The Power of Community
Community is a powerful force.
Are you feeling isolated? It is easy to find ourselves feeling alone, even when we are physically around people. God made us for connection. He created us to be in relationship- with Him first, and then also with one another. Ecclesiastes 4 explains the idea of community very well. It says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (4:9-12).
God never intended us to do life alone.
One of the spokes in The Oaks Community wellness model (-include link-https://www.theoakscommunity.org/our-services) is Thriving Community. We define community as “seeing oneself as part of a greater whole; loving and serving one another.” If you’ve never been part of a thriving community, seek it out. You may need to intentionally look for it, especially these days.
Community is not defined by size. It can be as few as three people who encourage, serve, and care for one another. The mental health benefits of even a small community as part of your life are monumental! Intentionally seeking community may require courage. You may need to take that first step toward community. That first step to make the call to your neighbor you’ve never really spoken with. That first step to write the card of encouragement to the elderly adult down the street. Intentionally seeking community might mean you tread through that awkward phase of joining a small group at church or invite two potential friends to go for a walk. Follow that first step again and again. Soon, you will have intentionally stepped into a community!
Here are more ideas of how to intentionally seek community even during Covid:
● Create art projects with your children and deliver to a neighbor
● Read a book and join an online forum to discuss
● Create a private Facebook group and share healthy recipes
● Get the free app Marco Polo and convince a few of your friends to join
● Text 2 people today and ask them how you can pray for them. Follow up with them next week
● If your church is meeting in person, stay after the service and find someone to greet. You may need to say ‘hey’ first. Be brave, you can do it!
● If you don’t have a church, visit one. Churches are wonderful places to intentionally seek community.
● Ask two friends to join you for a virtual meeting to talk about this week’s sermon.
● Volunteer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor and leave a friendly note in the bag.
Be creative and courageous. You’re worth it! You don’t have to do this alone. Intentionally seek community, even now.
Written by: Alicia Brown, LCMHC
Executive Director, The Oaks Therapeutic Community, Inc.