Recently, I have been thinking about lessons about friends from movies and songs. I cannot point to why this has been on my mind, but it has sparked this blog post, so we’ll see what insights I can share. Thank you for being a friend!
I recall a book I gifted my brother called Surround Yourself With Greatness by former BYU and NFL tight end, Chad Lewis. I might have read the intro but that’s all. I do remember Chad speaking about the book with a reporter once and what he shared has stuck with me. In summarizing what the book was about, he said something to the effect that you are what you surround yourself with. If you surround yourself with skunks, you are going to stink. If you surround yourself with people who are great, you will be great. I have heard John Bytheway refer to a similar idea which he calls "The Parable of the Marinade". Friends have a big influence on this and so it can be important what friends you choose.
I have been blessed with friends throughout my life, but perhaps the most important thing I have learned about friendship is the importance of being a good friend. I do not have a perfect answer about what being a “good” friend means, but I hope to share a few insights that I have received from some of my favorite “friend” lines from movies.
“You’ve got a friend in me” from “Toy Story.”
Andy’s interaction with his toys is a nostalgic look at what playing with toys can be. Add to the fact that the toys can come to life and are looking out for Andy and the journey that Woody and Buzz go on to becoming friends and it is a great friend journey. This line from this song is a good summary of what we want in a friend, someone to rely on.
“Never had a friend like me” from “Aladdin.”
Robin Williams’ performance was spot on with this song and the message is one that I think I can see in the friends that I have. While there may be similarities in the friends that I have, each is unique and brings different strengths and to the proverbial table, providing me the opportunity to learn from each of them
“No man is a failure who has friends” from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
This message is written on Clarence’s copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer which he gifts to George Bailey at the end of the film. In the context of what Jesus told early leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Doctrine and Covenants 88:117, “ye are my friends,” I think this means that no one on earth is a failure because Jesus is our friend. Elder Buckner spoke in greater detail about this scripture in the October 2024 General Conference.
Now, I know this is not a comprehensive list of all the friends’ examples that are out there, but I hope it can be a good start to reminding us all the importance of being a good friend, being grateful for our friends, and always remembering that the Savior is our greatest friend.
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