Velvet Case

Religion Editor

Quality friendships can be one of the strongest support systems we will have as college students. Many of us have moved away from home to attend college, and our families no longer live close by us. Now that we are virtually on our own, who we allow to get close to us is very important.

For the past two years of my life, I have been extremely close with this one particular friend. I knew that I could go to this friend for absolutely anything. This friend was there for me when I woke up and when I went to sleep, not to mention all the time in between.

I have done very well in my academic accomplishments, and this friend was there to congratulate me every step of the way.

Then much to my surprise, this friend decided to take a different path in life.

There I was, about to start my last semester of college, yet my support system had crashed on me. I do not have a problem doing things on my own, but it makes all the difference in the world to have someone there cheering me on.

Shortly before my friend was no longer a part of my life, the Lord brought a new friend into my world. This new friend is practically a clone of myself. Even other people we know have commented how alike my new friend and I are.

If you need a friend, ask the Lord for one. Ask God for the right friend to come into your life.

Maybe you are popular and already have a bunch of friends, but do you have a person in your life who will stand by you no matter what happens?

Proverbs 17:17a says, "A friend loves at all times...."

The type of friends that God wants in our lives are the friends that will be examples of light and love.

"There are 'friends' who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother," Proverbs 18:24 (NLT).

I encourage you to ask the Lord for those quality friendships and hold onto them. Having good friends and being a good friend will change your life