunch alone, or the neighbor who never seems to be invited. Reach out to someone new today, and be part of one less life feeling lonely today."

ps- Jesus is the best friend you could ever dream of having.