I remember years back when Jonathan was in youth ministry. We had just recently married, and I went to his youth group meetings and events and sat at the back. I noticed so much from that vantage point. Jonathan asked why I didn’t come up front so I could get more involved with what was going on. We had not been married long enough that I could just give him a look and he would understand there was more to it. So I explained that I saw things differently from the back, but it was just as important a place. I shared about a girl that came and cried during part of the talk. I shared about another girl that sat alone and looked unsure of the whole thing. I sat by her and she smiled. I asked him if he saw those things while he was up front. He did not. 

We are all called to community. We need each other. But it doesn’t mean we are called to do the same outreach. It is often easier though, to be offended, to pull away, and to choose to not be part of what God is very likely calling you to do! Have you not noticed that God doesn’t give us all the same gifts? But He is calling all of us to be part of His church, His community.

I think it is so easy in society now to be independent. We can get away without even leaving our home for weeks if we wanted! I read an article that a friend shared that stated this:

“There was a village where the women all washed clothes together by the river. When they all got washing machines, there was a sudden outbreak of depression and no one could figure out why. It wasn’t the washing machines in and of themselves. It was the absence of time spent doing things together. It was the absence of community.”

And I love the stories of multigenerational women sitting around the quilt. Learning from each other and sharing life together. So when I read this about the quilting community, I felt it got to the heart of it.

“Many a “quilting” or quilting bee included only women helping a friend or neighbor finish a quilt. Such a feminine gathering would be a great way for women to get together to socialize. Women could share family news, exchange recipes, give child-rearing tips and all in all support each other… In isolated regions gathering women together helped overcome the loneliness that so many pioneer women experienced.”

Isn’t it crazy that we are more “connected” now with those around us, but at the same time more disconnected than every before. I think that is why the hurricanes can bring a community together. That is why everyone speaks of hating the tragedy of 9/11, but loving the unity they saw on 9/12. It doesn’t matter if you are introverted or extroverted, married or single, young or old. You matter to this community. You matter to God! 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching.” —Hebrews 10:24-25

Lord, I pray that You will reach the hearts of those in this community.  That You will cover them with Your peace and give them a longing to find a place within the church and within the community.  And for the ones that are blessed to already be part of something special, help them reach out to others to help them find the same blessing. Amen