And a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Alan Jones, Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, tells of a personal crisis of faith and the importance of faithful friends. The first was the sustaining power of a worshiping, compassionate, and believing community. For awhile I was carried by the lively tradition of the church, by the liturgical rhythm of the community, and the compassionate presence of my fellow Christians. For a few weeks, then, I was sustained by the faith and faithfulness of the Christian community at a time when I felt that I had no faith at all or, rather, I felt that there was no I to have faith.
Friendship is a two-way street.
Sometimes we are the ones who are surrounding another with care and hope and faith and sometimes, we are the paralyzed ones in the middle. Sometimes our paralysis or disease is well- hidden. But here there is a caring community here there is hope. Surround yourself with faithful friends and let them carry you when you can neither walk nor believe that forgiveness and healing are possible.