Friends and Acquaintences

"There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

I've had a pity party of late. Yes, it's true. I'm starting to feel bad about the fact that I don't have hundreds of "friends" on facebook, or for that matter, in the real world. Here I am, a grown woman, feeling unpopular and unloved because barely anyone comments on my status updates or sad that I'm not invited to every dinner party. How stupid is that?!? What, am I, like, in junior high?!? Wah, wah, whatever!!!

There are very few people who love me and accept me for the warped, crazy, God-fearing person that I am, blemishes, weaknesses and all. I never have to pretend around those friends. There is no need to worry about offending their sensibilities when it comes to discussing the Divine. They don't care that I look silly in plaid bermuda shorts or that I'm letting my hair go gray. They enjoy my eccentricities, even sometimes praise me for my unabashed quirkiness. What freedom I have in those relationships! Maybe the reason I feel so comfortable around the few companions I have is because my soul already knows we are called to build up the Body of Christ through meaningful friendships (note the emphasis on meaningful). In living a righteous life, it is imperative to surround oneself with those who will support you in doing God's will; with their counsel, their companionship, their prayers, their love and their character. There is no furthering of the Kingdom without the spiritual help of a true friend.

The proverb is true. It really is better to keep a few friends close than to be surrounded by lots of so called "friends" who really don't give a crap.