Friends That Won’t Leave

Billy Corgan, of Smashing Pumpkins, was interviewed in Risen Magazine and there’s an interesting exchange that caught my attention.

Risen Magazine: What do you look for in a friend?

Corgan: That they won’t leave; they really won’t leave.  I can’t say that about too many people.  If someone could peer into our darkest recess, would they stil love us?

We’re all looking for that aren’t we?  We’re looking for people who won’t leave. We’re looking for people who can look past our brokenness and see our dignity and and value; who can love.  These types of friends are very hard to find.

But not impossible.

This is part of what we are creating at Thrive.  We’re not just a small group program, but a space to create relationships of real value.  This space isn’t just authentic community, which has significant value.  It’s deeper than that.  It’s called communitas.   It’s a space to work through our brokenness and to experience that love in community; to see that type of love played out.  We believe that the fullest reflection of our humanity is to be that love to each other.

What is interesting about this type of experience is that it usually requires being a participant.  In other words, if you want to experience it, you also have to be willing to be that type of friend.  And this is the tension in the journey.  We know we want to be loved, but are we also willing to take the risk to be love for those around us when they need it.  Are we willing to reciprocate at just the right moment?

The risk is real.  People do walk away.  People do hurt us and leave.  But it doesn’t always have to be like this.  It is possible to create a space where people don’t leave.  And when it happens, we stand in awe of the presence of God.  We feel His touch in a way that leaves us transformed.

If you are looking to create this type of space, we can help.  Contact us today to get a free digital copy of our leadership manual.

—————————————————–

Jonathan Brink is the Managing Director of Thrive Ministires.  He lives in Folsom, Ca with his wife and three kids.  He loves Sharks hockey, Peets coffee and good sushi.