I went hunting in a clothing consignment store—people watching more that actually clothes shopping. I gathered a few possibilities and then stood in line to try them on.
A group of friends occupied the three dressing rooms with piles and piles of clothes. It was quite a parade as the girls popped in and out of the cubbies to model their finds. All I needed was a bag of popcorn as I settled in for the show.
At one point, a gal came out in skin tight, black shiny pants that were at least two sizes too small, a couple inches too short, and about to burst at the seams.
“Do these pants make my hips look big?” she asked her friend.
“What hips?” her friend exclaimed. “Girl, you’re lookin’ good.”
She lied.
Oh my.
My mind raced back to a time when I was with a different sort of friend. On this particular day, I met her for lunch wearing a pink sweater with fuzzy pink flamingos and randomly placed sequins. My friend took one look at me and said, “Girl, you need to take that sweater off and never wear it again. That does not look good on you!”
We had a good laugh…but I didn’t wear the flamingos again.
So which sort of friend do I really want? Honestly? One that always tells me what I want to hear, or one that loves me enough to tell me what I need to hear.
We all need friends, just a few, who will tell us the truth. Friends who will say, “That does not look good on you.” And I’m not just talking about pink sweaters with fuzzy pink flamingos or too tight, shiny black pants that make our hips look big.
I’m talking about what we wear on our hearts and in our souls. We all need friends, just a few, who will have the guts to say:
That anger does not look good on you.
That bitterness does not look good on you.
That resentment does not look good on you.
That jealousy does not look good on you.
That self-pity does not look good on you.
That self-condemnation does not look good on you.
That grumbling and complaining does not look good on you.
We all need friends, just a few, who will tell us the truth because they love us too much not to.
But just a few.
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 NLT
Do you have a friend who you trust enough to tell you when something doesn’t look good on you…or in you? One that you won’t get mad at if she does? If so, you’re truly blessed.
And I’d like to bless you both! Leave a comment with her name. I’ll randomly pick one commenter and send two Starbuck’s gift cards—one for the winner and one for her friend.
Click on the book cover to watch the video trailer for How Jesus Broke the Rules to Set You Free. Throughout the month of October, you’ll get lots of free perks when you send in a copy of your receipt from your favorite bookstore. The more copies you buy, the more free gifts you receive.
Comments 136
My college age daughter, Lindsey Stanbery will tell me without a doubt when something does not look good on me. Lindsey will tell me if I have been very negative and when my I have come across as negative to people. It make me take a second look at what I have done or said. I thank God for Lindsey, not just for being my daughter but for truthfulness and her honesty.
Ulrike-she’s a brutally honest woman of God!
God has blessed me through my friend Sally who would speak the truth in love. She’s a friend who is always honest. Sometimes she would say things that I would not want to hear but I need to hear.
Rita is my true friend and will tell me the truth all the time! I am truly blessed to have her in my life!
I’m blessed to have that kind of friend. Her name is Maha and our hearts have been knit together in sisterhood through our Lord. Her friendship has brought growth in my relationship with the Lord as she has modeled prayer, learning, memorizing and standing on the Word of God, and living a gentle and quiet life while using her gifts to bless others.
Paula
Oh yes, I have been in both situations! Am I going to be honest with my friend or tell a “little white” lie? It’s hard to be totally honest when your friend thinks she looks so good in something that she likes but does not look good on her. Better tell the truth to keep the friend. If you don’t tell her someone else will and then she will wonder why you, her best friend, did not tell her. Honesty is the best choice!
My friend, Darlene E., is such a friend as described in your post today. Her truthfulness extends from telling me she would not be seen in public with me if I chose to wear my red ginormous rabbit/alpaca jacket—-to telling me after a painful divorce that I needed to be home with my girls more, concentrating on them, instead of trying to date and have a good time. We have been best friends since 1983! She is even quicker to compliment me when I look nice–on the inside or the outside–truly a forever kind of friend!
Author
Praise God for a friend like that!
