Community
I had quickly become THAT mom in the Aldi checkout line; putting my groceries on the belt as fast as I could, while trying to give screaming Elle her paci. As I reached the cashier to pay he gave the remark, “Someone is not happy.” Not even looking up from the card reader I replied, “No, she isn’t.”
As I put Elle on the counter (she was losing her ever-loving-mind by this point) I turn to start bagging and a lady approached me to ask, “Can I help you bag?” Without even thinking I almost said “Oh no, that’s okay” but then my stupidity caught up with me and I finally replied, “That would be great.”
We got the groceries bagged, and I scooped up Elle with one arm while pushing the cart with another when a different lady approached me to say, “Can I push your cart to your car for you?” Again, I paused looking at her, almost declining, but then said half laughing, “Sure!”
Her husband brought the groceries to my car for me. I thanked him, and then listened to Elle continue to scream until we got home with many thoughts running through my head.
First, it was really refreshing to see kindness displayed from total strangers.
Second, I was laughing at what a hot-mess Elle and I must have looked like to receive the offers.
Third, WHY was my natural reaction to decline the help when it was obvious I needed it?
When we were pregnant with the twins we had multiple twin parents tell us to accept any and all help given. Even in the desperation of needing it, it is not easy for me to accept the help, let alone ask for it. It’s my pride, obviously, that drives that.
Why?
Well, most of the time when we really need help, we aren’t at our best. We are allowing others to see us in our most vulnerable state. That’s really hard to do. And yet, isn’t that when we are the most real? Life is meant to be done in community.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. “ Romans 12:9-16
So much of this verse captures a day to day life. When we live in community we are doing life with those around us. The Lord has us all in a different season, but that’s where the beauty of community plays out. Most likely someone else has already walked through, or is walking through, the season you are in too. It provides encouragement, support, and love whether you’re in a heavy, grateful, mourning, blessed, hard, or joyful season. So instead of comparing our lives, we are meant to relate with one another.
The point is not doing it alone. That’s just where Satan wants us to be. He loves to prey on our thoughts. He wants us to doubt our God. And he is really good about placing those fears, insecurities, and lies into our mind. If we aren’t careful and aren’t expressing what we are going through within our community of people, he will get us to believe things we have no business believing.
So go against the grain ya’ll. Let people in. Seek to look for those who are in need. Be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth. You’ll truly be amazed at the blessing both to you and them when you respond to those Holy Spirit promptings to lend a helping hand.
Community from my perspective these days, looks a little something like:
Receiving meals randomly.
Accepting hand-me-downs from friends.
Having a closet filled with diapers.
Getting the five of us to church because I know the importance of being with the body and for my kids as well.
Letting your friends take your older boys so you can go to the grocery.
Being transparent for what you need prayer for when you’re asked.
Seeking to serve those around you, even if you don’t feel like there is time.
Inviting others into your chaos, no matter how you or your house looks.
Accepting babysitting offers.
and the list goes on.
I’ve truly had the most random but amazing things dropped off on our doorstep from people who said, “I was prompted to do this.” It’s been those moments when I stop and remember that the Lord sees us in every season and rallies his church for just what we need, just when we need it.