Solidarity: The Gift of Community

     I was texting my sister-in-law today, a truly amazing and overall cool person, and I came to a realization, what a true gift community with others, sharing like convictions is for us all.  Not just family, but with similar belief systems.  

    If you read this blog, you are aware that my community is one of Christian believers.  I feel such a sense of support and belonging when I am with those who share my beliefs and participate in study and worship.  Just attending a service where I am surrounded by fellow Christians, raising our voices in song and prayer, being  there to voice prayer requests and lift others up who are on our hearts fills me with peace and comfort.  I love standing at the welcome center, greeting people, smiling at those entering the church and answering questions to make others feel valued and heard.  I like sitting in a room with women who are diverse in their stages of life, yet have commonality in their love of Christ and the church.  Such a blessing.  

     Now, that's just my community.  But today while texting I realized that people can find that sense of belonging that fills them through various  factions.  For some it may be a political movement. Sharing like convictions and working together to enact a change instead of sitting idly by and complaining about the problem.  Just being amongst like minded citizens can fill them with enthusiasm and energy to help create the change they want to see happen.  That gift of community in common goals is a blessing as well.

    Another community might be sharing a similar life situation.  Whether it is a suppport group for a particular personal challenge or illness, or a living arrangement.  As hard as it is to join a support group or make a change in where one lives, the gift of solidarity, of being in a community with others who share the same circumstances is one to be valued.  Those may be more difficult to accept, as often we are placed in those arrangements versus choosing them for ourselves.  Yet over time, the community we are in can become the blessing we need. To be included and loved by others as we receive the care our minds,  bodies and souls must have.   

While I was texting this morning, and doing my bible devotions, all these thoughts of community flooded my mind and I just felt compelled to share them.  My dear readers, if you have not found a community of like believers or those who share your life stage or convictions, I strongly urge you to reach out and try to discover one for yourself.  Your life, your world, will be enhanced and in turn you very well may bless others as you have been blessed yourself. 

Hugs and love....