Navigating The Friendship Maze: The Search for Authentic Friendship

by Hendrickson

Overview

Navigating the Friendship Maze is beloved author Michele Howe’s newest book. It will help women of all ages make thoughtful, prayerful choices about the friendships they develop and nurture through life. In the Bible, the book of Proverbs makes frequent reference to the invaluable influence of godly individuals upon one’s life. In short, we become like those we spend the most time with! Michele’s book will help women make wise decisions and cultivate the best friendships that they can.

Navigating the Friendship Maze contains stories of real women who have chosen wisely, as well as some who have not, and includes discussions of the principles outlined. Each chapter explores various facets of friendship, such as the three types of friends every woman needs and practical ways to be a good friend. Each chapter also includes a Scripture reading, a brief prayer, and practical suggestions for women to follow.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683071389
Publisher:	Hendrickson Publishers, Incorporated
Publication date:	05/01/2018
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

Part 1 Defining Biblical Friendships (Why They Are Essential)

1 Let's Define Friendship in General 7

2 Why Biblical Friendships Are Essential 11

3 We Become Like Those We Associate with Most 16

4 Influenced or Influencing? 21

5 Frenemies or Friends? 26

6 What to Look for in a Real Friend 31

7 Warning Signs and Red Flags 35

8 Biblical Friendships Add, Never Detract 39

9 Knowing When to Let a Friendship Go 43

10 Two Principles for Every Friendship 48

Part 2 The Kind of Friend Every Woman Needs

11 Older, Wiser Mentor Friends 55

12 Peers Who Walk Alongside 60

13 Younger, Teachable Friends to Mentor 64

14 "In" Relationships: Those Who Disciple Us 69

15 "Out" Relationships: Those We Evangelize and Invite to Christ 74

16 Different Friends for Different Seasons 79

17 Different Friends for Different Purposes 83

18 Make-Me-Laugh, Let's-Have-Fun Friends 88

19 Inspire-Me, Challenge-Me Friends 92

20 Give-Me-Roots, Give-Me-Wings Friends 96

Part 3 How to Become a Friend Who Stays the Distance

21 Pray for the Right Friends (Then Pray for Your Friends) 103

22 Love Unconditionally (Accept Each Other's Differences with Grace) 107

23 Forgive Generously (Forgive Because You Have Been Forgiven) 111

24 Exhort and Encourage (Speak the Word of Truth Out Loud and Often) 116

25 Envision a Positive Future (Remembering That with God Everything Is Possible) 120

26 Stand Together During Times of Trouble (Have Your Friend's Back at All Times) 125

27 Serve Together (Mesh Your Individual Giftedness) 130

28 Celebrate Together (Rejoice When Your Friend Rejoices) 134

29 Heal from the Past (Listen, Pray, Support, Counsel) 138

30 Covenant to Go the Distance (Wherever That Takes You) 143

Sources for Quotations 147

Editorial Reviews

04/23/2018
Howe (Empty Nest, What’s Next?), who reviews books for PW, passionately if narrowly addresses friendship between women within a “sin-ridden, broken world.” For Howe, female friendship is an agency of evangelism in a three-sided relationship composed of two women and the Bible. In three sections, she covers 30 aspects of friendship, explaining why biblical friendships are essential, defining the kind of friend every woman needs, and outlining how to become a best friend forever. She writes about frenemies, mentors, peers, healers, hurters, funny friends, and challenging friends, among other types. Though Howe focuses on Christ-followers and “godly women,” she allows for the inclusion of those standing just outside her tent who are yearning to be saved. She acknowledges “how powerful biblical friendships are and how they impact our lives for good,” and proposes that readers work hard to maintain faith-based communities. Each brief, digestible chapter ends with a summary of key points, a prayer (more prosaic than poetic), and three notes on friendship for further study. Women seeking to learn more about how to approach different friendships will enjoy the simple fundamentals of Howe’s “God-honoring” instructions. (May)

Publishers Weekly