Three Friends Everyone Should Have

When we reflect upon our connections with others, we gain a clearer understanding of ourselves. Through these relationships, our desires are awakened, and we gradually transformed into the person we are meant to be.

·       A friend who challenges us

·       A friend who brings joy

·       A friend who supports our well-being

To live a full and meaningful life, we need friends. But friendship is a double-edged sword—it can either lift us up like angels or drag us down like devils depending on the influence of those surrounding us. Hence, the key to choosing friends lies in answering this question: Who do you want to become?

*A Friend Who Challenges Us

After the failure at Pamplona, Saint Ignatius faced many struggles. He sank into a deep depression, feeling as though his life had come to an end. Yet in that dark time, just when he had lost hope of ever pursuing his dreams again, a word of advice from his sister-in-law stirred something within him: “It is time to dream a new dream.”

Yes! What a challenge that was. “Dream? Dream of what?”

The turning point in his transformation came not only from the encouragement he received, but also from the inspiration he found while reading about the lives of Jesus and the saints—those books were given to him during his recovery. God was there with him during the struggling time and continue to be with him on his new path of life thru the presence of his faithful friends. They challenged him to see beyond his failures and encouraged him to pursue a new dream. Their influence helped shape him into the person we revere today.

Life is a journey. How precious it is to have friends who challenge us to grow and become a better version of ourselves, in accordance with God’s plan, as we walk this path together.

*A Friend Who Brings Joy

Life is full of unexpected events, some of which become obstacles on our path to growth. We may see the road ahead and try our best to move forward, but painful and difficult experiences can hold us back.

In those moments, we need a friend who helps us rise again. We need someone who inspires hope and joy—someone who helps us smile even in our darkest times.

I recall when I was about to receive the Confirmation sacrament.  I love my sponsor, but I didn’t like her name—Monica. I found myself torn: should I embrace someone I love, or let fear take over—the fear that my life might mirror that of Saint Monica? What a mystery! But God intervened.

In the end, I chose “Monica” as my confirmation name. Through that choice, God sent me Saint Monica as a companion—an example of patience, persistence, and unwavering hope. Looking up to Saint Monica as a role model has helped me endure hard times with joy, connect with my inner self, and find life meaning at each moment. What a blessing to have someone who waits patiently, never loses hope, and accepts us for who we are.

*A Friend Who Supports Our Well-Being

I believe everything happens for a reason. From the day of my baptism, I have carried the name of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. I was taught to be like her—to live with humility.

Like us, Saint Thérèse was not perfect. Yet through faith, she dedicated every moment of her life to God, even in the midst of doubts, anxieties, weaknesses, and feelings of insignificance. Since childhood, I have read her story again and again. Through it, I’ve come to understand the meaning of true humility: a deep awareness of who we are in relation to God, our loving Father.

Being humble is not easy. Whenever I feel low, I remind myself: “Live like Saint Thérèse. Be little. Be humble.” Life is full of chaos, and sometimes we regret how we react to it. But humility helps us become more aware and let go of what we cannot control. Choosing to be “little” gives me a comforting sense of being deeply loved.

I don’t want to lose my true self. I want to be who I am—a beloved daughter of God. I thank God for inspiring my parents to bring the life of Saint Thérèse into mine. She has become the friend I need—the one who helps me stay grounded and true to myself, especially in times of hardship.

***

Reflection on these friendships that God has given me, I see His image in each of them and no longer see them as just individual.  In God, with God, and through the love of God, I have come to realize that the challenges, the joys, and the support for my well-being are all God’s gifts. We are masterpieces in God’s hands. He has given each of us everything we need to live fully and to become the best version of ourselves.

Dear Lord, please bless us with friendships like these to accompany us on our journey, so that each day, according to Your plan, we may be transformed and live more like You.

Thúy Hương