Real Friends

If your friend’s house was on fire while they were fast asleep inside, would you say something?
If your friend’s airplane was in a tailspin, would you toss them a parachute?
If your friend’s boat was sinking, would you give them a lifejacket?
If your friend’s little girl was running out into traffic, would you try to stop her?
The obvious answer to all of these questions should be a unanimous; “yes.” But sadly, many people do nothing when their friend’s lives are in crisis.
What if they are offended that you point out they have a problem?
What if the predicament they find themselves in is a result of their previous behavior?
What if it’s “none of your business?”
Shouldn’t you keep to yourself?
Won’t someone else do or say something?
What if it puts our relationship in jeopardy?
When someone who is close to you, or who you are in community with, is in crisis, it is your business and your job to step in and help. Your friend’s physical, spiritual life, and well being is far more important than you being a surface level friend with them.
Real friends run in while others are running out. Real friends get up in your business. Real friends aren’t afraid of offending, if it is truly in your best interest. Real friends confront when it’s easier to stand on the sidelines. Real friends will stand in the way if you’re heading the wrong direction.
Real friends want what’s best for you an will stand up for you, and sometimes to you, to see that happen.