Friendships in today’s world are often hard to find because it seems that everyone is so busy. But another aspect that makes it even more difficult is the fact that most people do not have any connections with“true” friends other than through the World Wide Web such as Facebook or Chat. We tend to believe that because we have 300 friends on Facebook that means that these are our true friends. This is so far from the truth. We cannot see into the lives of those writing on their Facebook walls to know what is true or false, yet we are describing intimate details of our lives hoping that someone will reach out through the written word and help us somehow by liking our status or making a comment.
True friendships are made in the trenches of the battle of everyday life.
Friendships have been extremely hard for me because I have struggled to find a true friend that could understand my anxiety and panic attacks, or even more important, my agoraphobia. Most people do not even know what in the world that mean or what causes it. Basically, it means that I am afraid to travel outside of my comfort zone and especially distances far away from my home. Anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Yet, when trying to find a friend, they often run the other way because I seem to be “crazy.” Because I should be able to do whatever they can do, yet that is just not my reality.
Four years ago I was totally homebound and agoraphobia was controlling my life, but through great friendships, lots of prayer and help from my church, I was able to begin to slowly start living again. It wasn’t easy at first. Some days I would just drive one block away from my home and then right back, but over time daily activities are much easier for me, yet I still struggle in many areas such as vacations.
I am of the belief that God sends the right people into our lives exactly at the right time. I have had friends that have come along side of me when I wasn’t able to stay at home alone due to the panic attacks and the fear of being alone controlling my life. I have had friends that have offered to be willing to be called on the phone at any point in the day or night if I was struggling. Some of them live many miles away, yet I would consider them to be some of my dearest friends. This is the type of friendship that I would describe as the hands and feet of God. I knew that these friends would be there for me in any type of situation that I was facing and for that I am forever grateful.
Too often in today’s world, we don’t want to get involved because it is their “problem”, but really aren’t we supposed to be help to those in need by being a friend, offering an encouraging word or being the example of someone that exemplifies Christ ?
These dear friends of mine have walked with me through the dark valley of the shadow of death and slowly but surely, I am coming out on the other side of the valley stronger and more secure.
God continues to do a work in me daily but I know that friendships are what have sustained me through my struggle with anxiety. God’s plan for His people is always for the best. Friendships often lead us to the best that He has for us through making God available with “skin on”. I am forever grateful to the friends that have walked beside me.
Meet Angie Webb: I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Mike for almost 29 years. We have two sons and 3 grandchildren. I am part owner in our home business and my husband is a police officer full time. I just recently left the world of working outside of the home. I love to read, study the Word and write on my blog or through greeting cards. I usually have more than one book being read at a time but somehow or another; I manage to keep all of the plates spinning. I have had many traumas in my life from childhood abuse as well as several family members’ suicides and my grandmother’s murder by my grandfather. Life isn’t easy at times but I know the TRUE ONE that holds my hand everyday will always has my best interest at heart.
