Friends, how many of us have them?!

The conventional wisdom is that we choose friends because of who they are. But it turns out that we actually love them because of the way they support who we are.
One of my best friends, Leila, and I met many moons ago. However, after traveling by bus and train to college together each morning, sharing in childhood stories, crying over break-ups, laughing at our stupidity and counseling each other in difficult times, a true friendship was born.

When people are asked, “What gives meaning to your life?” Some may answer money or children but my answer is Friendship. After hearing the term too many times and loosely used in 2011, BFF/Bestie…I thought I’d make this my first topic of the New Year.

There have been too many people that I have called ‘friend’ and they have too many times stabbed me in the back, betrayed me, not supported me, etc. Initially, my heart was broken. I couldn’t understand why if I was honest, if I was a friend, if I was supportive, if I went out of my way then why couldn’t things be reciprocated. I didn’t know then what I know now, God strategically places people and remove people from our lives and sometimes loving those you once called ‘friend’ from a distance is the best thing that could have ever happened to you!

As I continue to mature on this journey God continually shows me and speaks to me about the importance of true and authentic friendships and relationships. The Lord spoke to me in the early part of 2010. He said “Don’t base what friends have said, done or shown you in the past and allow that to hinder you from receiving the new destiny-driven Friendships.” What God said to me instantly removed my heart of stone and replaced itself with a sensitive heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). Today I know for sure and see clearly that Friendship is a blessing and a friend is the channel through whom great emotional, spiritual, and sometimes even physical blessings flow.
I can remember in 2002 Leila helped me through one of my most difficult times. I remember not wanting to eat or come outside but she said to me, “the girl I know is strong. The girl I know is ambitious. The girl I know is a conqueror!” In other words she encouraged me when I couldn’t even mumble a word.

What are Friends?
Friends can cheer us when we’re sorrowful or depressed. Friends can challenge us when we allow ourselves to get beyond our reasonable boundaries. Friends can motivate us when we’re ready to give in, and they can provide for us when life falls apart. They are there when all is well, and we want someone with whom to share life’s pleasant and memorable moments. We often just want them around to have a good time, to laugh, to act silly; to enjoy some mutually liked activity
It is safe to say that when God created the world and all the majestic things in it, when he streaked the heavens with radiant color and the earth with grand mountains and awe-inspiring canyons, when he painted the plains with waving grasses and erected noble forests of towering trees, he outdid it all by creating Friends.
Why not take a moment or two and thank someone today for being a friend to you?

As we move into 2012 we must assure that those that latch on to us and those that we just love to be around are the authentic persons and friends called to our life for 2012.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

Have Faith,
Rev. Bert
Hebrews 11:6

God Is...

God is good. I just want to remind you that God is everything that you need! I sought Him in prayer today and came out with Revelatory Power. I'm grateful. I'm just ecouraging you today to spend some time with the Father. He has need of you and wants you to operate in your full Kingdom Potential!

Faith!
Bertrina