the community that wasn’t there
As the last Friday of the month is here, I was asking God what to write to sum up my month on writing focused on community. I couldn’t get out of my mind a comment I received on last weeks post and kept trying to focus instead on hearing God instead of being distracted. Eventually I realized after spending some time trying to “focus” that He was making me focus on something so vastly important within that comment – not loosing heart when community isn’t there (YET).
I’ve mentioned before that in the fall I lived with 24 people in one house – that meant constant community and wildness for Jesus. But He has called me out of that season to seek personal healing and time with Him…that left me where I am now – plucked out of an amazing family and placed somewhere where I don’t know anyone and have no community.
I looked up what the definition of community was and found this:
A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Did you catch that…? Community is not only a group of people, not only a gathering, not only a once-a-week Bible study, it’s a feeling.
Toria, who wrote the comment that I mentioned above explained that she doesn’t have the sense of community where she lives. Yet even the midst of this, she is doing all she can to change that whether that be hosting retreat weekends or coffee dates.
The words that really got glued to my mind are these: “if only two people show up out of the twelve, so be it! I have to faithfully do my part. Community is work, but if no one takes the initiative, nothing happens.”
I wanted to take my last community-minded Friday to encourage any of you out there who are without community, pioneering new community, trying to revive existing community, or anything in between.
I am so proud of you.
More than that, He is so proud of You.
Rely on Him, know you are inwardly being renewed each day (2 Cor. 4:16) and that in His embrace is the safest place to be. Draw near to Him as He draws near to you. Keep fighting, keep going, He is with you. If no one shows up or if 60 shows up, He is smiling down on you. Have faith that what He has begun He will finish. Take initiative, be bold.
We are all right along side you.
I’ve had this page up on my computer since last Saturday, completely speechless and trying to find the words to say how much it meant to me. I’m so humbled, so grateful, to have found this community- to know that we are not alone.
This past weekend I jumped out of the boat and hosted a retreat on the book of Ephesians. I had great plans, an army of butterflies in my stomach, and a terrified yet joyously eager expectation of what God would do.
Only four girls came. But community isn’t about numbers, it’s about connecting hearts and even if it’s just me and you and we find that connection…it’s worth it.
It was gloriously nothing that I thought it would be. We ditched the schedule and took it slow. We talked and asked about each other’s lives. We laughed and worshipped and studied and shared, and God was there. There were awkward pauses, frustrations due to personalities, stress because of bad weather and having to figure out transportation. It wasn’t all easy, but it was imperfectly perfect.
So Saturday morning, when I got up with the sunrise to put the baked oatmeal in the oven before the girls woke, I sat at the kitchen table and watched pink and orange streak the winter sky. I grabbed my phone and quickly checked my email- and there was this post.
Absolute conformation that even though I’m terrified about this community building, God is dawning something grand.
Madison, your words just affirmed my heart and I could have just sat there at the kitchen table and cried. Instead, I just breathed a prayer- “Thank you, Abba Father”. I am so grateful for the encouragement and the support He has given me through you!
So, so, so blessed. So humbled. So grateful. <3
Praise God for the glorious mess you are in the midst of and all the strength and courage He is giving you. I smiled as I read your post all the way though.
I just want to emphasize this: Four girls were blessed. Four girls got to meet with their Father. Four girls were encouraged, got a chance to connect, go to learn. Got to BE. Four girls got to experience something they otherwise wouldn’t have that day, and you gave that gift to them.
I echo your prayer – “Thank you, Abba Father”
Keep going, I am right here along side you. There is going to be major breakthough, I just know it.
It means so much just to know I’m not alone as I begin this. I want to build community around me, and as I pray and try to seek the Lord (even through the fog) it’s so encouraging to know that behind computer screens somewhere in this country I have supporters and encouragers. I’m embarking on a journey soon that I’m preparing for now (in part by re-reading these posts) and I admit it’s Toria’s faith that’s largely inspired me o do what I will. I don’t know what will come of it but I am grateful for this community as each of us tries to revive our own.
You are so BRAVE and I’m so proud of you! You most definitely have support from me and others – know that people are hungry for Jesus everywhere. Sometimes it’s hard to find them right away, but they are there. You are never alone in this, we are all fighting alongside you! Praying for you and for the community around you.