Skip to main content

Friend or Associate

Lately, I have been evaluating the relationships with those that I categorize as my "Friend." My Bible provides the definition of the word "Friend" as an intimate associate, association of familiarity and companionship. Now, with that being said, I'm sure that you can draw a many of conclusions to this definition. However, in my opinion, not saying that the Bible is incorrect- but friendship cannot just simply be defined by a definition. It is defined by the action, the loyalty, the compassion, the unselfish, and the truthful demeanor that a friend is entitled to possess.

My husband told me that I needed to find me some friends here because he is tired of me just sitting around the house. In relation to my Bible's definition of friendship, along with my standards, individuals that possess those qualities are really hard to find. Sadly, majority of those that I used to consider a "friend" are merely just "associates" now. True friends will never intentionally do anything to hurt you, nor will you feel as though you are looked down upon due to the decisions that you have made in your life. True friends will step up and be there for you when you are down and not criticize you because you didn't go down the path they intended for you to travel down.

We all have grown up differently, experienced different things, and learned from a many of the mistakes that we have made. Let us please not forget that success is not measured by what you achieve in life. It is measured by what you have been blessed to overcome. There are millions of people in this world that have earned college degrees, modeled professionally, and traveled across the world. But how many people can truly say that I took all of my past hurts, learned from them, and now I strive everyday to be there and assist the next person that may be encountering those same trials. Trust me, there are very few that do that.

What I am trying to say is that life is about helping others, being an ear for someone to cry too and a shoulder to cry on. Being selfish, and calling yourself a friend is the worse thing that you can do in the world. Trust me.... I used to be that person. You live and you learn. Just be sure to LEARN!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

T-A-T

Yesterday, I sent a co-worker an email that expressed to him my sincere gratitude for helping me. He responded back by saying that he will always be there to help me because he considers me as family, and also because he knows that I genuinely appreciate the help. As I read his reply, my eyes began to water. This past week has indeed been one of those weeks. There was a ton of laughter shed this week along with a ton of tears. Everything that you encounter in life is a learning experience. Basically, a mere time to grow and improve your character. You cannot sit back and just allow the world to pass you by while your stuck behind attempting to play catch up. I have been blessed to experience many trials and tribulations in my life. Yes, I consider them "blessings" because if I had not experienced them, I would not be the woman that I am today, nor would I be writing this blog in the attempt to help you. Now, don't get me wrong, the trials were painful and they someti...

"Girl Listen"

Now, for those of you that have fragile eyes that can't appreciate a woman for keeping in 100, I suggest you close out of this blog right now. On the other hand, for you steadfast women, that can take all of life's punches and still press on, this blog is for you. "Girl Listen" is the phrase that my friends use when they are about to share some real deep stuff with me. My girls value my opinion because they know, Toni Lynn is going to give it to them RAW. I don't sugarcoat anything because I love my friends. I want them to know that. Whenever I give feedback to a given situation that I am presented with, I empathize before I rationalize the situation. I keep my girl's best interest at heart at all times and I refrain from giving them direct orders. Who the heck am I to tell my girl what she "Needs" to do. It is her life and she will ultimately make her own decisions. Okay, to the important stuff. It perturbs me to talk to women that only want to shar...

Just Don't Let IT Get You Down

You can run, but you surely can't escape "Pain" when it captures you. Sometimes the pain that a person causes to your heart can be drastically life-changing. It will either do one of two things; drive you bananas or make you the strongest woman walking! One thing that you must not allow the pain to do is get you down. What person in this world is so important that you would allow them to steal your joy and cause you to forget about all of the greatness that God permitted to manifest in your life? No one on this planet is worth it. Your personal relationship with God is a bond that no human can break. However, they may be able to tamper with the bond by causing you pain, but they surely cannot break it. When you sit down and think about the hurt in your heart, think about how God made a way when you had little money, no place to stay, no food in the pantry, no clean clothes to wear, no one to talk too, and no car to drive. GOD looked out for you. Now, after taking...