Unbreakable Bonds

In 1984, Whodini released a song titled “Friends”, and if you grew up before or around that time, you are likely familiar with the lyrics. “How many of us have them…the ones we can depend on…” The basic premise of this song is that there are some friends we can and cannot trust. Then in 2018, The Carters released their version of “FRIENDS” where Beyonce is telling us that her friends are real friends and better than your friends...we ain't gotta pretend. I agree with Mrs. Carter because MY friends are real friends, but I won’t say that they are better than your friends, but you better believe they are REAL friends!

Friendship is one of my core values. My all-time favorite movie celebrates the beauty of friendship {10 points if you can guess the movie!}. My friends and I are always by each other’s side, through thick and thin, as if we've taken friendship vows and are living them out every single day!

My friends challenge me and are honest and candid, but one thing is certain: we love each other! While my family supports me, it's my friends' voices that guide me when I'm tempted to send that "hey big head" text, skip a meal, or indulge in self-pity. They have an uncanny ability to sense exactly when I need a prayer, an encouraging word, or a good laugh.

My friends are there for me in every way—physically, spiritually, and mentally. They'll catch a red-eye flight just to be there when I wake up from surgery. They'll drive miles to have dinner with me for a made-up occasion to celebrate our single lives. They confirm what I believe God has told me. They call me out when needed! And they even apologize if they miss a chance to do so. They value my opinions. They choose me to stand by them when they marry their soulmates. They notice when I'm quiet. They send me TimeHop pictures of memories of us together. They'll take ten-hour road trips with me to visit the Silos and eat at The Magnolia Table. They know if we haven't texted “good morning” by a certain time, they should check my emergency contacts. They're there for my kids. They trust me with their secrets. They remind me to prioritize myself. And most importantly, they participate in my shenanigans!

They listen and let’s be honest, sometimes-they judge…but that’s what real friendship is all about. They ask the hard questions when I share an idea because sometimes I can be impulsive. It feels uncomfortable at times, like being naked on a stage in front of a crowded audience, but I know that it's always coming from a place rooted in love.

I remember being basically kidnapped by two of my friends to go eat a late night breakfast. What I didn't know is they had planned an intervention to correct me on my attitude regarding my life at the time. They reminded me not to despise the small beginnings and that I needed to ask God to purify my heart. Although I was taken aback, I realized that they were right. I took their advice, even though it was a struggle at times, but I received the blessing I was praying for which was an opportunity to become an educational leader.

Now, don’t get it twisted, I’m a great friend to them as well. You will learn about that later...

My all time favorite friendship memory was a few years ago. One of my friends knew I wanted to see The Blue Man Group - I'm sure I mentioned it at least once a month. I looked for tickets, tried to plan a trip to the closest city they performed, but it never seemed to work out. She, I, and another friend went on a trip for my birthday. The morning after we got there, she very casually said, "Debricca, we're taking you to see The Blue Man Group." I literally screamed and cried and could hardly catch my breath. They were both shocked at my reaction because it was so organically dramatic, and they knew I was truly grateful. That moment lives rent free in my head. We had THE BEST tickets and the show didn't disappoint.

My friends are patient and kind. And what they don’t know is that they are a large part of why I #keepliving.

What is your favorite friendship story?

Share in the comments and make sure your friends see it!