“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17
“There are big ships, and small ships, but the best ship is Friendship.” Robert the cruise director
During the years of our ministry, Randy and I have been fortunate to meet and love so many friends. These are folks that are always there no matter the circumstances- they would do anything for you and vice versa. These people are always honest with you and loyal to you no matter the situation.
In 1975 while serving in Dalton, we were awakened around 5 in the morning during a horrific thunderstorm by our friend and neighbor, Sam. A huge creek ran in front of both our houses, and it seems the rain had carried his bridge downstream. “Randy,” he yelled, “run out to your front yard and see if you can grab my bridge – I’m on my way.” They did it! No questions – just I’ll be there!
During our first appointment in Newborn from 1976 to 1978, the summer of 1977 was extremely dry – so dry that rats (cat size ones) would gnaw the screen of our porch trying to get to our dog’s water. We tried everything to rid ourselves of these awful pests. One night about dusk, Randy abandoned logic and decided to shoot them as they went about their nightly ritual. I was in the kitchen when I heard two things pretty close together – a shot and the phone ringing. Sammy, our back door neighbor (a lawyer and now a judge), said one sentence after I said hello, “Diane, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m coming and I’m bringing my gun, tell Randy not to shoot!” No questions – just I’ll be there!
We moved to Bowdon in June of 1978 and were expecting our second child in July. We had met people there, but in July we were still relatively the new folks! The morning we had to go to the hospital, Randy called our new friend, Sherrod, to ask if she could keep Rob until my Mama got there. She said, “Of course.” I didn’t know until sometime later that she was hosting a luncheon that day, but she didn’t hesitate! No questions – just I’ll be there!
When I think of friends, so many names leap to my mind. I can still see a group of men who were first church members at Mt. Bethel, then lifelong friends. They guided, advised, and loved us! We depended on them for honesty and guidance. We would never have built such a ministry without them. No questions, just I’ll be there!
If you know us, you know that when we call or text with the one word “help”, don’t hesitate, just come! No questions, just I’ll be there! We will always do the same if it’s humanly possible.
C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship has no survival value; rather it gives value to survival.” How could we survive without our friends? God bless all our friends!
Beautiful
One of your best! This reminds me of many folks in our ministerial years who said “I’ll be there” when we needed them. God always provided….
We were blessed.
Thank you, Sherry. Hope you guys are well!