Let me preface this by saying: there was a point in my life where I wasn’t sure who was going to stand by me and who wasn’t. Our family was going through severe transition and I watched as decade long relationships crumbled. But I had NO CLUE the beautiful friendships God was about to send my way. So here’s a few lessons I learned along the way.

1. Appreciate those who have stood by you. At times when it may feel like the world is falling apart around us, it is important to be thankful for those who have stood like pillars around us.
2. Remind yourself of your value. We must always keep Psalms 139:14- “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” This verse can often be dismissed as cliché, but take note of the “my soul knows it very well”. We ought to have such a strong sense of our value as daughters and sons that we don’t just KNOW it, but we take it to heart and walk in it every day. It should not just be a token verse taped to our mirrors, but something we believe every step we take. Also, our value rests not in how much other people “like” us but rather, it is established in God’s resolute love for us.
3. It is okay to have a bad day. We all have them. I know I certainly do… I mean just this past week I managed to spill orange juice on my shirt a mere ten minutes before having to leave, forget to turn in a paper, and wipe out in the school parking lot. It’s a fact of nature: we’re human. So unless you happen to be some freak of nature, bad days will happen, but it’s okay. The best lesson my mom ever taught me was to be upset, but to never let that guide your day.
4. God is always on your side. When it feels like no one, even those who are the “pillars” in your life is of any help, God’s got you. Call me naïve, but I believe He has and always will have my best interest at heart, and sin sometimes gets in the way. At the end of the day, if we remember He cares deeply for us, and surrender to Him, His Will will be done (try saying that ten times fast).
5. Dogs and coffee will always be your best friend. All I’m saying is coffee has never given me trust issues and my dogs are always happy to see me.

So whether you are in a valley or on a mountaintop when it comes to friendship, always remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE.