Last time we discussed moving forward from mistakes and struggles, trying to focus on blessings.
The question is HOW. I believe the answer, drawn from the story of RELENTLESS GRACE, is community.
We were created BY A COMMUNITY (the Trinity) FOR COMMUNITY.
There are certainly occasions for solitude, but we were meant to live, celebrate, and struggle together. Even introverts like me need a community, as much as I resist.
I recently heard an interesting notion about modern communities. I’m still working it out, so forgive me if this seems a bit half-baked.
The notion was that communities used to be true networks – everyone knew everyone. If someone celebrated, the word spread quickly, everyone knew about it and celebrated together. Same with mistakes and struggles.
Modern communities are more like hub-and-spoke constructions. Visualize me at the center, and my friends at the ends of the spokes. Too frequently, those friends aren’t connected to one another.
In this sort of community, one friend may not know any of the others. If there’s something to celebrate, or support is needed, there are plenty of folks out there – but no effective way to connect.
From my own experience – 3+ decades ago, I was blessed by a true network of friends who formed a tag team that refused to let me push them away.
Today, as I think about The Freedom Tour, I realize how many good friends I’ve made over the years who don’t know each other. As I ponder this, I wonder if it’s inevitable, or if there’s something I could do/should have done to avoid it.
Either way, my communities have become much more of the hub-and-spoke variety.
What about you? Is your community a network? If not, do you perceive that as a problem?
Personally, I’m wondering if an old, bald introvert can connect at least a few of his friends.
As always – Jesus and I have some talking to do.
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I used AI to draw the two diagrams. Hopefully they helped you visualize what I was describing.