We are family

Community. Something the Bible talks an awful lot about. It is one of the most important aspects of being a follower of Jesus. When I was thinking of what to write about today I started to think of the awesome community I have around me and realized I had never written about them! They keep me sane, they know all the ugly stuff about me, they've seen me cry and they've seen me laugh. They’re my people and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Today I’m gonna share with y'all a little about my community.  

I’m gonna rewind to a little over a year ago. Let me set the stage. I’m crying in Caleb’s arms after he had just gotten home from a long day at work. It was one of the most ridiculous pity parties I’ve ever thrown. I look back now and can’t help but laugh at how pitiful I sounded. Anyways, the dialogue went a little like this. 

Me: “Babe I just need some friends! I’m so lonely. We need friends! How are we gonna find friends? I’ve been praying for community but God hasn't sent anyone!” 

Caleb: “It’s gonna be ok. Have you tried to hang out with Megan? She’s around your age right?” 

Me: “Oh, yeah I guess she is! How do I become friends with her?” 

Caleb: “Why don't you text her and ask her to go to lunch with you?” 

Me: “Won’t that be weird? What do I say?”

Caleb: *rolls his eyes* “I love you.”

You can get the idea from this conversation that I was being pretty ridiculous. I didn't even see this beautiful, Jesus loving girl God had placed right in front of me! Community isn't about waiting for people to come along, it’s about loving the people right in front of you. Texting Megan was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. We’re pretty much the same person. I love her. 

When it came to making married friends I was convinced that Caleb and I were way too young to have them. I’m so glad I was wrong. God placed two of the funniest people ever in our lives, Katie and Brackston. They were our first married friends and have brought so much joy and many many laughs. Katie knows literally everything about me and we have had the most truthful, life giving conversations. I am beyond grateful for both of them.

Last fall a young couple came to visit our church. I remember seeing them from the stage and immediately getting excited. You ever see people and just get the feeling you're gonna be friends one day? Well that’s what happened. We ended up awkwardly introducing ourselves after church and I think we exchanged numbers but it’s kinda blurry now. All that matters is that Corrie and Collin came into our lives that day. We quickly fell in love with each other and the rest is history. They're awesome. 

Our last friend I need to brag about is the one and only, Ryan (aka Solomon) We met Ryan at church when he started volunteering for youth. I’m not sure he knew what he was getting himself into, but I couldn't be more grateful for him. He has put up with Caleb and I’s craziness and has listened to us talk about life for hours on end. He is full of wisdom, an awesome listener, and so easy to talk to. He’s also single and in law school so ladies hit me up if you're interested. Ryan if you're reading this I’m sorry I put that in, you'll thank me later. 

There are so many people that deserve to be raved about but it would take several posts. The Lord has blessed me so greatly with these people. They are not only friends, but family. Writing about my community has got me thinking about the church in the book of Acts. Acts or Acts of the Apostles recounts the history of the early church. A section I read last week really caught my eye and honestly got me a little teary eyed. Let me share it with you. 

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” - Acts 2:42-47

These verses left me in awe. This is what church is. Church is a family of believers that come together and do life with each other. Church is community. Church is putting yourself second and the people around you first. Church isn't a building you go to every Sunday, it’s the people inside of that building. The community of believers.

If you're struggling like I was to have a community of believers around you, maybe you are just not seeing what God has placed right in front of you. Having community isn't about being friends with people who are exactly like you, it’s about embracing the people God has set before you. 

Like I said earlier, community is family. In order for our communities to thrive, we need to work on functioning like a family. You don't always like your family, you don't always agree with family, but you always love your family. 

We weren't meant to go through life alone. We were wired for community. If any of my friends are reading this I want to thank you. Thank you for embracing and accepting every part of me. Thank you for loving me even when it’s hard to put up with me. Thank you for praying with and for Caleb and I. I am so grateful for each and every one of you. You are my family and I love y’all! 

“If we’re really serious about spiritual formation, then we must become really serious about creating church communities that act like real families.” -Joseph H. Hellerman