Jen Lea Mathhew
I have a friend that not only tells me the truth, but also tells me when I need to get it together. I have moments when I allow depression to get the best of me. Thank God he placed my friend in my life to remind me of things I already know, That God loves me and He cares.
Anna
I thank God every day for my gift, Amy Briggs. We both teach at a small Christian School and attend the same church. Over the years we have prayed, laughed and cried together and have grown closer with every challenge and praise. The one thing we have really gotten in the habit of is asking if the other has prayed about something before we share with each other. It can be really easy to just spill it all on our bestie before giving it to Him. Thank you Sharon for sharing your gift of writing and telling stories. Thank you God for Sharon and my bestie, Amy!
Author
That is such a good idea…ask a friend if they have prayed about it before they share it. I’m going to incorporate that with my “honest friends.”
My friend Joan.
I love my friends and would like to be the one that tells them the truth in love but some take it better than others!!
Hi Sharon
I have a older spiritual mentor mom of a dear friend who will never hesitate to kindly set me straight. I was blessed with her as I went through a hard season in life but through her wisdom and God love I understand my purpose and relationship with my Jesus. Her Spirit walks with God and she tells me when it does not and also when mine does not. Her name is Jan. God bless
Sharon, I do sometimes feel worthless. I feel that I am “stuck” in my current job working for a fast food restaurant. No matter how many times I try to find another job, God always seems to want me there. He has blessed me with the ability to be very good to my customers, and for that I am thankful. He has made me to be good at what I do, and for that I am thankful. But I get so stressed when we get busy and I can’t seem to catch up. I feel like I am letting people down when I don’t get done what I set out to accomplish. I tend to be judgmental, so when I see people that may not be so intelligent, I form opinions in my head and quickly get angry with myself for doing so. It is a constant battle, but, with God’s help, I manage to survive day by day. It is HE who comes through me so many times. Thank you for your devotions each and every morning. They help me SO much.
Author
Lori, thank you for your honest words. I don’t think I’ll ever look at someone who works at a fast food restaurant the same again. Now I will see you, Lori White, wanting more and doing the best she can to be a blessing right where she is.
Amen! So thankful for my cousin, and friend, Mandy 🙂
My daughter Laurie is the one who tells me the truth not only about my clothes but also what kind of “attitude” I’m wearing! She is a gift from the Lord in many ways! ??
Grace
Patti, Cheryl
Elizabeth Nix is my friend like that. Always truthful.
Melissa Mabry is my true friend… She has walked with me through very difficult days and told me exactly what I needed to hear. She’s my teaching partner and I love and appreciate her every day!!!
Kim powers is this for me!!
You are that friend
Author
Jen, thank you so much! I am honored to be that friend for you. Consider yourself hugged.
Deb Baker is my honest friend.
Teresa
I have a friend like this. She is a mirror of truth, when I can’t see for myself. She always does it in a direct but loving way and I know she’s not out to tear me down. I trust her more for it. It reminds me of Nathan telling David in the Bible that he had sinned. David took it well and repented.
I am so blessed to have a true friend that will tell me exactly what I need to hear in any situation that I am going through! She loves me enough to be tough even in the worst situations. I would definitely not be the person I am today without her speaking into my life and helping me through tough times. She has been my closest friend for 11 years now and I thank God everyday for her! Her name is Melissa Medlin:) Please keep her in prayer she is fighting stage 4 breast cancer at age 36. She has 3 young children the youngest being only 1 year old. Doctors are not hopeful but we are believing God for a miracle!!! For anyone wanting to keep updated on her progress you can find her story online. Thank you for praying for her! It definitely matters who you let speak into your life and Melissa has been my faithful friend! I am so thankful for her!
I don’t have a friend but I have a big sister who will tell me.
I have a sister in the Lord who survived Lymph cancer, she has 3 children and an unbelieving husband, While going thru chemotherapy, the nausea, losing her hair over & over again, she instills in me a higher level of Faith. She tells me the truth when I am weak in my Faith. How awesome can God be.
