Brazilian Leader Provides a Lesson on Friendship

Americans are good at many things, but being friends and sharing life is not one of them. Our iconic figures—the cowboy, the police detective—always seem to ride alone; they can't be slowed down by a partner.
I first realised how narrowly most Americans view friendships when I was traveling with a Brazilian leader. He'd started a thriving seminary, planted a church, written books—the man makes things happen. As we were driving from one meeting to another, I said, "Hey, do you want a cup of coffee?"
He said, "Really? We have time? Wow. I'm honoured. That would be great."
I'm thinking, I don't know why he's so thrilled. I quickly pull into a drive-through coffee stand, and he says, "Ugh, you Americans. I feel so sorry for you. I thought you were asking to be my friend. I thought we were going to sit together and share life."

Michael Woodruff, from the sermon "You Were Created to Connect"