I’ll Be There for You
He was a dork. He was the king of sarcasm. He was a “transponster.” He was a character on a TV series, but to many, he was the favorite “Friend,” myself included. Chandler Bing was a figment of someone’s imagination, and yet Matthew Perry’s portrayal of that character made him real to millions of people. So, when Matthew Perry, the actor, died a few days ago, many mourned not only the real person, but the “friend” they feel they knew, Chandler.
I have seen many posts of sadness and grief over the loss of this man. I read one article where Perry said he was known more for work he did to help people than his portrayal of Chandler. He admitted that was unlikely. Part of why people connected with Perry was his honesty about struggling in life. People felt like he was a rich, famous person who still understood the struggles of “every man.” He battled with addiction. He had fame and money, but was miserable. When he got clean, he wanted to help others.
I am in no position to villainize Perry or grant him sainthood as I did not know him or his heart. As I do for all people, I hope he had a true knowledge of God and His love along with an obedient faith. But that isn’t the point of this post.
Matthew Perry, aka Chandler Bing, filled an empty spot in the lives of many people who never really knew him. I want you to know about a real friend who is waiting to “be there for you.”
If you miss your friend, Chandler, please let me introduce you to my friend, Jesus. He is much more than a portrayal of a character. He is the Son of God, and He died to set you free. Not only will He be there for you, He said, ““I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
“There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus–
No, not one! no, not one!
None else could heal all our soul’s diseases–
No, not one! no, not one!
No friend like Him is so high and holy–
No, not one! no, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly–
No, not one! no, not one!
There’s not an hour that He is not near us –
No, not one! no, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us–
No, not one! no, not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus–
No, not one! no, not one!”
~Johnson Oatman
AUTHOR: Amber Tatum