Cindy! She is the friend I trust more than anyone on this Earth.
That friend would be Linda! She would tell me YES. That makes your hips look very big!!! I would do the same for her
Emily is my friend who can tell me anything. I truly appreciate her honesty and love!
Oh..I am so thankful for my friend Jerresia. I know that I can always count on her to be open and honest with me.
Thankfully, she helps to set things into propective.
My friend Doree is like that – knows when to say “really?” and stop me from being the girl I don’t want to be.
Ashley Hill
My friend, Joy, has walked with me through sadness and happiness and kept me on God’s path more often than I care to admit!
My friend that can tell me the truth (even when it hurts) is Cindi C.! We were roommates before we got married (almost 20 years ago now), and we can always be honest with each other. We definitely don’t always agree on things, but we trust each other and know that each of us will always be there for the other.
Sheri
Kim Gladson
Amy
Autumn is my true friend. I was shopping for fall boots and I tried on a pair, and she declared “those boots are way too big for your calves!”
I do and I have been blessed to have her friendship for over 20 years. Her name is Michelle Haus and she is truly one of God’s blessings in my life.
I bless the Lord for my wonderful soul-friend. She is indeed a gift. I met Tina in church and we both inspire each other a lot. She doesn’t hesitate to correct me any time that I am wrong ans sometimes it’s like she’s the only one that encourages me. I love her so well and pray God blesses her immensely.
My best friend Miquela from high school wins this position. I remember we were doing our senior cleanup and I got some bleach on my black old navy sweater. It was ruined! I took the circular sponge I was using and began to place bleach spots all over the sweater. After it dried I put the sweater back on. My best friend about died with laughter and said take that stupid throw up sweater off!!!! I cracked up, looked at it again, and was loving my recreation too much to stop wearing it. Every time I wore it, she reminded me how horrible my throw up sweater looked, but I loved it, so I continued to make Her nauseous.
It’s great to be in my home town laying on her couch across from her as I read this blog. We just had a good giggle.
My best friend and Sister in Christ…..Carol Adams!
Ah my friend Myra is the best!!!! So funny that just before reading this I asked her for her opinion on something I wanted to buy and without gestating she told me which one looked better:) and I know she’d do the same if my behavior weren’t in tact! Thank God for great friends!!
I’d like to honor my friend, Sundy, whom we affectionately call Aunty Sundy Darling, as the truest friend God could give. She began visiting me and my children every Saturday almost 3 years ago, specifically to study the Bible with me and intentionally become a Godly support in my life. Yes, she’ll listen to the venting with an understanding ear, but you’d better believe if I’m in the wrong, there’s no coddling. She’s helped my ‘people pleaser’ self learn to put up healthy boundaries, even in challenging family situations. My children adore her and count the days until Saturday each week. Last week, she was so determined to take the older ones for a bike ride that she rode a 7 year old’s bike to do it! Her encouragement and Godly counsel is beyond value, and we couldn’t be more thankful for her. Because she is strong enough to tell the truth in love, we trust her. I could go on and on, but put simply, we love you Aunty Sundy Darling!
I am blessed that Jennifer Smith is not only my daughter but my friend! She will tell me the truth in a heartbeat!
I am blessed to have two great friends who will tell me the truth even when I don’t want to hear it. The first is my friend Angela and the second is my friend Meshondra. They are more than my BFF’s, but my sisters.
Janet and I have been friends for over 20 years. She just found out her husband of 30 years has been cheating on her for over 15 of those years. I have been trying to help her through this time by grieving with her, but also helping her move on in a Christian way. And, she is helping me not want to hate him as well. She is that friend to me and I am trying to be one for her.
Yes, I am blessed to have a friend and coworker that will tell me the truth. Mary Ellen Coker is her name and I am grateful for her friendship and spiritual heart that reveals her love for our Lord Jesus Christ. She encourages me to walk worthy of my calling that will bring honor and glory to my Lord and Savior.
