Brother and sister Quote by Brian Doyle
““We do not acknowledge enough, I think, the clan and tribe of our friends, who are not assigned to us by blood, or given to us to love by a merciful Creator, but come to us by grace and gift from the mass of men, stepping forth unannounced from the passing multitudes, and into our lives; and so very often stepping right into the inner chambers of our hearts. In so many ways we celebrate those we love as wife or husband, father and mother, brother and sister, daughter and son; but it is our friends whom we choose, and who choose us; it is our friends we turn to abashed, when we are bruised and broken by love and pain; it is our friends whose affection and kindness are food and drink to our spirits, and sustain and invigorate us when we are worn and weary.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Gift of Friendship, 2005
He celebrates chosen family, emphasizing friends as vital, grace‑given support beyond blood ties.
In simple terms: Friends are essential companions chosen by love, not blood.
Key Takeaway
Nurture and appreciate chosen family.
Themes
friendship
chosen family
gratitude
Mood
warm
reflective
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily gratitude
- community building
- support groups
- celebrations
Key Concepts
social bonds
spiritual support
emotional nourishment
Questions to Reflect On
- Who are your chosen family members?
- How do you show gratitude to friends?
A Different Perspective
Friends may not always be reliable in crises.
