The Friendship Conundrum

The Bible says that in order to have friends, we must show ourselves friendly. . . Why is it then that many "friendly" people often feel so lonely? Sure, we all have between 500-1,000 friends on FaceBook, but when something is going on and we need to vent or laugh... we are hard pressed for a true friend to call. This predicament seems to worsen as the years go by... Our lives are enriched by spouses and children and careers... all wonderful things! Still, sometimes, I feel the void of simple friendships. The friendships that are not tainted by insecurities and neglect... And herein lies the problem. Do you know the feeling of needing to call on a friend whom you've neglected. Only you can't bring yourself to pick up the phone because you keep thinking... "What will I say? It's been so long..." I do. I've been there. I haven't been very friendly lately, and changing that lazy cycle is one of my personal resolutions.

Since tomorrow is not promised, I'm going to start today by shouting out my BESTEST friends! Ready... set... go!

Honey, you are my number 2! Did you know that I'm in love with you? Even though, most nights I just want to cha ching you ;) Thanks for still being my friend even though I have periods every month and get extremely moody (yes this is a public blog, but 50% of Americans also have periods so its cool... they know what I'm talking about.) Mom, Grandma, and Mellena, you are my number 3s! I love you three girls so much its not even funny. You are my friends just as much as you are my family. World, let me tell you something about these girls. If you are broke, they will beg to be the ones to bail you out. Like... who does that?!? If you are hungry, they will sneak to your house with food because they know if they offer, you will respectfully refuse and just sit there with a growling stomach. Like, really??? Ugh... I have no more words. Jailyn and Candace, thanks for coming to see me tomorrow. I love you girls. You are loyal and slow to judge, generous, fun loving, and uplifting... I really need you in my life. Thank God for Oakwood because it brought us together. Devin Denise Jefferies. You are def one of the best! I have learned a lot from you... like the importance of shopping, hair care, and makeup. Don't mean to make you sound like a barbie doll, but well... lol. Seriously though, you have also been a source of encouragement on the job front. You are a smart and determined woman who is going very far. So proud of you! So happy that you're in my life :) Krystle, you are a selfless little something. You always put others first. When I think of you I feel like I have failed as a friend, but you're always there. You call on birthdays and help at weddings... you expect nothing in return, and you are always there. I promise, if you ever need me, I will be there back. Deanna, love your inspirational style! You are beautiful, talented, and smart, and I'm glad for the period of time where we were thick as thieves. Even though our paths are different now, I will always think of you as a sister. Danielle - girl you know I don't see you enough, but I'm always wishing you well and thinking of you. Stacie - you are my favorite comedian in all of Huntsville, AL. Love your spirit. Love that God put you in my family. Maeling, Fedoria, Toni Ann... you're wonderful inspirations to me. I seriously can't imagine life without being surrounded by such intelligent and ambitious women. I LOVE YOU ALL!

I'm going to end this shout out, assuming that my other friends don't actually read my blog. If you are a friend, and you read my blog, please let me know! I want to shout you out and tell you that I appreciate you! Most of all, I just want to know that you are reading because it's an encouragement as a writer. You can comment or subscribe, or just shoot me a private email (raquel.l.bellamy@gmail.com). If you are a stranger, take advantage of TODAY to tell your friends that you love them.

Now... to put this icing on the cake... the best part of Proverbs 18:24 is the sweet reminder that we have a friend "that sticks closer than a brother." Yes, I'm shouting out my number ONE friend, Jesus!