Cracked

 

On the Topic of Assumptions

F is for Friendship

Friendship is a crucial element in protecting our mental health. Our friends can keep us grounded, help us get things in perspective, and help us manage the problems that life throws at us. My close friends are so precious to me. 

However, Facebook friends aren't the same. Here's what Facebook says about 'friending'...

Friending on Facebook helps you stay connected with people you care about. Adding a friend means you may see each other's activity in Feed, Stories and Photos.

When you want to add a friend on Facebook, bear in mind that:

• You should send friend requests to people you know and trust. Add a friend by searching for them or directly from People you may know.
• You can control who can friend and follow you by editing your privacy settings.
• If you don't want someone to see you on Facebook, learn how to unfriend or block them.
• You can have up to 5,000 friends at a time.

With very few exceptions, I have met everyone who I am friends with on Facebook. 

B is for Blanked

The scene was - of course - the recent Salvation Army event in Birmingham. 

Early in the proceedings I met up with an officer couple, and you could tell we were pleased to see each other in person. The feeling was plainly mutual. They knew that I was on the conference site from my post on Social Media, and they had taken pains to seek me out to say hello. With over 1,000 people on site, they had made the effort to find me. I was so pleased.

One of the couple then said something to me that stuck with me all weekend. "I wonder how many of my Facebook friends will come over to see me, welcome me like you did..."

How many walked on by, perhaps too busy to stop and say hello? I noticed a couple...

<sigh>
 

True Friendship

How many real friends do you have? According to a 2014 survey, the average Facebook user has 338 'friends'. And yet, how many of these are true 'friends'? Not that many, I am sure... Do many of your 'friends' truly know you - what makes you 'tick'...

I was pondering this at an Army event today. It followed an incident when I was seemingly 'blanked' by someone who I thought was a friend.  Yes, I know, perhaps they didn't know I would be there. Yes, I know, the venue was very large, and yes, I know, it's always extremely distracting when there are literally dozens of people in the same venue. I went through all of these scenarios in my head. Still, just for an little while, I must admit to feeling a little sorry for myself after the incident.

That didn't last long, I'm pleased to say. I was reminded quite powerfully that I have at least one friend who knows me inside and out and loves me to bits... Do you know Him?

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
...be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

I Know Who My Friends Are

"So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A.
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, but..."

I've had opportunity to take stock after a rather chaotic few days which featured a couple of unexpected and challenging occurrences... and, as ever, it is in looking back that you begin to get a different view of what exactly went on ...

At the time, I couldn't really see any 'silver linings' in the thick clouds around me. However, in hindsight I can give real thanks because I am truly blessed by some of the people that I know! 

Of course, my family have been there for me, however I must give particular thanks to my son, John, who has been a particular tower of strength to me over the past weekend. He certainly went the extra mile. I'm proud of him and for what he has done for me and my household. He's my son but he's also a good friend.

I am so pleased to have some good friends close by; you know, the ones who are there for you, amidst the rubble and the chaos! Thanks, guys. You know who you are.

And I am also encouraged by some 'long distance' friends - it amazes me that sometimes the person that lifts you most on a difficult day is someone who you know exclusively over the web; who you have never met face to face!

"I have been and always shall be your friend."

(Spock from Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan')

"I'll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you
(Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you
('Cause you're there for me too)..."
(Lyrics to the theme tune to 'Friends')