Man’s Best Friend

by Todd Slayton · October 16, 2016

On June 29, 2016 we lost our best friend. I haven’t publicly posted about this because of the pain associated with the loss and the privacy we desired then.

As time continues to march forward, we began the healing process.

Our best friend and family member, Stanley Steamer Slayton passed away that day. Stanley was 15 years old or 90 dog years according to pedigree.com … so I’m thankful he lived a long life.

We love our pets … don’t we?

Stanley Steamer Slayton

Stanley greeted me every time I opened the front door, every time I said good night and every time I started my day.

After his death, out of habit, I looked for Stanley in all of the places he routinely hung out at. I could imagine hearing his unique and distinctive bark. Everywhere I turned Stanley was there.

There is simply not enough space to write about all the moments when Stanley put a smile on our face. He was a great guard dog and he loved his nephew Brooks.

What a friend indeed! We will miss you Stanley…

God our creator knew man needed a friend; and I’m not speaking about a pet now but I am speaking about a friend who will stick closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

God sent His son, they called him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive! Now that’s a friend I want to know. How about you; do you know Him?

Jesus is the definition of man’s best friend.

No greater love exists then when a friend lay down his life for other friends. John 15:13

Here’s the thing; the love of Jesus compelled him to crawl up onto the cross, spread his arms and die a cruel unimaginable death. John 19:16-18

When is the last time anyone did that for you?

Jesus didn’t stop there either. His love, mercies and faithfulness are new every single day of your life! Lamentations 3:22-23

All anyone must do to claim these benefits is to call on His name. Romans 10:13 Day or night, weekday or weekend; Jesus is ready and waiting. Revelation 3:20

He has been my friend so many times.

One of those times was during the first few days of my life. I was born with pneumonia and according to my parents; the Doctor said it was the most advanced stage he had ever witnessed.

I struggled for every breath and each time I inhaled my chest would collapse so deep that it pressed against my back.

Just like all of you, I can’t recall those moments and days after my birth. The stories have been retold to me… I had no idea that I was alive.

And that’s so impressive to me, that Jesus would care so much during my days of unawareness. I could have died and never knew life; but thank God that’s when man’s best Friend showed up! He revived me.

Some may call the whole thing a coincidence but I choose to believe in my friend; Jesus Christ the Son of the living God.

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” – and he was called a friend of God James 2:23

What would we do without our friend? … Man’s best Friend… Jesus Christ