Friend-Ish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion, (Paperback)

I've been following Kelly's blog for years after seeing a post on Facebook linking to a blog post she wrote about friendships. I recognized her name because I'd been a fan of her husband, Jimmy Needham's music since college. I don't even remember what her post was specifically about, but I remember reading it and saying “wow.” It was a lot of what I'd needed to hear for a while and also things I had strong feelings about, but had never seen someone else put into words in such a honest way. I was hooked! When I saw she was writing a book on friendship, I was so excited to read it, but I also wanted to be able to share it with my Christian friends. I just finished reading an early copy of the book and have so many passages highlighted. Kelly writes in such an honest way. I felt convicted in parts, and in others learned a lot of things I've already started to put into practice in my own friendships. My favorite parts of the book talked about how the rise of social media has changed friendships and how we no longer understand or know how to accept seasonal friendships. I've definitely felt pressure and stress to maintain tons of different friendships that, before social media, would have just naturally faded out. That isn't to say we cut out friends who move away—and that isn't what Kelly is saying either. But she explains how we as people have limits—we are human after all. I'm sure everyone's read those “self help” type books before where the author makes it seem as if their book is the answer to all of your problems; if you follow their methods/suggestions/steps/etc., you will have a better life. One of my favorite things about this book is that Kelly continually references the reader back to scripture as the way to improve your friendships. Not her book, her words, her advice, etc., but the Bible. She makes it clear throughout the book that it's Jesus who will change your heart, your friendships. I love that (although I think her words are pretty helpful as well)! This is a book I will be reading again and recommending to my friends. I think it's an important one for the church as a whole—this book isn't just for women! Kelly interviewed many men as well when she was writing the book and there is a wealth of growth opportunity in this book for both men and women.