Holy in the Daily

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how to recognize a soul friend in a facebook world

How to Recognize a Soul Friend in a Facebook World

I have lots of friends, many on Facebook. The depth of these friendships varies, yet these people each walk a way with me in my life journey.

Some friendships are information oriented—Twitter type updates about our kids and life in general. Other friends trek with me in the twists and turns of daily life, laugh and cry at the appropriate times, and mark my days with memorable stories of life lived and grief endured.

On a deeper level are my soul friends—those companions on my path who walk beneath the surface of my life. Soul friends allow my good side and my bad side to be exposed; they don’t freak out when the bad side monopolizes my day. My “old man” and my “new man” are not hidden from them. These friends relate to me just as I am without unreal expectations.

Soul friends nourish my soul. Their love and forgiveness allow a depth to develop where I can discover all that God is calling me to become. By their attitudes, words, and actions, the grace of God is extended to help me face other kinds of relationships—the ones that are more expectation and obligation focused.

Most of my personal growth takes place as I walk with my soul friends. They hold me accountable in my shortcomings without judgment or condemnation. Encouragement is offered along with coffee and heavy cream. Confusion vanishes in conversations where laughter is mixed with an understanding of God, his word and his ways. Their companionship keeps me alert to the presence of Jesus and the movings of the Spirit Holy. Daily they lift me before the Throne of the One who guides our journeys.

Everyone needs a soul friend.  Who might your soul friends be and why? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.

And pass this post on to a soul friend, letting them know you value their friendship.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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This Post Has 9 Comments

  1. Tom Wymore

    Wow! Well stated, Susan! And you and Tom have certainly become soul friends with Jettie and me. And we have been enriched by many others with whom we can be truefaced!

    Thanks for writing what is in our hearts in a compelling way!

    Tom (Jettie, too)

  2. Susan Gaddis

    Glad the post found a connection. I know that you have been surrounded by those who have prayed for you two and allowed you to be real. That is what makes you and Jettie special.

    We love you folks and look forward to you getting out to California this year. We still have to visit that little tea house in Cambria, you know. 🙂

  3. Carolyn

    A ‘soul friend’ is something to really treasure. This has really made me think about my friends and what they mean to me. Thank you Susan … you always make me think ! <3

  4. Lilly Green

    Sometimes soul friends drift away, like a tributary diverging from the main river. And just when you think the connection is forever lost, you join up in the “flow” again and regain the connection. Funny how life is sometimes. 🙂

  5. Susan Gaddis

    Blessings to you, Lilly. I’m thankful our tributary has reconnected with yours–and through Facebook! Life is surprising good, isn’t it. 🙂

  6. Julia Mitchell

    I love soul friends. They are few. But they are forever in the depth of my heart. Even if I never see them or talk with them, they are there with me and I know I am with them. Our connection is an eternal one and we know that each time we do have the chance to come together, our hearts will be aflame with knowing each other and the wonders that make up who we are as people. We don’t need to speak, we just know each other’s hearts and that is enough.

  7. Adele

    As someone who’s been living a bit of a nomadic life for the past five years, I cannot imagine surviving thriving without my soul friends.

    Separated by oceans, our connection times now happen via Skype, and via visits when time and money permits. I’ve made new friends in new places, but soul friendships take time to grow.

    I’m thankful to be living in an age where it is easy enough to remain in frequent contact with those friends who root me as well as encourage me to soar.

  8. Susan Gaddis

    I agree, Adele. Technology has made it so much easier to stay connected with those that walk with us in the deep places of life. Thanks for sharing how you stay in touch with and value your soul friends.

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