As I write these words, this day means a great deal to me. Why? I thank God that this is the day of my mother’s birthday. I take the time today to thank God for her. She was not just my mother, she was also my friend. Some say that your parent cannot be your friend, but I do not believe that. She was a friend that was always there. She was one that the Bible says “sticks closer than a brother.” I discovered that friends are few in light of those who say they are your friends without actually proving it. However, to have a true friend is a Blessing from God. Let me be clear. A friend could be someone of another ethnicity. Friendship is not described or defined by family traits, or by color, but rather by the gift from God.
In Proverbs 17:17, we find these words:

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”

Here in this wise passage of literature, the writer defines a true friend as one who is loyal, dependable, and reliable. One who is there to help in time of need. The writer makes it clear about the need to be wise, and not foolish, to appreciate true friendship. Throughout this chapter, he writes about what foolish people do as well as what wise people do. When you are wise, you are grateful for your friendship; you do not take it for granted. You honor God for it. If you are blessed with one who is a true friend, give God thanks. But remember we are blessed to have a God as our friend. Someone wrote, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”