When I started reading it, I remember feeling really emotional. I could totally relate to the things that Lisa Whelchel was saying.
I remember as a teenager some girlfriends and I would have gossip sessions. It was so easy to get caught up in those; they always seemed to have all the dirt and because I never really got close to people, I guess I just took it all in. Later, I remember some of these same girlfriends broke my heart. They did things to me that I just really didn't understand why. Had I not been a good friend? Had I not been a fun person to be around? I felt like it was my fault, but I never did (and still don't) know what happened. But I guess its like one of the points of the book, if your "friends" are being ugly about others, they are probably going to be ugly to you.
Well, whatever my reasoning, I failed to really dive into relationships. I guess like Whelchel, I didn't want to be needy, I didn't want to have feelings, I didn't think others were safe. I'm a pretty independent person; I don't like to ask for help and I don't pour out my feelings to too many people. I don't want to be hurt...again.
After reading this book, I think I've come to the realization that it is ok to be cautious and to find safe friends. I have two girlfriends that I would call "soul close." We are pretty in tune to each other. We are there for each other. We love each other. In these two ladies, I think I've found "my Emmitt." (You'll have to read the book).
I think this book will help me to get past the shallowness of many of my relationships, to "really know" my friends, "not just about them." I need to put my pride and fear aside and be admit my need for others.
One particular statement I loved was this, "She chooses to be with me because she wants to, not because I deserve it, even when I mess up, even when I'm far from perfect." Before reading on I underlined that and wrote out to the side Just like JESUS.
That related so much to what we've been reading the last day or so in our Bible study. I want to be that friend. And I want a friend like that.
So, my plan is to work on my grown-up friendships, to be some one's Emmitt. I want to get away from the superficial surface and really know my friends.
I think this is a great book for any woman who struggles with friendships, or just insecurities and wants to strengthen the bond with girlfriends and God. If you read it or have read it, please let me know what you thought.
I think too that I'm going to ask my superintendent if I can a year sabbatical from teaching to pursue friendships. Hey, if Lisa can do it, why can't I?
