That, my friends, is good wisdom.

I have just returned from a conference where I spent significant time with some friends.

It’s interesting to watch these friendships develop over the years. Some are friends from my college days while others have become friends over time as we have occasionally been together. I have observed that each time we connect, our friendships grow.

I do agree with Ben Franklin. I have slowly developed friendships over the years and I will certainly be slower in changing them.

The contribution of these friends in my life has been invaluable. We have prayed together, been concerned for each other and we have certainly laughed together!

These are the people who I know stand Shoulder to Shoulder with me in life. They are the men who I know will help me, be honest with me, encourage me and stand with me in crisis.

While I realize that it does take time and effort to develop lasting friendships, sometimes we go through life feeling like we are alone because we haven’t been actively seeking friendships.

Proverbs 18:24
“A man who has friends must show himself friendly.” -KJV

I know that I have good friends in my life because I have been willing to risk it and put myself out there. Sometimes, that hasn’t been easy. There is always the risk of being wounded when friends become disloyal or untrustworthy. Yet, I know that I cannot make it through life alone. I need others to stand Shoulder to Shoulder with me. I need good friends.

How about you? What are you doing today to develop healthy friendships around you? How are you doing in the friendship department?

Maybe for you it is difficult to trust or even rely on friends. It is our desire, that, though The Halftime Report you would find friendships in men of common interest, life experience or need.

So, why not get and stay connected. Even our new prayer network of Shoulder to Shoulder will serve you as a place where you can share with new friends your needs and crisis moments in your life. We can also celebrate together as you journey through your struggle.

Whether you realize it or not, we all need to value our friendships.

“What a great blessing is a friend with a heart
so trusty you may safely buy all your secrets in it,
whose conscience you may fear less than your own,
who can relieve your cares by his conversation,
 your doubts by his counsels,
your sadness by his good humour,
 and whose very looks give you comfort.”
- Seneca