“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to hurt you…,” she uttered on the other end of the line, “But the noodles didn’t taste good. They were kind of stale, I think.”
I barely knew her. We just started talking from work. Learning each other’s cultures and different customs, we hungered for more. Every night, our phones were busy. Learning more. Encouraging each other from the same frustrations we encountered at the hospital where we both worked. We started exchanging foods. I gave her some of the noodles I made. And when I asked her if she liked it, the words above were her answer.
You would think it would hurt the first time I heard that. But I knew then, I found an honest friend. Funny how back in elementary schools, or high schools or college days, how often I would say “this is my best friend.” Not realizing what a “best friend” truly meant. But as I entered many seasons in this life’s journey, going through many friendships, I had learned that it wasn’t having many friends that would make me feel fulfilled nor happy. I could only have one friend and that would mean everything to me. To find that rare friend who would be honest enough to tell me if I had lipstick on my teeth. Or that an outfit didn’t really look good on me. Not that she is being judgmental but knowing that she wants the best for me. That what hurts me hurts her. That what makes me happy makes her smile, too. It’s knowing that whether it’s the ups or downs of life I’m going through, I know she is there with me, never leaving my side. A true friend who cares enough to know if something is bothering me when my face and voice shows sadness or frustrations. A true friend who shared tears with me when I lost my parents. Yes, I know what it means now to say “I found my best friend”…“Actions speak louder than words,” she used to tell me many times. And I know now how true it is! Someone can say “I love you” yet does not show loving actions. Someone will say “I’ll be there for you” but really is nowhere when a crisis comes. Or how someone can easily ask “How are you?” but deep inside is not truly concerned.
That person who told me she didn’t like the noodles I gave is now my best friend. Best friend in this life where I have to weather so many storms, yet, she is there for me. I rejected her once by not acknowledging her extension to make friendships. “Actions speak louder than words.” She never gave up. Until she broke the barrier of mistrust I created in my heart from previous hurtful relationships in my life. Her actions were to continue to believe in me. She kept calling me, brushing off my ignorance. She kept believing that there is goodness in my heart. And if she gave up on my aloofness, I wouldn’t have known how much I would have lost.
God gives us special friends at a special time in our lives. That is another faith marker for me. That He gives us friends to encourage us, comfort us, accepts us no matter what flaws we have and who will believe in us, the way He does.
“Actions speak louder than words…” It’s all actions that Jesus did to prove how much He loves humanity. He spoke about a loving God, walking many miles to let hurting people know. He prayed. He healed. He performed miracles. He carried a heavy cross and gave His life to save us. “Actions speak louder than words.” It’s so easy to profess we are Christians. God demands obedience when we choose to follow Him. “Actions speak louder than words”…Walk the talk!
"17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." ~ 1John 3:17-18 [NIV]
STUFF
1 week ago
Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteReal friends are hard to come by. I agree The Lord gives us friends in a special times in a special way and moments.
I been praying for one.
God bless always.
PS. I like the new look.
xo Regina
Such a very lovely post sis.
ReplyDeleteRosel, lovely post. Touched my heart very much. Thank you for sharing. Love your new design. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. Thank you. The sun is rising as I read your post.
ReplyDeleteSuch a friend is a keeper and a special gift from God in this life's journey! I'm heading to San Diego with Carrie for a few weeks. Please pray that R returns to the Lord. Praying for you and thanking God for your friendship!
ReplyDeleteTears...
ReplyDeleteI had that kind of friend and now she's with the Father. I miss her deeply.
Great post! I too, am praying that God would give me again that type of friend. Since we moved to Longview I have not had that kind of a friendship. The video was great. If only we could see ourselves as God sees us behind the masks.
ReplyDeleteOuch. Very revealing video. But so true. I've been praying lately for God to send me a true friend like the one you have. Who speaks the truth, even when it hurts. We need that. I, too have been hurt by "friends", and have done my share of hurting. I know God is listening, though. He always does. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Rosel.
Larry Crabb says we all need someone who can truly delight in us. There has to be honesty for that to happen. You, fortunately, found it in a woman who told you what she thought of the noodles. Who would have thought that such an encounter could engender such a friendship? But you were looking for something deeper than an compliment - you were looking for honesty. Good lesson.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is all I can say right now! :) Thanks Rosel!
ReplyDeleteOh it is true...one of life's best blessings is a true friend. How grateful I am that the Lord blessed me with a couple of these. Honesty is just what we need sometimes, and the loves who truly love us will give it to us. Thanks for this. BLESSINGS AND HUGS
ReplyDeleteFriends really are a gift from God. I also understand your point about God giving us special friends at special times in our lives. I know that I'm grateful for those few close friends that I have and I'm glad that you have this true friend you're sharing about here.
ReplyDeleteI love how your background is new everytime I come here! And I'm not just saying that (smile). I'm being honest!
ReplyDeleteI was stunned to read this post. All my life I have been a people pleaser. Always saying what I think people want to hear. It never occurred to me tell the truth (in love)! How refreshing it must be to have a friend like that! I want to be like that...
Actions do speak louder than words. Sometimes even actions do not speak our true heart. I am glad that your friend understood this. Much love to you this week!
ReplyDelete