This episode has truly blessed me. I've been praying about making friends. I feel like making friends when you are older it's harder. I just want to be surrounded by Godly purpose filled women.

"How you show up as a friend, helps your friends become better friends." Good stuff! So good.

“Look for friendships that will last until you’re 80” wow that spoke to me!!

I love the ending when Preston said God is calling us to hard things, and hard things often produces great outcomes. Very profound!

Now at the age of 50 (unmarried) I wish I had been more intentional about friends. It is hard to meet friends when you're older because people are settled in their lives and it's hard to trust people (women at that) but I dont want to die alone without friends or a husband. We really do need people. ❤

OMG, what Jackie said about you shouldn't have to work so hard to make someone your friend...I'M GROWN". YES! Thank you for that!!!!

After I got saved 2 years ago I lost all my friends and God just told me to have peace being alone and not even pursue friendships. But now I'm trying to make friends with people who will encourage me and support my faith and it's not easy at all

This is so timely honestly, my prayer for 2023 is for Godly friendships and a Godly relationship. There definitely has been a shift in some of my friendships and I realized I'm changing so much that these friendship no longer align with who I am anymore. I really would love more loving, kind, faith filled, fulfilling relationships and I pray for all people in the comment section seeking that in Jesus name 🤍

Can’t express how much I love their union, I really pray that their marriage will always glorify God

I’ll add it’s so hard to find friends that are not only church goers but are sold out for Christ.

You two were made for each other. ❤️

Mmmmmm. Jackie said it best… having friends because of their “style.” EVERYTHINGGGG is aesthetic now a days even friendship. Sad but true & it has many of us wanting that “Instagram, social media” type of friendship where friends are dressed up, clinking drinks & doing a day in the life videos lol

When Jackie spoke about cultivating long lasting friendships.. I felt that.

Whew, this was so good! This a much-needed conversation because people think friendships are supposed to get easier as you get older. No, making time, being intentional, being receptive, and being communicative is WORK!

Grateful for the Godly friends who stuck around when I had nothing to offer at all and taught me how to show up for others in a way I didn’t know before. I struggle with friendships. I’m 29, and I fee like I only have capacity for a few friendships but my heart wants to be there for more friends. I need to pray more about this honestly.

It's crazy that we aren't taught to pray for our friendships the way we are, romantic relationships! However, the timing and topic of this video? God clearly told y'all to make it for ME...PERIOD! So, thank you for this. 🙏🏽💜

Amen I needed this! I saw myself battling with feelings of loneliness because I lacked friendship! But I am now in a season of God bringing me Godly friendships!

Jackie really told the truth about how some people, especially women, will ascribe motives because you aren’t showing up in a way they feel you should. I lost a friend that way. She tore me down and walked away. Couldn’t understand that I was going through a transition in life. It’s been months and I’m still grieving about our friendship because I really cared for her. Please pray for me.

Good chat. I believe all friendships and relationships should have a purpose otherwise it's a distraction in your life.

I agree with Jackie that we need to pray about our relationships versus following a rulebook. I think as human beings we have a tendency to want a "how-to guide", "follow these steps" type of advice when it comes to life situations but as Christians we are called to check earthly wisdom with the Holy Spirit. Some situations may be toxic but if God calls us to it, He will give us strength to walk through it.

Yessss… many people think that time breads intimacy AUTOMATICALLY & it simply doesn’t. Intimacy had to be intentional- even when there’s chemistry. You can have a 20 year surface friend & you can have a 2 year friendship that you rely on without question.

I low-key need a part two on this discussion! Navigating adult friendships have been a bit difficult for me. I'm not the best at keeping in touch. This was good, y'all touched on a lot of different aspects.

Absolutely loved how Preston is not afraid to be vulnerable and communicate with his male friends

Interesting conversation. . I have kids, and a man, but I’m soooo isolated…. I have distant friends, but as I age, and as life goes on, it’s getting harder to maintain friendships….. and well… I’ll be honest…. I like being alone 😅… when I don’t have my kids around, all I want is some peace and quiet to do NOTHING…. I’m kinda over overextending myself to stay in peoples lives when they don’t even do the same for me.

