August 24: A Friend at All Times

When you think about the friends you had while drinking, how many are still around? And how many friends do you have now who actually know what’s going on with you?

Proverbs says a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Real friends show up in the hard times. That’s what they’re for.

Drinking friendships were often built on the drinking. When the drinking stopped, a lot of those friendships faded. That can be lonely. It can also make you want to go back, just to have people around.

Recovery means building new friendships. People who know your story. People you can call when it’s bad. People who’ll tell you the truth. It doesn’t happen overnight. It happens one call, one coffee, one meeting at a time.

Here’s a simple practice. Call someone today, not because you need something, but to check on them. Ask how they’re doing. Listen. Being a friend is as important as having one. And it’s part of Step Eight’s spirit, brotherly and sisterly love.

You might also think about old friends you hurt. Some may be on your amends list. The friend you borrowed money from. The one you stood up over and over. The one whose wedding you ruined. Their names belong there.

But also think about how to be a better friend going forward. Showing up when someone’s going through something. Remembering their birthday. Answering when they call. Those things are a kind of living amends to everyone you’ll know from now on.

A brother is born for adversity. When someone in your life is going through a hard time, be the one who shows up.

One thing today

Call someone in recovery today just to ask how they’re doing. Don’t talk about yourself unless they ask. Then call one old friend you’ve lost touch with, or send a text.

A prayer

Lord, thank You for friends. Help me be a friend who loves at all times. Show me who needs a call today, and give me the humility to call when I need one too. Amen.

The Start Here page explains why people matter so much in recovery.

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