Power in Community

“The world’s full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.” – Viggo Mortensen – Tony Lip, Green Book

We are living in an unprecedented time, for sure. In addition to this crazy pandemic, my family has endured more than our fair share of trials, but we’ve enjoyed tremendous blessings, too. I’m writing this from my new laptop looking out on our amazing back yard. But far more important than our beautiful home and material things are the amazing friends and community we have established in our three short years here. You simply can’t put a price tag on that connection. These are friends that have become like family. We do life together – we share meals, entertain each other’s kids, borrow sugar, and share rides. These are the people I can put on my emergency contact list and know they will be there for me without hesitation. That is a gift.

I’m also fortunate to have an established group of friends, my tribe, some of whom I’ve known for 30 plus years. Although we don’t see each other often, that connection is always there.

We were made for community. We were not intended to walk through life solo. In this electronic age, we’ve become so disconnected. I even see it in churches, in our small groups where we are supposed to be super connected. I have walked through some very difficult seasons and somehow been totally forgotten by my small group at church. I’m not angry or bitter; it’s just a fact. If anything, it has taught me to hopefully not be that person and to reach out and encourage others.

The pandemic has been difficult for many, but certainly a blessing for others. I suppose you could say that it’s a double edge sword. For some, depression and anxiety are at it’s worse. Child abuse numbers have risen, which breaks my heart. Others have embraced the idea of slowing down, having family meals together and getting outdoors. I caught up with a dear friend last week whose daughter suffers terribly with mental health issues, and her husband has a rigorous travel schedule to boot. She said that staying home has been a huge blessing for them; her daughter has improved tremendously since the family has slowed down their pace of life.

I guess you could say that I have experienced a little of both. Since we’ve moved out here, we definitely spend more time at home, but knowing that I was not allowed to go anywhere except the grocery store made me feel claustrophobic. Being told that I must wear a mask everywhere I go makes me feel muffled and anxious. (I’m all about being safe and protecting others, so don’t hate.) Now we can’t even go to church and worship? I also miss the energy of meeting and teaching my Christ-centered yoga classes. I tried teaching on Zoom, but I hated it. I felt so disconnected from everyone.

I could go on, but you get the point. I had some moments that were not too Instagram or FaceBook worthy, to say the least. Two things kept me sane during the quarantine, my faith and my connection with community, friends and family.

It is okay to struggle. It is okay to experience anxiety, anger, sadness and frustration. Just don’t do it alone. You were created for community.

Hebrews 10:24–25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”

#community #Wholeheartedyogalucas #pandemic #tribe #friends #family #faith