"Hard times will always reveal true friends"
That was posted by a facebook friend and I saw it in my feed. I don't know who the author is. It gave me the idea what to write here. I was supposed to write about something else but I can't formulate how to write about those topics.
Do you agree with the title?
I have shared here about an experience when our house burned down to ashes. Our family only managed to save a few items and the clothes that they are wearing. That was our family house. It's where we grew up and made memories but all those gone in just minutes. The fire started in our neighbors house and our house burned down with it.
We were at a loss that fateful day. We don't know where to go. What to do. Where to sleep. Where to eat. Where to live. It was traumatic.
However, help came in every form from everyone we know, relatives and friends, and people we don't know, neighbors and other Good Samaritans.
That was two years ago and our house is not yet finished. Times are hard.
The beginning of this year, our grandfather died and my dad had an accident. My dad was in the hospital being treated when our grandfather unfortunately suddenly died. It was a double blow and it's hard to come back from that. Although dad is now home recovering from the accident he had, there are other ailments that have been found so he is still being treated.
Again, help came from a lot of people and we are grateful for the blessings that we receive.
Now back to the title:
"Hard times will always reveal true friends."
We all go through struggles in life. We don't know what is really happening with others. What is going on in their lives. What are their worries. What are their problems. Not every one wants to peel off the mask they wear and show some of their emotions that they have been hiding.
With the misfortunes that I have mentioned above, I was grateful for every little help that we received - from monetary to clothes, food, housewares to assistance in helping rebuild our home such as working there for free to prayers, etc.
We all go through hard times such that how can we help others if we can't even help ourselves?
Should we unfriend those that we felt didn't help us during those times that we needed help? Do you help others hoping to get something in return sooner or later?
There is a chat group for our high school batch and whenever someone needs help, it is posted there and we do help in every way that we can. It's frustrating sometimes that I can't even give back to those who have helped us in times of our needs now that they are the one needing help.
So when we fell into unfavorable circumstances, it's not all about the money. Think that others are going through tough times as well. Be grateful with whatever help that you receive even those prayers and words of comfort.
We can only give as much and do as much. Don't expect too much from others like your friends for you will only be frustrated in the end. It's understandable that we lash out at the peak of our emotions that's why have a more understanding heart. Understanding is a key to acceptance.
How do you measure friendship? Have you checked on your friends/relatives lately?
For me, I love to help if he/she needs my help, even if no return, because the Bible says, much better to give than to receive.