I've had so many friendships where I was drained and it's hardened me to the point where I no longer want to be emotionally available for friends. And I'm praying for God's healing

This episode is everything. I've been praying for friend's like this. I feel like I've been so isolated for so long. Lord thank you for drawing me to this video. Goodness.

When I say that this is RIGHT ON TIME! The Holy Spirit does not miss!! 🎯Thank y’all for this incredible message. I’ve been struggling in the area of friendships for quite some time, & this confirmed a lot of what God has been revealing to me.

"we all just want to be known and loved" so so good!

Lord give me the courage to be faithful to what you are telling me. Lord, I have not had an intimate friendship before. I do not know how to look for a friendship or what they look like. So God, I pray for discernment in hearing your voice as guidance through comfortability. Remind me that you are after my whole heart in this process.

I want to thank you two for staying true to Jesus and not giving into the world. Many “Christian” leaders are giving in. Thank you for glorifying Jesus and never being ashamed.it’s all about Him

“I’ll buy you your own” 😂😂😂 why did I resonate with this SO MUCH 😂 like take it or leave it lmfao . My mom is the same way but she the 3rd oldest of 4 🤷🏽‍♀️

I have a friend who used to be a virtual friend. She was virtual for 6 years... When we met at first time it was HORRIBLE! We saw all our flaws and it cost some time of praying and reorganization and, after 3 years we met again and it was AMAZING! Today we still have to keep balancing our behavior, but we've been seen how God has been working through our hard friendship!!! I think that discernment is a key to know if the friendship is worth.

I have been examining my family and friends, specifically friends lately. I am heading into my 50’s and I am particular about friendships. I find myself wanting reciprocation and meaning in my relationships. I don’t see any value in spending time with people that only take from me or cannot get deep. With this desire, it’s difficult to find new friends. I find myself running back to old friends that may not be fulfilling. It’s tough.

Friendships are so important, and I make it my duty to invest in my friendships as I know God gave them to me as a gift. Friendships really help you to evaluate yourself, and they help you to grow and be better in other areas of your life. I am grateful for my close friends, best, friends, and associates. Personally, I do not take anyone that is my life for granted. Now, I will say this, and I know all women do not act this way, so I want to say because some women have been conditioned to prioritize romantic relationships over friendships, there is a pattern where many women do struggle to hold and make friends...... or even see the value of friendships... Yet, I think all the conversations we're having about friendships can resolve this. I also love the statement about how frienships are work. That statement is true because freinships are relationships, and we all know that friendships take investment.

This blessed me sooo much! If I do not KNOW you, you are not my friend. A lot of “friendship” are just getting by off of “just vibes”, but they have no clue who they are actually associating themselves with. I understand friendship isn’t a quiz/race and should be grown organically, but they take work. I feel that if someone isn’t interested in getting to know me they are not interested in being my friend. We can be associates tho 🤷🏾‍♀️

This speaks to me it’s definitely been a prayer that I have life long friends

I prayed and asked God for something edifying to listen to. And this popped up in my notifications.

