Community
a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage
Right now, I feel in between communities. I think this might be a “side-effect” of being where we are right now in preparing for the mission field. We are traveling so much that it is hard to be “in community” with others.
It’s a hard place to be. Sometimes even a lonely place to be.
We do have our church family… but when you are gone more Sunday’s then you are there, it makes it difficult to build on those relationships.
I have a couple of women in my life that I talk with and sometimes spend time with, but (and I’ll just be honest and throw it out there) sometimes have a hard time being vulnerable and developing that deep friendship that we as women sometimes so desperately need. I come by it honestly… my best friend passed away about five years ago and since then the two times that I let myself become close again with someone, I was burned and hurt.
I miss being knee deep in community; that’s where I used to live my life and where I want to live it again.
Are you living community, or is it something you struggle with?
Linking up today with Gypsy Mama and Beholding Glory
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You can read about my present struggle with community in my post for today — difficult to publish! But oh, how God has blessed me through individuals — and even without them, in amazing ways. And that does make community, of a different kind, doesn’t it?
I often think of Christians in hostile places who suffer rejection by not only community but also family because of their faith, and consider them my community as well. That great Church on earth and in heaven: what a rejoicing bunch we’re all going to be… together! God bless as you prepare for your mission calling!
It took me a while to do the “community” thing again, after being deeply hurt. I had called myself a loner, and had become comfortable in that role. However, God said it’s not good for man to be alone, so little by little He re-introduced me to a community of people who are as vulnerable as I am, and together we travel this journey called life. Be encouraged…He’ll do the same for you!
Audrey recently shared..AS THE WORD GOES FORTH
I know what you mean. Community is so important to our growth and health as Christians but its not without it’s problems. I’m reminded of Christ who was rejected by His community, dying alone. I prayed for years for community and it took a while but I finally found it. Blessings to you in your journey!
I totally understand your feelings. I’m so sorry you lost your friend, and then was burned again. Community is worth the vulnerability of reaching out. Keep reaching – at some point, you will click with the right person. (I’m preaching to myself as well …)
Jerralea recently shared..The Remnant
Thank you for being open Chelsea! Since we moved away to a new town 4 years ago I have had a hard time rebuilding community and drawing new relationships from scratch! Thank you for sharing
Jami Leigh recently shared..Trusting Your Plans to the Lord Part 2
Girl, this hit right at home. I was about to go do my 5 min Friday but now I don’t know if I can do it without using your wording bc it is my heart right now. We are in a lifestyle of limbo right now, too. We are looking to plant a church in a new community 1.5hrs away. Moving, and starting from scratch is mission work. Loosing current community and having difficulty getting deeper or staying attached it hard! Praying for ya!
Julie Rothacher recently shared..Mini Loafs
For the most part, I am in community. I work at my church, so am constantly around the staff and leadership. I have a few girlfriends I hang out with regularly and my family is always near. But as I’ve gotten older, I yearn for quiet “alone” times, away from people. Perhaps it’s mid-life. And I LOVE the community of women I’ve found through blogging. Someone once questioned that I could find real, authentic relationships on a screen. But it’s so true! These women have prayed for me and encouraged my heart sometimes more than my IRL friends. I can imagine it’s hard to build a community when you know you will be having to leave it. Hopefully, you will have a community and can manage to keep meaningful connections that way.
Barbie recently shared..Scales, Scales Go Away! {Spring In My Step Guest Post}
Isn’t it amazing how God uses so many different avenues to provide community! He meets us where we are!
Thanks Barbie!
I would love to live community! I live it at my church, but crave it elsewhere. Totally know what you mean about not opening up. I’ve been burnt as well and it is a process to retrieve what was lost
Lyn recently shared..How Long?
[...] Posted on May 8, 2012 by Chelsey • 0 Comments – Leave a comment!Last week I wrote about how community can be hard. Yesterday, community found [...]