“That sounds harsh. But isn’t it really honest? In our day I think honest has become the new harsh. So if I really care about you, then I lie to you?”
Entry 5
Friendship is a bit of a paradox in that we get both the best and the worst advice and comfort from friends. If you think about, it even that becomes predictable if we really know who are friends are. Not their names… but who they are; character, faith, attitude, accountability, and wisdom. When I am suffering to the point where processing doubt and disbelief have become part of my reality then it is time to call on God and godly friends. So what are you saying Steve? No surprise… for some, being my friend just got a little easier – when I am suffering, don’t worry, I’m not calling. If you are a “surprise” you will call me. It doesn’t mean I don’t love or appreciate you – it means I know who you are – I love you anyway, and I truly forgive you in advance. That sounds harsh. But isn’t it really honest? In our day I think honest has become the new harsh. So if I really care about you, then I lie to you? Here is the point I am processing – Job’s friends sat in ashes with him in silence for seven days (nice touch), and then they got up and lost their minds (bad form). I say that because they went home – took a shower – washed themselves of Job’s pain – came back – and just broke him open. He was hanging on to hope by a thread and they showed up with a knife in their hand and distance in their heart. Who were these guys – friends? Obviously Job didn’t know either.