True Friendship

I attend an "all men" group every Saturday. These groups are more than just a bunch of guys getting together to talk about the latest sports news or action movies.

These are men who have become some of my dearest friends in the 7 years I've been attending these meetings. Some may ask at this point, "What makes these men so dear to you?"

The answer is simple: There are no secrets between us. We come together to share about life's struggles and difficulties from the deepest recesses of our hearts. We come to know each other as more than just our jobs and what sports we like to watch on Saturday or Sunday.

What is so amazing about this process is that once men break down the barriers between them, the sky is the limit in the potential of their friendships. I firmly believe that men are looking for authenticity and "realness" in relationships. We're tired of wandering through life thinking we're the only ones who struggle with a dark side of our humanity. We desire to conquer our demons side by side.

The other benefit of true and honest sharing is knowing people can love and respect you despite your "ugly" side. My friends in these groups don't think any less of me because of my dark secrets. They challenge me to work on them as true friends should, but never condemn me or abandon me as a friend. In fact, their friendship with me is strengthened through these interactions. It's amazing how men open up once the ice is broken. It's a powerful thing.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17) This is the crux of true friendships. A man knows he has a true friend when they both see through the facade to the real person. It is truly at this point that we can begin to sharpen ourselves with the help of a friend.

I have about five really close friends right now, and about 20 guys who I can share ANYTHING with, without fearing what they will think. Seven years ago I only had one of these kind of friends, and he lived in Iowa! This Saturday group I decided to attend has transformed my way of thinking, and my idea of friendship. It's also allowed God to transform my heart.

So exercise some courage and take the leap of faith. Find or form a group today at your local church or home. You won't regret it. You're guaranteed to learn what friendship truly is for possibly the first time in your life.