A Letter To My Dear Friends

I have been working on our Bible stories for use in our DVBS. This time, God gave me the theme of friendship. While studying the scriptures, I couldn't help but cry as I read the passages. This is not my first time reading the stories, but this time the message conveyed was so intense that I was moved to tears. Many Bible men and women showed such love and loyalty to their friends, no matter what. These remarkable examples of friendship are lessons we should all learn and emulate.

As I study the passages, I came to a point of realization where I found myself I wasn't that good friend who I thought I was. In my mind and in my heart I know I wanted myself to be the best friend one could ever have. Now, I have seen that I needed more effort to be a real good friend to all my friends. 

To all my dear friends, I am so sorry for the times I was not sensitive enough to reach out to your needs. I don't mean to ignore you or fail to help you; it's just that I don't fully understand your situation. This has made me feel so sad and guilty. I guess I am also too preoccupied with my own struggles and worries in life. The truth is I also needed someone to reach out to me. 

There is a saying that you can't give what you don't have. I started to pray to the Lord to be filled with His love so that I could love everyone with that same love Jesus gave me. At the same time, I asked for God's wisdom so that I could be sensitive enough to care for other people's feelings.   Then, after becoming sensitive, I hoped to show empathy and get involved in finding solutions where I can be of help. There are times when listening and praying for someone in need is a big help, but there is a significant difference when we start to act and assist in problem-solving.  Most of the time, our own limitations hinder us from taking action and making changes for a cause - that's where I feel trapped. Admittedly, I often fall victim to thinking that I can no longer help because of my own concerns.  Naturally, I tend to solve my problems before helping others.  Issues and struggles are endless, which leads me to believe I can't help, making me so self-centered that I go unnoticed. However, changing the way I think about myself can empower me to stand up and help people, even when I am in need.  I am blessed every day that I can also bless those around me.

God knows how I wanted to reach out and help people, but being human makes me vulnerable and feel inadequate. Thank God that in the light of His words, I was able to see who I truly am. It is so hard to accept this sad truth about myself - the flaws I possess. However, this discovery is beneficial for improving my entire being.  That way, I can be a truly reliable friend.

My dear friends, I truly wish you could feel my sincerity and how sorry I am for the shortcomings I have shown towards you.  I ask for your forgiveness and understanding.  Most of the time, I make mistakes that affect you, but it's never my intention.  Please don't be so quick to judge; I do love you and care about your feelings.  Keeping open communication is vital - let's stop reading between the lines.  In my heart, I genuinely want to be your loyal friend, one who will listen, cry with you, and pray for you.  In times when I can't fully reach or help you, my prayer is that God will work things out for you, the very best friend who can love and accept us unconditionally.

Can You Reach My Friend

Yours truly,

Hanny