Community
Saturday, September 30, 2006
By Gloria Jea at 5:28 PMActs 21
Ezekiel 11:19-20
Ephesians 4
“Community is a calling to serve, work and rest with others.” Bonhoeffer
Community can be defined in a numerous ways, lived out in different times and places, and if lived out with an ounce of God’s grace—it will change all part of the community. This word is over used and under analyzed and sometimes even underappreciated. It has lost its meaning to many, because the meaning is simply assumed. When asked to flush out this word and its meaning to our personal lives, the individuals of Mosaic were able to reflect on own experiences and begin dreaming what Mosaic community might look like this year.
Community is dynamic, changing, mysterious and a gift from God. It is group or circle or persons held together by a common interest and in this case it is a group people willing to engage in intentional conversations about antiracism and diversity. Community is a group that lives together that rejoices, loves, cares, trusts, respects one another and where people don’t have to fear. It is an environment that is supportive and understanding and patient. It is a safe place. Community is a living environment where people come together to support, uplift, encourage and learn from each other. A community is a place where ideas can be shared, opinions exposed, and truth revealed. Community is a place where we both influence, and are influenced by one another. it is a group of individual people each taking responsibility to explore and uplift the lives of every other person within the group. Community is a goal to strive for, a status to attain, and an experience to remember. Community ensures a net a people that won’t necessarily keep out the storms, but who will be there to shield you the best they can, and to help clean up once the sun shines again.
True community works like a family—where the greatest detractor is isolation. We are called as believers, to challenge each other, encourage each other and hold each other accountable. We need to have open communication, respect, open ears and hearts, understanding, and do not hide our joy, suffering, jubilation, or heartache from one another.
We’ve begun seeing community in action here on Mosaic: when a person walks into our lobby, they are greeted by everyone there and are immediately included in the on-going conversation, late night discussion, frequent floor dinners (and lunches), the push up bonding the guys do and the tea parties we have. We are starting relationships where we both share our own unique stories and listen to others.
Rooted in Christ this community’s purpose is to help us seek and love God… more. May we be a place where we are able to become more of the people God has called us to be.
This entry was written by all members of the Mosaic floor, from whom I’ve borrowed many thoughts.
Please share your thoughts on community.