Community

This morning, I was remembering the way things were in my childhood. We had so much community! Our neighborhood was a hive of activity in the evenings. The adults would sit outside in their lawn chairs while we kids played games all over the neighborhood. My parents had deep friendships and my mom was very hospitable. We had friends and family over to our home all the time. The adults also played 42 and would have game nights at each other’s homes. I grew up with community. 

After I married Andy, we developed community everywhere we went. We’d invite friends over for a meal—or the guys would play long hours of the game Risk. As we grew spiritually, we met with friends to Praise and Pray. Our kids remember P&P as a profound time of community. It was deep and meaningful. And we grew more and more in love with God. 

Why do we need community? Because life is hard and because God told us we would need it! It’s where you find friends, fellowship, fun, and faith. I don’t know that I consciously thought about wanting community—I just had a deep need for friendships.  (I also had the example of my mom’s hospitality!) I know that I could call any of the friends I’ve had community with in a time of trouble—and they’d be right there to help! Those are deep relationships. 

In Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” One of the Hebrew meanings of “life” is “community!”  There is LIFE in community!!  Ask anyone who has had deep and meaningful relationships where their lives are intertwined with others. They’ll confirm it is LIFE.  

How do you build community? Invite a family over for a meal. Ask if they like to play games you enjoy. One group of ladies I knew all had desperate needs—so they met to pray. Community grew out of that. Sit outside in your neighborhood with extra chairs around you and a cooler of drinks to share. As neighbors come out, invite them to come sit. Be curious. Ask about their lives. Go to church and get involved—community will grow if you invest yourself. And…don’t let a cluttered house stop you!!

Is it risky to get involved in community? Maybe. You have to be vulnerable to open your lives and home. But I’d tell you the payoff of investing in one another’s lives is HUGE!! Our culture has become isolated and people are suffering mentally and spiritually because of it. It’s time to swing the doors of our homes and lives open to show our children how to live in community!!

Choose LIFE!  Choose COMMUNITY!