The Way Of Community
The Way of Community
Hello my dear friend, welcome back to the table! It is hard to believe it has been two weeks already. How did you do with the shifting of mindsets we talked about last time? If you missed our last chat, you can click here to read it and have a chance to comment. This week at the table, I want to talk about The Way of Community. Grab your mug and a hot drink and take your seat at the table. If this is your first time with us, don’t worry, there is room for everyone here.
The Why Of Community
Why this focus on community? Why do all these blogs seem to lead back to this one concept? I believe that we have lost our way. I believe our society has become self-sufficient and self-focused. Because many of us have the means to be our own support and encouragement, our focus and our peer group have become narrowed. Self-sufficiency tells us that we do not require many people with little pieces of the puzzle, to come together and help make up the bigger picture of our lives. Instead, it tells us that not only do we get to decide on what the picture looks like ourselves, but we also are able and should build it ourselves. I’m here to come against this lie of the enemy that we have taken on as the truth in our lives and has caused us to become a group of individuals “doing our own thing” together in the world, rather than a collection of communities seeking to connect with one another. We were created for relationship – we were built for community. We were never meant for a self-sufficient and self-focused life.
The What Of Community
What is a community? It is important to note that a community is not just a group of individuals that continue living life in a self-sufficient manner, together. Nor is community connecting with others, just to further our own agenda. Rather, community involves living life together, sharing our time, resources, giftings and energy with one another for the benefit, not only of ourselves, but also of those around us. Communities can be small or large. We can be a part of a few communities or many communities. Community groups can overlap with one another.
The Who Of Community
We can live in community with a variety of people, in a variety of combinations over a varied span of time. However, community is not all about similar people with the same idea and thoughts and goals, gathering together to further their own agenda. True community may begin with similar people, with the same ideas and thoughts and goals, but must not stop there. The aim of true community is to reach out to those around us, offering up what we have, to improve the quality of life of those around us. Community flourishes when we become a group of varied people with varied idea and interests, giftings and resources to share – while working toward a similar vision.
The When Of Community
Community is an everyday event. It is not meant just for special occasions or when we need to get something done. If we could just grasp that our everyday lives are enhanced by the connections we have with others, we would be better able to understand that community is not a question of when – real community happens all the time.
The Where Of Community
Community happens wherever people are together. It can happen in your living room, your backyard, over coffee, at work, in the large community, in the church, in schools, in the grocery store, on the street or online. Community is about connection and connection can happen anywhere you have people who are open and willing to engage with those around them.
The How Of Community
Community does not just happen. The building of community is an intentional process. Especially in a society where the concept of self-sufficiency has taken such a solid hold. We have to want to be part of community. We have to reach out to those around us and encourage community. It is an active process; it does not just happen on its own. It requires some courage, moving outside of your own box and comfort zone and a large dose of authentic living.
Community Is The Answer
Community is a large part of the answer to the many questions we have today. If we are willing to be real with ourselves and real with those around us, we would be quick to admit that self-sufficiency is a lonely way to live. The willingness to live an authentic life is the first step to building community. When we begin to be real with one another and ourselves, when the masks come off and we begin to reach out our hand to those around us, for help and to assist, true community will begin to form. As it forms, we will need to become intentional about encouraging its growth. Building community requires some effort but the joy that comes from living/engaging in a true and flourishing community, far outweighs any effort we will ever put in.
What I Know
I have longed for true community for some time. Sometimes it takes time to find the community that you can truly connect with and be part of. I am happy to say that in the last month, as we have settled into our new home, we have become part of the most amazing community. We are not perfect at Agape House Canada, but we are committed to living the life we have been called to as followers of Jesus, expanding our community by reaching out to those around us, encouraging one another in the practical things of everyday life as well as our individual and group growth in our Christian walk, helping one another to recognize and develop our giftings for the cause of the Kingdom and making an impact in the world for Jesus. For the first time in a long time, I feel fully alive and fully engaged! What I know, is that I want this for each one of you as well. It is time to take a courageous step from behind the mask of self-sufficiency and to begin to reach out a hand to those around you – a hand for assistance as well as a hand to benefit. You need to find your community and you need to do it now. Time is short!
Until Next Time
Well, my friend, our time at the table is over for the moment. It does not have to end here though. Below you will find a number of ways to connect outside of checking in every two weeks for this blog. Directly below are a number of ways you can contribute to the conversation at this table. Below that are a number of ways you can connect directly with me. Today is the day to take the first step. It may take some time and a little bit of courage to step out and do so, but together, we can make community happen!
Your Turn To Comment
You can comment directly under the blog in the blog section. We, at the table, would love to hear from you. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1) What communities are you a part of?
2) What do you see as the benefits of community?
3) If you are hesitant to join in communities, what is holding you back?
4) What would you like to talk about in this community? At this table?
5) Just share!
New
On the website, I have posted my word for the year and my Bible Verse for the year. I am planning for some changes to the site – help me out – what would you like to see on the website? Comment in the blog section.
Be In Touch
I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:
Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca
Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/
Comment section at the end of each blog
Until next time,
From my heart to yours!
Laurie Hopkins
