Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

                                     Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 MSG

– Reflection:

                    Who Can Handle The Truth

Can you handle the truth? A truth that is so blinding that all you can do is pay attention. Would you be able to handle that? I thought I could, but I am not so sure now. There have been times when I knew where the boat of life was taking me. Now that I have this nonprofit and helping young people become their best selves, the truth I thought I was driving toward looks different. We are normally prepared for whatever change happens. God’s work takes you by surprise and makes you take notice. It blinds you and doesn’t let you look away until you understand all that needs to be done. My path is now busy; as I try to complete both paths, mine and the one GOD has placed me on, there will be a choice. I know what I must do and will do to honor GOD and the work he has placed before me. When that light blinds you, I hope you choose the correct path the first time. I didn’t, but hopefully, you will be better than I am.

Where do we go from here?

I am now in a brotherhood of those who have the work of Christ in their hearts, too, so I am no longer alone and can accept the truth of the work of Christ. Support and encouragement are crucial for friendship, of course. But by themselves, they aren’t enough and are not even close. True friendship requires more. The kind of friendship God intends requires that we look deeper and try to see things only friends can see. And it requires that we tell the truth. So, when friends are stuck or struggling with denial, passivity, or sin, true friendship requires that we face awkwardness, embarrassment, or fear of rejection head-on, name problems honestly (though gently, too), and make every attempt to challenge, push, rescue, and restore. True friendship requires that we go “all in.” We must be willing to initiate tough conversations when they are needed. I can handle the truth now; if you haven’t been able to, hopefully, you gain a group of people around you who are willing to hold you accountable, and you them.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, you empower all men or groups of people to search for and know you. Thank you for encouraging us all. You have allowed us to know your entire story and explicitly empowered us to speak honestly into one another’s lives. For those who haven’t, stand on your courage and take that step. It’s one most men or women will never take. Amen.