To All the Friends I've Lost

We all have a big milestone this year. I can’t help but look back, sometimes.

The time we drive across the country to see our friends, or go to Miami, or play a show, or see the Celtics. I’ll always love you for that.

I prayed for each of your marriages tonight. I’d never want you to go through what I did. God forbid.

Somehow He chose me for this, just this suffering and trial, just like He chose you to be my friends.

And somehow you weren’t there when I was in jail. You disappeared. You had other things going on. I thought it would break me.

I’d still drop everything for you. I still love each of you. You just showed me who you are, not who I am. I can’t blame you. But giving you back what you gave me isn’t love.

I love with all the fire of the Holy Spirit, not with the dying embers of man. It's the only way to be truly alive, and the only way I can make such a wild claim.

Pray for me. I miss my daughters. Some days I’m so weak. I know you’ve been there with me so many times, even if you’re not now.

Remember my chains, and I’ll remember yours.