by Laurie Green

There is no greater tragedy than living a life that appears to be so full and yet you are all alone. My husband and I recently watched a documentary on the life of Prince. It seemed so strange to me that someone so famous could be so lonely. I mean seriously, how does that even happen? It got me to thinking that this occurs a lot more than we probably even realize, regardless of how much fame we have or don’t have.

There was a time in my life where I was so lonely and yet constantly surrounded by people. I had a lot of surface friends, people who knew my exterior, but never knew the “real me.”

I actually believed that was the way it worked and I always kept people at a safe distance. However, God had completely different plans for my life and my friendships, and I have something that no amount of money or fame can ever buy – authentic friendship!

Authentic friendships are those people who know every sordid detail about you and they still like you (lol). I have a few women in my life who make sure that my thoughts and actions line up with the word of God. And when it doesn’t, they are quick to pull me aside and remind of the truth and get me back on track. I call them my “iron sharpening iron” friends.

I wonder if Prince ever had those kind of people in his life? People who weren’t afraid to say no. People who love you enough to speak Godly truths to you. People with no agenda other than to run this race of life with you, to cheer you on and pick you up when you feel weary. Those are the type of friendships we need in our lives. Those are the people who shape our hearts.

As I reminisced on all the seasons and authentic friendships that God has blessed me with, I realized it would be impossible to mention them all, but God gave me such a great idea to honor each of them. Each night before I fall asleep I write down three names of people who have shaped my heart. They are people who have impacted my life for the better, whether they realize it or not, and the next day I text them. Sometimes I get lucky and I actually run into one of them in public and I say how thankful I am for them. It has honestly became a highlight of my day.

I encourage you to give it a try! Go ahead, stop reading this for a minute and think of three people who matter to you. Have you got them? Now go call or text them. People need to know they matter. They need to know they make a difference. They need affirmation. And once you’ve done that just keep going. Think of the next three and then the next and if you get stumped, ask God to remind you of more!

Life is but a vapor and it is simply too fast and too hard to go at it alone. I want to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone; find those people who speak truth and keep you grounded in a Godly foundation. People who will pray with you and for you. People who make you the best version of yourself…trust me, they are out there.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my tribe of ladies who have made me who I am today. Each of you know EXACTLY who you are and how much you mean to me. Thank you for blessing me with something that can’t ever be bought and is more precious than jewels … your friendship.