My friend that does this a guy Randy Kongkreingkrai. He will come to me and ask me why I’m so angry and have talk it out. He urged me to go the doctor and get on medication, which ended up to be a very low dose.
I have a great accountability partner, Shannon Arthur, that will be brutally honest with me. I definitely need that in my life and I’m extremely grateful that she is a Godly woman.
My friend Rebecca Bradley. She has kept me straight for over 10 years. Through death in both our families, my husband most recently, nursing school, life, my diagnosis of MS and a scare with breast cancer. I am now disabled and cannot work. She has helped me deal with that also. For 18 months while I fought for disability and had no income, she supported me. Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and yes, even financially. Without question. We keep each other sharp, and help each other with everything. I believe she deserves it most of all.
My friend, Deb, is my “lie detector”…. She is graceful with me and my soul.
True friends help you keep your rationalization/excuse/maybe-a-little-lie part
of yourself in check. I thank God for Deb, and she’s told me countless times
that we are the best detectives of each other’s souls. Oh, and those pants…
I call her my “heart friend”…Lisa Crain. She is the one who will ride with me during the good times and the dark times and tell me what I need to hear all along the way. I love her dearly!
Twenty years ago, when our girls were in high school, , the Lord brought Rosemary into my life when we joined the same prayer group, Moms In Touch (Moms In Prayer now). Our hearts were knit together from the start by the same desire to have someone stand with you for your teenagers out there in the world. All these years later we are still standing together in prayer for them, their spouses, grandchildren, but mostly for one another. She will not hesitate to tell me that my words are saying one thing, but my attitude and inflection are saying another. We confess our weaknesses and sins to one another; truly can be honest with one another, as “iron sharpening iron.” We are now separated by states, but only a phone call away, faithfully spending hours talking, sharing, praying almost weekly. We are and always will be best friends and sisters in Christ!
I have a friend named Theresa Saunders…..why I love her….. she gave me a pair of capris that didn’t fit her and she wanted to bless me….and when I put them on it was not pretty…..I told her the truth I loved her enough not to wear them…..all kidding aside…she and I have told each other the truth even when it hurts and it’s not what we want to hear…and it has only strengthened our resolve to always be truthful……
thanks for yr blogs they have been so encouraging
My sister Karen is always there to support and be honest with me. She is such a gift from God.
My friend Kiji McDaniel is exactly that to me. We are “me too” friends because we say something and the other’s response is “me too.” We’ve been through 5 years of trials, tribulations, joys and rejoicing all while being totally honest with each other and not getting offended. By the way, she adores Starbucks! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Your blogs always seem to find us right where we are. It’s like you read our minds (or God does)!
All I can say to that is ME TOO!!!!!! <3 <3 <3
Yes I adore Starbucks.
I have commented numerous times on this blog how your blog not only hits home but oftentimes reiterates our pastors Sunday morning message.
Thank you for baring your heart so that we may be blessed, encouraged and strengthened!!!!
Michelle. Thank you for always being honest with me and even though sometimes it’s hard to hear the truth I know you are right. Sometimes, we can hear things over and over, but it’s not until we are ready to accept it that we really listen.
I am blessed to have 2 good friends that are always honest with me and help me with self examinations.One shared how unattractive “insecurity” was and it doesn’t look good on anyone. I always try to reciprocate the honesty in a loving way. Most of the time, we know the truth so a true friend on gives us confirmation.
I have a special friend who always tells me, do you want me to tell you as a Friend or as a Pastor? Love when she tell me this, because I know either way her words are going to be a blessing in my life. Her name is Lisette Mercado.
Michele – she is as honest as the day is long! God bless her.
Carol Argo
My friend Linda is that for me – tells me the truth, prays with me, laughs and cries with me. Thank God for friendship!
