Fellow Corona Virus Navigator,
Last week our feature article discussed “The Hope Diamond.” No doubt we agree that Hope is essential to life, whether it be vital optimism related to one’s future on earth or the ultimate Hope of eternal life through Jesus. Given the Corona Virus realities around us, this verse from Romans 15:4 is ideal: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have HOPE.” (Romans 15:4) This verse is pretty good medicine for potential virus or anything else that ails us: PERSEVERANCE (keep on keeping on) + WORD of God (which provides en-COURAGE-ment) = HOPE.
This week our topic is the importance of FRIENDS in living a resilient life, in navigating crisis. I suspect that most of us have come to a greater appreciation of friends in these days of CV19, with social distancing and quarantine causing us to miss the healthy relationships in our lives. From the broader perspective of the Resilience Life Cycle, FRIENDS fit into the BEFORE phase (“Know Your Friends”) and DURING phase (“Call 911” Friends) and AFTER phase (“Guard Your Primary Relationships”). Just as with CALLING, FRIENDS are a golden thread which weaves through all aspects of resilience in our lives. Our “video blog” this week highlights the essential nature of FRIENDSHIP in every dimension of our lives.
May each of you have a blessed week as you continue to Draw from your Well of Courage, Wait Well, Guard Your Primary Relationships, anticipate Springtime in America, and abound in HOPE.
Respectfully in Christ,
Bob
PS- As a reminder, our Resilience God Style Newsletters website page has an archive of all past RGS newsletter content for your future reference, or for you to share with others.
PPS- I’m highlighting the RGS Training Game again — a fun activity with a purpose while you “shelter at home.”
PPPS- “Resilience in the Midst of Crisis” I will be part of an Unconventional Business Network Connect webinar this Thursday, April 30th at 12:00 Noon Central Time. I will be drawing upon experience of leading during a crisis.
You can register here.
Gaining Altitude
“A man of too many friends comes to ruin,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
~Proverbs 18:24
No Man Is An Island
John Donne, a sixteenth century English poet who was well acquainted with grief, suffering, and resilience; penned these famous words “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…” While there is a strong human tendency to isolate when we are in pain, the healthy spiritual and emotional response to trauma is to draw close to family and friends. In Resilience God Style we refer to “911 Friends” — relationships who will be hugging you (physically or virtually) within seconds after you have a “body slam.” These are not Facebook friends, rather the small circle of friends who you trust with every issue and confidence of life… ultimately those who will be in the front row at your funeral, or serve as your pallbearers.
We don’t develop “911 Friends” overnight — it takes time to develop these deep relationships of trust, confidence, and comfort; but it is essential to resilient living. In recognition of this importance of FRIENDSHIP, I have put together a short video from one of my 911 friends, Jim Johnson. The context is Jim’s recovery from trauma and his eventual comfort to others after his son Matt took his own life on the day he was to graduate from college. I have spliced together some key elements from Jim’s story which illustrate important dimensions of the FRIENDSHIP which we all need in our lives.
Without further introduction, here is Jim Johnson:
Respectfully in Christ,
Bob
So what about YOU?
Who are YOUR “911 Friends?”
How can YOU be a better friend to others?
Is a greater commitment to FRIENDSHIP
a Corona Virus “Silver Lining” for YOU?
Share your COMMENTS with us.
Bounce Builder
Suggested Answer: My “911 friend,” ____________, always has my back and is willing to sacrifice for my benefit. He/she is always available and always gives me the benefit of the doubt. Note: To have friends, we must be a friend. Select your friends wisely and invest in a small number of genuine friendships. These will be the people you can count on in a crunch, and they can count on you.
Share your thoughts in the COMMENTS below.
RESILIENCE RESOURCES
From “Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge —
“NATURE heals, teaches, strengthens, soothes;
It brings us the presence of God, for
“The whole earth is filled with His glory” (Isaiah 6:3)
Go let it restore your soul — daily, whenever possible.”
God’s Resources are all around us!
Cardinal eggs on our back porch — Thank you, Lord!
From the Mailbox
This edition is right on, true, and to the point…you hit the ball out of the park. I forwarded to a friend who needs this message right now…kind of like we all do! Biblically foundational…well done, my friend. Be encouraged as you encourage others!
PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR COMMENTS ON
“NO MAN IS AN ISLAND”
SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA.
If you enjoy the Resilience God Style newsletter, the greatest form of flattery is to share each issue with your friends by emailing it to them and sharing on social media. This way more people can benefit and our community will become even stronger.