19:10- when God schedules your play dates! 😂😮‍💨🙏🏽 I’ve been talking to my 8th grade students about this topic. I have had friendships that have lasted since middle school (30+ years), and I’ve taken on new ones and been adopted into family units in the years since, as well. But like Preston said, sometimes it’s about SEASONAL companions. “We’ll walk this leg of the journey together, and there’s no animosity when we start to keep tempo with another, or one person needs to stop and tie her shoelaces so she tells the other to go on without her, or one of us gets new wind and is ready to sprint.” At the core of the content area that I teach (English Language Arts/ ELA) is our ability AND willingness to effectively connect, communicate and collaborate with those whom we will encounter throughout our lives. But if I called everyone that considers ME a friend everyday, I’d be on the phone all the time. The relationships IN my life right now are the people who, like Jackie said, have the kind of character that sees HEARTS. People who are weird and fun and who aren’t so self-centered that they spend most of their time judging everyone ELSE based what they bring to the table (aka, “What can YOU do for ME?”). So I trust God to help me know when and how much to give, I talk to my people and listen to them (including what they’re NOT saying), and I trust that his promise to use it all for good (Romans 8:28) will hold true. I’ve only gotten better at it because of all of the opportunities for practice that God has given me! 😩😂 That, and the fact that I’m so focused on Jesus that anyone who’s walking with me can’t HELP but hear his name, see evidence of his faithfulness, and get just a taste of his love, filtered through my body-flawed, though it may be. 😮‍💨🙏🏽❤️ His love covers a multitude of sins!

I have a best friend who I love dearly, but I recently got saved again and fully recommitted my life to Christ. One of the first things God told me to do was to let my best friend go. It tore me up inside, but I trusted in the Lord and new that he will restore our friendship. So, as I love my best friend from a distance (without any communication) I am praying to God to please save him. At least when we rekindle our friendship months or years from now we will be on the same page through Christ. I miss you Jay and always want the best for you 💜!!

The heart of intimicy is communication and keeping a community functional and intentional about checking in with each other... Key word communication because that's one thing we really need to work on as a kingdom cause that will break barriers for people to get more vulnerable because they have the language for it...we need to talk

I love that Jackie compared building strong friendships with having a strong marriage. I wholeheartedly agree with this. I also love that Preston talked about God calling you up higher in a place of friendship. This is such a profound message. I am especially glad I listened to it. God Bless You. I definitely will come back to this several times.

Thank you so much for going in depth and covering the nuance of this topic. Makes me feel less crazy for thinking about it to this degree. Community is so important to a healthy Christian walk, and I think it takes a great deal of discernment and prayer to have a balanced perspective in who and how to invest in the people around you.

That’s so true! No one really says anymore, “hi, I would like to be your friend because i think we could benefit each other.” Kindergartners are better at this than adults, next thing you know…those same kindergartners are each others bridesmaids in their weddings 20 years later 😮

I moved a lot as a kid. My sister's kept in touch with people way better than me. I still suck at this. I had a lot of opportunities to make friendships go deeper but I just didn't know how. I still don't know how other than just do what they want but I worry I'll be forgotten or I'll get irritated and treat someone bad. Unfortunately, I get very easily irritated with people, it's a terrible trait, even when I love them, but I don't want to lose them for silly reasons so I just don't get too close. I don't want to be rejected and I don't want to reject othes either. It's an odd thing.

This is such a great conversation!! Friendships are hard as you get older, get married have children etc. No one really talks about it. Well done 👏🏾

The timing of your messages always hit! Thank you Holy Spirit❣️❣️

They both have such good chemistry. Very interesting about looking at a friendship from the side of being mutually beneficial to each other...

Man, y’all are so insightful when it comes to conversing about things. Just everyday situational things like friendship that holds importance. I really resonated with Preston on this one. I’ve been in the Air Force for over 2 years now & it’s very hard to find a few good men who I can call friend…& just have some “Kingdom talk.” We’re all so busy trying to chase after rank & quality of life…that it becomes hard to just sit down, away from it all and debrief..outside of the uniform. Anyhow, I appreciate you guys blessing my Holy algorithm this morning.🙏🏾

10 mins in and tears just started streaming down my face...this stuff is HARD but I needed to hear this and think deeply on it.

Tis the season to make a list of what we want our friendships to look & be like & to pray over that list

this episode was much needed! i’ve been saying i want new & good friends but i also have realized that i lack in the area of being a good friend myself!

I love how this started. I'm currently in a season of sifting through connections. What's interesting to me is, I can literally feel God guiding me to reach out to certain people that share spiritual depth. Like our conversations may sometimes include complaining, but it always ends with scripture, prayer, and encouragement! But there are definitely levels. Friends I can do dinner with, friends I am intimate with, and so on. Communication and great listening helps! I love this!

