When the Fridge Is Empty!

By Alisia Cooper – Founder of The Ekklesia Women | Certified Christian Relationship Coach.

Have you ever wondered who would really stick around if everything you had was stripped away?

Growing up, I saw it all the time—people (myself included) using what they had to gain “friends.” Back in the day, it was almost normal to “buy friendships.” Invite people into your home, show off your nice things, and suddenly—you’re accepted. Or so it seemed.

I’ll never forget a situation years ago with a so-called friend. She came over often, but usually only when she wanted something. At the time, I was so desperate for companionship that I didn’t even see it.

One day, during what I call my “poverty days” (yes, I can laugh about it now), she came by, opened my refrigerator without asking, and loudly exclaimed: “There’s nothing in your fridge?”

Whew. I felt exposed. Embarrassed. Ashamed. The truth was—I really had nothing. And the craziest part? From that day on, she never came back. Just like that, I wasn’t “useful” to her anymore. That was the moment I realized: that wasn’t a true friend.

A Mind Transformed by Christ

But then something happened—Jesus stepped in. When Christ came into my life, He started transforming my mind. The Word of God says:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2 KJV)

Suddenly, the old version of me started looking strange, even unrecognizable. I didn’t want to be accepted because of what I had, but because of who I am in Christ.

The Holy Spirit began showing me that any friendship built on lies, image, or possessions is superficial. It’s shallow. Because here’s the truth:

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 KJV)

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17 KJV)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 KJV)

If someone can only walk with you when the fridge is full, they’re not your friend. The real test of friendship is who will sit with you in your lack, pray with you in your trials, and stand with you even when nothing around you looks glamorous.

Heart-Check Questions

Am I surrounding myself with people who love me for me, or for what I can give them?

If everything I had was stripped away today, who would still be by my side?

Am I a true friend to others, or do I sometimes fall into being superficial too?

Do my friendships help me grow closer to Christ, or pull me into the world’s shallow ways?

Breakthrough Prayer

Lord Jesus, expose every superficial friendship in my life and give me the courage to release what doesn’t honor You. Surround me with people who will love me with a Christ-like love—pure, genuine, and lasting. Transform my mind by Your Word, so I no longer seek validation from what I have, but from who I am in You.

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6 KJV)

Thank You, Lord, for teaching me what real friendship looks like. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Call to Action:

Sis, if this hit home for you, take a moment and think—are your friendships rooted in truth or just surface-level acceptance? Drop a heart below if you’re ready for God to bring genuine Kingdom friendships into your life.

And if you’re ready to go deeper! Book a one-on-one session with me to

start your journey of healing, boundaries, and preparation for your Kingdom marriage.

Let’s grow together daughter of God.