What do you think of when you hear the word community? I think of the people in my life. Maybe you use another term. Tribe, peeps, besties or maybe there’s a newer more hip term than the ones I’ve mentioned.
Since I moved into my new to me house, I’ve been watching the people in my neighborhood come alive after the long cold winter. Not in a stalker, creepy way, but in the come out of your house and wave and chat for a bit way.
I have a playground across the street from me complete with a basketball court. It was pretty much dead until the last couple of days. There’s kids on rollerblades, skateboards, and bikes in addition to the kids playing ball on the paved court on and off all day. I thought it would bug me, but it reminds me there’s a whole community of people around me.
Today, I went to a ladies Bible study at the church I’ve started attending. It’s for the senior ladies of the church. I was the youngest one there. Not gonna lie, I felt pretty good about that. These ladies don’t know me. It was my first time meeting them, and they welcomed me with open arms.
Each lady there was in a different phase of life. It was quite the collection of gospel gorgeous women. I can’t lay claim to that name. I got that term from a Bible study called Jesus and women taught authored by Kristi McLelland. But, I love. Gospel Gorgeous Women! How awesome is that?
There’s another group of gals I meet with another day of the week. This group is for anyone who needs encouragement and support. Seems God brought together this age varied, eclectic, group of similar backgrounds and upbringing women. It’s amazing to me how God works out these types of details. This group is also new to me and we have a text group so we can encourage and support one another during the week.
I have a few long distance friends that are also part of my life line. I couldn’t imagine doing life without them.
My point here is, who are you surrounded by? You know that saying birds of a feather, flock together? Some of my “birds” have been with me through all the seemingly bad stuff. They know everything and they’re still here. Love them to bits and pieces!
Did you know you were never meant to do this life on your own? Community plays a big part in helping you grow. I mean, even Jesus had His disciples, right?
Connections are made when we step into life. You really never know who you might meet along the way. Sometimes, you have to be the one to do the stepping instead of waiting for it to happen. I know that can be a bit scary, especially for introverts, but I encourage you, to give it a go.
I’m typically the gal in the back, checking out all the things before I fully immerse myself in the situation. It’s just easier to just get in, and get out. Because, well, people can just be too people-y sometimes. If you know what I mean.
It takes a lot some days for me to leave the house. It’s so much easier these days to avoid real life. Staying connected behind a screen is not what we were made for. Is it necessary sometimes? Yes. Should it be the norm? I think not.
Social media is great for a lot of things, but nothing can replace real face to face time. The power of touch and even a hug is critical to our well-being.
For me to say hugging is a good thing is quite the contrary to how I used to view them. I didn’t grow-up in a warm and fuzzy home. Hugs were few and foreign feeling, more done out of a sense of obligation.
To be honest, I can still get a little freaked out by them because I never really know what kind of hug is gonna happen.
The big bear hug, the emotional, I haven’t seen you in years hug, the half-hearted hug, or the leave some space in between us kind of hug. So many types of hugs which have the potential to leave both people standing there awkwardly afterwards and looking for a place to quickly flee.
But, when a real hug happens, it comforts your whole being. I’ll take those kinds of hugs any day.
Whatever stage of life you’re in, I pray you have a real live community of people who support, uplift and encourage you. And I hope you’re able to be that for someone.
The past 2 years have taught me just how important people are in every area of my life. And even if the people get too people-y, there’s always something to learn from them. It’s all part of that growing thing.
Grow well my friends. Someone out there is relying on the gifts you’ve been given to help them grow and pay it forward.
Blessed to be Broken 
Wonderful message. Thank you for being one of my life lines. You are always there to help, support, and encourage me.❤️