CRAZY FRIENDS

Yesterday, on my way home from work, I was listening to the popular radio show “Sharing Life Issues with Chaz B” and one of his co host made a comment that stuck with me the whole journey home. He was asking the question, how are we as individuals are investing in our friendships that will be our strength during adversity. He took his inspiration from the story in Mark 2 of what I once heard a preacher call four crazy friends.

I am sure most of us know the story of the paralytic whose four friends did all they could to bring him to the presence of Jesus. They must have heard that Jesus the healer was in town and they tried to hurry to get him there in good time. You can imagine their disappointment on getting there it was packed full with people and there was no way in. They had 2 choices to give up or to press on; at that point it will have been acceptable to tell him (the paralytic) that they had tried, after all we brought you here. Instead they choose to climb the roof with a full grown man, broke through someone’s roof to get their friend to Jesus’ feet for him to receive his healing. What amazing friends? Yes, but also one can only wonder what kind of friend was he (the paralytic)? All four would not have continued to push if he had not invested in the friendship when he could.

Today, I am focusing more on my own crazy friends that I have had in life. I am using the word ‘crazy’ & ‘friends’ loosely here to represent people who have had impact in my life in ways only people who truly care about you could especially when they had nothing to gain in return.  These people have done things which looking back had major positive impact on me, some of whom moved on before I ever got a chance to thank them or before advent of mobile phonesJ. I will like to say Thank You. Friends that seem to have gone in distance memory and are only remembered every birthday or other special occasions. As painful as it is, I have learnt that sometimes people are in our lives for a season and when that season is over they need to move on, I am just one of those who struggle to come to terms with that reality.

As I close I will like to celebrate 3 people who made my ‘crazy friends’ list. I am sure that there are so many others, but my heart specially wants to thank and remember fondly;

·         Ella Rita – one of the best friends I ever had, probably ever will have. I know that we do connect every once in a blue moon but time and life has made it even more difficult to connect. Amongst other things every year when my wedding anniversary draws near, I always remember you and the wise words you always had. Did you know that I almost thought my husband – then boyfriend – paid you to be his advocate J

·         Prof. Sirisena – a lecturer in my university days. Now I know all she wanted was the best for me academically and spiritually, but then I thought she was just been a pain “” wanting me to do a specific project and even more importantly inviting me to “fellowship that I may truly know Christ”.  

·         Maryanne Okwusilieze – my dear home economics teacher in secondary school. It been more than 12 years I heard from you or about you, but I always remember you with fun memories. I truly hope that we get a chance to see and talk on this side of eternity.

There is a friend that sticks better than a brother, take a min to celebrate and thank God for the life of those people from the past who have impacted your life positively and if you still can reach them send them an email, call or visit just to say thank you. But even most importantly remember the best friend you can ever have – Jesus Christ. Have you invited him to your life?

Remain Blessed.