My “Ride or Die”
Jackie Robinson was the first black to play major league baseball in the modern era (Moses Fleetwood Walker played 42 games in 1884). Breaking baseball’s color barrier, he faced jeering crowds in many stadiums. While playing one day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he committed an error. The fans began to ridicule him. He stood at second base, humiliated, while fans jeered. Then, shortstop Pee Wee Reese came over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Jackie Robinson and faced the crowd. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said: “That arm around my shoulder saved my career.” In that moment, Pee Wee Reese was Robinson’s “ride or die.” A “ride or die” is someone in your life who will be there with you through thick and thin. They will do what they need to do to help you make it through difficult times. In short, a “ride or die” is a very close friend. King David had a“ride or die” list, and we can find that list over five chapters in 2 Samuel (15-19). David’s “ride or die” list include: Ittai, Zadok, Abiathar, Hushai, Shobi, Machir, Barzillai, and Joab. Their examples help us to see what a true “ride or die” looks like. A true “ride or die” will:
1. Pledge absolute allegiance to you, even if it means death
2. Tell you the truth about your life and decisions
3. Love you when you have nothing else to give
4. Put you first
5. Not let the past to ruin the friendship
6. Accepts you, even when he/she doesn’t understand you or agree with you
7. Will stand with you regardless of risks involved
8. Lay their lives down for you
9. Give without being asked and they ask for nothing in return
10. Give out of love with no hidden agenda
No price is too high and no inconvenience too great for a true “ride or die.” As I look over this list of characteristics, my “ride or die” list is very short, maybe 5-7 deep. Based on these characteristics, and others you can add, prayerfully make your own “ride or die” list. Who are the people who would be on your list? Why? How can you demonstrate your appreciation for their friendship to you? Would your closest friends consider you a true “ride or die?”
There is a “Ride and Die” who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
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Tags: Friends, Friendship, Love, Relationship, Risk, Sacrifice
June 9th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I like that, because you my ride or die….
July 15th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
It is so very easy for us to consider who would fall into our "ride or die" and who would consider the same for us. In my experience, I have found that rather than telling people we are their "ride or die" and vice versa, life offers a multitude of chances and opportunities for us to prove just that. The true "ride or die" shows up (or not) when our life's experiences come calling. The true mark of who is in your category and you theirs, is by our responses to what life brings to us. We learn from the actions, words, looks and proven consistency or lack thereof who our sho nuff "ride or die" people are…..we may know truly, but are often surprised.
July 15th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Girl, you about to make me shout up in here. You are so on point. Actions speak so much louder than our words. Sometimes, we write checks with our mouths that our actions cannot and will not cash. Thanks for this perspective. You always add value to the convo. Grace and peace. I hope you had a great time in Hotlanta. Great to have you home.
July 16th, 2009 at 8:44 am
[...] This post by Marvin Williams made me sit back and take stock in my friends. Marvin talks about having a Ride or Die. What’s a Ride or Die? A “ride or die” is someone in your life who will be there with you through thick and thin. They will do what they need to do to help you make it through difficult times. [...]
October 7th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Thanks much for this info. I am a minister and have been invited to speak for a youth sunday and this is their theme. This was very helpful!!!!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Thanks, Robert. I am glad it was helpful. Be blessed!