Lifelong friendships are never planned. They are a serendipitous gift from God. My Lunch Bunch could be the model for the purpose statement of Women of the ELCA.
The group has always been a safe haven for each of us to try out new skills and new ideas. We are all committed to learning and growing. Together we have laughed until we cried and cried until we could laugh again. The Lunch Bunch is always a safe place for us to reveal our uglier sides and to share painful experiences.
May you have the healing experience of friends. May you encourage unlikely individuals to become friends and build trust. Pull down walls of fear and suspicion. Actively promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. That is the healing power of friendship.
This message is adapted from “Healing Friendships” written by Terry L. Bowes in the October 2011 issue of Gather magazine.