Yoder: Stories of Friendship

By Kathy Yoder

We all have stories to tell. I’m thinking back to a specific time when I spent a weekend with my friends Jean and Donna. Oh, do we have stories. Some of our stories could curl your hair, not because they’re shocking or inappropriate tales, but because we’ve been friends a long time and we know each other well. In fact, when we first met I’m pretty sure none of us had any grey hair. (Not even hiding under hair colors helped along with a bottle.) Eventually, we all had clown hair, but that’s another story. See what I mean? So many stories.

God took three nerdy girls and threw us together. We’ve each had insecurities,  obstacles, and challenges to overcome. We’ve lost loved ones close to us. Some over a period of long illnesses; others in the blink of an eye. We’ve cried for one another, prayed for each another, and doubled over in giggles until our sides ached.

We’ve changed a lot over the years; growing up, growing older, and growing in our faith. And through it all, God has kindly, patiently taught how to be there for one another as true friends. He’s taught us that no matter what happens, first of all we must always choose love.

Most importantly, we’ve learned that our friendship is a very blessed friendship because Jesus is right smack dab in the middle of it. It echoes how Jesus models friendship for us. In John 15:15, He says, “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.” Just as we’ve supported each other through tears and triumphs, Jesus invites us into that same close bond—knowing us fully, guiding us patiently, and loving us unconditionally.

For years, Donna, Jean and I went on vacation together this time of year. Donna and I’ve traveled to Mississippi to see Jean. We’ve met in Branson more than once and  ended up in other places, too. But 2014 was different. We planned on going to a cabin to spend our time together in friendship, fellowship and worship away from our busy lives. But last minute schedule changes didn’t allow for that. So, we were happy getting together at my house sharing stories and doing some of our traditional things.

However, I was asked to host three pastors from Mexico who were coming for a couple of days. All great guys, I met them in Mexico years ago at a pastors’ convention and have been in contact with them ever since. (Specifically the one who’s fluent in English.) 

When I told Jean and Donna that we’d be hosting them, they both said something like, “Great!” They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t say, “But this is our time together.” Their attitude was, “This will be fun. Let’s do it!”

Little did we know how God would use this time. All the things that I’m not good at came out right away. My rusty hosting skills. My lack of navigational skills. My indecisiveness. The fact that I don’t have any sugar or cream or milk in my house or just plain, regular coffee. One of the guys asked me, “Don’t people ever come to your house?”

“Well, not really. Or just one person at a time.” I realized that I need to open myself up a little more and bring people into my life.

I could have felt inadequate, but my friends helped. The pastors’ eyes lit up at Jean and Donna’s improvised lunch spread. Instead of feeling bad for what I was not good at, the six of us just laughed about it and the laughter became a bond. In the end, those three guys ministered to us in many ways. We talked about our faith. They shared incredible stories of their ministries. We shared our stories with them. And they encouraged us.

What really struck the three of us is that these humble, spirit-filled pastors don’t just do church. Their ministries are their lives. Their people are a part of their own lives. They truly are their family. They remind me of when Jesus was here on earth. He got down in the dirt with people, meeting them where they were and helping them live lives of faith. As our friend, He doesn’t stand at a distance—He walks beside us, shares our burdens, and celebrates our joys, just like those pastors did for us that weekend. He made them part of His own family, and He offers that friendship to each of us today.

Most importantly, we’ve learned that our friendship is a very blessed one because Jesus is smack dab in the middle of it—as our truest friend. He doesn’t just teach us about love; He lives it out, calling us friends and inviting us to abide in Him (John 15:14-15).

Oh, the three of us are thinking God may eventually call us to spend our annual vacation in Mexico. We’ll see. The story continues, with Jesus walking every step as our faithful companion.

Who in your life could use a reminder of God’s love through friendship today?

Kathy Yoder is a devotional writer and Christian author. She may be reached at kathyyoder4@gmail.com and Kathyyoder.com.