"There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

This verse has always been so powerful to me. The word "sticks" refers to the act of a friend who "remains with you persistently or permanently" --- in bad times and in good times, in failures and in successes, and in ups and downs.

In my 22 years of existence, I had already encountered hundreds of people who potentially played significant roles in my life. But the true, genuine and destined friends from the Lord shall always come at a time so perfect before the day of twilight ends. Though some of them came early and some came at the latter, still what matters is the heartbeat of your hearts which gives you one of a kind connection to say your'e absolutely of the same kind.

Spending a wholesome breakfast at Marco Polo Hotel with churchmates and Pastors who became life mentors in this whole journey in the Lord.

With this, I am truly blessed to unveil to you some of the people who played beautiful rhythm in my melodic life up until this very moments:

Surprising Kwyn, our churchmate with memorable fellowship through movie marathon and over a cup of coffee. Kwyn comes back every after 2 years from Qatar working as an OFW and we just want to make her feel special on her bienial visit. Thanks for the cooperation and efforts of everyone.

I think that in her entire stay, this is definitely one of the highlights. We randomly tried bowling at SM Seaside Cebu with most of us being naive of the sport. And with that we end up truly overjoyed taking photos outside of the bowling outlet.

Young Adults in our church spend dinner at a food store eating siomai and special lumpia. We intentionally do this, to strengthen our bond and relationship with one another and be effective leaders to our younger brother and sisters.

She is @chastityyy110, the first person to teach me guitar. I would never forget this girl because I was the one who carelessly broke her newly bought guitar yet she did not turn her back at me. Anyway, she is truly a wanderlust person and loves to travel places randomly which makes me love hanging with her at times. Cheers to more random travels @chastityyy110.

He is @jassennessaj. He has been my bestfriend way back in highschool and ironically i havent found a photo of only the two of us. Anyway, I think i don't have to make any exhalirating description of our frienship as a buddy but one thing is for sure we are genuine and is always here for each other supporting whatever the situations of our life in good times or in bad times. Shalom man.

Valuable Lessons I learned from them...

- Don't let PRIDE have a place for the both of you

Though in every friendship there's always fights and quarrels, still this should not let Pride rob your time together by not simply talking or greeting. Believe me its not worth it folks and truly it's an immature and an unwise act to do. Maybe we do it, its because we have that implied feeling of fear to be rejected or simply we just have that pride in us not to admit that we are somehow wrong and we have been hurt. But folks, if we keep on doing this then we will lose those beautiful and memorable moments we are supposed to cherish because of that immature Pride.

- Make EFFORTS to communicate

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Though its also partly true that we need not to see each other often to retain friendship, but, making and exerting effort to build it is totally a different thing. Through effort despite busy schedules, proves our place, value and importance to that person. Why? Because he/she cannot do a day without a glimpse of our presence. Seems like we complete the day for them.

- SUPPORT each other through corrections and rebukes

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True friendship means being genuinely concern even if it means to say things to their face just not to compromise the truth. You dont want your friend to suffer consequences right? thus, you are serious in leading them back to the path. Some may not understand it and think that we are controling them but if you think truly of them then you will not have second thoughts reminding and correcting them.

- Push you closer to God.

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If you want to have a strong foundation of your friendship, then lead them closer to God. When they know and understand the character of Jesus, then they will be transform to be like him and see in his perspective how valuable and precious you are as an individual. You will be subject to appreciation and importance, and above all your friendship will endure forever because you have an unshakable anchor in the Lord. Troubles and testings may come but victory shall always emerge at the end of the day.

Should you ever have that "friend who sticks", you are blessed to keep them! God bless you with more friends who "stick" closer to you than a brother!

Shalom Everyone!

#steem on