It is important, therefore, that we resist our desire to be seen as always strong and in control. Even the Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane acknowledged his need of friends to stand with him in that time of great trial, and lamented the fact that they did not. We too must be prepared to recognize our own need of friendships, so that those of us who lead are not just ahead or above others, but also alongside them. If that is to happen, we must accept that we will not be able to lead in every situation or always have the last word. There are no exceptions; we all need friends.