My good friend Al once told me a story about him and a childhood friend of his, Mark. Al recounted how he and Mark once went to a large hole in their neighborhood to see if they could pass the “bravery test.” It seems the neighborhood kids looked at this hole as a “bravery test” because it was so broad and deep.

The “bravery test” as it became known, was to see who would be brave enough to jump across and reach the other side without falling in. Being the boys they were, they decided they were going to test their mettle. The problem was deciding who would go first.

They went back and forth until finally, Mark took the initiative only if Al also promised to attempt the jump as well. Al agreed, and Mark ran full speed and made the heroic attempt. Unfortunately, Mark didn’t make it all the way across and ended up pretty bruised up at the bottom of the hole.

Upon seeing this, Al decided he wasn’t going to take the same risk and backed out. Mark was upset at Al for not keeping his promise, but Al said that after he saw Mark go down, he made his decision not to put his life in danger needlessly. Looking back, Mark pardoned Al for backing out because he realized there was no need for Al to risk getting hurt as well.

Over the years, Al and Mark have been through lots more, and because of that, they are still the best of friends today. What’s more, now more than 30 years later, they consider themselves brothers.

Daily Directive:

Read:

Read and meditate on Proverbs 18:24 for yourself. Meditate on them, memorize them, do whatever it takes for them to sink in.

Pray:

What friend(s) do you have that you could consider a brother(s)? Be real, be honest, and be vulnerable.

Meditate / Make It Real:

How can you be a brother to a friend? What’s stopping you? Journal the journey and/or share this with a fellow friend and have them hold you accountable.