My friend Tami is the person who stands out in a crowd. Life of the party, the person who makes others feel they belong and is always looking for ways for people to connect to each other. I love these things about her and when we hang out, it fills my soul. Tami is the friend that no matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen each other, it feels like it was yesterday. So, when I sat with her recently in her hospital room as she fought cancer, I was surprised when she said what she was really missing in her life at the moment was community. I thought, “How is that possible? You are everyone’s friend.” While she is great at that for others, she was finding that no one was creating community for her. Years of ministry, investing in people, and somehow a sense of community had bypassed her, and in these moments of illness, she needed it for herself more than ever.
Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. John 13:34 The Message
The idea of community is created out of our innate desire to be seen and known by someone else – to belong. We have a responsibility to one another to love each other and build space in our lives to allow for true friendship to be discovered and nurtured. Creating community means we choose to be intentional with one another because we share the same need to be part of something; to be aligned with people with similar needs and interests. We commit to believing the best, having fun, stripping away the masks, and getting real with one another. Being part of the community means we no longer settle for isolation and loneliness, for ourselves and our friends.
Throughout scripture we see Jesus with people – sharing meals, teaching and intentionally prioritizing people over everything else. He modeled community for us. We were created to be in relationship with one another, and we really need each other.
Let’s commit to being people who identify what moms around us need and create a community to meet that need. Be the one to go first in being authentic. Open the door to conversations and people who challenge you to grow. Encourage real talk. Be kind. Show up for each other and choose to love one another.
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. – 1 Peter 4:8-10 NLT
Questions:
- If you aren’t part of a consistent community, what are you waiting for? What is holding you back from truly belonging?
- Who is missing from your community?
- What is one thing you can do today to ensure someone knows they belong with you?
Melodi Leih, Executive Leadership Coach
