Community.
It’s hard and it is messy, but at the same time, it can be really beautiful. Being on so many different squads and people with the World Race that I haven’t gotten to meet, but have had some sweet phone calls, FaceTimes, zoom calls, text conversations ya know all the things. It reminds me just how there’s room at the Lord’s table. When you feel left out by people, don’t fit in with people, or simply just feel like you do not have people or a seat at their table here is your reminder: there’s room at HIS table. And sometimes for me, that is a simple reminder that I need to tell myself every single day.
Let me be real for a second. Community has always been hard for me. I was never the one that got invited anywhere by others and I did the inviting, I was never really the first person someone wanted to hang out with. I didn’t feel like I belonged and even though friends ARE here for me I never go to them. Having a World Race community has taught me that community is a safe place, there’s room at the table for me, there’s room at His table for me and those are forever friends whether we talk every single day or not. My vulnerability and willingness to be transparent, open, and honest with these people has taught me that it is okay to struggle with community and it is okay to open up about it. Going into any trip with people I hardly even knew I was always so nervous because the one thought that went through my mind was, “oh my gosh what if they don’t like me?” and guess what? My nerves were replaced by peace. Peace knowing that I don’t have to be perfect and that I don’t have to prove myself. Why? Because these are the people that will pray for me, fight for me, encourage me, push me closer to my purpose, and to the Lord. I know that there is room at the table for me and even when there’s not room there is room at the Lord’s table and that is enough for me.
Community is a safe place. It is a place where walls fall, chains break, and where Jesus moves. It is a beautiful and transparent and vulnerable place. There’s so much love and celebrating in community. The Lord has been teaching me so so much about community and I could not be more thankful for all those lessons whether they are easy or the hardest thing ever. I have a different and more beautiful view on community now and I am thankful that the Lord broke down those walls I put up so He could reveal that to me.
If you are struggling with community today just know that there’s room at my table for you. Come have a seat. You are welcomed here. Mess and all.
See ya soon,
Ash
