Raoul gripped Jolin’s shoulder as Galien left. “Sometimes you enrage me.”
Jolin nodded. “And sometimes you are too hasty.”
“We can plan our next step as we ride together.”
No response.
Raoul shook Jolin. “Give me three good reasons why I should remain here.”
Jolin looked down at his boots. His shoulders rose then fell under Raoul’s grip before he looked up. “M’lord, you are angry. I fear you shall do something you will regret.”
“That is one reason.”
“Aye.” Jolin brought his gaze up to meet Raoul’s. “That one is enough.”
Excerpt from "The Secret Slipper "
Amanda Tero
Friendship is a precious gift. Today, my good friend and fellow writer, Amanda shares about one of the friendships in her novella, "The Secret Slipper" and how God intends us to be an arrow pointing our friends to Him!
Who Is Your Jolin?
by Amanda Tero
Jolin is that one-of-a-kind fellow. He is steady and level-headed. A friend who tries to keep Raoul in check. As I think about my own personal journey—whether it be in writing, music, or just life in general—I have my own “Jolins” who have helped me along this pathway and it has been a blessing beyond words.
But I’m just as guilty as the next person in not actually stopping to think about friendship. I appreciate them in books, but in real life, I too often take my friends for granted. The honest truth is that I can only write a solid friend character like Jolin because I’ve experienced that type of friendship in my life. He is the type of friend that we all need in our lives. But more than that, he exemplifies the type of friend we all need to be to others.
This world is full of counterfeit friends. Those who only hang around you because of what they hope to gain (see Proverbs 19:4). Those who will smile to your face and slander you behind your back (Proverbs 16:28). Those who will chat with you for an hour, but of nothing of substance.
A real friend is one whose walk with God is a continual upward progression. This friend will encourage us to walk closer to the Lord (Proverbs 27:17)—not tempt us to stray away from God (1 Corinthians 15:33—also read 2 Samuel 13 for an example with Amnon and his friend Jonadab).
A real friend will not be afraid to speak the truth—even when it hurts (Proverbs 27:6). At the same time, a genuine friend is quick to forgive and look beyond mere temporal differences and arguments (Proverbs 10:12).
This friend will pray for you and with you (Philippians 1:3-4). They will keep you accountable in your spiritual walk.
Friends who chit-chat, laugh at jokes, and grab a bite with you “just because” are a dime a dozen. But a true friend who genuinely cares for you, your walk with the Lord, the decisions you’re making, and whether or not you’re doing what you feel God is leading you to do… those are rare gems in our day.
If you don’t have that type of friend, it will be easy to look at this list and become discouraged. But remember, even if there isn’t a friend like this for you, it doesn’t mean you can’t be type of friend. Focus on your relationship with God and He can use that to draw others closer to Him. Then pray—pray that God will provide you that invaluable friend, and pray that He will help you to become the type of friend you need to be.
Verses Referenced
Proverbs 19:4
Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
Proverbs 16:28
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Philippians 1:3-4
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Have you read the "Secret Slipper"? This summer we're highlighting"The Secret Slipper" along with all the novellas in Amanda's Tales of Faith series as she prepares to release her final triplet, "Protecting The Poor"!
About The Tales of Faith Tour!
Welcome to the second month of the Tales of Faith 3-Month tour! For the month of June,
Amanda guest posted on a dozen blogs, featuring “Befriending the Beast.” This month, we’re
getting a deeper look into book two of the Tales of Faith series: “The Secret Slipper.” Each post
by Amanda is unique to the blog—an inspirational post, an article on the writing craft, an excerpt
from one of the Tales of Faith books… you’ll just have to visit each blog to see what comes up.
;) Amanda will link to each blog on With a Joyful Noise, so check in every week and see what
blogs have a special Tales of Faith feature!
About Amanda
Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her
hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her
writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of
publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to
her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that
which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship
with Jesus Christ.
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