My friend Wonnette Sparks has always done this for me…and I return the favor. We can be honest with each other and never get upset. We have been through many things together…good & bad…God has always had us go through completely different circumstances that bring out the same feelings and emotions in us at the same time. It is His way of making us understand exactly how the other one is feeling in that moment. We laugh about how God shows us things in totally different ways at the exact same time. I guess the reason we can be honest with each other is we both trust each other’s heart. We know the comments we make towards different areas of each of our lives are done with respect and love. I know she would never hurt me intentionally and she knows the same. God does that. He instills that kind of trust and closeness in 2 people. Our friendship has always had God right in the middle. He makes us what we are individually and together.
Deb, is that honest friend. It sometimes stings but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
my friend and sister in Christ Linda always does what we call our “spiritual” check -up. When either one of us gets out of line we come back with scripture to set us on the right track.
My friend Sharon. She is a gift from God.
My Friend Emily. She is a gift from God.
My friend is Libby Wilder! She will absolutely be honest with me and is one of my best friends on this planet!!!
My daughter, Jordyn.
My best friend Amy Niccum. On July 21st I donated one of my kidneys to her dad:) They both have the same kidney disease and he needed one in order to survive. We have been through a lot together and I know she and I would both be so blessed to win! Thank you:)
My sister, Bonnie is that kind of friend. We do a lot together. She is always so kind and goes out of her way to help anyone, any time. She is always honest about everything. She’s my best friend. Probably because God planned it that way, she’s my twin sister and we’ve done everything together.
My friend, Tracy, is always honest with me. She is a friend I have been struggling with for a couple years. She does not have a personal relationship with Jesus. She has asked me many questions about my faith but is afraid. No one in her family believes 🙁 she is afraid that if she accepts Christ he will tell her she shouldn’t be with her husband. It breaks my heart how confused she is and how I wish she could see how much Jesus loves her and wants to help her.
I’ve recently moved about 90 minutes down the mountain, away from my first real dear friends that I’ve had as an adult, and I’m 60! We lived in a little rural community and began leading worship at a little church at the foot of the mountain in a nearby small touristy town. I’ve loved these ladies for over 20 years and now we’re a bit separated. I’m thankful for technology where we can stay connected, and I try to see them from time to time. Mostly, though, my heart misses then something awful. Kathy was probably the one who could tell me anything and I’d never be upset with her. Now that we’re here, we have our grown girls and grandchildren around, and my daughter, Tara, has stepped into Kathy’s “honesty-shoes”, haha! And I’m grateful.
On a side note, when you read this, would you please pray with me for my daughter Tara who is now married to a good man but who is an unbeliever, and she has not been in fellowship for years as a result. My son and his wife, also, are unsaved (Brad), and my heart grieves as I see our grandkids being raised as “good people” but without the Lord.
Thank you for your ministry. You bless me.
My sister Katie King, has been my lifelong “That does not look good on you” pal. She will always be honest and tell me what I need to hear, when I need to hear it. I appreciate her holding me accountable! My fiance, Brad has also taken on this role and been a wonderful supporter in holding me accountable along the same token! It is so important to surround yourself with a few “what’s on the inside” mirrors.
No one woman came immediately to mind Sharon. I know, sad. I need to work on this. There is however a older lady at church whom I volunteer with from time to time and she’s good about being straightforward and direct with her feedback, comments and advice. She does let me know her mind and her why/s. So while I can’t say she’s a “friend” per se, she is a sister in Christ who is the kind of person who would, and does, tell me the truth. Her name is Linda and I am thankful to be of her acquaintance.
MY friend Tracie is my friend who will tell me the truth. She is really my Hur. She helps hold my arms up, as Hur did Moses, as we travel this journey of life.
At the age of 59 can say I have three close friends that are never but honest with me we are like chalk and cheese but that is what makes us unique and I thank God for their true friendship
My friend Wendy can always be counted on to tell me not only when an outfit needs to go, but also when I am allowing something (or someone) to steer me away from His will for my attitude.
