Want to Read this Book Together?
A friend of mine, from church, told me yesterday that she had ordered this book, Friendship for Grown-Ups, by Lisa Whelchel. Michele (who has been a good friend for several years) said it had come highly recommended by an older woman in our church, that was longing to know how to have deeper and better friendships. This older woman is now in her 60's and still is hoping for a true-blue friend. She was longing for deeper friendships and just plain tired of the constant longing for such a friend. She found this book and now has some tools to make it a reality.
Michele and I agreed that we could use the book. We have many friends, or we decided to term them acquaintances, but very few intimate friends. We have both found friendship to be hard ground. We find that it is easy to give of ourselves, but harder to receive. Sometimes the truth be told is that it just isn't reciprocated by the other person, which plainly just hurts. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt as proof. sigh.
There are many types of friends, but honestly the deep kind are hard to come by. The Bible tells us that Jesus had 3 intimate friends, then the next level were his disciples (students), then the next his followers (which made up a very large group).
Friendship requires trust, it requires vulnerability, it requires risk (in putting yourself out there)...honestly, I am not sure I have what it takes. I am hoping that in reading this book, Friendship for Grown-Ups, that I will see friendship in a new dimension and perhaps open myself up for deepening the relationships I have.
Michele challenged me to go get my own copy, versus just reading her copy; as it would show that there was commitment on my part to be open to learning and perhaps to change that begins with me. I am up for the challenge...
Anyone else want to join me?
Do you think we should read it chapter by chapter and share our thoughts? If yes, when do you want to start? I am thinking to give everyone about 4 weeks to get a copy and then jump in, to see what we learn!
I'd love to hear from you...
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15 comments:
Count me in!! I've been longing for what I call a "3am" friend (the kind you'd feel comfortable calling at 3am if needed) for several years now. Since moving to another state the longing has only intensified as I don't have many of the lighter friendships here yet to fill the most basic desire for friendship.
Chapter by chapter sound good to me, unless they're long ones. Without a book in front of me, I will trust your judgement.
~Julie S.
Looks like a good read,alas I will not be able to get it, but I will interested to read what you all are saying about it. Maybe i will glean some secrets from you all.Smile!
Sounds awesome, but I am OCD about finishing a book that I already started...
So I will have to put it on my To-Read list. But like Amrita, I'm hopeful to hear your thoughs :)
lOh how neat my christian book store called the other day to tell me that it was in.I haven't picked it up yet but would love to readit with others. I have been having dificulty with friends for a few years and just long for that one.Just like you said I have aquaniteces but not alot is resiprecated.I don't comment often but your blog is encouraging. It is nice to know Iam not alone on the freind thing. Looking forward to your thoughts on this book.
Blessings
Angela
Just finished it on vacation! :-) It prompted me to start a new small group....tonight! So excited.
I've gotta go get my copy! I'm eager to read!
Gonna get a copy. Like some others... a bit OCD about finishing a book. I (for some reason) don't mind marking them up if they are for Bible Study groups so I can be IN. Thanks for waiting until everyone gets a copy!
I think your plan sounds great. I'll order a copy asap.
I just placed my order through Amazon. Got a new copy for just under $12 plus shipping.
That book sounds wonderful. I won't buy it because of the shipping costs to Australia but I will be interested to see how you review it.
hugs,
Kate
I'm in. Let me know when we start. Anyway is fine with me.
Teresa C.
I would love to, I am in the middle of a move right now... Living in a hotel.(LOL) I too long for friendship. I have one true friend, a friendship the Lord created. We laugh be cause I would have never picked her for a friend, but the Lord new what he was doing! She brought me to the Lord 13 years ago. We never see each other but do talk every month or so. Since my husband is in the army we move every 3 years or so... this last time 18 months was the magic number. So here I sit with my imagainary friends (blogs) that I read daily for ideas and comfort. Crazy I know.
I will order the book soon.
Blessings~
Paula
I loved that book, and I have five extra copies I'm giving away on my blog if you want to pass that along to your readers. I wanted to read it in a bloggy group, too.
I'll join in! Just ordered my book... Can you e-mail me once you get started?
roselawn@sitestar.net
After struggling through friendships this year I could use this too. I'll order a copy & join you.
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