Ní neart go cur le chéile

 

Irish friendship ring symbol

"There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships and may they always be." ~ traditional Irish toast

☘ "Ní neart go cur le chéile" - there is no strength without unity.  I'm not Irish (except for on St. Patrick's Day-haha), but they seem to have their sayings right.  I mean, who would doubt the inventors of Irish coffee, corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, Irish shortbread, & black pudding (just kidding - that one sounds gross). 

☘ We love the land that brought us songs from the likes of the Celtic women, U2, the Irish Tenors, Chasing Abbey singing "Oh My Johnny" (my new favorite song) -they have contributed so much to our joy 🎶.  

All this month as we honor women in history, I have tried not to ignore the aspect of friendship that is so integral to our lives, and the unity we share in so many facets of our daily being.

☘ Women are leaders, listeners, inventors, problem solvers, teachers, consolers, forgivers, entertainers, and faith builders, along with a billion other things.  We are able to be independent, courageous, humble, genuine and kind. We have each been one of these things to someone, or benefited from them being this for us.  

☘ What burden isn't made lighter by a cup of coffee with a friend?  Sometimes all we need is a safe place to process life's challenges, and a friend's presence is just the thing.  The friend that listens with her heart, and can make you laugh instantly reinforces the foundation that you aren't alone on this sometimes 'horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day' you may be having.  

God defines friendship's value:

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Prov 27:9

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"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." Prov 17:17

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"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 

1 Thes 5:11

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"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help." Ecc 4:9-10

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"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Prov 18:24

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"Behold how good and how pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" Ps 133:1

FRIENDSHIP BLESSINGS

May God give you...

for every storm, a rainbow,

for every tear, a smile,

for every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

for every sigh, a sweet song,

and an answer for each prayer.

May the friendship you make, 

be those which endure

and all of your gray clouds

be small ones for sure.

And trusting in Him

to whom we all pray, 

may a song fill your heart,

every step of the way.

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

                                  ~traditional Irish friendship blessing

☘ So on this St. Patrick's Day, where luck is emphasized, as children of the Almighty (where luck is never involved), let's ask God how we can be a friend that points our friends to God.  If you have a friend that has pointed you to God, thank them💚.

✙ Dear Lord, You have given us the gift of friends, and You are our best one.  Thanks for being the one who always listens, never judges, always forgives, and wants the best for us.  Show us who needs a friend & help us to be just that to someone today- to point them to You.  Amen.