Ashley, is my forever-friend. We have been working together now for six years. We talk about everything from God, family, work, school, etc… If I’m ever out of line, she lets me know real quick with Biblical truth, and you can’t argue with that! She has been there for me on countless occasions… When things were really difficult, she was the one who introduced me to your website, which has been more than a blessing in my life!! So thankful the Lord saw fit to allow our paths to cross!
I use to, but she has moved. Can a husband do that,?, I don’t they can be unbiased. ,,love him!
My best friend Amanda is the one that I can count on to speak the truth to me, even if she knows I won’t like it. She does this because she loves me too much to let me make a fool of myself, make a bad decision, or to become less of the person that she thinks I am. She does this in love, and I do not take offense because I know that she truly has my back no matter what. I have a few close friends, but she is the one who loves me enough to give it to me straight. 🙂
My wonderful friend Barbara, who only wants the best for me, and is on my side all the way. That said when she disagrees with me, she just states her opinion for what works for her, and never rips me apart or tells me I am wrong.
I am blessed to have found her. My new sister who I affectionately call ‘ Barbara Ann ‘ after the Beach Boys song from the 60s.
My daughter, Stephanie, is the one person I always know I can ask and who I trust to be perfectly honest!
My friend Jana is that friend for me. She is so loving and gracious even with a hard word for me to hear. I even seek her out for a hard word because I feel Jesus when she speaks to me and I want those areas in my life to be exposed and dealt with.
I have to say I didn’t even know what a good friend or any friend was , until I met my dearest friend Stephaine. It was funny or God provided meeting my husband had graduated to heaven and one of our pastors knew I was having real problems since he left me. So my pastor told me about a ministry our church had called women in transition and the ladies house that they go to was guess who Stephaine’s house and her husband graduated to heaven about 2 years before. So I decided to go and it was automatically a bond and instant friendship. I know that she would never not be truthful with me no matter what the situation and visa versa. We feel more like sisters than friends she got me through the heartaches and pain in my life oh and we always go shopping together so we get honest and loving suggestions or Put It Back Uggg. I know I can always count on her. Thank you Pastor Larry and my Heavenly Father for putting her in my life.
My friend Robin and my twin sister Wendi are my friends who will always tell me the truth, even when I don’t really want to hear it. And I am that friend for them as well.
Debbie & Evelyn. One long time friend, one new. Both women are true sisters who have spoken the truth in love to me in ways I so need to hear. Hard stuff at times, but when it hits my heart it resonates deeply with healing and redemption. Oh the love of God who sends me dear sisters to refine my impurities and polish my tarnished places. Thank you Lord.
My bf April we been friends since 1988 till now she’s also my oldest daughter godmom and we talk just about everyday she live in Albany, Georgia and I live in Orange, New Jersey. We are really beyond bf’s more like sisters we talk about any and everything and I don’t judge her and she doesn’t judge me either. She can feel when I’m going through something and we both know its the Holy Spirit and vice versa the Holy Spirit let me know when my Sista is going through something as well and our calls be right on time 🙂 I love her so much I’m an only child and so is she so I know and believe that’s what grew our bond close from day one when we first met in HIGH SCHOOL. She tells me what I need to hear not what I want to hear and I appreciate and love her for that because I know she’s not being malicious towards me its coming from a place of love and concern and the same goes with me telling her what she needs to hear and not what she wants to hear. I could go on and on but I won’t y’all get the gist lol
My best friend Hope is amazing. We have been best friends since 2007.
My BFF Angie,
She has been my best friend since middle school. I don’t know how she stayed by my side with my nasty attitude but she kept me grounded. She continues today to tell me what is right and not what makes me feel good. Everyone needs a friend that will tell it like it is, call you out on your mess and have you to realize it is not all about you. She is my prayer partner and the one that I cannot hide anything from.
My very dear friend Martha.
We always feel very open with each other and can share anything. It’s such a blessing to have someone who loves you enough tell you when something “doesn’t look good on you” spiritually speaking.
