Bob Beaudine: You needa WHO friend

• Surprised so much that you forget all your common sense.

So what do you do? Well, in times like these, you need a WHO friend. You can’t do this alone. You can’t get isolated. God has given you specific people for times like this. So immediately call one or more of those friends He has placed on your heart.

When you do, you’ll find that just talking to them will help you feel better. They will help call a halt to your fearful thinking. They will speak truth about your value and worth, and they will grab hold of you when they see you wandering down the wrong path.”

Bob Beaudine in 2 Chairs: The Secret That Changes Everything (Franklin: Worthy, 2016) 48. Download a free PDF of the book here.

Today marks day two of seven. Step #2: Call Your WHO Friend. I confess, the first time I read this, my mind went to the Dr. Seuss class, Horton Hears a Who. But that’s not what Beaudine is referring to.

I visited my parents last week. We had many deep conversations over meals and while playing their favorite game together, Racko. One time Mom talked about how the “what ifs” of life keep people gripped in fear. What if this or that happens.

Fear leads them to store up money on earth for themselves to guard against the “what ifs” and, in so doing, they fail to care for others by faith as God instructs and they miss out on experiencing God’s matchless care for them.

See how fearful thinking thwarts generous living, giving serving, and loving. But what does this have to do with your WHO friend? Everyone needs a WHO friend with a listening ear, for accountability and encouragement.

But you also need one for growing in generosity. Last week, one of my WHO friends, Dr. Chi-Chung Keung, messaged me. I share it to make the point that WHO friends need each other to live, give, serve, and love generously.

“Just wanted you to know to, Gary, that I thought of you and how you lavish generosity to your friends and loved ones. I hope I was able to lavish generosity and love towards Bill & Sue. Thank you for setting such a good example for me.”

The photo above captures my 2 chairs in my hotel room in Mott, North Dakota for the past 5 days. Send me a picture of your two chairs and I just might feature it as a header photo this week.

As I drive from North Dakota back to Colorado today, I will ponder this. Join me. What does it mean to be a WHO friend for others: to navigate life together and challenge each other to live lives of lavish generosity?