Do you have a ride or die? People are trying to connect all the time. Even those that seem to be lone rangers, self-sufficient, ”I got this!” kind of folk, desire relationships with others. As of May 2018, in the United States people are connecting online (in millions). Here are the user numbers for the top five social media platforms: Facebook 164.13, Instagram 111.54, Facebook Messenger 105.91, Twitter 71.79, and Pinterest 56.92. These figures attest to the reality that people are trying to associate with others. Ride or Die is the ultimate relationship.

Social Beings

We are constantly being made aware of situations where people risk their lives and sanity to become part of a group.  Fraternity hazing, which turns deadly, is a tragic example of going along with what is wrong to belong. News stories are replete with disturbing details of individuals electing to take their own life through suicide, often attributed to being ostracized. Apparently, exclusion or a perception of loneliness is the reasoning. Could it be those incidents occurred because of a lack of a true ride or die relationship? Who are your compadres?

Different Stokes for Different Folks

Ride or die, on the face of it implies either one will do something or die. From a motorcycle rider’s view point the meaning was, one would rather die than not be riding on their prized bike. In the predominant vernacular, ride or die refers to remaining loyal to someone, no matter what the consequences.

Do you have someone in your life that is your ride or die? Someone who would stand by you, even if that stance could lead to their death? Are you that person, loyal to another, willing to stand with them even if the result of said stance is likely to result in your death? With whom are you in a ride or die relationship? Is it a mutual, equal partnership or is it one-sided?

At the Movies

These types of relationships speak to us at the movies. I recall the closing scene from “Thelma and Louise”, a 1991 film staring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon. Written by Callie Khouri, the gripping story depicted the incidents of one weekend that caused several lives to be lost.  Indeed, Thelma and Louise were two women in a ride or die relationship.

Is there anyone that you are willing to ride to the end with or die trying? What causes one to make a commitment like that? Is there any one issue you would stand by no matter what? Is there any person you would stand alongside, no matter what they do? Is there someone in your life that you can count on in both good and bad times, whether you are right, or wrong? Would your relationship be binge watched, by animated throngs, transfixed on the screen? What could make a better story?

Authentic

Have you encountered an authentic, ride or die relationship when you are not at the movies?  Is there one with whom we can all have a ride or die relationship? One that knows us fully? One who is willing to pay the ultimate price for us? One that wants only the best life for us? An authentic friend, is there any?

A friend is one who brings out the best in you. A friend understands how you are wired. A friend enables you see the stunning gifts you have packaged within. A friend understands your tears and your laughter. A friend shares an unspoken language. A friend hears you when you do not speak.

I am not sure I have seen that kind of friend at the movie theater. The friend we have in JESUS is unlike any other, forever and ever.

Love, faithfulness, fulfillment, and grace; no more betrayal.

The ride or die relationship with Him is truly authentic. He has already died for us! The ultimate, bona fide, original, ride or die relationship is possible through the one called JESUS, the Christ.

It is my prayer that you know that relationship now and forever.

Who truly has your back?

Seek Him and His truth. Open your heart to Him. Knowing Him is part of loving yourself. Authentically love yourself and your neighbor. Know that as you ride this journey of life, someone does have your back no matter what. Read the word, the Bible. Ask for understanding of the support that is already there for you.

You are never alone. The closeness that you have with Jesus will grow as you nurture that relationship. That which you focus upon will grow. Be an active participant in the ultimate ride or die relationship. Having an authentic ride or die relationship with Jesus is a stunningly, expensive gift we are not required to pay for. However, there are terms and conditions in the ultimate ride or die. Who truly has your back? How do you know for sure?

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”