This is a good reminder to be thankful for the friends that God blesses us with and not take them for granted! I thank the Lord for giving me such a friend!
My oldest daughter and Cristina and I have become great friends. I’m more conservative and she more trendy. However we both Know each other well enough to be honest when it comes to fashion and design. I’m thankful she has Mom’s well being in mind just as I’ve always had hers.
My precious friend, Sallie, is the truth-teller I am most grateful to have in my life. God gifted me with her friendship at a time when I desperately needed a tangible expression of the love of Jesus, and we have become like sisters over the past couple years. She has never told me my pants made my hips look big, but she has gently pointed other flaws and challenged me to grow into a more whole person. There aren’t enough words to adequately express my gratitude for such a treasured gift. We regularly talk about Girlfriends in God and how the blog for each day is exactly what we needed. Thank you, Sharon, for your ministry!
Author
Congratulations! You are the winner of the 2 Starbucks gift card. One for you and one for your friend!Please email sharon@localhost/sjold with you address so we can send them out!
My sweet sweet friend Tress. She is quit honestly one of the very few people I fully trust….I know she will tell me the truth, even if it hurts. I also know her words are so anointed by the power of the Holy Spirit that her truth nails me every time!!! She will tell me when I’m over board, under water, looking fine or a hot mess. I know her words are true and honest from her heart but most importantly I know they are always, always always undergirded with LOVE!!
My friend Maria my sister in Christ we can tell each other anything and we make each other accountable.
My BFF, Veronica Ward, would tell me in a heartbeat if something needed to go, too much blush one one cheek, and that pink bow headband is a definite no, even when I insist it’s so cute. We are in our 50’s:). She’s a Jesus loving sweet and sassy Latin girl who is not afraid to speak her mind but always does so in love. I trust her to tell me the truth and I’m thankful she does.
I have only recently been blessed with a friend like this. Two years ago God blessed me with Sarah. At first I was not sure if she was a gift or a trial! I have never had a friend who held me so accountable or a friend that I felt so compelled to hold accountable! We have been sharpening each other ever since!
Many friends have come and gone over the years, which is, unfortunately, not uncommon when living overseas, but I can always count on my twin sister to be brutally honest. We live far apart, but email and skype or call each other frequently. She will admonish me, encourage me and compliment me at all the appropriate and needed times. Her name is Laura Tang. We both live in China, where Starbucks is VERY expensive, so I don’t indulge unless I’m taking one of my daughters out on a mommy-daughter date. I believe my 12-year-old will be the next truthful judge of my fashion and character. I’m already asking her about my clothes and she is already telling me when I’m not acting or speaking right. (and she already loves coffee!)
God has doubly blessed me! My friends Kir, and Nancy are both honest & true. They live in different states, the one I grew up in, and the one I live in now. They have heard about each other for years, and this summer they finally met…and loved each other! I was both thrilled, and relieved! I thank God for them every day!
My friend Lauren
My friend Luci and I have been best friends for 50+ years. She is the truest of friends, always speaking truth to me, and I to her. We just love cooking together, shopping, and all those things that best friends love to do. We call our times out shopping and just hanging out with another friend “Gal Pal Day”
Renee Martin, my friend
My iron sharpening friend is Jeanie she is also my daughter’s motherinlaw she is really helping me with relating to my daughter in a difficult situation we are dealing with, I am very grateful for her honesty with me about my overwhelming interupting problem that keeps my daughter from talking to me about her issues with me
Her name is Jerry O’shields and she does not mind telling me because she cares about me. She is a godly woman that I can trust.