This is such a great conversation. I encourage people that you cannot do this thing called life alone. We all need to have a community.

I can totally relate, I was not raised to share everything. My mom simply thought we should have some things to ourselves, which I understand. Her teaching did not dissuade us from sharing or make us selfish. She simply allowed me to acknowledge that I deserve things for myself as well. I do have a giving heart, so thank God for that.

Jackie I was just trusting my way through a trial n do you know watching ur sermons kept me when I couldn’t read n pray anymore 😭😭🙏 God plz continue to grow this ministry!!! Cause we need these words to help keep us clinging to Christ when we get tired of warfare❤️🙏

man!!!! For the past 2 months or so, God truly has been using this podcast week after week to answer the questions I have been asking and to speak into the very seasons I am in right now. This is so good and so timely. Thank yall for having this conversation!!!

I find it interesting how all the friends I grew up with in church we’ve grown apart and evolved in different directions but I’m still connected to my high school/college friends (4 of them) because we’ve grown more parallel to each other faith & career wise 🤔

Love this!! community and friendships have been on our hearts lately!

This was an on-time word. I was starting to think I needed to end a friendship of 15 years because things feel different these days, but this episode helped me realize I needed to talk it out with her since I want us to be present for our future as wives and mothers.

I needed this podcast on this exact day. Glory to God! Thank y'all so much for taking time out to get this message out. Love your chemistry, sense of humor, and wisdom.

This was interesting. I've never really looked at friendships that way. I have some amazing friends that I feel I don't spend enough time cultivating relationship with and I should probably be more deliberate about fixing that. But I also have walked away from people that made being their friend a very cutting experience. But the frame that you can be someone's friend but they can't be yours and, despite how draining it is, you still stick around is beautiful to me. It's tiring. It sounds exhausting, but it's also important to ask God if that's what you should be doing because he will grant you the strength you need. Overall, as someone who struggles to make friends and meet new people. I think this was interesting for me to sit through. The closest friend I have is someone I prayed for. A true blessing he has been to me. Honestly it feels like he's more of a blessing to me than I am to him and that hurts me deeply. So, I have seen the power of asking God to bless you with friends. Maybe I'll do it more often. I'm not the biggest fan of lurking in these comment sections, 'cause it feels like I'm just talking to myself and I might as well just journal about it, but, yeah. I'll leave this to linger on the inter webs. 😂😂

That “You Share” had me in tears 😂 I had to pause it to get myself together 😂❤️

“YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!” Lmbo that’s my favorite church phrase! It really does rev you up and get me started 😅

Really enjoyed this podcast. So relevant to the season i am in right now.

This helped me. Making friends as you grow in your walk with Christ gets harder and harder as you mature, yet alone difficult when factoring in spouse, children, work,etc. This really helped me to understand balance and to not get frustrated when i cannot find true connection with Godly people. Sometimes even in our walk with Christ we may bump into Godly people who are just in different spectrums of our Christian faith making it challenging to make authentic and deep connection. Trust is huge, as you mentioned. Friends have to be and feel safe. But also being prayerful and trusting God even in the area of friendship is just as important as doing so for anything else in our lives. Thanks for sharing. Shalom 🙏🏾

This was good! Especially the part about looking for it to prepare for friendships that outlive spouses and children🎯🎯

This was such a healing episode. Thank you so much for doing this!

Preston, I moved away from Chicago 40 years ago to a less populated town. People here say small town people are friendlier and more trustworthy than those from the big city but that is so untrue. Chicago has more integrity. People from other places have alternative motives one must be cautious about. Overall I may be biased but people from Chicago are some of the best people. No matter how “good” people want to believe they are they do not mutually benefit you they usually lack the capacity or resources to know how to be in a quality relationship. This was a hard difficult lesson I had to learn. This was a good and well needed discussion.

