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Soul Snack 8/171 ... Irreplaceable Relationships

In 1977, a group of teenagers got together to form a band.Their names were Rick, Pete, Tony and Joe. The name of the band was Atomic Mass. Before you reach for your index of obscure rock bands, in 1978they changed the name of the band to DefLeppard.

Rick Allen, then only 15 years old, joined as the drummer. Musical bands often havedifficulty getting along - long trips, late nights, etc. Most don't last thedistance. After 30 years, Def Leppard are still performing live,worldwide.

We all buildfriendships. All lasting friendships are inevitably tested. There are times when even friends get on each others' nerves. Someof the truest friendships are those that are tested - each friend then has theconfidence that the other cares enough or loves them enough to always stand by theirside.Lovinga friend can grow to be easy. But, who would love an enemy enough to stand bythem - especially when that love was not reciprocated?

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christdied for the ungodly. But God demonstrates His love for us for us in this:While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

OnDecember 31, 1984, Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car crash. Yet, Rick wascommitted to continuing as Def Leppard's drummer. He practiced drumming withpillows, and learned ways to let his legs do what his left arm used to do.Nowhere is the crunch! The remaining band members stood behind Rick as herecovered. Atthe height of their fame, they put their careers on hold, never seeking a replacement.

In 1987, after two years, Rickreturned to the band. He played the drumswith one arm on Hysteria, one of thebest selling Rock albums of all time. 

There is never a replacement for true friendship.

Hardship or happiness, burden or blessing, failure or favour, He is always there for you. He was there for you when you were His enemy, how much more so now you are His friend?

(A special and humble thanks to my good friend Stuart Quarmby for this text and his kind permission to both use and slightly edit it.)