I have been truly blessed to have a friend such as this this, her name is Tabitha (Tabby for short), Tabby lived next door to me for two years before I allowed myself to get to know her. As it happened God had plans for the two of us and brought us together at a women’s retreat. From that point on Tabby has been the one true friend through it all and I mean all and has been the one to speak truth and life over me. Today, Tabby suffers from TBI ( Traumatic Brain Injury) due to a car accident that left her in chronic pain. The pain medication she was prescribed was not prescribed correctly therefore causing the TBI. My dear friend is not able to be left alone anymore and has to use a walker to get around as she shakes uncontrollably and suffers from short memory loss. Tabby, still to this day is the one person I can count on to be truthful and I know she hears from God and is gentle to give his word. She continues to have faith in her healing and even though she is in pain she remains a positive ray of sunshine.
I am truly blessed to have my friend Mary. We have the kind of relationship that we can tell each other the truth. This takes trust and I know that my friend has my best interest at heart and therefore I trust her to speak into my life. 🙂
My friend, Wanda Dezern is a true and honest friend. She has been my dear friend for over 30 years.
My friend Beverly is truly a gift from God in my life. I am the age of her daughter, but we have an amazing friendship and share the truth in love with each other in all things. We spent about 8 years together in a Moms in Touch group. There is nothing like praying with someone on a weekly basis for years to knit your hearts together.
Diana Juarez has been such a blessing in my life. A daughter and then a friend. She will not sugar coat anything in my life, but I love her honesty. She has been there for me through thick and thin, on the good and the bad, in sickness and in health. Love her to pieces.
Pilar Ortiz is a dear friend. We don’t talk often or on a daily basis about our life long situations, but I know that I can pickup just where I left out. I know I can always have a prayer from her inspirational mouth. She keeps me grounded and a great listener and will disagree with my way of thinking, but we never get offended with each other opinions. Love this girl
I have 3 good friends that would speak the truth: Cheryl, Jen, and Shae. My mom is also willing to tell me the truth in love!
My friend that is tried and true is June. We have been through thick and thin. Deaths’ births and everything in between.
My daughter Grace is that true friend. She tells me the truth about me and even my dressing. I love her so much she keeps me alert
My dear friend Claudia is that kind of friend!
Yes! Beth is her name. We can be direct with each other without offending and if there is a hurt feeling because of it which stems from an insecurity, we can love and heal through it.
Sue Schlottman
Marlene J. D. – I just see her way too seldom as we live so far apart, but this friendship has lasted through the ages – over 30 years!
Hoping for Julie
I have a few friends who are honest with me and vice-versa , but it was a process to get to that point. We had to develop trust in each other, speak in love & kindness, & learn not to be offended. Grateful for Gretchen & Betty for being such triends.
Grateful for my friend Sue’s honesty and love. Thank you for sharing your article Sharon.
All I can say is Thank God for Patty! She wasmy best friend while growing up and after 29 years of being apart, we have found each other again. It’s like we haven’t been apart. We just picked up where we left off. Our styles are very similar and I can promise you that when one of us steps out of style we are on each other. Laughing and asking “girl,,, what was you thinking”. Bahahahaha! Nothing like a true girlfriend
Kim
My best friend is my sister, Brenda. We speak freely about our children, grandchildren, husbands, our problems, our mistakes, our faith and, yes, even what we are wearing. We compliment each other or we can say, Please don’t wear that again,” or “Wow, you look really great today.” And because we don’t mind speaking the truth in a negative way, we know that the truth in a positive way is real, not just empty compliments.
My friends name is Nissi. Nissi is a blessing to my life. I met her in the university. She tells me when I don’t look good and when I don’t behave well. There was a time I made a fringe hair sstyle, when she saw me she said why does your hair look like you have a mop on your head please loosen it ASAP. It was funny but it was the truth. Nissi loves Jesus and she free me closer to him She made me see Jesus in a beautiful way and I longed to wok for him more. Some friends are sent to us by God as we journey through life and Nissi is one of them.
My best friend I would say is my daughter Sabrina, she doesn’t pull punches she will tell me when my attitude stinks or when im using the wrong lipstick or dressing with clothes too tight or clothes too big I can always count on her to be honest and for her I’m truly blessed Thank you Lord for giving her that special gift
My good friend, Debbie, helps me keep it real!