Soul Snack 8/171 ... Irreplaceable Relationships
In 1977, a group of teenagers got together to form a band. Their names were Rick, Pete, Tony and Joe. The name of the band was Atomic Mass. Before you reach for your index of obscure rock bands, in 1978 they changed the name of the band to Def Leppard.
Rick Allen, then only 15 years old, joined as the drummer. Musical bands often have difficulty getting along - long trips, late nights, etc. Most don't last the distance. After 30 years, Def Leppard are still performing live, worldwide.
We all build friendships. All lasting friendships are inevitably tested. There are times when even friends get on each others' nerves. Some of the truest friendships are those that are tested - each friend then has the confidence that the other cares enough or loves them enough to always stand by their side. Loving a friend can grow to be easy. But, who would love an enemy enough to stand by them - especially when that love was not reciprocated?
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. But God demonstrates His love for us for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8
On December 31, 1984, Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car crash. Yet, Rick was committed to continuing as Def Leppard's drummer. He practiced drumming with pillows, and learned ways to let his legs do what his left arm used to do. Now here is the crunch! The remaining band members stood behind Rick as he recovered. At the height of their fame, they put their careers on hold, never seeking a replacement.
In 1987, after two years, Rick returned to the band. He played the drums with one arm on Hysteria, one of the best selling Rock albums of all time.
There is never a replacement for true friendship.
Hardship or happiness, burden or blessing, failure or favour, He is always there for you. He was there for you when you were His enemy, how much more so now you are His friend?
(A special and humble thanks to my good friend Stuart Quarmby for this text and his kind permission to both use and slightly edit it.)