We All Need One

I love these two men. Both have been friends to me in different ways. One has mentored me in leadership. One has been my brother from another mother. We talk about everything and anything. We are beyond transparent with each other – pure unadulterated love. He is one of my most perfectly imperfect friends and I got front row seat to his ride. We have been co-defendants in the courtroom of life from time to time. I’ve known both over 40 years. I took this picture over 35 years ago. I have seen grace and wisdom exchanged and meted out through this friendship. Every one needs to have that one person who is willing to walk with you in your mess. Someone who believes you can come out on the other side of your tangled wreckage. Here – I’ve seen this firsthand. The gentle man in the dark pants used to be our youth pastor many moons ago. My first example of a gentleman was not in my home – it was the years I was under his covering as a bright eyed bushy tail young teen. He exhibited grace, kindness, and wisdom in its best form. Yes! We all need one of those.

Someone who’s not afraid to look you in the eye. To speak truth while watering the dryness in your soul. That one who corrects with no judgement. The one who will search and find you wallowing in the pig pen – clean you up when you have no strength to. Remind you of your worth and love you back to wholeness. The one who becomes God’s hand extended – who loves you even when they have every reason to walk away. I’ve been blessed with a few of those and for that I am eternally grateful. Without them, my Iife would have been impoverished in many ways.

May we never forget how ‘rich’ we are when we have these souls in our circle. I dare to believe that God knew we needed more than our talents, accolades, awards and charming personalities to make it through life. He gave us advocates, allies, defenders and confidants. So, if you have one of these – consider yourself blessed and favored.

*** Thanks for reading – Be grateful for yours…