What does the old song say? "Can we find a friend so faithful? Take it to the Lord in prayer."  

Make a list of your friends and not by romanticizing the relationships on social media sites. Looking at that number is not completely representative of quality relationships. Interacting with thumbs ups or expressing various emojis to a post does not equate to the definition of closeness.  

Interestingly enough, a woman recently unfriended over hundreds of people on Facebook. Weeks and weeks went by without any messages of inquiry or renewal of friend requests. After several months, a few dribbled in. Most never even noticed that their friend was missing, disconnected, or withdrawn from the conversation. The motivating reason was really an attempt to simplify life. The person was left to wonder about all of these acquaintances she had amassed over time. Questions came to mind, like: "Who are they to me really?" and "Who am I to them?" 

The idea of friendship has mutated, and the prevailing notion of fake association is rampant. In fact, fake associations extend not just on the personal, social media sites. They are prevalent at work and in common social settings. People clamor to be known through someone else because of something else to achieve everything else. Elsewhere, someone thinks they have important relationships, when they don't, and when a crisis comes the support is nonexistent. These fair-weather acquaintances may

express sadness, remorse, commiseration, and yet, there really is no personal involvement. After these types of reassuring conversations, follow-up only happens if they run into the person again, figuratively or literally.  

The worst is when this occurs in the Christian setting. I mean, don't we all expect that the world will be shallow and unfeeling? Fellow believers should behave better. We expect someone to defend us or champion our cause - rally to our side holding a sign of support. Where are all of these Christian connections when they are needed? Proverbs 18:24 says, "A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." 

Brothers. The first word that jumps out at me. I have three wildly crazy brothers who love me so very much. They are all unique, funny, talented men. If I need them, they are present and accounted for. Send up a bat signal and they would come running with every skill and resource available. They are dependable and predictable; I find that comforting and precious.

In contrast, ruin. This word means the physical destruction or disintegration of something. In another form, it describes the aftermath; what is left over from a climactic event. Over a year, everything I knew about myself - accomplishments, friendships, title, position, authority, leadership, and I could go on and on, was called into question because of an unfathomable situation.  

The woman that had to let go of all of these acquaintances, you know the ones that click a like or chime in every once in a while, was me. I realized that all of these people, most of whom are good people, had no idea Bill and I were standing knee deep in the middle of ruin. The rubble was all around us. There was no defense or shelter from the rock throwers and we were battered and bruised. Our lives and livelihood attacked and the very people who were supposed to take care of us, didn't. The rules that applied to every situation did not apply. The policies in place to protect were not afforded. The world would have looked at us and judged us as ruined and surrounded by ruin.

The God of all things is near and will bring justice where there seems to be none. He will bring comfort in the midst of scoffing. He will bring truth into the turmoil of lies and misrepresentation. Where there are opportunists taking advantage for personal gain, He will bring opportunity for personal gain.

I don't understand so many things about my life today or my future. What I do know is that He will not sit on the sidelines or trickle down a few we'll-meaning blessings to make me feel better. He will move heaven and earth for me. He sent His Son to die for me and He raised Him from the dead to live for me. Not only did He stand in the midst of ruin with us, He positioned Himself to hold back the rocks so we would not be crushed.  He is faithful.

In time, a city of fulfillment will once again stand and be built upon what the world deems as ruin. Exercised friendships will be made strong through mutual engagement. What is real will be revealed. Praise God!