Feeling alone even with people around you? Discover the kind of friend everyone needs and how to build deeper, faith-filled relationships that truly last.
Great post. I have one friend like that. She's such a blessing from the Lord. But after reading this, I'm going to ask God to bring a couple of people into my life that need such a friend.
This is excellent! We often want someone to be our close friend but you are right, we need to be that for someone else. Sometimes, we have to make the first move.
Chris, this really hit home. That line about being the one everyone leans on but not knowing who you can call, I think a lot of us quietly carry that more than we admit. You captured that kind of loneliness so honestly, without making it feel heavy or hopeless. I’m really grateful to have a few friendships like that in my own life. We’ve known each other for a long time, they know my history and I know theirs. I can say anything without having to explain or justify how I feel. There is no judgment on their part, so I feel safe going to them. Friendships like that are more precious than gold. Thank you for this reminder that real friendship isn’t about having all the right words, it’s about showing up and staying.
Sounds like Gibbs of NCIS. Loyal & always faithful. Semper fi. Don’t deny your problems, face them. You won’t face them alone cause I’m there too with you
This is a great post! I have felt this so deeply. I have my wife that I can share anything with — but I’ve never really had a deep relationship with anyone else — until recently.
I finally decided several weeks ago to just let my guard down with a good friend. We’ve been friends for 14 or so years but never had that really deep connection. I opened up, completely — in turn, he did the same and told me he needed that more than I knew. It’s been very encouraging since then.
That’s really powerful. It takes a lot of courage to lower your guard like that, especially after knowing someone for years and stepping into something deeper.
I love that it went both ways. That’s usually the moment things shift from surface to something real. Sounds like God is doing something meaningful in that friendship.
Grateful you shared this. I think a lot of people are in that same place and needed to hear it.
Thank you for that encouragement. You’re right — it did take courage. I’ve spent most of my life keeping walls up and calling it strength.
What I’m learning is that the walls weren’t protecting me. They were isolating me.
That one conversation with my friend cracked something open in both of us. We’ve checked in on each other regularly since and it’s been one of the unexpected gifts of this healing journey I’m on.
God has a way of using the moments we almost didn’t take to do His most meaningful work.
That's beautiful and well placed on the target of true friendship. For all the friends I've had and fought so hard for , the best ones are fairly current and one of them.is here .. I tried to help.her , yet my efforts failed.she now looks for me. What a blessing. Thank you.
As I related to Rachel G. Vick, I am a super happy old man of 79 whose decades of workaholism neutered his psyche to the point where he scarcely perceives the yearning for friendship that you and she describe so powerfully.
Then, as I read your post and compared it with Rachel’s post on community, the idea slapped me up side the head:
As you weep and blow snot bubbles over your lack of true friends, don’t forget family members. My wife and middle-aged sons are my best friends.
Great post. I have one friend like that. She's such a blessing from the Lord. But after reading this, I'm going to ask God to bring a couple of people into my life that need such a friend.
The last two resonated. Active listening is so helpful. Others can gain a new perspective when we reveal our struggles in the middle of tough stuff.
This is excellent! We often want someone to be our close friend but you are right, we need to be that for someone else. Sometimes, we have to make the first move.
Chris, this really hit home. That line about being the one everyone leans on but not knowing who you can call, I think a lot of us quietly carry that more than we admit. You captured that kind of loneliness so honestly, without making it feel heavy or hopeless. I’m really grateful to have a few friendships like that in my own life. We’ve known each other for a long time, they know my history and I know theirs. I can say anything without having to explain or justify how I feel. There is no judgment on their part, so I feel safe going to them. Friendships like that are more precious than gold. Thank you for this reminder that real friendship isn’t about having all the right words, it’s about showing up and staying.
Sounds like Gibbs of NCIS. Loyal & always faithful. Semper fi. Don’t deny your problems, face them. You won’t face them alone cause I’m there too with you
Very inspiring Chris! Thank you!!
This is a great post! I have felt this so deeply. I have my wife that I can share anything with — but I’ve never really had a deep relationship with anyone else — until recently.
I finally decided several weeks ago to just let my guard down with a good friend. We’ve been friends for 14 or so years but never had that really deep connection. I opened up, completely — in turn, he did the same and told me he needed that more than I knew. It’s been very encouraging since then.
Thank you for this post!
That’s really powerful. It takes a lot of courage to lower your guard like that, especially after knowing someone for years and stepping into something deeper.
I love that it went both ways. That’s usually the moment things shift from surface to something real. Sounds like God is doing something meaningful in that friendship.
Grateful you shared this. I think a lot of people are in that same place and needed to hear it.
Thank you for that encouragement. You’re right — it did take courage. I’ve spent most of my life keeping walls up and calling it strength.
What I’m learning is that the walls weren’t protecting me. They were isolating me.
That one conversation with my friend cracked something open in both of us. We’ve checked in on each other regularly since and it’s been one of the unexpected gifts of this healing journey I’m on.
God has a way of using the moments we almost didn’t take to do His most meaningful work.
Grateful for your post and for this conversation.
Thank you for this 🙏💞
That's beautiful and well placed on the target of true friendship. For all the friends I've had and fought so hard for , the best ones are fairly current and one of them.is here .. I tried to help.her , yet my efforts failed.she now looks for me. What a blessing. Thank you.
Saved!!
Chris,
As I related to Rachel G. Vick, I am a super happy old man of 79 whose decades of workaholism neutered his psyche to the point where he scarcely perceives the yearning for friendship that you and she describe so powerfully.
Then, as I read your post and compared it with Rachel’s post on community, the idea slapped me up side the head:
As you weep and blow snot bubbles over your lack of true friends, don’t forget family members. My wife and middle-aged sons are my best friends.
Waddaya tink?
David,
You’re right. Family can be some of our closest and best friendships. That’s a gift.
And I think there’s room for both. Gratitude for family and openness to the kind of friendships that sharpen and walk with us in a different way.
Grateful you spoke up.
Thank you for your wise words of encouragement!
That means a lot, Scott. I’m really glad it encouraged you.
Grateful you took the time to read and share that.