Core Scripture: “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

Message: There was something different about him.  I knew it from the moment we met. 

Danzell was new to Amazon, and I was helping him get his bags.  He seemed surprised that I was there assisting, but I assured him that was my job for the day.  A bright smile brimmed on his face.  It radiated from ear to ear. 

“Glad to see you doing the Lord’s work!” he said as he left. 

The Lord’s work.  You don’t hear people talk like that often.  Unless of course they are a fellow believer.  I don’t remember how or when, but I pressed into that.  When we crossed paths in the weeks to come, we talked about our shared Christian faith.

The talks were brief.  But they were meaningful.  Thought provoking.  They challenged us to think deeper about being a Christ follower.  Danzell would always allude to hearing more as we parted ways. 

These conversations always took place on the floor.  Never at break time.  I looked for Danzell at breaks, but he would always seclude himself.  That was just him.  Secluding himself.  Crawling into his turtle shell as he called it.  It was the way he dealt with the stresses in his life, and who could blame him?  Afterall, that is my tactic, too.

We never really went too deep, but I felt the Lord nudging me.  Why not share my story with him over a break?  It might break down a barrier or two between us.  Sure enough, God provided me a day to share my story not only with Danzell but also with another colleague, Jason. 

We found a cozy spot away from others in the back room.  It was perfect.  If you know my story, it is anything but ordinary.  There are plenty of versions I have chosen to share through the years, but this opportunity deserved the raw version. 

(I save the raw version for close friends and family, but the generic version is posted here: https://1millionstories.org/stories/337.)

I could tell it hit both Danzell and Jason just right.  Something changed for us all that day.  I think we realized how chaotic life can be at times, but through it all, there is one constant force guiding us through it all … that presence of Jesus that will never abandon.

Slowly but surely, Danzell began to crawl out of his turtle shell.  We exchanged numbers.  We texted encouragement to one another.  Sometimes that is what you need to get you through the day. 

I knew it was time to grow with him even more through Bible study.  It took a few weeks, but we connected on YouVersion and even did a few Bible plans together.  Something awesome happened as we dove in.  We realized many of our daily battles were similar.  And with each plan completion, we grew closer.

That is where we are now.  In our last conversation, we mentioned the possibility of hanging out for lunch after work.  Maybe hitting one of those all-you-can-eat buffets to refill the calories burned on the floor.  I have a feeling that will be on tap soon. 

This relationship was God inspired.  What about you?  What relationship is God nudging you to enrich this week?  Be bold.  Get out of your comfort zone and share life with someone. 

I can guarantee you will not regret it. 

Challenge: You have so many relationships in your life.  Which one do you need to press into this week?  Prayerfully seek the right person to be intentional with. 

Just for fun: We have been watching a bit of the World Cup at our house recently.  It makes me remember the brilliance of this Key and Peele sketch.  I hope it brings you a laugh!

Prayer: Father, thank you for the many friendships You have blessed me with.  Help me grow with the right brothers and sisters in my life.  Amen.