It’s an odd time to think about community in the midst of crisis where we are required to be isolated. However, community is the only way we are going to get through this. There’s a quote from my book, The Me Disease, that says, “When we enter into relationships with one another, we move outside ourselves and into community. When we move into community with one another, we meet God. This is the me2We.” God created us for community. In the midst of this crisis, I have found community in some rather odd places.
If you are like me, you are going a bit stir crazy about now. The days are unusual and my routine is far from normal. Fortunately for me, I still have my family. We are enjoying long talks and card games around the kitchen table. I have found a gift in the midst of this crisis. It is the gift of community.
The definition of community is “a unified body of individuals with common interests living in a particular area.”
That’s us. My family and I are a little community. We have watched Netflix, played games and worked in the yard together. My favorite part has been the meals we have prepared and the leisurely way we enjoy them. Sharing life together seems more intimate and natural now. In the hustle and bustle of life before, we had no time or patience. With this new slowness of life, there is very little arguing. In fact, we have a peace resting upon us. It is refreshing. However, that is not the only place I have found community.
Community in friends;
I have experienced community through friends. One of my highlights from last week was a zoom call I participated in with a couple of friends. Because I could see them, it was as if we were actually together. We talked about the challenges of our week indoors, our favorite TV shows, taking walks with our families and different recipes we were trying out. There is comfort in connection. We need each and are better together.
Community in others;
On Sunday, I watched a Facebook live worship services where I sang hymns in my living room, stood when the scripture was read and responded with others, “Divine Love hear our prayers.” In the familiarity of a church service, I found a comforting kind of community. I was reminded that God is love. Later in the week, we zoomed together, me and about 8 others from the congregation, including the pastor. We shared our struggles, talked about where we had seen God and prayed together. It felt good just to come together.
Community in creation;
The other morning, I stood at my sliding glass door, sipping my coffee. With the dogwoods blooming, the bees buzzing and the daffodils budding, it would be easy to forget we are in the midst of a pandemic. Slowly, I slid the door open, removing the glass that separated me from all of creation. I was overwhelmed first by the birds and their magnificent chirping. I imagined they were praising their Creator. The next thing I noticed was the smell of the morning dew. Creation is everywhere, I just wasn’t letting it in. I took a deep breath and realized I am somehow a part of this community of creation.
Just like creation is everywhere, so is community. Now more than ever, it is important to realize you are a part of something more. You are not alone and we are in this together. God created us to be in community. God is reminding us that community is all around us, sometimes you just need to let it in.
Richard Rohr said, “We cannot face large-scale crises as individuals; we cannot carry the pain of this reality on our own, nor can we only look out for ourselves. The pain is communal and so too must be the response. “
Scripture tells us that we are to carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. In a time of isolation, look for community. As believers, we need to come together, not physically, but as the Body of Christ. We need to care for one another, reaching out and touching someone with our thoughts, words and prayers. Because when one of us suffers, we all suffer. There is a lot of suffering going on right now, albeit physical, mental, financial or domestic. When we connect with one another, we then can carry one another’s burdens just by being there for that person. Just by listening. Just by caring.
God has given us a gift in the midst of this crisis. It is the gift of community. Who’s burden can you carry today? Who can you suffer with or connect with? Who can you be Christ-like for today?
Let us pray;
Creator of all that is, thank you that you created us for community. When we feel all alone, show us the community all around us. Connect us with others who will help us carry one another’s burdens. In Jesus name, Amen. -M
P.s. – I want to hear from you. Tell me all the places you have experienced community. Share with me in the comments below the things that have brought you joy, peace and comfort.
