“Those who lack a friend in which to unburden their heart become cannibals of their own hearts.”

This is an excerpt from an article I read today by David Powlison. It was actually an article about friendship in marriage, but much of it can apply to friendship in general:

Friendship has qualities of, I’m for you. I’m your friend. I care about you. I’m willing to be candid with you. There’s an interchange, there’s a, I can share with you what’s on my mind. I can share with you why I’m struggling. Ask your counsel, your advice, your prayers, or just so you know, so I’m not bearing it alone. 

One of my favorite quotations is from the 17th century essayist Francis Bacon. He says that, “Those who lack a friend in which to unburden their heart become cannibals of their own hearts.” 

And to be able to share openly with one’s friend, it redoubles joys and it cuts griefs in half. So, there’s a sense of friendship as a place where we’re able to let another person in on our lives, and what matters to us….

Your friend,

Tiffany