Special YWCC Guest Blogger for March 2010: Ms. Salena Galloway:
Salena, a 2001 graduate from Cass Tech High School of Detroit, Michigan. In 2007, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. She is currently employed with the State of Michigan. A member of St. Mark C.O.G.I.C., Salena serves in numerous capacities. She is a young woman dedicated to upholding the values and principles of Godly living. We would like to introduce our very special YWCC Guest Blogger:
Ms. Salena Calleen Galloway
Let's talk about Real Friendship!!!
Friendship is a word that is often hard to define. Earlier this week I was apart of a discussion where several people named some key characteristics that they believe to be important in their friends and friendships. Some characteristics that were mentioned include love, trustworthy, encouraging, and many many more. As I looked for definitions of friendship, I found a few things that might help define characteristics of real friends or in a real friendship. One scripture that comes to mind is "A friend loveth at all times…" found in Proverbs 17:17, so we have love. Another list of characteristics can be found in I Peter 3:8, having one mind(similar belief systems), compassionate(considerate), loving, pitiful(showing mercy), and courteous…But these are just some of the characteristics that we should be looking for in the people that we consider when we are developing these real friendships. So, what characteristics do you look for when you look at building real friendships with other people?
Even though everyone wants good friends that they can create real friendships with, it often is a struggle and often hard to find. I begin to think about why people often struggle with making long lasting real friendships. What are some reasons that real friendships are hard to find? What do you think causes road blocks to forming these meaningful friendships? As we all know it is good to have a person that can be there for you, and that you trust. Fostering this type of relationship with others can prove itself very beneficial to you. Real friends can help us become better people. Sometimes when we can't see things clearly or objectively, that friend can step in and offer a unbiased opinion. Sometimes we can feel down, and these friends can encourage and inspire us. That's why it's important, and helpful to us to have this type of relationship with others when the opportunity presents itself. So, do you feel that it's important to try to create this bond with others? Has it been beneficial to you to have this type of bond? Does having this type of relationship take effort?
What an interesting topic Sis Salena has approached that I believe most of us can relate to in some way or another. Quoting Sis. Salena she writes, "That friend can step in and offer a unbiased opinion." I have been in situations where I solicited advice from a real friend of mine and rather than agreeing with either side, they simply pointed out the keys points of what I mentioned and left their personal opinion out. Because we all know that there are 3 sides: our side, their side and the truth’s side. I think that when real friends leave their opinions out of the situation, then you can distinguish whether or not you have a real friend. I understand that they were being the best person to me that they could be in those moments and now I can appreciate those interventions.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned many good points Salena. Among great questions, one that I find interesting is "What do you think causes road blocks to forming these meaningful friendships?" I think that the nature of man has made a shift towards selfishness and away from a genuine care for mankind. It's hard to find folks that genuinely care for others no strings attached. Many people tend to think of themselves so much until they are unable to consider another person selflessly. "Me, myself, and I" has become an actual concept of the society. People have embraced the "destiny" perspectives which focuses solely on "self." Being goal oriented is terrific but developing healthy relationships or friendships seem to be the last thing on folk’s minds these days. I can't really pinpoint the reasons for this. Ask yourself, "When was my last friendship developed?" Just look around. Character, integrity, dignity, and class are standards that seem to be diminishing right before our eyes. How can "true friendships" develop if the elements necessary for maintenance are no longer promoted in our society? I will admit that I am rather disappointed in how the elements and foundations of friendships have dwindled. I don’t think that friendships are impossible these days or obsolete even; I do, however believe that to find one is a blessing from the Lord. You mentioned some of the benefits of friendship along with the characteristics of friendship, but it seems like a scavenger hunt to see those features these days. To have good friends of which God has blessed me is put simply a miracle. I have been fortunate enough to have a couple of friends that I treasure and love dearly. I consider myself blessed to have healthy relationships in my life. Friendships like marriages, parenthood and family are all relationships that provide many aspects of fulfillment and value.
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