FRIEND

By Brenda Lemuel Briggs


 
Friend.
Who is a friend?
Who is your friend?
Do you have lots of friends?

When you're down, when life hits hard—can you call on these people and they’ll actually show up for you? Or are they just people around you that you label "friends" for convenience?

Who is a friend, truly?

A friend is someone you share a bond with. A connection.
Someone who listens.
Who sees you.
Who stands by you, not just when things are good, but when life is heavy.
They don’t have to be a sibling.
They don’t have to be a lover.
It’s not about blood or romance.
It’s about trust. It’s about presence.

So ask yourself:
Do you feel seen?
Do you feel safe?
Do you feel heard?

If yes—then maybe, just maybe, you have a real friend.
If not, maybe it’s time to look closer.

What is your criteria for friendship?

I’ve had people I called friends who tried to derail my path.
Friends who tried to lure me into lesbianism.
Into illegal businesses.
Friends who copied everything I wore—not out of admiration, but envy.
Friends who wanted me to stay small so they wouldn’t feel insecure.
And when I saw these traits, I learned to stay away.
Because my life, my destiny, is more important than anything they offered.

We have to draw the line.

The Bible says, "Evil communication corrupts good manners." 1 Corinthians 15:33b KJV
So if someone is dragging you away from your values, your light—it’s time to walk away.

I had a cousin. He’s late now.
Before his death, he once told me, “I have friends—they’re all envious.”
I said, “You schooled in Ghana. You got a good job with a top politician immediately after graduation and some of your friends have not achieved or accomplished what you have done in a short while. Why are you keeping these people close when you can see they’re jealous and not happy with your accomplishments?”
He didn’t listen.

One day, those same friends came to his house.
He made Indomie noodles for everyone.
They all ate.
He ate his—and fell to the ground, dead.
On the spot.
Declared gone.

And those “ friends”? They vanished.

So I ask again:
Who is your friend?

When you see envy...
When they compete, not grow with you...
When they try to keep you on their level, never supporting your rise...
You need to run.

Those are not friends.
They’re wolves in sheep’s clothing—waiting, watching, for the moment they can pull you down.

So I urge you:
Filter your circle.
Pray for discernment.
If you don’t yet have such friends—thank God.
And if you do have even one good friend who loves you sincerely, you’re blessed.
Hold them close. Love them back.

But above all, ask God.
He gives the best gifts.
And a good friend is a rare, divine gift.

Now I’d love to hear from you—what’s your experience with friends?
Drop a comment below. Let’s talk. Let’s heal. Let’s grow.

Comments

  1. Eyeuma Alfred OmarJuly 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM

    A friend is actually someone who stands by you, add value to you and feel safe around you as much as you do.
    Friendship shouldn't be a one sided thing but a friend should be a person who sticks closer than a sibling.

    ReplyDelete

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