7 Ways to Be a Friend Despite the Circumstances

In Blog, Especially for You, My Poetry by Shannon Cochran

The Mom Bond: Powerful to Forge Friendship

Oh, the instant bond of a mom meeting another mom! This poem recounts with fondness the story of deep friendship forged at first through the common connection of motherhood. It’s power “glues” hearts together like a pancakes ‘n syrup breakfast bonds the underside of our forearms to a sticky kitchen table. It’s powerful!

Friends Love Always

But when do friends love one another? When you had a good day? When you feel like it? When it’s convenient? In Proverbs 17:17, we read this about friendship: “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Friends love at any time. All times. Friends love always.

Furthermore, brothers (sisters) are born for adversity. What’s that?

ədˈvərsəd
noun
noun: adversity; plural noun: adversities
  1. difficulties; misfortune.
    “resilience in the face of adversity”
    synonyms: misfortune, ill luck, bad luck, troubledifficultyhardshipdistressdisastersufferingafflictionsorrowmiserytribulationwoepaintraumaMore

Origin
Middle English: from Old French adversite, from Latin adversitas, from advertere ‘turn toward.’

 

Recently, adverse circumstances crashed into my dear friend and Captain God allowed her life to turn toward hardship by the name of breast cancer. Through her challenging circumstances, the Lord granted me and many others the opportunity to love our friend at all times.

Whether life is restful or stressful, friends love.

Friends Love Practically

How do friends love one another?

To have a friend, be one.

Being a friend at all times, especially when adversity hits, can be done in the most practical of ways. Here are seven practical ways to be a friend to a friend suffering adversity.

  • meal making
  • childcare
  • grocery runs
  • house cleaning
  • yardwork
  • active listening
  • faithful prayer

Friends Celebrate: Redeemed Victory

It’s hard. We’re busy. But that doesn’t mean that we should forget to take time to celebrate. To remember. To stop and appreciate a memory or a milestone.

Friends celebrate!

I wrote this poem for my dear friend in celebration of her completion of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for breast cancer. I hope your heart will be encouraged to be a friend, indeed!

To have a friend, be one. Be a friend that loves your friend always. Love her practically. And no matter the circumstances, remember to celebrate. Friendship is a gift. Gifts are better shared.

How will you love, serve, and celebrate your friend today? Share one way in the comments.

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Shannon Cochran