This conversation was a blessing. Thanks for speaking on this.

So good just had a chat with my daughter about friendships .. so this is helpful … thanks

I really think this episode about friendship came right on time. There are somethings I could relate to In this episode. Thanks so much Jackie and Preston.

This episode is fantastic! A timely conversation I learned so much. I’m currently going through this with the end of a ten year friendship. I know God is trying to teach me something and make me grow💕

I ask myself that same question about being raised as an only child and being a good wife all the time. Thank you for being so transparent and honest. You both are wrecking my life in such a good way right now...I am Godly thankful!!!

When I tell you this episode is so TIMELY!!! I thank God for using you two♥️. I truly needed this.

Y’all are awesome!!!!! Thank you for being so transparent and genuine. Blessed every time!

From The title alone I was like sooo timely for me. Something I been praying about. I'm not an only child but I used to struggle with sharing.

Not even all the way through this dialog and gems on gems - this is good!

This was soooo good and right on time. I have someone in my life that has issues all the time and their outlook is always negative and it’s what I seem to attract. Honestly, it’s draining. I’ve been praying because we are here to serve and not just receive so I had to check myself. I have taken away some good information from this. Thank you!

This was healingg, and helped me let go of some bitterness I have with someone who wasn’t showing up for me. Still praying for those godly friends and working on appreciating whatever love others have to offer even if it’s not a close bond . Thank you guys

This is good, a needed conversation! The part about having and building intimacy and communicating intention in friendships was something I needed to hear.

These conversations are so deep and golden! Thank you both! 🙏🏻💞✨

As a middle child, you would think I’m the friend needing attention but I am with Jackie on that level of not requiring so much need to talk and definitely do not like small talk. I do enjoy meeting and talking to people but not over doing it.

My daughter as an only child is the opposite. The Girl will share her meal with kids around before having the remaining for herself. Sometimes I'll have to warn her about sharing everything. But I love that she's got the heart of giving (just like her mother)

I needed this talk soooooo bad!!! Literally confirmed what I’ve been thinking, but afraid to act because not wanting to disappoint the one that isn’t equally beneficial to me. I love y’all so much. Thank you

I'm constantly blessed by y'all's conversations. I love and am grateful for y'all. Thank you 🙏🏾

This was so helpful for me. Especially because I've valued loyalty over the quality of my friends for way too long. It took me years to grasp the concept. This video was right on time for me. Thank you 💓

Maybe my favorite episode yet! Thank you!

You may have heard this a gazillion time, but man! Jackie you are beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So GOOD! And so timely for me. With me recently moving, I would say I am still learning how to build and keep meaningful friendship with new people. New friendships and relationships in general take a form of authenticity and vulnerability that I am trying to work at.

We thank GOD for you both, and appreciate you sharing of yourselves so candidly! GOD bless!

This was so good and so timely! Thank you for your obedience. God bless the Perry’s!!

Yes I need the eyes to discern when God sends me friends and the faith needed to trust that they are safe. Thank you for sharing that Jackie. I didn’t have the words to express what I was needing.

This conversation was real impactful as I have been sharing these same thoughts with my husband as we navigate changes in relationships. None of this is easy but worth understanding and walking through. Thank you for sharing.

This came at the perfect time. Thank you!!!

Oooh this blessed me more than I can express!!! Sitting with so much regarding this topic and what y’all have laid out in this conversation. Really resonating with Preston’s experience with relocating. Thank y’all 🙏🏾🫶🏾

Appreciate this conversation, much needed. Thank you ❤❤❤

I glean so much wisdom from you two as a unit and individually. Thank you God for your obedience and discipline it takes to continuously show up for yourselves, each other and your supporters. Much Love

A blessing, as always, with your episodes. It also explains why my spirit has been rejecting this “soft life” term, that I keep noticing. Just another “thing of this world” that I’m not trying to be about.

love from France , thank u for all the love u're sharing

This is an excellent exploration of the dynamics of authentic friendships. Thank you!