The Beauty of Community

Years ago, I self diagnosed myself with major trust issues. For too long I held up a wall, a high and mighty wall that kept people out. I did not take time to get to know them and I never gave them a proper chance to get to know me. Either I thought too highly of myself, or not enough about myself to be in relationship people. And man, was I sorely mistaken. God began to open my eyes to the importance of community. He began to take me by the hand, gently reminding me how much I need people in my life. We need ones to grow in relationship, to laugh, joke, cry, and experience life with. Being in community helps us hold each other accountable and encourage. We need people.

It took me a group of my closest guy friends to teach me the importance of having girlfriends who I can confide in and trust. And I mean, these guys are bros. Their time together is intentional and REAL. Together they are even more ridiculous and goofy, but to the core, their hearts are sought after Christ and His beautiful treasures. Their conversations are deeply rooted, continually building each other up, and challenging one another to draw closer to Jesus. The way they love is something no one can replace. Their bond is clearly is centered on the Lord. The more and more I saw how they continually built each other up, the more I was convicted to be in more intentional friendships with the girls in my life.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Being in community with your fellow sisters is important. There is something special about growing deep in sisterhood, it’s a necessity. We need to support one another and fight for each other. For so long I thought I could do things on my own, but I found the more I tried to take the reigns, I fell so fast and so far. With Jesus as the leader in my life, the days are much more fulfilling and sweet. I let my pride and fear get in the way of the opportunity to be strengthened by others. Quickly, I noticed I needed to invest more into the beautiful hearts of my girlfriends. So, in light of that realization I began to pray. I prayed for a community to call home. I prayed for girls to enter my life for sweet, meaningful fellowship and without fail and with much haste, God showed up and friendships began forming.

I was shocked. But, why should I be shocked?! The God of the Universe answered the desires of my heart. He answered not because He is a genie, but because He knows what’s best for His children. The more stunning thing was that I had more girlfriends praying for the exact same thing: community.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

There is power in prayer. Our God is a God who listens to our prayers and allows us to live a life that is better than we could ever imagine. Bottom line, we all want the same thing: to be known and loved, valued and cherished. There is this innate desire within each of us to have a safe haven. Jesus knows that full well. It’s how He designed us. Surrender that trust to the Lord and see how He will honor your desire. We are meant to live a life full of community, you are not meant to be alone.