The Hype Around Community

We hear a lot of buzz around the word community. 
We see it depicted so perfectly in shows like Sweet Magnolias where three women have been best friends since childhood and still share all their dreams and hopes and worries with one another, even starting a business together. But in the real world on the other side of the Netflix screen it’s sometimes more challenging to find those kinds of relationships.

People move, demands on our time and energy are high, and schedules are busy and often don’t match up with people we’d like to connect with. So why should we prioritize community when it feels like it’s out of reach or a lot of work?

Community gives us a sense of belonging, a feeling of security and support, and reminds us that we have purpose. Things most of us crave. 

God’s Word illustrates the importance of community.
In the opening pages of the Bible God declares “It isn’t good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Jesus tells the disciples that if two of them ask for something in His name their prayer will be answered and that if two or three folks gather in Jesus’ name, then He’ll be there with them (Matthew 18:19-20). And the author of Hebrews instructs us to not give up meeting together, but instead to encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24-25).

there's a reason for all this hype around community

Mental health research shows that people with a healthy community have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Yes, please to all of that.


So what does this mean for me and you?

1. God knows our lives are easier to navigate and more abundant when we’re supported by good people in our lives. He wants this for us.
   
2. Modern science agrees that we actually experience better mental health when we have a positive community.
   
3. For our spiritual and mental well-being, we should prioritize cultivating and being in a healthy community.​
   

Hebrews 10:24-25

But how?
We’re going to spend the next few weeks talking about some different kinds of community you can engage in and grow in as well as some ways to plug into existing communities or even create your own.

Be on the lookout for some emails in your inbox (if you’re not signed up already for my emails–shoot me a message) and my stories on Facebook and Instagram. Meanwhile, I’m praying that we all connect with people who inspire, support, encourage, and point us to the love of Jesus.
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