Book Review: Becoming Gertrude: How Our Friendships Shape our Faith by Janice Peterson
It wasn’t that this book was off the charts, stellar or mind-blowing. As I finished the last page, I realized that’s exactly what I loved about it. No pretense. Written in simple language. A person just like you or me sharing short chapters of how to be a good friend.
Jan wrote about Gertrude Floyd, a kind, godly woman who warmly welcomed Jan during her teenage years; affecting her life so profoundly that 70 years later, in writing her one-and-only book, she was who Jan wanted to write about.
The Floyds were backyard neighbors who regularly came over for Saturday night cookouts. Throughout the week, when Jan knocked on the screen door for an impromptu visit, Gertrude invited her in with a big smile. Sitting on the front porch, they sipped lemonade and chatted about life. Jan talked about things bothering her while Gertrude listened attentively.
“Those visits had a profound influence in my life. Even at thirteen, I was beginning to understand the kind of woman I wanted to be as I grew up: I wanted to be like Gertrude. Her loving friendship showed me how powerful it can be to live a life of being readily available to others - to listen, to care for them, to engage with their lives.” pg xv Jan Peterson
All through the book, Jan talks about the qualities of a good friend. Caring, Acceptance, Service. Hospitality. Encouragement.
With our desire to walk closely with the Lord in full day-by-day obedience to what He would have our lives look like, I wonder, is there anything more important than being a friend?
Just last week, I had two spontaneous, “This week is so busy but wanna meet for coffee?” text messages. With what seemed like not enough time, we met for an hour; to hug, sit, sip, listen, know and be known. I don’t remember if we talked about anything “world changing” or “important”. Friendship through a quick 60 minutes. Then back to our full, bustling lives again.
Thank you God for normal life ... coffee dates, chit-chat, regular, ol' conversation and the glorious gift of friendship
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Question: What special friends has God given you in the past? Now?