“Friendship… is born at the moment one man says to another “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself..” – C. S. Lewis
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘Men are from Venus, Women are from Mars’, yes? If not, what that simply means is we are different! How we relate to each other and amongst ourselves as men and women is, well, different! Being friends with guys is great but boundaries are essential for a healthy friendship and that’s sometimes easier said than done. There are things I can share with my girlfriends that I cannot share with male friends. I asked a friend of mine what her favourite thing about having (girl) friends and she said “I love how Gender unites us, in the sense that because we go through the same experiences it creates a space where we can truly relate. I like how communication is easier because of that relatable space in which problems are better understood. We share experiences and can learn from each other.”
I can’t think of how many of my friendships that have sprung out of relatability. Whether it’s bonding over hair, makeup, a TV show, shoes or any common interest. But then again, I’ve also had friendships birthed from awkward moments, gloomy times, happy times and just simply out of convenience, you know being in the same class, hostel or working together with someone. I’ve had friendships bloom from the most unexpected ways. I’ve had friendships that have stood the test of time. I’ve had friendships that I thought would last a lifetime end, and I’ve had seasonal friendships. And that’s okay. There is a time and a season for everything that happens under the sun.
Friendship is such a beautiful thing and I believe the best kind are the ones rooted in Christ. Throughout all my friendships one thing I’ve learnt is God uses friendship as a means of grace. With friends, I’ve been able to grow and actually get to know myself. I’ve also watched and helped (I hope lol) my friends grow. The beauty of having friends is that you are running the race with them. With authentic friendship, comes honesty and vulnerability. You actually let someone in and they see you for who you really are. Good friends tell you the truth about yourself.
Life is hard and no (wo)man is an island. We really can’t do it by ourselves. Having friends means having a community that is always there for you during the highs and lows of life. It’s such an honour knowing that there are ladies who celebrate you and your achievements and at the same time are there for you dark and weary times. You can rest assured knowing that you have a shoulder to cry and help carry you up because ‘two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!’ (Proverbs 4:9-10)
I have found friendship is so necessary for building character. Proverbs 27 verse 17 paints a vivid picture that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Ultimately our friendships should build, uplift and make us stronger women of God. Through this fellowship with each other, the world gets to see the kind of love that Christ shows to His church.
With Love,
Your Sister in Christ
Yapi. (solelyforhisglory.wordpress.com)
This week’s guest post is from a very good friends of mine, honestly she is more like a sister now. I have learnt great deal from her, hope you were encouraged by this blog on friendship! You can check out more of her amazing work on her blog solelyforhisglory.wordpress.com!
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