unconditional...
i've been thinking a lot lately about friendships and how unconditional love and support play a role. of course we know (hopefully) that God's and family's love and support are unconditional. i know i've been shown more than my fair share of grace. but what about when it comes to friendship? fortunately in my life, i've had amazing friends and i can't remember a time when i've set conditions or been the object of conditions. so what about when friends mess up? bad. hurt a lot of people. know they've messed up. stuck in situation because of whatever reason. what about now? do i back away and let them loose? i think that unconditional friendship means standing by someone even when their actions have turned others away. i wonder how my thoughts and actions in this situation will be seen by others. ultimately does it matter what others think, or if i remain loyal to this person? i have a history of deep friendship with a person and though we haven't talked a lot verbally over the past year, we stay in touch online and God lays her on my heart quite a bit. even though the dynamics of our friendship has changed (10 years ago i was the one lacking close friends and she was a strong tower in my life and now she's told me several times over the past year "you're the only one i can always count on. you're the only friend who is loyal and doesn't abandon me no matter what i do."), i still feel committed to the friendship. i know some may raise their eyebrows and wonder what i'm doing, but i pray they'll know my loyalties aren't tied to actions-good or bad. though i've been asked to be in a place of honor, i don't want to feel like i'm condoning a situation, though my refusing support wouldn't change the situation, only the credibility of my friendship as far as i can see it. this is just one of the many things rolling around in my head lately... let me know if you have any insight...i'm sure i'll have more to say later...