THE FOXHOLE PRINCIPLE

WHEN PREPARING FOR BATTLE, DIG A HOLE BIG ENOUGH FOR A FRIEND

In poverty & other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. The young they keep out of mischief, to the old they are a comfort & aid in their weakness, & those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds.

~ Aristole

THE QUESTION I MUST ASK MYSELF: AM I A FRIEND THAT OTHERS DEPEND ON DURING DIFFICULT TIMES?

Solomon of ancient Israel wrote:
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone? And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

THE FACTS ABOUT FOXHOLES

We face many kinds of battles in life, & the "foxholes" we sometimes inhabit come in many shapes and sizes: home, a business, a sports team, a small group, a platoon, etc.

1. The foxhole is for you and a friend - not a friend alone
     a. You can ask a friend to fight with you, but you should never send someone else to fight      your battles.
2. Before the battle, you have developed a friendship
     a. This principle is not about imposing on distant acquaintances or using people
3. You also have to be in your friends' foxholes with them.
     a. You should be willing to fight for any friend whose help you would request.
     b. In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. ~ MLK Jr.

Truths About "Foxholes"

· Foxholes without friends are unhealthy  - separating oneself from others & trying to face the world alone is not healthy or helpful

· Foxhole experiences forge great friendships
· Foxholes prove friendships - when you face tough times, you find out who your real friends are
     ○ False friends are like our shadows, keeping close to us while we walk in the sunshine but leaving us when we cross into the shade

A FAITHFUL FRIEND

1. Foxhole friends are few - If there are people in your life who would go to battle with you, value them, for they are rare indeed
2. Foxhole friends provide strength before & during the battle
     a. It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confident knowledge that they will help us ~ Epicurus
3. Foxhole friends see things from the same perspective
     a. People who climb down into the foxhole with you see things from your point of view, & they express empathy for your situation. That not only makes them a great help, but also a great comfort.
4. Foxhole friends make a difference in our lives
5. Foxhole friends love us unconditionally